Youth/Adult Programs

The high standard of skiing and snowboarding evident at Osler is a testament to the dedication, skill, and enthusiasm of our Snow School.  

Osler’s Snow School is renowned as one of the finest in Canada. Whether you’re a freestyle rider or carver you can excel under the guidance of our qualified staff. Our programs are designed for preschoolers to seniors, beginner to expert. Our session programs run Saturdays and/or Sundays for 8 weeks during January and February with special programs during Christmas and March Breaks.

JUNIOR

U4 welcomes the newest skiers with an active play and learn program at the Beehive Learning Centre. Each child receives individualized attention with full supervision throughout the program.

All skiing for this age group will be done at the Beehive Development Centre.
U6 focuses on encouraging children 4 and 5 years old to take turns leading ski play through games, fun, and adventure. Instruction includes careful attention to each child’s needs.

Most skiing will take place at the Beehive Development Centre. Here, the skiers will gain confidence both ascending up the Platter lift as will as descending down the hill. Once fundamentals have been achieved, skiers will begin to explore other areas of the mountain. 
This program is designed for children aged 4 and 5 looking for FUN and FRESH AIR outside!  Snow pants, helmets, proper mitts or gloves and full winter jackets are required. Soft Boots made for winter and snow are needed for outdoor activities.

Saturday afternoon Soft Boots theme is updated weekly to include Outdoor Games at the base of the Beehive Development Centre. Children are encouraged to lead activities, to be active, and to bring their own re-usable water bottle for water breaks scheduled at the Development Centre. Please help us to foster environmental awareness for our youngest members at the Club.

Beginners Snowboarding continues development through fun and adventure with a focus on advancing to the next level in snowboarding.

Previous snowboard experience is required. Please contact the Programs Office if you are looking to book private lessons to get your child riding prior to programming.

This program pairs well with the U8 All-Mountain Half Day program.

U8 All-Mountain is a snapshot program that continues development through fun and adventure with a focus on progression of your skiing skills. Racing is introduced as well as the Park and Glades experience. Ongoing instructor assessments provide confirmation of readiness and interest for multi-sport programming next season. This program is designed to suit the needs of newer skiers who aren’t able to manage a full day’s winter activity. 

This programming is a great lead into U8 Full Day/U10 Full Day for the following season and has a slightly higher instructor-to-athlete ratios than the Full Day option.

Prerequisites:
  • All mountain skis
  • Athletes should be able to ski basic parallel and comfortable using ski poles
This All-Mountain skill development program introduces athletes to all the skills necessary to progress into racing or any All-Mountain programming. This program takes advantage of all terrain, including flats, steeps, appropriate terrain park features, ski cross tracks, and bumps.

We provide these young skiers strong learning environments with focus on fun, mileage, versatility, and skill development. We balance our time with a 33% focus on skill development, 33% on introduction to gates and course challenges, and 33% on all-mountain skiing and features (no rails).

To consider registering for this full day program, please ensure both you and your child understand that this is a full weekend program. The expectation is that your child is confident getting on and off a chairlift and lowering the safety bar. To succeed in this group, your child must be able to work in a group environment and adapt well with our coaching ratios.

Prerequisites: 
  • Hard eared helmets are mandatory - no freestyle soft eared helmets permitted
  • Athletes are not permitted to wear downhill suits in any U8 racing events, including Ski Fleas
  • Only 1 pair of skis is required. Head Coach Recommendation: slalom carving race skis
  • Athletes should be able to ski basic parallel and comfortable using ski poles

FREESTYLE TEAM

This 9-weekend program will follow Freestyle Ontario’s Fundamentalz program, designed to teach basic jumping and spinning off small jumps, skiing and switch skiing skills, riding boxes and other small terrain park features and skiing moguls. GROMS series competitions at other Escarpment clubs are an option (registration and fees not included).

Our Freestyle Team will introduce participants to park features with certified Freestyle coaches. We will teach the athletes skill progression, group camaraderie, as well as meet individual goals of the athletes should they want to progress to higher levels the Freestyle community offers.

In this program participants will have the option to remain in-house and should they display proficient skill acquisition we will encourage them to go to the GROM series, a three series Escarpment based park event throughout the winter. Dates to be confirmed at Christmas.
This is a great introduction into the Osler in-house skiing experience! The goal of this program is to build passion and stoke for skiing, winter, and the outdoors for those who are newer to the sport of skiing.

This program will have a combination of All-Mountain skiing and drills, intro to race techniques and terrain, and intro to freestyle skills. The focus will be on providing participants with good, well-rounded skiing skills and confidence on snow.

