BASI News Issue 118 by British Association of Snowsport Instructors

Meet your new BASI Board Directors Skiing with Heroes Have Confidence in your BASI Training Interski Argentina 2015 – The Trip of a Lifetime…

Newsletter /

2015

Summer Issue 118 JULY 2015

DESIGNED FOR FREEDOM To reach escape velocity, you need precision, power, and control. X-Race is carefully crafted to enable ultimate confidence so you are free to go faster.

PROUD SPONSORS OF THE BASI INTERSKI TEAM

Welcome to the summer 2015 issue of BASI News. As we close the chapter on the northern hemisphere winter, the southern hemisphere is just getting underway and for all those Members heading south – have a great winter. It was a busy end of season spring course programme in Hintertux this year. Congratulations to all Members who were successful. It was another bumper student total for 2014-15 with over 3341 students taking part in BASI courses this financial year. Dr Peter Allison from Edinburgh University attended the spring courses and you can read more about his role in the alignment process in this edition. Hintertux 2015 also witnessed fond farewells for two well known and long serving BASI Trainers – Les Ward and Zoe Campbell - who both retired as Trainers at the end of this season. Thank you and all the very best to you both. The General Meeting in Hintertux also saw the election of new BASI Board Directors. Elected by the Membership; Craig Robinson (Alpine Director), Tim Carter (Marketing) and Andy Brook Dobson (Ombudsman) are all now in post and there are more Board Director elections scheduled for November 2015 if you are interested in serving the Association. A warm welcome to all our new Members pursuing their BASI

qualifications. The reputation of the BASI training system continues to grow as we embrace members who originate from countries beyond UK shores including; Marvin Nyadzayo from Zimbabwe and Bowen Xu from China - both took part in BASI courses this year and they share their experiences in this BASI News. Congratulations also to European Ski and Snowboard School for becoming BASI’s first Approved Ski School in France. Interski 2015 preparations continue to build with the event now less than 3 months away. It’s not too late to sign up for the trip of a lifetime to Argentina to support the BASI Team – see page 18 for details. If you are in the Grantown area of Scotland on 22 August 2015 please come and join us for the summer BBQ at the BASI office – it’s always great to see you. In the meantime, wishing you all a productive summer. Tania Alliod tania@basi.org.uk

DiaryDates

Board Meeting BASI Head Office, Grantown-on-Spey, 22 August 2015 Members’ BBQ Grantown-on-Spey, 12.30pm - 5.00pm, 22 August 2015 Interski Congress Ushuaia, Argentina, 5-12 September 2015 Garthdee Open Day Aberdeen 10 October 2015 (TB C) London Ski and Snow board Show Earls Court, 5-8 Nove mber 2015

Contents

CONTENTS

Welcome

BASI Quality Process 04 1 British Schoolboys’ Races

1 Meet your new BASI Board Directors

1 Farewell and Thank You! 09

10 1 Have Confidence in your 12 1 Skiing with Heroes BASI Training

14 1 BASI Welcomes Chinese 16 1 Life Members

Delegation to the UK

17 1 Interski Argentina 2015 – 18 1 A Cool Deal for BASI

The Trip of a Lifetime…

1 BASI Interski Team 20 2015 1 European Ski and 22 Snowboard School, Les Deux Alpes 1 BASI Member Pro Deals 23 and Discounts 2015 1 Zimbabwe to BASI Instructor

1 Snow-Camp Apprentice 26 Programme 2015

7 Cover Image: BASI Snowboard Trainer, Renelle Mortimer

Advertising Bookings

Advertising Copy

Editorial

BASI Morlich House, 17 The Square, Grantown-on-Spey, PH26 3HG T 01479 861717 F 01479 873657 E tania@basi.org.uk E www.basi.org.uk

BASI News Its All Good 10 The Haughs, Cromdale Grantown-on-Spey PH26 3PQ T info@itsallgood.org.uk W www.itsallgood.org.uk

Issue 119 September 2015 Booking Deadline: Mon 17 August 2015 Copy Deadline: Mon 24 August 2015 Published: September 2015 E tania@basi.org.uk T 01479 861717

