About the team

The Warren Smith Ski Academy pro team are not only internationally qualified coaches and instructors but a group of elite professionals who have been hand picked and trained by Warren Smith to provide the classic Academy product of coaching that combines Ski Technique, Ski Biomechanics and Ski Physiology. The combination of the three is what has earned Warren Smith and his Academy international recognition in the ski industry.

MEET THE TEAM

All
Fitness Professionals
The Academy Team

Warren Smith
Rob Stanford
Jordan Revah
Fiona Revah
Jamie Heywood
Claire Thomas
Rob Machon
Raphael Revah
Gareth Enoch
Nick Golden
Dan Gillespie
Harriet Goodhall
Jonathan Bell (Consultant Knee Surgeon)
Rangan Chatterjee (Doctor)
Craig McLean (Chiropractor)
Dave Kershaw (Physiotherapist)
Claire Robertson (Physiotherapist)
Gary Ward (movement specialist)

Massive congratulations to our fantastic group of Ski Instructor training students for all completing and passing their IASI level 2 this week!We are incredibly proud of this achievement as they have all worked so so hard over the last 8 weeks here in Verbier.We wish each and every one of them the best of luck in the future and are looking forward to hopefully continuing their progression and development on our Level 3 training course back here in Verbier next winter!We done team!#wssa #warrensmithskiacademy #verbier #skiing #coaching #lessons #volklskis #knightfrank #argentex #hellyhansen #findyourfurther #inthesnowmagazine #farinet #skiservice #verbier4valleesVÖLKLDalbello Ski BootsMarker ProductsHelly Hansen Verbier 4ValléesVerbierKnight FrankNaef Prestige - Knight FrankSki Service VerbierFarinet Lounge, Bars & ClubInTheSnow Magazine ... See MoreSee Less

2 days ago ·

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This week was the final week of training for our 2021 Gap Year Ski Instructor Trainees ahead of their IASI level 2 exam that begins on Sunday!We want to wish each one of them the best of luck from all of the Academy team. They have worked incredibly hard over the last 8 weeks and made some massive changes in their skiing along the way!We'll be sure to let you know how they get on at the end of next week!Feel free to post some messages below!Thanks again for watching.#wssa #warrensmithskiacademy #verbier #verbier4vallees #skiing #coaching #lessons #volklskis #knightfrank #argentex #hellyhansen #findyourfurther #inthesnowmagazine #farinet #skiservice VÖLKLDalbello Ski BootsMarker ProductsHelly HansenKnight FrankNaef Prestige - Knight FrankSki Service VerbierFarinet Lounge, Bars & ClubInTheSnow MagazineSwitzerland.Verbier 4ValléesVerbier ... See MoreSee Less

1 week ago ·

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The #wssagappies had their shreadies for breakfast today ❤️💪🙌👌🤪#wssa #WARRENSMITHSKIACADEMY #verbier #skiing #coaching #lessons #volklskis #KnightFrank #argentex #hellyhansen #FindYourFurther #inthesnowmagazine #farinet #skiservice #verbier4vallees ... See MoreSee Less

2 weeks ago ·

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Who needs restaurants?❤️👌🇨🇭#wssa#privateskilessons #verbier#mountains #snow#winter #spring#alfresco #fondue #valdebagnes #skicoaching#WARRENSMITHSKIACADEMY #argentex ... See MoreSee Less

2 weeks ago ·

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#WSSAGAPPIES - APRIL 2nd VIOGAttending a ski instructor training course with the Warren Smith Ski Academy in @verbier Switzerland really is something special to be a part of.#wssa #WARRENSMITHSKIACADEMY #verbier #skiing #coaching #lessons #volklskis #KnightFrank #argentex #hellyhansen #FindYourFurther #inthesnowmagazine #farinet #skiservice@voelklskis @dalbellosports @markerproducts @hellyhansen @knightfrank @naefprestigeknightfrank @inthesnow_magazine @farinet_verbier @verbier4vallees @warrensmithski MUSICLittle VoicesBy Lane 8Courtesy of This Never Happened and Involved PublishingTNH.lnk.to/LittleVoicesYP ... See MoreSee Less

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Warren Smith

Warren is one of Britain’s leading professional free skiers and an Internationally Qualified Performance Coach and Instructor. He has been a sponsored Volkl freeski athlete for over 10 years and has represents brands such as Scott Sport, Swiss Airlines and Dalbello.

