GAP SKI INSTRUCTOR PROGRAM

2007 GAP Ski Instructor Course Review

Sara Whalley, 34 - Director Educational Training and Consultancy I had been on a couple of the Warren Smith Ski Academy one week Ski Performance Coaching courses in the summer in Saas-Fee and had spoken to people who had done the Gap course in previous years. It sounded really comprehensive and like it would be an amazing life experience. Having skied with Warren and the team, I knew the course would be well structured, professionally run and based on sound modern ski technique.  I was quite unusual in that I had not skied a huge amount prior to starting the GAP ski course. I had progressed quickly on the one week Academy courses and hoped the Gap course would excellerate my skiing so that I could be an 'all-mountain' skier in a short space of time. A typical day on the mountain involves sharp focus for the day, technical input, drills and exercises, plenty of perceptive feedback and a lot of skiing activity. The coaches promote 100% safety on the mountain and they encourage you to challenge yourself by changing the way you ski so that you are able to ski in control in all conditions. Good practice in teaching technique is highlighted and the group are encouraged to support and comment on the continuing performance of each member - this is always delivered in a non-threatening manner, usually with plenty of humour! A typical day on the mountain is challenging, interesting and loads of fun.  The coaches are amazing. Aside from their obvious talent and high level of skiing ability, they are highly professional, and extremely friendly and supportive to all group members. Their knowledge of biomechanics and modern ski technique is impressive and their attitude sets them aside from any other ski institution I have dealt with. It is impossible to compare them to other ski teachers, they really are in a different league altogether.   I was a relatively inexperienced skier at the start of the course, so had to work on a number of issues. The content of the course made a lot of sense and was carefully explained. The coaches were consistent in their approach, which enabled me to build on previous learning seemlessly when working with different coaches. Aside from the technical side of the skiing, the on piste performance, central theme and teaching practice, the course was jam-packed with supported learning and activities. There was the off-piste safety course which taught us about avalanche awareness; the first aid course, which we all found really interesting and great fun (especially dealing with the mock-up scenes of carnage off piste); regular biomechanics talks during our evening lectures, information about ski maintenence and we cannot forget the pilates. Very importantly we also had video analysis sessions 2 nights a week. One of the best things about the Warren Smith Gap course is the team atmosphere that it promotes. The course attracts people of all ages, from all different backgrounds. This year our group ages ranged from 16 to 53. Warren and the team encouraged everyone to mix from day one and set up lots of opportunities for this to take place. Subsequently, the group bonded quickly and issues such as age and profession, although interesting, became immaterial, we just became good mates who all had one thing in common - our passion for skiing. Even when the course finished, we still all met up daily, went skiing and socialised together. Now back at home, we have set dates to meet up and the first of the parties is arranged for two weeks time. I really feel I've made some friends for life. The Instructor Training was really comprehensive. This provided opportunities for each member of the group to gain confidence in speaking publicly, planning and delivering lessons and reflecting on their performance. At the end of the course I feel I have first and foremost improved my skiing to a level that would ordinarily have taken 15 or 20 years of one or two week holidays. I feel so glad I was able to do the course. I intend to re-sit the technical next year and teach friends and family in the future, provided they get the beers in! My skiing level now is completely different to when I started the course. Week one I was still stemming my turns and had mostly skied on piste. I now feel that I would know how to handle myself in most off-piste situations, can ski pretty well and could help others to learn to ski. I also know exactly what I need to do to improve further. Verbier is an amazing resort. The skiing is out of this world, an off-piste delight! Our chalet was really cosy, a real home-from-home, and the food was spectacular - so much better than I had expected. The night life in Verbier is what you make it, it's great for meals out, late night bars or clubs, or just a cheeky hot chocolate - whatever you fancy, it's all there. You tend to get to know the locals and seasonaires, and get included in all sorts of fun things that you wouldn't experience if just on holiday. As a group, we tended to congregate and have a big Friday night out. These were always loads of fun, usually with entertaining stories the next day over pancakes in Off Shore. I would recommend the Warren Smith Gap course to anyone. It is an amazing experience and a wonderful opportunity to improve your skiing and get to know like-minded people in a beautiful environment. The best thing about the course was the commeradery between Warren, the coaches and the group, it was a real team environment. I know I will look back on the Gap course as one of my best life experiences. Thanks Boys!

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