BASI News is the official house journal of the British Association of Snowsport Instructors. No part of this publication may be reproduced by any mechanical, photographic or electronic means without the express written permission of BASI. Opinions presented in BASI NEWS are those of the individual authors and do not necessarily represent the opinions or policies of BASI or of the Editors. BASI has the right to refuse publication of any manuscripts which do not meet publishing standards or the BASI Code of Ethics. BASI invites the submission of manuscripts, photos and letters to the editor from its readers - (E&OE)

BASI NEWS ISSUE 118

BASI MEMBERS FEATURE

BASI Quality Processes:

Part One

Dr. Pete Allison

BASI Courses being observed by Dr Pete Allison from Edinburgh University

Over this edition of BASI News and the next, Dr Peter Allison shares his observations on the BASI Quality Assurance Process he viewed in action when he attended the Hintertux Spring Courses to undertake the quality assurance for the alignment process. Over the last three years, BASI has been working with The University of Edinburgh (Institute for Sport, PE and Health Sciences) to credit rate BASI courses and qualifications using the Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF). As part of this process (which should be complete for all levels by the end of 2015) the University provides external quality assurance for BASI. In April 2015 I visited Hintertux to see the quality assurance processes in action during Alpine ski and snowboard courses. As a passionate skier this was a perk of the job and a big responsibility which was not to be taken lightly. My own background is in outdoor education and then moral philosophy and experiential learning. I am currently Head of the Graduate School of Education at The University of Edinburgh and responsible for 4

BASI NEWS ISSUE 118

ensuring that teaching and learning is of the highest possible quality. This article (Part I) provides an overview of the course level quality assurance systems in place and my observations during the visit. This is complemented by an article on trainer selection (a process that also uses the SCQF characteristics) and continuing professional development by Jaz Lamb (Trainers’ Director). Part II, in the next newsletter, will detail annual quality assurance processes and summarises both parts. All courses run by BASI use a criterion based system for learning and assessment for all of their courses and this is a large part of the credit rating process. This means that Trainers’ jobs during courses is to train and assess against a set of criteria. For example, for short turns there are ‘four boxes’ (see table 1): learning objectives, learning activities, assessment activities and assessment criteria. These are all related to the SCQF five characteristics (i) Knowledge and understanding, (ii) Practice: applied knowledge, skills and understanding, (iii) Generic cognitive skills, (iv) Communication, ICT and

numeracy skills and (v) Autonomy, accountability and working with others. To complement the ‘four boxes’ there are performance indicators and actions (PIAs) which have been developed by the Trainers (see table 2). These two pages guide the strands (shorts, longs, steeps, variables and bumps). Many Trainers also have these documents with them on the hill either electronically or in hard copy. During the week in Hintertux I spent lots of time talking to trainers and trainees on courses about this process. The five SCQF characteristic boxes are written in ‘SCQF’ speak which sometimes need to be read over a couple of times. These boxes and the whole process is designed to help individuals articulate their learning to people outside the ski industry. Trainers are responsible for both training and assessment of candidates in their groups. This is a deliberate philosophy which allows for improvement during the course and for ensuring that candidates are performing consistently rather in a one -off manner. This approach also allows Trainers to take into consideration the conditions (snow and weather)

Course Level Processes During the Hintertux courses I saw what happens behind the scenes - what Trainers do and what mechanisms are in place to ensure the above standards are applied consistently, regardless of who is running which course. 1. Trainers work hard to ensure that candidates improve. Candidates come to courses with different abilities and trainers concern themselves with improving the way individuals ski (in this case technically but also in teaching and other aspects depending on the course objectives). In other words, they try to move people either towards the level or beyond the level, depending on their ability at the start of the course. To do this they use their skills and experience but they also draw on other trainers’ experiences. I watched Trainers do this throughout their courses and their passion for individualised teaching really came through in entirely positive ways. If you have ever done any teaching, you will know how challenging it is to ensure that the teaching is relevant and engaging for everyone in the group, for as much of the time as possible. 2. Trainers share analysis and ideas. Each evening trainers watch videos of each other’s groups or discuss observations made during the days (hence groups often work in the same areas on the hill to allow this to happen). They share analysis of skiing and ideas about advice and activities to help the candidate. This typically involves several hours around a TV screen showing each other footage of each other’s groups and looking over tables 1 and 2. 3. Most BASI courses have ‘trainer support’ for some or all of the course. This is a person who is particularly experienced at running that specific course who ‘floats’ between the different groups and offers advice to the Trainer. This person also leads the above mentioned evening video