He has spent many years teaching recreational skiers, developing ski instructors and coaching athletes all over Europe. He is one of the most innovative instructors working in the Alps today and has earned a name for himself for the constant research and development he carries out combining Ski Technique, Ski Biomechanics and Ski Physiology.

Here’s what former England Rugby Captain, Lawrence Dallaglio has to say about Warren’s coaching. “Warren’s coaching method is something I really responded to. It was tough but really effective, a bit like a boot camp, but an enjoyable one. I’ve had so much coaching throughout my rugby career that when I met Warren I quickly realised I had struck gold, his philosophy and teaching methods are different gravy”

He has written, directed and produced the best selling ski technique DVDs, Ski Academy – Lesson’s 1, 2, 3 + 4 which have sold over 35,000 copies globally to date. In 2007 he finished writing an international book titled ‘Go Ski’ for DK Books. DK are part of the Penguin Books Group and the book was published in several languages including French, German, Italian and Spanish to name but a few. The book has now had over 100,000 copies printed around the world and has given Warren an international reputation in the world of ski coaching.

His ski technique and coaching methods are viewed all over the world with his online technique live video clips at

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/snowandski/skiing-videos/10302346/Ski-technique-series-Unlock-your-powder-potential.html

Swiss Brevet Federale – Level 4 ISIA Card
Level 4 Ski Instructor IASI – ISIA Card and CTT
Level 4 Ski Coach – IVSI
EMS – Euro Mountain Security Award
Snowsports Tutor & Coach
Diploma in Sports Psychology
Volkl International Freeski Team member
Ski Technique Editor for The Telegraph
Author of ‘Go Ski’ – DK Books
Founder of the Warren Smith Ski Academy
Founder of the British Freeski Camps

Hire Warren privately

Warren can be hired for private coaching at a daily fee of £699. Please be aware that he is usually booked up far in advance, therefore bookings may not always be possible. To book Warren for a ski coaching + guiding session please write to the Warren Smith Ski Academy through the contact page of the website

Rob Stanford

Originally from Manchester, Rob’s first skiing experience was a damp grey afternoon at Rossendale dry ski slope which sparked a love and passion for skiing that is still ongoing.

Rob has been part of the Academy coaching team for 15 years. His drive for coaching comes from his upbringing in competitive sport. His passion combined with 17 years of professional skiing across the globe and a diploma in sports science, result in Rob being one of the strongest, most versatile and technical ski coaches in the business. Rob’s greatest strength is combining his skiing expertise with a vast knowledge of sports psychology and motivation techniques ensuring a positive route to success.

IASI Educator
Swiss Brevet Federale
IASI L4
Member of the ISIA
BASP
EMS
BASI (Level 4 tech, teach, EMS, coach)
Diploma in sport & exercise science

In the Winter Rob loves to ski Verbier’s endless freeride terrain and enjoys slipping his skins on to go ski touring. When the Winter leaves, he spends his time keeping fit on his mountain bike and road bike.

Jordan Revah

Jordan has been teaching in Verbier for the last 13 seasons and has rapidly established a reputation as one of its most gifted coaches. It is Jordan’s faultless technical knowledge and communication skills that ensure his clients quickly realise their goals and achieve beyond expectations.

He is deeply passionate about both technical piste skiing and freeriding, and this versatility has made him a valuable member of the Warren Smith Ski Academy team, coaching recreational skiers, instructors and athletes with great success. In his spare time Jordan can be found skiing steep lines though the trees or telemarking on down days.

IASI Educator
Irish Interski Demo Team Member
Member of British Association of Snowsports Instructors (BASI ISTD/L4)
Swiss Brevet Federal
French Carte Pro
Member of International Ski Instructors Association (ISIA)
Freestyle performance coach
Telemark Instructor

Fiona Revah

Fi started skiing aged 3. With a background in ski racing she then went on to develop her skiing though becoming a ski instructor. She has years of coaching experience in a multitude of sports including skiing, hockey, gymnastics and tennis. Through this she has developed a vast toolbox of different teaching skills that she implements on a daily basis up the mountain teaching skiing. After 7 years she has now found her calling in Freeride skiing and when not teaching she is competing in Freeride competitions.

On Fi’s days off you will find her hiking to find secret powder stashes and skiing steep couloirs.