The All-Mountain Intro program will have 18 days on snow and participants will have the option to take part in the Ski Fleas series (3 races). We welcome all skill levels, but a good attitude and willingness to participate is a must!
This returning 23-day program is the ultimate mountain experience! The goal of this program is to build passion and stoke for skiing, winter, and the outdoors. We at Osler are lucky enough to have some of the best snow and terrain on the Escarpment and we want to utilize all of it! GROMS series competitions at other Escarpment clubs are an option (registration and fees not included).

This program will have a combination of All-Mountain skiing and drills, race techniques, and intro to freestyle skills. The focus will be on providing participants with good skiing skills, confidence on snow, and developing different terrain abilities (bumps, rollers, etc.) and park skillsets.

This program will have 23 days on snow, starting the beginning of January continuing until March. There will be several events throughout the season, with participants taking part in the Ski Fleas series (3 races), Club championships, a Skier-Cross race, and the  Freeride competition.

Because of the diverse nature of the program, we ask that your child has 2 sets of skis: a pair of all-mountain skis (skis with sharp edges) and a pair of “rock skis” (skis that are more suitable for rails, boxes, and maybe hitting the occasional rock).

We welcome all skill levels, but a good attitude and willingness to participate is a must!

RACING

We provide athletes strong learning environments with focus on fun, mileage, versatility, and skill development. Racers are expected to be able to ski all conditions at the Club, ride the lift and lower the safety bar unattended. Parents must also be confident that their child is able to ski their way to their groups’ meeting spot in the event of an emergency or should they be separated from their coach or team members.

We balance our time with a 33% focus on skill development, 33% on introduction to gates and course challenges, and 33 % on all-mountain skiing and features (no rails). Athletes will be challenged with many different courses with varying turn shapes including an introduction to cross blocking for those athletes who are able to put pressure on their outside ski and have a strong pole plant foundation. For those entering into cross blocking, the proper safety equipment is required for athlete protection - please see our Resources page on our OBSC Racing webpage. A coaching fee would apply for any additional options, including camps and Friday training.

 
This program is for racing athletes ages 10-11 years old who want to compete and train full weekends with an emphasis on skill development, camaraderie, and fun. The base program includes the Osler Ski Fleas series and coaching weekends starting January 4th to March 2nd. A coaching fee would apply for any additional options, including camps and Friday training.

New this year Osler will offer a co-ed House League team. If members select this option NO AOA fees or travelling. Racing will be included in the program. Core focus is on skills, fun, and development.
The U14 Core Program is for athletes who want to compete and train on weekends with an emphasis on skill development, camaraderie, and fun. The base program includes the Osler Ski Fleas series and coaching weekends, starting January 4th to March 2nd. A coaching fee would apply for any additional options, including camps and Friday training.
The U16 Core Program is for athletes who want to compete and train on weekends with an emphasis on skill development, camaraderie, and fun. The core program includes Ski Fleas series and coaching for weekends January 4th through to March 2nd. A coaching fee would apply for any additional options, including camps and Friday training.
U14 extended racing focuses on development while trying to maximize time on snow and provide athletes with the tools and skills needed to be successful in life and the sport of ski racing. In this program, we believe that the key to success is a combination of training, mental preparation, and positive role models. Our coaches and mentors are some of the most experienced and successful in the ski industry, and they are committed to providing the best possible training and support. Our coaching team is always welcoming, supportive, and eager to help our athletes continue their journey.
As you prepare for another exciting skiing season, we want you to know that we are dedicated to helping you reach your full potential both on and off the hill. This program generally runs at a 5 : 1 coach/athlete ratio. In this program, we believe that the key to success is a combination of training, mental preparation, and positive role models. Our coaches and mentors are some of the most experienced and successful in the ski industry, and they are committed to providing you with the best possible training and support throughout your time with us. Our coaching team is always welcoming, supportive and eager to help you continue your journey.
The AIT program will be offered to both skiers and snowboarders. Achieve your exclusive Osler AIT certificate! This program provides you with all the information and skills you need to become a successful Teaching Assistant. Graduates turning 15 years old are well-equipped to complete CSIA Level 1 Certificate or CASI Level 1 Certificate. 

Athletes will develop techniques and standards of skiing and snowboarding through plenty of mileage. Lots of fun and engagement with hands-on teaching experience through the program. 

AIT participants will complete their AIT training together in the first 4 weekends of January, then will transition to complete their co-op hours in the mornings over a 4-week period in February. Upon successful completion at AIT, participants then become eligible for hire for the remainder of the season. Strong attendance is required to successfully achieve the AIT certificate.
 