TABLE 1

SCQF Benchmaking Sheet Alpine L3 Piste Shorts Learning outcome(s); Demonstrate a sound knowledge of the links between tactical and technical threads (as outlined in the PIAs) so that the physical and mental inputs create the desired outcomes to perform consistent and accurate demonstrations of Short Radius turns on a steep Red or Black piste.

Knowledge and Understanding;

Learning experiences: Experience an increase in proprioceptive and kinaesthetic awareness that promotes consistent accuracy on outputs for varying radii of Long radius turns using a variety of corridor widths and hourglass activities. Gain a clear perception of the differences in Technical thread inputs and associated Body management activities to effect grippy Short turns. How these different types of turn affect speed variations.

Practice: applied knowledge and understanding

Assessment activities: Short radius turns on red/easy black run. Demonstrate consistent appropriate speed, body management activities to produce smooth flowing transitions from turn to turn.

Generic cognitive skills

Assessment criteria; • Continuous ski/snow contact • Consistency of rounded lines • Consistent control of speed so that skis take a much different line to CoM • Have a clear exit from one turn to the next that carries speed and momentum from arc to arc • Skis are parallel with consistent stance width throughout • Skis travel along their length from the fall-line

Communication, ICT and numeracy skills

9 = Demonstrate an understanding of the scope and features of technical Alpine skiing. Show an integrated knowledge of the skills and techniques. Exhibit a critical understanding of the principal theories, concepts and principles of the fundamental elements in the Central Theme and the five strands. Provide a detailed knowledge and understanding in one or more specialisms at the forefront of developments.

9 = Apply knowledge, skills and understanding: in using a range of the principal professional skills, ski techniques, practices and /or materials associated with the skiing in the five strands; - in using a few skills techniques, practices - and /or materials that are specialised, advanced and at the forefront of Alpine skiing performance. Practise in a range of professional level contexts that include a degree of unpredictability.

BASI MEMBERS FEATURE

which influence performance. During my visit I noticed a lot of attention to the continual assessment process, lots of discussions among trainers, and many really great teaching approaches from trainers to try and improve people’s skiing regardless of their starting point. This attention to creating a really positive learning environment is something I have rarely seen and something that should be praised. It’s not a few random cases but consistent across all of the trainers I observed and spoke to.

9 = Critically identify, analyse, evaluate technical skills. Identify and analyse routine professional problems. Draw from a range of sources in making skiing technique judgements.

7 = Use a wide range of routine skills and some advanced skills associated to convey complex ideas in a well-structured form in both familiar and unfamiliar contexts. Use a range of standard ICT applications to process and obtain info/data. Use a range of numerical and graphical skills to measure progress in goal setting processes.

Autonomy, accountability and working with others 9 = Exercise autonomy and initiative in some activities at a professional level. Exercise managerial responsibility for the work of others and for a range of resources. Practise in ways that show awareness of own and others roles and responsibilities. Work under guidance, with specialist practitioners. Seek guidance where appropriate when managing ethical and professional issues in accordance with current professional and/or ethical codes or practice

sessions and ensures that trainers are using the PIAs consistently and maintaining the level (i.e. not been too hard or too soft). The product manager is also present at many courses and provides a further view on candidates’ performance in meeting the criteria noted above. 4. Phone a friend. When courses operate ‘alone’ (i.e. no other courses running parallel) Trainers use alternative methods of support such as phone calls, sharing video and discussion using electronic mediums. This ensures that the courses maintain

a consistent standard throughout seasons and over the years. 5. At the end of every season Trainers have a ‘wash up’ or review meeting. This happens on the last day of the course and concentrates on capturing what went well and what can be improved about a course, based on the Trainers’ views and experiences. This is all fed back to the product manager and contributes to the annual review cycle. 6. At the end of every course Trainers complete a Trainer’s course report form which includes collecting feedback on aspects of the course

