Did you know that you could become a ski instructor in eight weeks or less? Why not consider a career break, or GAP year where you can gain a qualification to instruct skiing before the winter even starts.
SnoworksGAP & PRO offer a selection of fast-track ski and snowboard courses that could have you qualified in time to work this winter season 2015-16. They are one of the British Association of Snowsports Instructors (BASI) partners, and the only one offering training and assessment before Christmas! Therefore you could be being paid to ski as early as December 2015.
So how good do I need to be to apply?
The recommended minimum is the ability to ski competently in control of your speed and line on all groomed slopes, including black runs. With some confidence in off-piste and moguls, you don’t need to be an expert, or have any race experience (but it’s great if you have), however if you are keen to learn, open to change and committed to achieving the standard required, it is yours for the taking.
Who and what is BASI?
BASI are responsible for training, grading and assessing British Snowsports qualifications. With a SnoworksGAP fast-track ski or snowboard course you will go through all the necessary elements to complete the first two levels within the current system. To read more about BASI, the levels and the structure visit www.basi.org.uk
I’ve read a lot in the press and social media about British instructors, should I have concerns?
In a word no! The press and social media may not be reporting all the facts, or clear and concise information. The market for British ski and snowboard instructors is still very strong, the qualifications are recognised and can be used in much of Europe, the USA, Japan and the southern hemisphere. The BASI level 2 that comes with the fast-track courses can be done in France due to the fact that all SnoworksGAP & PRO trainers hold all the legal qualifications and paperwork to legally work in France as ski teachers.
What if I already have my BASI level 1 or another national body instructor qualification?
Then put simply you could possibly achieve the level 2 final qualification in a shorter period of time and for less cost. This would be subject to BASI agreeing to a conversion of your current qualification and a discussion with us about how much training time we mutually agree would be needed to give you the best possible chance of success for BASI level 2.
What are job prospects?
Very good indeed! SnoworksGAP nor any other ski instructor provider can promise a guaranteed pass or job with a BASI level 2 qualification. However if you are successful following the training and assessment, then the chances of gaining employment as a paid ski or snowboard instructor are high. With the market still growing, the need for the best trained and the freshest and keenest of instructors is high. With our contacts and help we can guarantee you the best chance of a job. Jobs are often available in Spain, Italy, Switzerland, America and Japan (subject to visa). It is also possible to get work in New Zealand and Australia in the opposite season, so potentially a full year as a skis instructor if you are only doing it as a GAP year, or a fantastic stepping stone and hours of teaching experience if you choose to continue on to make it your full time career.
What does it cost and what is included and excluded?
The full 8 week Ski course costs £7,495.00
The prices of these courses can be adjusted accordingly if you have your own transport, wish to source your own accommodation, or are doing shorter course duration.
Included on the full 8 weeks of both the ski and snowboard course are: –
- 8 weeks training
- Half board accommodation in Mark Warner 3* hotel in Tignes
- BASI level 1 and 2 exams
- BASI manual
- Airport transfers to and from Geneva to Tignes
- Special reduced rates on equipment and clothing
- All lift passes for needed for the course duration
- 1 years BASI membership
- 2 day First aid course
- Criminal record disclosure
- Child protection module
- Personal performance training in line with current BASI level 1 and 2 assessment criteria
- Teaching training in line with current BASI level 1 and 2 assessment criteria
- Snowsports specific fitness training
- Equipment tuning clinics
- Basic off piste training with avalanche transceiver, shovel and probe
- Full time male and female mentors available
- Guaranteed current BASI level 4 trainers
- Job application assistance and contacts
- 150 hours+ of on snow training
- 70+ hours of ski school experience
- Video feedback analysis
- Free Salomon ‘Team GAP’ jacket
Excluded
- Flights
- Insurance
- Lunches
- Evening meal 1 night per week
Lee Townend is the head trainer and co-director of SnoworksGAP, he is also a BASI Alpine level 4 and active trainer for BASI at levels 1, 2 and 3.
For more information on SnoworksGAP & PRO its courses, prices, testimonials and blogs please visit our website at:
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Words: Lee Townend, BASI Trainer