With her endless passion for skiing and coaching Fi gets the best out of her clients. This is why 9 years ago she joined the Academy team as the first ever female coach and we’re very glad she did!

BASI L4/ISTD
Swiss Brevet Federal
Member of the ISIA – International Ski Instructors Association
Alpine Race Performance Coach
2019 British Freeride No. 1 Female Athlete
Winner of the Verbier Freeride week 2019
Winner of the Bruson Freeride 2015

Jamie Heywood

Jamie has been teaching in and around the Verbier 4 vallees area for 12 years and knows the area like the back of his hand. One of if not the most fluid skiers you will ever see, he makes skiing look effortless. He has extensive teaching experience and knows how to get the best out of his clients whoever they may be.

Jamie loves a good cup of tea, although not quite as much as Jordan. He loves to ski bumps but is not as good as Andy, not as Norwegian as Stef and not nearly as enthusiastic as Rob (but who is!). Occasionally, he can be spotted shredding the mountain and the park on his telemark set up, faster and better than most would be able to do on skis!

Member of British Association of Snowsports Instructors (BASI ISTD/L4)
Swiss Brevet Federal
French Carte Pro
Member of International Ski Instructors Association (ISIA)

Claire Thomas

Claire embraced her love for the mountain’s and skiing at the age of 2 and hasn’t looked back since! The skiing, alpine beauty and the snow are what have always drawn her toward a life and career in ski teaching.

Having had a successful career in property in London, Claire decided to give it up to pursue her childhood dream and passion of a life and career in the mountains. Qualifying and working as a ski instructor has allowed her to do what she loves, work where she is happiest and meet some truly interesting and inspiring individuals.

Outside of skiing Claire is a very motivated Personal Trainer. During the summer months she can often be seen around Verbier out running and out biking most of the team!

For the past 6 years Claire has been based in Verbier and we’re very proud to have her on the Academy team.

Rob Machon

Rob has joined us from the GB National Freestyle team and after a successful career competing around the world in Freestyle skiing he’s hung up his twin tips (mostly) to utilise his coaching skills and help others improve their skiing and have fun along the way!

He re-trained in Alpine skiing and with his natural flair, ability and understanding of skiing managed to not only excel on all technical levels but also complete his IASI L1 to L4 in the quickest time anyone has ever done including smashing the Eurotest with 1.3 seconds to spare!

Besides skiing Rob has a keen passion for photography and cinematography and if you’re lucky enough to get him as a coach you’ll very likely end up with some cool photos and perhaps even a little bit of drone footage if you’re super lucky!

Rob definitely has the best hair in the team which defies many laws of physics. No one should be able to have a helmet on for hrs and their hair to look perfect when they take it off – how does he do it?!?

IASI L4 with Eurotest
IASI Freestyle Educator
Freestyle Coach

Raphael Revah

Raf is a qualified ski instructor and race coach who has worked in Verbier for the last 9 seasons. His wealth of experience and knowledge has led him to be involved in the coaching of trainee instructors and he has written several technical articles for international ski publications.

Raf is a patient and thoughtful instructor who creates a relaxed and supportive learning environment to get the best from his clients. His eye for detail, passion for teaching and natural communication skills ensure you will make fundamental changes to the way you ski and enjoy the mountains whilst doing so!

Away from skiing, Raf plays a mean guitar and has the best animal knowledge on the team, if not the alps! When not skiing he can occasionally be found writing quizzes which some lucky academy clients will have had the pleasure of enjoying!!!

Member of ISIA (International Ski Instructors Association)
IASI L4
Alpine Race Performance Coach
Adaptive instructor
Member of BASI (British Association of Snowspnorts Instructors)

Gareth Enoch

Gareth joined the team 5 years ago after having been our first ever gap year student to complete 2 gap courses! He loved it so much that he just needed to do another (and had to miss the exam on the first due to injury :().

Since then he’s excelled in both his personal skiing and teaching.

He is a qualified school teacher and brings this wealth of teaching skills into his ski teaching meaning anyone he teaches get’s a great experience and not only will they improve they’ll also appreciate how skilful a teacher someone can be.

When not skiing Gareth can often be found in the bars playing keyboard and piano for one of the various bands he is part of. If you get a chance to hear him play after skiing you’ll be sure to have a good time and be amazed at his musical talents

Nick Golden

Nick has been be teaching in Verbier for the last 6 seasons. A Yorkshire lad, he grew up skiing the French Alps. Focused, determined and armed with natural ability, he is driven to achieve the BASI system’s highest qualification.

