When I first saw the Peak Leaders course I had been contemplating a career break for about a year at least. In my search for this ‘new direction’ I stumbled across a book entitled ‘Gap Years for Grown ups’ (being thirty-three this seemed quite apt for me!). In this book was a chapter on ‘Specialist courses’, more specifically, skiing, which led me to find Peak Leaders amongst various other companies. It was in March that I decided to make the break and at that time, the winter seasons seemed a long way off. I then realized that Peak Leaders were offering courses in New Zealand and Argentina in the summer months. This was an ideal opportunity for me as I could train for the BASI qualification in the summer, then be set up to find work in the winter seasons in North America and Europe. Fantastic!
Definitely I chose the right place. I don’t think anything could have prepared me for how spectacular the scenery was. Patagonia really is a special place. The people are also so friendly and hospitable which makes a difference when visiting or living in a foreign country. The accommodation and its’ surroundings were also superb. You can ski or instruct anywhere at anytime, but to have that experience of training in Argentina was a much better all round experience by far.