How One Winter in Whistler Turned Into Three: Andrea’s YES Journey

For many people, joining a ski and snowboard instructor program is about improving their skiing or snowboarding and earning internationally recognised qualifications.

For Andrea, it became the beginning of an adventure she never expected.

When she joined the YES Improvement Ski & Snowboard Instructor Program, she thought she was signing up for one unforgettable winter in Whistler. Instead, that one season turned into three winters in the mountains, two seasons working as a ski instructor at Whistler Blackcomb, lifelong friendships, and the chance to travel across Canada.

Like many YES students, Andrea arrived excited for the season ahead and ready to challenge herself. She wanted to become a better skier, but she quickly discovered the experience would offer much more than technical progression.

Learning From People Who Love to Teach

Looking back, Andrea says one of the highlights of the program was the coaching.

Training with experienced instructors meant she wasn’t simply skiing more—she was skiing with purpose. Every session brought new feedback, new challenges, and new skills. Whether she was refining her technique, exploring more challenging terrain, or preparing for her instructor exams, she always felt supported by coaches who genuinely wanted everyone to succeed.

That personalized coaching gave Andrea the confidence to keep pushing herself throughout the season.

More Than a Ski and Snowboard Instructor Course

While skiing was what first brought Andrea to Whistler, it was the people who made the experience unforgettable.

Living and training alongside others who shared the same passion created friendships that quickly became one of the best parts of the winter. From celebrating instructor exams together to exploring the mountains on days off and spending evenings in the village, the season became about much more than earning qualifications.

It became about becoming part of a community.

For many YES students, that’s one of the biggest surprises. You arrive knowing no one, and by the end of the winter, you leave with friends from around the world and memories that stay with you long after the snow melts.

Why Whistler Leaves Such a Lasting Impression

Andrea says Whistler quickly became much more than just somewhere to spend a winter.

With endless terrain to explore, world-class coaching, and the opportunity to ski Whistler Blackcomb every day, there was always something new to learn. Off the mountain, the village offered an incredible atmosphere where friendships continued long after the lifts had closed.

It’s easy to see why so many people come for one season—and find themselves wanting to come back.

One Winter Became Three

After completing the YES Improvement Ski & Snowboard Instructor Program, Andrea returned home to continue her studies at the University of Sydney, where she completed a double degree in Bachelor of Engineering and Bachelor of Laws. But her Whistler story was far from over.

The following winter, she returned to Whistler Blackcomb to work as a ski instructor, putting everything she had learned during the program into practice. After the season finished, she headed home once again to complete her degree.

After graduating from the University of Sydney, Andrea returned to Whistler for the 2025/26 winter season to work as a ski instructor for a second time. With another incredible winter behind her, she is now spending the summer travelling and exploring Canada before beginning the next chapter of her journey.

What started as one winter became three unforgettable seasons, professional instructor experience, a university degree, lifelong friendships, and memories that will stay with her forever.

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Where Could Your Story Lead?

Every YES student arrives with different goals. Some want to improve their skiing or snowboarding. Others dream of becoming ski or snowboard instructors, travelling, or experiencing life in the mountains.

Andrea’s story shows that one winter can become far more than an instructor qualification. It can open the door to new friendships, new opportunities, and experiences you never imagined.

Sometimes, one season really is only the beginning.