While he’s your dedicated drill taskmaster focused on discernible technique improvements, he is also a flexible, attentive and thoughtful guide.

Nick’s boundless enthusiasm, infectious energy and encouragement will inspire skiers at all levels to fresh achievements; honing fluid piste style and control, adventures in powder or 4 valley touring.

Nick is as at-home ducking-and-diving the mean back streets of Verbier as he is on Tortin’s mogul fields, Bruson’s pine forests, local rugby pitches or the summer wakes on Lake Geneva.

Nick has represented Verbier in the annual Boss de Bosses mogul competition for the last three years and loves to ski bumps with anyone that will join him.

Nick never starts a day without a vision, for lunch.

– Member of BASI

– Level 4 tech

– Eurotest

– L2 Race coach

– L1 Snowboard Instructor

Dan Gillespie

What Dan lacks in stature he makes up for in mad skiing skills, teaching talents and general friendliness. If you spot one of the team shredding around with his hip on the floor this is very likely to be Dan. Often people mistakenly think he’s on slalom skis as he creates so much g-force through the turn he forces any ski into a super tight radius. If you’re lucky enough to have Dan as your coach you’ll be sure to learn lots, be inspired by his skiing and never be short of someone to chat and have a drink with.

Harriet Goodhall

Harriet started skiing at the age of 4 and instantly fell in love with the sport, carrying that passion through to her later years she decided to take her ski qualifications and pursue a career in snowsports . She has recently excelled in her ISIA level 3 ski instructor exams and hopes to start her level 4 modules this season. She is also an aspiring IASI demo team member for the Interski 2023 congress. Harriet has a wealth of experience and many seasons under her belt working all over the world including Europe, South Africa, New Zealand and Australia. When not skiing, Harriet loves to spend time with her dog and work on her personal fitness.

As well as having a personal passion for skiing, Harriet is dedicated to helping people push boundaries and help become the best skiers they can be. You can often spot Harriet at the end of the day socialising with a glass of white wine in hand.

Jonathan Bell (Consultant Knee Surgeon)

Jonathan Bell is a consultant orthopaedic surgeon who sub specialises in knee surgery. After qualifying in 1987 Jonathan directed his post-graduate training to become an orthopaedic surgeon. In 1997 seeing the future importance of sub specialisation he spent six months working with a world renowned knee surgeon, in Melbourne.

Jonathan works in both the NHS and private sector where in 2001 he started the Wimbledon Knee Clinic, specialising in sports injury of the knee. The Knee Clinic has grown to become a multidiciplinary service offering specialists in all aspects of musculoskeletal care. Jonathan and his colleagues at Wimbledon Clinics have successfully built a team of experts to offer the best chance of full recovery from injury.

His particular passion has been developing a specialist team to deal with ski injuries to the knee. Jonathan is fanatical about all aspects of skiing. He now has a team consisting of himself, physiotherapists, sports physicians, a sports psychologist and now ski coach, Warren Smith. Jonathan treats over 1750 patients with knee problems per year, many of whom ski, from beginner to professional skiers. He is experienced in all forms of knee surgery, however unusual or complex.

Jonathan understands the challenging nature of injuries to the knee and how to best manage them. He understands the demands that an athlete puts on their knees and how best to achieve recovery. A recent patient achieved a gold medal in the Commonwealth games just eighteen months after major knee reconstruction surgery.

Jonathan continues to teach and publishes in international journals. To see more about Jonathan, click here.

Rangan Chatterjee (Doctor)

Over the past 20 years you might have met Rangan Chatterjee on our Academy ski courses in Verbier or Japan. He’s been using the Academy method for many years and is now a very accomplished skier. He spends a lot of his skiing during the winter season in Chamonix and actually plays in an apres ski band there.

Dr Chatterjee practices as a doctor in the UK but not a typical one! He’s an advocate that lifestyle and nutrition are first line medicine and the cornerstone of good health. His approach combines the best of nutritional science, conventional medicine and advanced diagnostics to find the root cause of illness. He works with a wide range of people, from those who have specific health conditions to those who simply wish to optimise their health and performance.