BASI NEWS ISSUE 118

BASI MEMBERS FEATURE

such as their own performance, candidate performance and peer performance, lecture facilities, administration and any other aspects they wish to comment on. All of the above mechanisms ensure that the reputation of BASI is maintained as a professional body, training people to very high standards. This system has been developed over many years (in 2012 BASI celebrated its’ 50th anniversary) and that experience means that there is an impressive commitment to fairness

and maintaining an Association which prides itself in both technical performance and ability to teach. My observations of the course level processes, the documentation for SCQF credit rating and Trainers during courses, is that they are committed to doing the best they can for candidates’ learning and that they deliberate extensively over individuals who are borderline in their performances in relation to the learning objectives and PIAs. In addition to the course level quality

assurance mechanisms there are also annual cycles of quality assurance processes which not only maintain the standards of BASI but also consider ways of improving all aspects of the courses and the association. These will be detailed in Part II in the following newsletter (119). In the meantime – rest assured that BASI courses are TOP QUALITY in all ways. BASI has great mechanisms in place to ensure course level quality and is obviously doing something right to select and train the Trainers.

TABLE 2

Performance, Indicator, Actions, Short Turns (L3 & L4) Performance thread pre-requisites Equipment Environment Physical Psychological

• Piste focussed skis that are well serviced, 13 – 25m (Eq) • Focus and continued concentration on the correct action point during the run (Ps) • Athlete hydrated with well managed energy levels (Ph) • The right arousal level for the performer in a particular circumstance (Ps) • Powerful enough to cope with the forces generated, and remain agile and reactive (Ph) • Steep red/ black run (En)

INDICATORS

Control of line

Control of speed

Encourage (Accurate outcome)

• Rounded, symmetrical line • Limited/accurate corridor for skis and terrain • 2 skis largely parallel, consistent stance width • Skis travelling along their length from the fall line • Skis take a different line to CoM from the top of the turn

• A speed that allows skis to take a different line to CoM • Have a clear exit from one turn to the next that carries speed and momentum from arc to arc • Consistent and controlled speed through the run

Discourage (Inaccurate outcome)

• Zig-zag or J-turns • Divergent/convergent skis • Uncontrolled skids or down stems • Loss of ski/snow contact • Overly wide or narrow corridor

• Too slow • Speed checks at end of turn • Increase in speed down the hill throughout the run

PERFORMANCE ACTIONS – what performers can do to achieve the desired outcomes Tactical

• Control speed with line and skilful skidding through the arc rather than excessive skid or check at the end of the turn • Correct approach to account for equipment and snow conditions e.g. bullet ice aim for precision and less speed, GS skis make turns with greater vertical distance, SL skis more towards slalom end of the spectrum • Be clear on the most effective mixture of the steering elements to achieve the desired type of short turn (slalom, grippy, punchy etc.) • Be clear on the corridor, radius and arc length for the run

Technical

Throughout Turn

BUILD

WORK

RELEASE

• Build pressure and release progressively through manipulation of edge and rotation • On steeper terrain the skis can be light through the top part of the turn, edge and rotation are still used to prepare the skis to be loaded • Feel more pressure on the outside ski through the middle/end part of the turn • In transition release the skis on a line which crosses that of the CoM, this will inevitably build edge angle in the new turn • Keep skis on the snow even though they may be light in transition

