BARILOCHE 2017 – WEEK 7
How on earth is it week 7 already!? We’re currently relaxing in the spring sunshine reflecting on the past week, looking across the beautiful Lago Gutierrez from our lakeside apartments at Refugio del Lago. Week 7 has been the textbook start to the BASI Alpine Level 2 exams which run for two weeks in total.
Spring is definitely here! The sun is out regularly but the air temperature remains cold. In the mornings, there’s a distinctly nippy feel in the shade before the sun has fully risen which keeps the groomers on the mountain in perfect condition for training.
As the day progresses the heat increases, softening the snow into ideal conditions for performance skiing. The instructors sitting their BASI Level 2 assessment couldn’t have better conditions! (and the goggle tans are coming along nicely)
Emma Cairns, one of our very talented BASI Trainers, had this to say:
“The first week of the Level 2 we have been lucky enough to have amazing snow and sun every day. All the trainees are working hard on their skiing and progressing very well as we move into the final week of their BASI course”
– Emma Cairns, BASI Trainer and Peak Leaders Coach
Off the mountain this week there’s a great deal of preparation, study and focus. Planning each teaching session takes time and creativity. Delivering these sessions on the mountain the following day can be at times nerve-wracking but ultimately exciting and rewarding.
Somehow this week’s team leaders, Dan and Carolina, have still found time to keep up with the weekly quiz! In fact, Dan has gone above and beyond with daily brainteasers! (It’s cooler than it sounds…)
It’s hard to believe but this has been our final weekend as the whole Peak Leaders group! After training on Friday there was the ever-popular apres at Samsara followed by Colo’s famous asado back at lakeside.
Most of the guys took advantage of the great conditions to get some last-minute practice of their skiing technique while others had a break to watch the FIS Snowboard Cross World Cup. Matteo, Carolina and Vanessa volunteered to help out at the race which gave them unique access to this Olympic qualifying event!
Next week is a big one – the final week of the BASI Alpine Level 2 exams and the final week for some of the group who will depart next weekend to start University or continue to enjoy Gap Years. However some lucky instructors still have week 9 to look forward to! Horse riding with gauchos, freestyle coaching and a trip to Buenos Aires!
