SAAS FEE 10 WEEK SKI & SNOWBOARD INSTRUCTOR COURSE 2015: BASI Level 1, BBQs and Birthdays (WEEK 3)

Posted: October 12, 2015

Week 3 done and the BASI Level 1 exams are over. Our skiers and snowboarders have been under the expert guidance of BASI trainers Mike Crawford (ski), Amanda Pirie (ski) and Rob Norton (snb). Here’s course leader Steve with what went down up on the glacier …

They’re here … BASI Level 1 trainers

With the arrival of the BASI trainers on Sunday evening, everyone was on their best behaviour, anxious to make sure they made a good first impression.

All of the trainees have been working really hard over the past two weeks to be as prepared as possible for the BASI Level 1 assessment in Week 3.

Our trainees have been working hard to perfect their skills

We had some fantastic weather throughout the week including a fresh dump of snow on Tuesday evening which, combined with the world famous autumn snow park and race pistes, has brought many skiers and snowboarders to the glacier at Saas Fee.

Saas Fee brings the world’s best freestylers and racers to its park n pistes in the autumn

Sunshine and incredible views of the best snowboarders and skiers in the world always make a lift ride fun. Seppe Smits, Roope Tonteri and Nico Muller to name check just a few have all kept the groups entertained as we ride the t-bars of Saas Fee.

Busy times

Although the pistes were busier than previous weeks, team leaders Brett and Betsy did a great job at the morning briefings of making sure that everyone stayed positive, motivated and ready for the day ahead.

After the glacier closed each afternoon we would return to Park Hotel for BASI sessions which kept all the groups focused on what BASI required the next day: with Mike and Amanda’s groups outside practicing their all important teaching sessions in the sunshine for a few afternoons.

BASI trainer Mike keeping the group focused during the off-snow sessions

Still in the game

Although the ski legs were beginning to get tired from the intense training up the mountain this week, many of the trainees joined for a game of football on Tuesday.

Premiership here we come!!!

And all while the snow was falling at the top and raining in the village (you can’t have one without the other I’m afraid!), definitely a test as the temperature fell too.

We were soaked through after 5 minutes but carried on for an hour in what turned out to be a brilliant chance to reenergise and let the brains rejuvenate!

Popcorn and Poison

Friday night in Saas Fee is becoming quite a tradition – Popcorn bar followed by Poison nightclub then sore heads at breakfast (if anyone wakes up in time!).

The weekend has really been a chance to relax and unwind after pushing really hard during the BASI level 1 this week.

BBQ Saas-style … not quite the asado’s of Argentina but still a great feed!

It was Abi’s birthday on Saturday so the team went out for a more sociable night out followed by a recovery BBQ on Sunday: frisbee, sunshine, nice atmosphere and Garret’s american-BBQ skills have rounded of the week in a great fashion!

Looking forward to Week 4

We’re all hugely proud of the trainees for their dedication to the course and really impressed with the improvements everyone is seeing on a daily basis.

With BASI Level 2 in just a few weeks there’s plenty more skiing and snowboarding to be done.

Week 3 over … Week 4 coming up!!!

New trainees and more to learn

Week 4 sees the return of Emma, Jake (with his well needed fitness sessions) and Gibbo; and the arrival of new trainees Disa and Lauren.

And first up, we begin avalanche awareness training … the learning is never over!