Last week in Verbier was an eventful one with the trainees being a step closer to becoming an instructor.  The BASI trainer Duncan, who has been a big hit with the group, put them through their paces on the BASI Level 1 assessment. Despite being excited and slightly apprehensive about an intense week ahead the guys and girls had an awesome time.

The Swiss Alps at their most magical!

Not only does the BASI level 1 serve an assessment it’s also a great week of training for everyone. The trainees all improved immensely, not only with their technical skiing but also with their teaching ability. This was the first time that the trainees had taught their peers under and form of pressure. Fortunately all the team took on the challenge to the best of their ability and taught some amazing sessions!

Eating falling snow is all the rage in Verbier this winter

Fortunately the group was very lucky with the weather for the level 1 assessment, with bright sunshine everyday! This beautiful weather was perfect for all of the video analysis sessions that the group had to watch to see their own performance. It is also proved a good opportunity to see Bertie Zoolander sporting his ‘Blue Steel’ face in all of his appearances.

Surprisingly the trainees enjoyed learning more about snow ploughs and teaching the progression of central theme! The main highlight of the week had to be learning the ‘Courmayeur Shuffle’ which is a very tricky and challenging coordination drill, which most of the group found impossible. Although they all looked incredibly special it proved great entertainment for Emma and any other passers by!

Duncan demonstrating the Courmayeur Shuffle

On Friday night, after receiving the results, everyone celebrated in the chalet with some champagne! All of the trainees were really happy that they’d finished the week with great results. Later in the evening they all headed to the infamous ‘Fer a Cheval’ restaurant to sample some local (Italian) delicacies and delights. Then of course they all partied the night away at Twin Peaks, with Max looking dashing for the ladies in his Velvet Jacket! Despite being out until the early hours all of the trainees were up on Saturday morning eager to get up the mountain and practice all they’d learned on the Level 1.

You know you’re a Verbier ski instructor when you invite a dog to a party & feed it Champagne all night

Still focused on becoming fully-fledged instructors all of the trainees are now training with Emma towards their BASI Level 2 Instructor Course. Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve are around the corner along with lots of fresh snow. Tune in to the next blog to find out how the group found shadowing European Snowsport over this busy time!

Soup and a coffee……a strange combo