Skiing

I was recently asked to give some feedback to a couple of fellow instructors.

The first is planning to take their next instructing qualification and wanted a view on their current 'technical' level while the second asked for my thoughts after shadowing his Carving workshop for ski school clients.

Watching both Instructors was thought provoking and hopefully proved very positive for everybody concerned.

One thing that struck me during the week is the importance for Instructors to be able to match the best available slope to the learner skiers ability and the skiing activity planned. This is a fundamental skill for an instructor and is based on the ability to accurately judge the many variables involved, and is a key to a positive outcome for their clients.

The impact of these decisions for skiers in early the stages of learning is even more critical, and is complicated by the lift & piste combinations available in the resort. There are plenty of anecdotes about instructors who have pushed their clients too hard, too soon with negative results. A good instructor will not be afraid to return to easier slopes if need be.

Some resorts are extremely learner friendly and offer an excellent progression of slopes for beginners. Pila in the Aosta Valley Italy and Baqueira in Spanish Pyrenees are excellent resorts offering good piste progression giving lots of options for Instructors and skiers alike.

I found myself unexpectedly taking a class last week in the Pyrenees. The group was a Mother and 3 kids, the youngest only aged 5 or so. I was shocked to realise that non were wearing Sun Glasses or Goggles. When I mentioned that it would be a good idea to put them on it became clear that they had been left in the car.

The Mother and later the Father were unconcerned at the potential damage the sun was doing so I called the lesson to an early end.

Bright sun, high altitude and unprotected eyes don't mix !

Ski Inspired - A new holiday company offering holidays and accomodation in Baqueira Beret and the Val D'Aran. Operated by Tim and Annette who founded the British Ski School in Baqueira several years ago, Ski Inspired offer accomodation for all tasts, from the 5* luxary of the La Pleta to B&B accomodation in the local of town of Viella. Prices include Lift Passes and Lessons. For more information see: www.skinspired.co.uk

Hostau Era Claverola Good value B&B Accommodation in Salardu, just below Baqueira. Regular bus services or 5 minutes in the car. email Nuria the manager

Auviatge Miret During my 06/07 Baqueira Winter season we stayed in a lovely apartment in the village of Garos. Garos is about 1/3 of the way up the valley from the main town of Vielha and the drive up to Baqueira takes around 15 minutes in the car (a fiat Panda in our case!). A Bus service runs up and down the valley and the bus stop is about 3 minutes from the apartment with a convenient 8.15 bus getting me to the Tuc Blac at 8.40 ish in time for coffee before ski school. Judit was our host and her apartments are new build and of very high quality and include underground parking. Her web site is: www.auviatgemiret.com