Qualifications & Training.
A broad base of Snow sports training.
Since starting skiing back in the the late 1990's I've trained and gained qualifications with several Professional organisations. When not training for a specific qualification I try and engage in Continuous Professional Development, usually on snow training. My broad range of training and experience pays dividends when helping clients change their skiing.
Alpine Development Coach.
SnowSport England.
SSE Alpine Development Coach. I achieved the Alpine Development Coach qualification in May 2006 following 18 months training and assessment. The 'ADC' is the highest qualification in the Snowsport England coaching scheme. Prior to that I completed the Snowsport England Club Instructor and ASSI qualifications.
On attaining the qualification of Alpine Development Coach I became eligible to apply for the International IVSI coaching licence, which was granted shortly after my ADC qualification.
Snowsport England is the national governing body for English skiers who's coaching scheme covers ski teaching in England. Formally known as the English Ski Council, affiliated to IVSI
IVSI Coach
Internationaler Verband der Schneesportinstruktoren.
IVSI Coach. IVSI, short for Internationaler Verband der Schneesportinstruktoren is the International Federation of Ski Instructors, representing the interests of the ski Instructors active in associations, federations and institutions on an International level. Snowsport England is affiliated to the IVSI.
Alpine Ski Instructor.
British Association of Snowsport Instructors.
BASI Alpine Ski Instructor - I gained my Alpine Ski Instructor qualification following a 2 week assessment in Tignes in November 2002. Prior to the assessment I attended the BASI 'Trainee Instructor' course and completed several weeks training on snow. Revalidated subsequently with additional BASI Training or refresher courses.
Mountain Safety.
In November 2010 I travelled to Zermatt and undertook the BASI Mountain Safety / Off piste training and assessment. The remit for this qualification as taken from the BASI web site is:
"A member who holds the Level 2 Instructor Qualification and the Level 3 Mountain Safety Qualification can lead off pisted descents within the confines of the ski area boundary consistant with the laws of the country they are operating in. This must not include uphill travel or the planned use of axe, crampons, rope or overnight stays. Travel is restricted to non-glacial terrain."
BASI (British Association of Snowsport Instructors) is the UK association of 'professional' snowport instructors who primarily teach on snow, including Europe, the America's and Southern Hemisphere.
Accreditation to Instruct in the Valle d'Aosta.
AVMS - Associazione Valdostana Maestri di Sci.
I gained the AVMS accreditation to teach in the Valle d'Aosta in January 2008 after passing a set of local exams. These required Instructors to pass a number of exams as dictated by the authorities in the region. The Valle d'Aosta is an autonomous region in the North West of Italy offering stunning skiing, including resorts on the slopes of Monte Bianco (Mont Blanc) and Monte Rosa.
The exams consisted of:
- "Speed Test" - A timed Giant Slalom race to test technical ability.
- Mountain Safety.
- Local Language exam.
- First Aid / CPR
Snowboard Instructor.
BASI & Snowsport England.
BASI & SSE Level 1 Snowboard Instructor - Attained in 2006 / 2007 following a period of training and assessment in the UK. I teach Snow boarding regularly at my local ski centre in the Midlands.
Outdoor First Aid & CRB Checks.
I hold a current 2 day 'Outdoor' first aid certificate (renewable every three years) and regular CRB checks are required by the organisations noted above.
