GAP SKI INSTRUCTOR PROGRAM

2008 GAP Ski Instructor Course Review

Jessica Smith, 19 Student, Liverpool The Warren Smith Ski Academy Gap Ski Instructor course is certainly something I had been considering ever since I took an Academy course in 2005. I found that in just one week the improvement was astonishing. I decided to take this course because I have been lucky enough to ski from an early age and I have always wanted to excel in this sport. Skiing is definitely a passion so being able to ski for 9 weeks solidly was a bonus!

When I first arrived on the course I felt that my skiing was average but room for improvement. After meeting the instructors, with much banter and guidance I soon became more confident, improved and generally more experienced.

There was a group of 30 people on the course of all different ages ranging from 16-55. I shared a chalet with 12 of the gapies, in Bouton D'or. An experience I will never forget. We became a family, living, skiing, eating, sleeping, breathing 24/7! A typical day...well with or without a hangover! Up at 8a.m, big breakfast with our family. Bacon, egg, beans, rosti, cereal, bread..etc (us skiers need our energy!) Off to the ski lift to meet the coaches...make our way up the mountain to warm up. We would then split into our groups and concentrate on our specific targets.

There is constant feedback from the Academy coaches and encouragement. Lunch is usually at Ruinettes, where we have a quick stop to energize, (spag bog being the favorite). Afternoon spent with more instruction and more constructive feedback/criticism. Finish at 3p.m, to warm down and grab a Vin Chaud or 2 at 1936 the bar. Dinner served at 8p.m, a riotous occasion! Party time...maybe a night out at Monfor, Farinet lounge...Cazbah, CoCo..who knows or maybe in bed by 9 o'clock after a heavy Apres Ski!

The course was a constant challenge for me and definitely character building. We were assessed on video twice a week and analyised on a regular basis. At the start of the course I was quite shy and not used to talking to a group. But from day 1 when we had to talk about ourselves to the group, I soon got used to it. Having to teach the group for practice is definitely a bit daunting at first, but at the end of the day everyone is in the same boat. Everyone helps each other, and you end up having a bit of a laugh with it!

After passing the BASI instructor qualification we worked for Ecole Suisse de Ski. I worked for 2 weeks after the course finished. This is where I gained the most experience of teaching, it was really rewarding! Especially at the end of the week, when I handed out badges to my whole group. Seeing the smiles on their faces is priceless!

For me this was a life changing experience, I loved every minute of it. Every single person supported and cared for each other. When I got home, I actually felt quite sad...almost homesick! I have made life long friends, and memories I will never forget. If you are sitting at your computer now, and you have the time to do this course I would definitely suggest you BOOK NOW! I would do it all over again...I really wish I could! :(

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