Last week we had an amazing mixture of weather. A couple of snow storms brought lovely fluffy powder to play in, sandwiched inbetween bright sunshine which gave incredible views all week. I continued skiing with Vladimir and Sasha, see previous post.
As mentioned before about Sasha, he loves skiing off piste. So when the snow conditions, safety and weather allowed, we dived feet first into the fluffy stuff, or in Sasha's case head first sometimes !?!
Sasha's younger brother and mother were also on holiday, being looked after by one of my colleagues and now friend, Francois Bonnod. Working under the banner of the ESF Ski School is always full of wonderful surprises. This is now my seventh winter working for the 'Pull Rouges', and most days I would see Francois down at the school. Our lockers are close to each other, and we would often say hello with a nod and a grunt and that was it.
However, it was really important to work closely together to help our Russian family have a great holiday. Each morning we would talk to each other about the weather forecast, where we thought the best snow conditions would be, and of course there was much discussion about where the best mountain restaurant was for a hearty lunch.
Over lunch we chatted to each other, and I soon realised that actually we are both foreigners in the school, ie not originally from the Méribel valley. He comes from Lyon, but is now based with his family up in Brittany. We have loads in common: a love of skiing, a passion for the mountains - and also a passion for all skiing-related equipment. Even though the Russians flew back to Moscow on Friday, I'm sure Francois and I will be speaking more to each other now, ie more than just the early morning grunt.
So what's on the menu for this week? Francois is making the most of a quiet period in resort to take a week's break from instructing and return to Brittany to be with his family for the next seven days. As for me, I have some very exciting news.
As mentioned before about Sasha, he loves skiing off piste. So when the snow conditions, safety and weather allowed, we dived feet first into the fluffy stuff, or in Sasha's case head first sometimes !?!
Sasha's younger brother and mother were also on holiday, being looked after by one of my colleagues and now friend, Francois Bonnod. Working under the banner of the ESF Ski School is always full of wonderful surprises. This is now my seventh winter working for the 'Pull Rouges', and most days I would see Francois down at the school. Our lockers are close to each other, and we would often say hello with a nod and a grunt and that was it.
However, it was really important to work closely together to help our Russian family have a great holiday. Each morning we would talk to each other about the weather forecast, where we thought the best snow conditions would be, and of course there was much discussion about where the best mountain restaurant was for a hearty lunch.
Over lunch we chatted to each other, and I soon realised that actually we are both foreigners in the school, ie not originally from the Méribel valley. He comes from Lyon, but is now based with his family up in Brittany. We have loads in common: a love of skiing, a passion for the mountains - and also a passion for all skiing-related equipment. Even though the Russians flew back to Moscow on Friday, I'm sure Francois and I will be speaking more to each other now, ie more than just the early morning grunt.
So what's on the menu for this week? Francois is making the most of a quiet period in resort to take a week's break from instructing and return to Brittany to be with his family for the next seven days. As for me, I have some very exciting news.
I will be going over to Courchevel every day, to join one of the UK's best and most respected Ski Instructing and Coaching Teams. 'Inspired to Ski' offer some of the best British Ski Instructing services available on the market and are visiting Courchevel. The company has been around for a while now, travelling around the French Alps. I've often watched the team from a distance with much admiration; they include some very impressive Ski Instructors known throughout the industry - many of whom I looked up to when I was myself studying to become an instructor.
So to be invited to join the team next week is an honour, but also a little intimidating. But just like working with Francois last week, I can't wait to have the chance to work together with other professionals. It's an industry where information sharing is vitally important in order to be able to provide a great service.
Have a great week everybody.
Martin
P.S. Meanwhile, Sasha is still trying to put his skis back on again after a tumble in the soft powder.
Let's get going Sasha, your Dad (Vladimir) is waiting for us and giving us 'that look thing' again !?!
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