We’re excited to introduce a NEW U18 program at Osler for the upcoming 2024-2025 ski season. In this new program, we believe that the key to success is a combination of training, mental preparation, and positive role models. Our coaches and mentors are some of the most experienced in the industry. To get the most out of our program, we encourage you to participate in as many activities made available to you as possible. The discipline and hard work learned through this process are invaluable to each athlete’s journey.

Osler U18 Extended programming will run in concert with the Osler U16 Extended OCUP team. Returning coaches for this program are Thomas Trusler, Greg Grossman and Stefan Overgaard . Both programs will share the same training and race schedule on the OCUP circuit, allowing us to operate at a 5:1 coach/athlete ratio. This gives our experienced staff the privilege to provide a dedicated and well-rounded program on and off the hill to ensure the best quality on the Escarpment.

In addition to participating in the OCUP circuit, athletes will have the opportunity to enter and race into FIS-sanctioned events hosted within the province if they choose to obtain a FIS-License. These entries can be tailored to the athlete’s specific schedule. Please note: Obtaining a license is not a requirement for participation in this program, it is a strongly recommended extra opportunity for high performance race exposure. If your athlete would like to race in FIS events, there are specific equipment requirements that must be met. Please coordinate with coaches to ensure all equipment is within the FIS regulations.

OTHER PROGRAMS

A fun, traditional club race series with three events that is open for all junior members (snow school and racing). Competition is by age category. 
Fridays are a valuable opportunity for extra training and mileage with less traffic around the Club.
Osler Bluff Ski Club is pleased to offer both ski and snowboard lessons for all levels. A private lesson is a great way to build skills at your own speed through one-on-one or small group instruction with friends. Private Lessons are offered daily. 

The minimum lesson age is 3 years.

ADULT

Learn and adapt from top level ski race coaches! Improve techniques and tactics in and out of the gates to progress your skills and AHL race times. Training environments set to mirror the Adult House League race schedule. 
A friendly in-house team competition for all members 18 and over regardless of racing experience. Emphasis is on participation – be there to race. Cost includes 5 races and coffee and donuts.
This introduction to racing program has an emphasis on speed control and turn shape for first-time racers.

Well-matched groups build skills with full hill skiing and progressive instruction.

Utilizing technical and tactical approaches in a social environment, participants will develop core skills to enhance their skiing to the next level of performance.  While skiing in small groups with a common focus, instruction will be personalized for each participant. 

Busy with family in the morning? Looking for advanced skiing after lunch? This skill-focused program is designed with an emphasis on technique and tactics in a social environment.

There will be an assessment at the beginning of the program to evaluate skill and build groups of similar skiing abilities.

Rip it up! Novice to Expert riders can connect with the adult snowboarding community and improve their riding. Emphasis is on fun, camaraderie, and mileage. Build confidence through skill improvement.

For weeks 5 through 8, the program will be divided into two groups: one group will spend more time in the park, focusing on developing slopestyle skills and the second group will continue the core rider program from the first four weeks. Consider forming a group of four. Grab three of your friends and carve your way into creating a unique experience.

A NEW program to welcome new members or for members who are looking to be guided around all of Osler’s incredible ammenities,  this Tour De Osler is a 6 week sampler, exploring all of Osler’s incredible amenities. The Tour De Osler will run Saturday mornings and will be great for meeting new members and experiencing a different theme each week. Grab a coffee from the J-Bar,  and meet us on the deck! Learn about everything Osler has to offer.

Week 1 – Hill Intro/Technical Ski
Week 2 – Pilates and Snowshoe Loop
Week 3 – Nordic Ski Trail Intro
Week 4 – Technical Ski
Week 5 – Fun Ice Skate (including skate trail and rink)
Week 6 – Learn to Race
This popular program has a fun new twist! Start your day by ordering a coffee/latte from our famous J-Bar and meet on the deck. This program combines great social interaction with skill development specifically geared to women’s interests and preferred techniques. Groups are formed by skill level. Register early for this popular program to guarantee your spot!
Intro to Race (Entry Level)
This introduction to racing Camp has an emphasis on speed control and turn shape.

Adult Race Training  
Maximize your opportunities to focus on ski efficiency and speed management utilizing performance free skiing and training environments at the beginning of the season.    

March Break Slalom Camp
A focused training on the skills of short turns in a gated training environment.  This program has personalized coaching opportunities for first time gate skiing to those continuing their performance development from the winter programs or prior experiences.