GAP SKI INSTRUCTOR PROGRAM

2008 GAP Ski Instructor Course Review

Will Pleeth, 18 University Student, Somerset I chose the Warren Smith Ski Academy GAP Ski Instructor course because it would hopefully help me to pass the BASI exams as well as improving my technical performance and understanding in all areas of skiing. I was particularly interested in the free ride aspect of training and had heard that the Academy specialized in this area.

I began the course as a relatively experienced skier having done many family skiing holidays to the Alps. The level of skiers in the group varied from intermediate to experienced skiers who had previously completed seasons in the Alps. The different ability groups allowed everyone to fit in to the right level of training.

My accommodation was fantastic. I was a 30 second walk from the lifts which meant I could just roll out of bed, straight into my boots and be up the mountain in no time. This came in very handy on many occasions.

Our training began at around 10.15am,  starting with a stretch which you quickly realize is very necessary. We would then practice drills until our half an hour lunch, then train again in the afternoon, finishing with enough time for a free ski or a well needed beer. The training usually consisted on working on some particular focus. This usually meant skiing with just one or 2 things to think about and forgetting everything else. This worked really well for me because it is really difficult to think about all aspects of your skiing at the same time as doing it.

The coaches were really good fun and enthusiastic about everything as well as being extremely professinal. The technique they taught us really works and they knew a lot about what they were teaching. They were all really good teachers all with different styles and so it was really good to swap between them and learn from them all. I guess they can ski ok as well!

Overall the experience was fantastic. I met loads of great people and the atmosphere in the resort is really a great place to do a season. I really enjoyed myself throughout the time I spent on the course, the whole experience was only made better by our 100% pass rate!!!

 

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