Last week I had a brilliant time in Courchevel working for 'Inspired To Ski', a top UK Ski Instructing team. Every morning my main focus was to look after a small group of 'Novice and Nervous' ladies. Sue, Rosie and Mary had all skied before, but had yet to be convinced about the joy of skiing and being in the mountains. They had each experienced different things that somehow hadn't quite gone to plan, be it snow conditions, feeling relaxed away from outside pressure, or quite frankly, always knowing what one should do on those planks called skis.
Every morning we spoke about each others' goals, listened to each others' requests, and felt relieved that we were all after similar emotions. So we took it one step at a time. We looked at simple, basic, easy to understand effective ski technique. Plus, being aware of the all-important effect and powers of the mind.
Each day we chipped away at every new experience, each slightly steeper piste, the occasional icy piste, the sneaky demons that reared their ugly heads, and celebrated by watching each other on video whilst having a scrummy hot chocolate. After a few days we all wanted to ditch the tag of being a 'Novice and Nervous' skier, so it was decided to call ourselves 'Cautious Improvers' instead. You could argue that we were playing with words, but it was important to move on from the previous description of ability. I thoroughly enjoyed my time with Sue, Rosie and Mary, and I really hope we can all meet up again on skis another time.
Each afternoon I took the chance to ski with other groups and instructors, namely Dave Peek (pictured above in some chopped-up snow underneath the Chanrossa chairlift) and his group. I also had the chance to ski with Bryan Hogg (pictured below) and his group, playing around on Mont Vallon.
Although we have struggled to find fresh powder-skiing recently, the 'Inspired To Ski' team did their best to search out skiable off-piste snow. We've had brilliant sunshine day after day for ages now, and very cold temperatures the last few days.
Today I started with a family and their close friends from Leeds, and I have to say I think there's going to be plenty of laughs this week. In the meantime, here's my Level 4 group (that's reds and blacks) messing about at the top of Saulire from just over a week ago with 'Inspired To Ski'.
Martin
Every morning we spoke about each others' goals, listened to each others' requests, and felt relieved that we were all after similar emotions. So we took it one step at a time. We looked at simple, basic, easy to understand effective ski technique. Plus, being aware of the all-important effect and powers of the mind.
Each day we chipped away at every new experience, each slightly steeper piste, the occasional icy piste, the sneaky demons that reared their ugly heads, and celebrated by watching each other on video whilst having a scrummy hot chocolate. After a few days we all wanted to ditch the tag of being a 'Novice and Nervous' skier, so it was decided to call ourselves 'Cautious Improvers' instead. You could argue that we were playing with words, but it was important to move on from the previous description of ability. I thoroughly enjoyed my time with Sue, Rosie and Mary, and I really hope we can all meet up again on skis another time.
Each afternoon I took the chance to ski with other groups and instructors, namely Dave Peek (pictured above in some chopped-up snow underneath the Chanrossa chairlift) and his group. I also had the chance to ski with Bryan Hogg (pictured below) and his group, playing around on Mont Vallon.
Although we have struggled to find fresh powder-skiing recently, the 'Inspired To Ski' team did their best to search out skiable off-piste snow. We've had brilliant sunshine day after day for ages now, and very cold temperatures the last few days.
Today I started with a family and their close friends from Leeds, and I have to say I think there's going to be plenty of laughs this week. In the meantime, here's my Level 4 group (that's reds and blacks) messing about at the top of Saulire from just over a week ago with 'Inspired To Ski'.
Martin
3 comments:
Hi Martin,
Great pictures. Was great skiing with you last week.Am starting to get withdrawl symptoms already.
Mary really enjoyed her lessons with you and we're already thinking about trying to get another trip in this year.
Hi Matin
Had a fabulous time skiing with you last week. You have such a special way of making people feel capable. I went from feeling a bit pathetic to wanting to tackle black slopes in time - can't believe I'd ever say that. Have a great season and thanks again, you're a star!
Good to see the Blogmeister back with Canon and the keyboard. Sounds fun but you need to do a snowdance for that Sunday in feb with Robbie; looks a bit thin at present.
Photos are outstanding this year; v envious
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