GAP SKI INSTRUCTOR PROGRAM

2008 GAP Ski Instructor Course Review

Tom Krause, 27 Overhead Line Engineer / Manager I choose the Warren Smith Ski Academy GAP Ski Instructor course as I had already done a course with Warren and the guys the previous year in Verbier and I was really impressed with the changes that were made in a week. I also wanted to do a season and get something from it not just flat out partying all the time. Not to say that we didn’t do allot of that anyway!!!

Starting the course I was a confident skier but new that there were still allot of areas that needed re-fining and I detested moguls (I still detest them but can now ski them!!!). I was also looking forward to the avalanche safety training as I had little experience in this and after completing it found it very useful.  This was led by a local ski guide. He wasa leathery skinned mountain man who smoked copious amounts of gaulois’s and spoke in a strong French Swiss accent,  what a legend - he knew his stuff and again this knowledge was imparted superbly to the group.

This year there were 30 candidates on the course which was the most so far. We were split into four groups and it was clear to see that even with these larger groups that the guys still passed on the knowledge and expertise they possessed sucessfully with complete ease and confidence.

The Accommodation was basic but homely with strong friendships being formed in each of the chalets. The grub was good too. Cooked 6 nights of the week for you by the chalet host. That’s better than when I still lived with me mom! The resort itself was great. Awesome nightlife and hot Swedish women everywhere, who could want more?!

Once the 9 weeks were over I stayed in Verbier for about a week then moved on to elsewhere in the alps. I found that the skills and technique passed on to us by the coaches has hugely helped my skiing and has allowed me to confidently ski more of the mountain especially off piste areas etc etc.  I had the time of my life this season and wish that it hadn’t ended. Thanks allot guys.

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