VERBIER 2017/18 – WEEK 3

Exam week! For the past two weeks the Peak Leaders have been learning how to teach lessons and develop their own skiing skills. This week it was about putting their hard work into practice. Each morning the trainees meet the BASI examiners at the lifts to head up to the slopes above Verbier to show what they can do. The last two weeks have seen massive dumps of snow but the conditions this week are perfect for the exam.

So far the Peak Leaders have packed a lot in. The always popular freestyle days, loads of amazing powder skiing and constant training to develop individual understanding of how to teach and ski. Of course the groups have discovered the amazing nightlife that Verbier has to offer too! This week it was down to business. Each day started early on the Mountain and finished late in the classroom. The trainees have to work hard to learn to improve upon existing skills and develop new ones in order to pass the level 1 exam. Here the BASI trainers are working with the Peak Leaders to improve their skiing technique.

The level 1 exam is a full on week. Obviously there is the physical exertion of skiing for 5 days but the teaching aspect of it is just as, if not more, tiring. Concentration levels have to be maintained all day and then straight after you are into video analysis and theory sessions. Like I said, there’s a lot to do! The days are always easier when you have sunsets like this.

The course is continuous assessment which means that you do not have to be at level 1 standard straight away. You have the week to learn to improve and show those improvements. By Thursday and Friday you need to be constantly showing the skills you need to for both teaching and skiing. The examiners are there to assess the candidates but also to coach and help them as much as possible over the week.

Friday is results day! Congratulations to those who passed this time and commiserations to those who didn’t. Your time will come as long as you keep on practicing and working hard. Training is a process and it takes time. Some people advance quicker than others and it’s important that everyone keeps their motivation high.

Some of the Peak Leaders went home to celebrate Christmas others stayed in Verbier to enjoy the festivities here – wherever they were we’re sure they celebrated in style!

Lastly a big thank you to both of the excellent BASI trainers – James and Andy. Here’s a great picture of them enjoying a Verbier chairlift in the sunlight!