Body Management

Movements flow throughout the run. The lower and upper body move in different but coordinated ways. The timing of these movements results in the separation of the line of the skis and the CoM. These movements happen from one turn to the next, not within a single turn. • The lower body will move more laterally than the hips and shoulders – this is lateral separation • Steer the skis more across the hill than the upper body – this is rotational separation that will be more apparent than in longer turns • As the skis and CoM diverge after transition, stretch the legs to keep the skis in contact with the snow, taking care to control the tipping of the upper body. This creates a platform through which the skier resists and manages the forces within the turn. • Re-centre the CoM fore/aft over the feet in order to work effectively • Keep outside leg long during high load phase with load through the middle of the ski • The hips follow the direction of travel of the CoM of the skier, this sees the hips fairly square to the skis through the high load phase of the turn • Carefully control vertical movements in transition to keep skis on the snow and to be effective early in the next turn • Leg flexion may be required to facilitate lateral movements of the legs and upper body in transition as the load is released • Use a strong pole plant to control the upper body, aiding the separation through transition

BASI NEWS ISSUE 118

- Hasliberg, Meringen

Sarah Hoyle and enjoyed by all who attended. Due to heavy snow conditions only one run of the Slalom, held on the Tuesday, was able to be completed. Viktor Gertsch, Honorary President of the Downhill Only Club (DHO) and for 44 years President of the world famous Lauberhorn Downhill Race presented the prizes.

Felix Schaebbicke - BASI Quaich 2015 British Schoolboys

The Organising Committee of the British Schoolboys’ Races held in Hasliberg, Meringen is most grateful to BASI for the support and interest shown in the 2015 races. Despite heavy snow falling over the Monday evening and into Tuesday the races once again were a huge success

The BASI Quaich was to be presented to a racer who may not necessarily be a podium placement but who demonstrated commitment, dedication and passion for his sport and is a team player with a positive “can do” attitude. The Quaich was awarded to Felix Schaebbicke who is in his final year at Glenalmond School in Scotland. He also received a BASI Halti jacket. Felix has been an active ski racer for a

number of years as well as competing at the Schoolboys’ Races for the past 5 years. Although selected for the Scottish development squad, Felix took the decision not to compete at FIS level due to school commitments and exams. Felix was described by the person nominating him as someone with a huge amount of commitment and determination not only to do well but to support the younger members of the Glenalmond School Ski team. He was a huge support also to the parent who accompanied the team to the races and who had not previously been to Meiringen. Felix successfully completed both races coming 3rd in the GS and 6th in the Slalom.

BASI MEMBERS FEATURE

British Schoolboys’ Races

Felix plans to undertake both his BASI 1 and 2 in the 15/16 season once his schooling is completed.

ses as rving BASI cour Dr Allison obse ent quality assurance nm part of the alig

Right to left: Dr Pete Allison, Roy Henderson and Dave Renouf

BASI NEWS ISSUE 118

BASI NEWS

Meet your new BASI Board Directors At the General Meeting in April, three new Directors were appointed to the Board by the membership. On behalf of the office team and the membership, our thanks to the outgoing Board Directors for their time and dedication to serving on the Board; Andi McCann (Marketing), Robbie Young (Ombudsman), and Stephen Burke (Legal).

Tim Carter – Marketing Director I have been with BASI since 1998; in that time I have gained a wealth of experience and professional recognition. Since 2006 I have served BASI as an Alpine L1 Trainer and, more recently, as an Adaptive Trainer. My understanding of the winter sports business is vast. I am snowsport manager at the SnowDome, Tamworth and consultant/trainer for Arinsal Ski School, Andorra. Giving time back to the Association is important to me and I believe that the role of Director should be filled by someone who provides a great amount of experience, understanding and engagement with active Members and industry partners, domestically and internationally, not solely focusing on the specifics of marketing, but offering support to the entire Association. I would like BASI to dedicate proportionate amounts of time to developing and listening with all areas of the membership. It is also vital for BASI to concentrate on creating better international and national recognition and relations, and I look forward to bringing some fresh thinking and representing those who make BASI great – the Members!