In his word: “everyone has the ability to feel better. I want to help you achieve that. I am a medical doctor with over 16 years experience who treats you as an individual. I take a 360° approach to health by focussing on my 4 pillars of health: Food, Movement, Sleep and Relaxation. My goal is to empower you to become the architect of your own health. I believe that when we are healthier, we are happier because when we feel better, we live more.”

Craig McLean (Chiropractor)

Dr Craig McLean graduated as a Chiropractor in 1994 and took over Putney Chiropractic Centre (est. 1986), London in 2002. Since arriving in the UK from his native Australia, Craig has been working with the Warren Smith Ski Academy on a consultancy basis, helping the academy clients unlock blocked ranges of movement that biomechanically restrict developments taking place in their skiing technique.

Most skiers hit a plateau in their skiing ability because of anatomical joint restriction, muscle weakness or poor neurological input. In other words stiffness in the spine or the lower extremity joints creates functional nerve and muscle problems and can result in a physical inability to steer the legs without using the hips, laterally control the leg stance and achieve a natural weight distribution on both skis.

Warren and his Academy team also use Craig’s skills to help optimise their performance when pushing their skiing to the limit. High performance skiing puts a great demand on the body that can result in the creation of a mis-alignment in the spine or pelvis or both. This may result in decreased power in one side of the body that will effect performance and make the skier vulnerable to injury.

During a winter season Craig continually monitors the team’s physical strength and condition through chiropractic, orthopaedic and neurological testing and correcting problems using specific chiropractic adjustments.

Dave Kershaw (Physiotherapist)

Dave qualified in Physiotherapy at the University of East Anglia in 2001 having already completed a degree in Sports Rehabilitation at the University of Surrey in 1998. Since qualifying he has held many prestigious physiotherapy positions in the elite sporting arena including Head Physiotherapist for Lancashire County Cricket Club and Oldham Athletic Football Club and Consultant Physiotherapist for Bristol City FC. Dave started his career at the Centre of Sporting Excellence at Bath University working with Commonwealth and Olympic athletes and has also worked for the English Cricket Board. By working in these sporting environments and treating the likes of Andrew “Freddie” Flintoff, James “Jimmy” Anderson and Muttiah Muralitharan, Dave has developed specialist expertise in the treatment and rehabilitation of spinal, shoulder, knee and ankle disorders.

Alongside his training and experience from the world of professional sport, Dave has personal sporting interests and accolades most notably having competed in National swimming competitions, representing Harlequins RFC and running many half and full marathons. He has also completed an Ironman is less than 12 hours which is quite an achievement!

Dave started Complete Physiotherapy Limited was established in July 2007 and now has 6 clinics across Berkshire, and is looking to expand into Oxfordshire and Hampshire over the coming years and continue to develop the use of innovative physiotherapy treatments. Dave’s team are highly experienced and provide a one-to-one, hands-on treatment approach benefiting from their combined 20 year experience in elite sporting arenas and private practice.

To learn more about the services offered by complete physio therapy click here.

Claire Robertson (Physiotherapist)

Claire Robertson has worked as a chartered physiotherapist since 1994 when she gained her BSc (hons) physiotherapy. In 2002 she was awarded her MSc physiotherapy, where her area of interest was the lower limb. She currently divides her time between clinical work at the Joy Walter clinic, a ski injury service at the Wimbledon Clinics and as senior lecturer at St George’s Medical School, London. Claire recently presented her research at the World congress for Physiotherapy, in Vancouver. She has published in International journals.

Claire has a passion for her clinical work, and understands the individual needs of each patient. She tailors every treatment to the individuals requirements considering their age, injury and level of sporting achievement. Her treatments are very exercise based as she believes this is crucial to a lasting result.

Claire has played sport at national standard. Through her love of skiing she has thoroughly analysed the specific movements of skiing to help her skiing patients. She has rehabilitated all levels of skiers from beginners to several skiers with world rankings. Whatever the level Claire appreciates and enjoys meeting the physical and psychological challenges presented by her patients to ensure a successful return to skiing after injury.

Gary Ward (movement specialist)

Gary Ward of ‘Anatomy In Motion’ is one the worlds leading experts in Sports rehabilitation.

His motivation is to introduce ground breaking ‘next generation treatment techniques that are fast, effective and rapidly increase mobility. Gary’s work with the Academy has helped us create a better understanding of the human body and how we can use specific movements to make our clients ski technique more efficient. http://www.anatomyinmotion.co.uk

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