It has been another great week for Peak Leader’s training to do their BASI Alpine Level 1 and 2 down in Argentina. The course is in full swing now and all the trainees are progressing really well with their skiing. They have all gelled together in their three respective ski groups and are getting on well with their Argentinian trainers. It’s amazing how much each individual has progressed with their ski performance over the past few weeks and it’s very encouraging that they are all giving 100%.

Some might say the group has gelled a little too well

There was so more snow over the weekend so two of the groups hiked up to La Laguna on the Tuesday. La Laguna is a popular off-piste area in Cerro Catedral and after only a 40-minute hike the trainees were able to enjoy some spectacular views and fresh powder all the way to the base of the resort.

Course leader Paul getting a bit warm in his Down Jacket

Just as well it’s been a good winter, otherwise we would have been swimming at this point!

This week the groups also took part in helping running the FIS South America Slalom Cup. This involved the trainees doing some of the gate judging and were responsible for ensuring the racers passed the gates correctly, some trainees had to disqualify some of the racers. It was a good experience for the trainees, especially seeing how FIS races are run and seeing such a high level of skiing up close. The guys and girls did such a great job it looks as though they may have to help in the future through their respective ski schools!

That’s how you do it…

On Thursday some of the trainees got their exam results and did some celebrating that evening, but despite some cloudy heads the next day they still had to start demonstrating their teaching skills to their trainers by giving lessons to their peers. As an instructor it is vital that they are not just good skiers, but are able to communicate a good lesson to their clients.

1 Quilmes, 2 Quilmes, 3 Quilmes……floor

Due to bad weather on Monday we had another day training on Saturday. It was a beautiful day and the Sun shined on the trainees while skiing, and in the bar afterwards. We had another great Assado (Argentinian BBQ). This time we paid close attention and took tips to get the cooking just right. Bellies full of meat and Rum we hit the town for another Saturday night of dancing.

Bad weather?

Sunday was a downpour so most trainees stayed inside reading their BASI manuals, of course, and a few chose to play indoor football to sweat out any remaining alcohol. Another fantastic week with definitely the best snow conditions in the whole of the southern hemisphere!

Loads of snow in Patagonia!