Andy Brook Dobson – Ombudsman For the last 3 years I have been a Board Director of another membership body, The Institute of Financial Planning (IFP); a position to which I have been elected twice by the membership. The IFP is very similar in size to BASI and faces many of the same challenges, such as membership retention, membership growth, sound financial management, qualification design, implementation and training. My key area of responsibility on the IFP board is Ethics and I have been the Chairman of the Ethics, Disciplinary and Practice Standards committee since December 2012 (I had participated as a member of the committee for 3 years prior). In this role I am responsible for ensuring that the Institute’s Code of Ethics remains “fit for purpose”. I liaise with regulators and the international body FPSB (akin to ISIA) as well as doing our best to ensure that the membership comply with the Code, highlighting to members when they don’t, instigating disciplinary investigations and the formation of panels to do so. I am an active Level 2 Alpine Member and I’m currently working through the various modules for Level 3. I also work regularly at Snozone’s indoor slope in Castleford as well as coaching / instructing for Lions’ Ski Club. 8

BASI NEWS ISSUE 118

Therefore I believe I have a lot in common with the majority of the membership; be that qualification level, working environment, the struggle of obtaining the higher qualifications (especially when UK based), yet also understanding the importance of maintaining high professional standards. When not skiing I have my own successful Financial Planning business that specialises in helping the executives of large businesses and successful small business owners ensure that their material success (their money) translates to real success (things like lots of skiing!). Brook-Dobson Brear Ltd has been running since 2006; prior to that I have run businesses of various guises (mainly my own) since 1995 including a spell as a Board Director of a Plc. Finally, should you remain unconvinced that I have skills in dispute resolution as a result of my professional career, at home; I have 4 sons, 3 of which are teenagers – between whom, I can assure you, there are plenty of disputes and therefore opportunities to practise!

Craig Robinson – Alpine Director I look forward to representing the diversity in our membership and developing the opportunities available for each individual Member. With the current negotiations at European level, now is the time for a candid approach, a collation of ideas and a representative with the integrity and vision to steer our organisation positively towards a future that is inclusive of the opinions of our entire membership. With a broad experience in teaching, coaching and developing programmes, I will endeavour to work with the membership by listening and implementing new initiatives. I wish to aid the management team in evolving the way in which we train and assess teaching and technical ability objectively and to promote an open and unbiased approach to the ongoing progress of our discipline. Since earning my ISTD I have set up a successful ski school and training centre for instructors focusing on their Euro Test and BASI exams. The opportunity to engage with so many Members each season has given me a comprehensive view of what is important to the progression of our Association. It is a privilege to have been selected to represent BASI at the Interski Congress in Argentina and as a Euro Test opener for the past seven seasons. These experiences have ensured I am well versed in international negotiations and they have provided me with the contacts and understanding of how to represent your best on the world stage.

There are more Board positions up for re-election at the General Meeting to be held in November 2015. Members will be able to consider who they want to represent them in the following positions:

Farewell and Thank You!

• Chair Elect (this is a vote for a new Chair. Gareth Roberts’ second term ends in October 2016 and the Chair Elect position is elected this year to ensure there is continuity and reasonable induction experience for the new Chair)

BASI NEWS

More Board Positions up for Re-Election in November…

• Snowboard (Ben Kinnear’s second term concludes this year) • Telemark (Joe Beer’s second term concludes later this year) • Trainers’ Director (Jaz Lamb’s first term concludes this year) • Legal (position vacant) • Secretary to the Board (elected annually non voting) If you are keen to get involved and have the time, experience and skills to serve BASI in the position of Director, please send in your nomination. BASI is seeking nominations from Members who can demonstrate the specific skills sets that relate to the position in order to be able to support the Board professionally. Evidence of experience and skills must be included in the resume and CV. Nominations to stand for a position on the BASI Board of Directors must be submitted to the BASI office no later than 4pm on Friday 11 September 2015, either by post or email marked ‘Nominations’ - FAO. Mr Gareth Roberts, BASI Chairman but sent to Karen Race, BASI, Morlich House, 17 The Square, Grantown on Spey, Morayshire, PH26 3HG (email: Krace@basi.org.uk ). Nominations must be from the Member wishing to stand and include the following: • A statement of your willingness to serve BASI in the role of Director • Full CV which expands to encompass the full skills and experience required for the position (CVs will be published in the voting paperwork and online) • A personal email or letter marked ‘Nominations’ FAO of Mr Gareth Roberts, BASI Chairman (sent to Karen Race, BASI, Morlich House, 17 The Square, Grantown on Spey, Morayshire, PH26 3HG (Krace@basi.org.uk) must be received from each proposer and seconder. This must be from current Full or Life Members who are eligible to vote in respect of the position that they are proposing or seconding

Les Ward receiving ex-Trainer’s badge

BASI Trainers, Les Ward and Zoe Campbell retired at the end of this season after an amazing 58 years combined service. I would like to wish both Les and Zoe the very best for the future. Over their time as Trainers, they weathered many changes in how BASI operates, not least our change from a form based Association (set postures and manoeuvres) to a skills based one (being able to produce the correct outcome with varying inputs). They not only embraced these changes, but have been instrumental in their creation and delivery to the membership, through our courses. Both Les and Zoe have provided support and inspiration to many new Trainers, helping them along their pathway within the training body. Although they are leaving BASI as Trainers, they will both continue to instruct snowsports in the Three Valleys of France for many years to come; they remain hugely experienced and talented individuals and Members of BASI. On behalf of all the BASI membership, I would like to thank Les and Zoe for their hard work, commitment and great team spirit over the years. Thanks guys, we’ll miss you both. Roy Henderson, Training Manager.

• The proposer and seconder nominations must be received no later than 4pm on Friday 11 September 2015 • A résumé of no more than 150 words to go into BASI News and/or the website • A suitable, recent head shot photograph (no hats or goggles please) So there is plenty of time to give it consideration and, if you would like to discuss any of the roles and find out more about what is involved in serving as BASI Board Director, please feel free to contact the current Director from the Member Area by selecting “Board of Directors”. BASI NEWS ISSUE 118

BASI MEMBERS FEATURE

Skiing with Heroes

Mark Withington

experienced during the week was overwhelming. Each day, lunch was brought up to the mountain by a devoted and enthusiastic group of 15 local volunteers from the town who also accommodated the ski buddies in their houses, apartments and chalets (I shared with fellow BASI member Justin Wilson - another ski buddy on the trip). Prince Charles even interrupted his private holiday, to pay the veterans a visit. I spent the week with two amazing veterans, Derek and Martin, along with another ski buddy (Mr B) and a very patient Swiss Ski Instructor (Christine). Derek had his face, shoulder and knee rebuilt from titanium after an explosion nearly claimed his life and Martin carries spinal injuries. Most debilitating for both, and also a large number of the veterans, is the severe combat stress which they battle on a daily basis. The youngest veteran on the trip was 22 years old and the disabilities of others included brain injuries, spinal injuries, amputees, hearing/visual impairment, tetraplegia, moderate/severe post-traumatic stress syndrome, skin grafts, blast wounds and embedded shrapnel.

Rehabiliation through snowsports

In BASI News 117, Mark told us how his BASI course had given him the opportunity to apply to become an instructor with Skiing With Heroes. Mark has now completed his first trip with the charity and shares his experience.

Packed evening itineraries revolved around physio and massage sessions, meals with hosting families and restaurants and the obligatory beer or two. Recovery journeys, of some of the veterans, were emotionally retold to the group during some evening sessions, where veterans volunteered to describe their injuries, the aftermath and the impact on those around them. This proved a real eye-opener for many of the volunteers, as some described a small proportion of their and their familyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s suffering of post-traumatic stress disorder; from pulling over on car journeys to sweep the hard shoulder for land mines to dropping to the floor in supermarkets looking for trip wires; from not leaving the house for years to recurring nightmares and suicidal tendencies - their harrowing experiences highlighted their daily struggles which often go unsupported and unreported.

In March of this year, I had the pleasure of volunteering for the charity â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Skiing With Heroesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; as a Ski Buddy on their annual ski week in Klosters. We took a wonderfully diverse group of 26 injured war veterans on the trip, designed to use skiing as a physical and mental leveller for disabilities, to rebuild confidence in discharged forces personnel, whose lives have been shattered by physical injuries or mental scars from the Iraq and Afghan conflicts. A hard-working selection panel invited the 26 strong group of injured veterans from a heavily oversubscribed programme and what an incredible group they chose! Thankfully the logistics of getting this fantastic group on the same flight, from all over the country, overcoming their individual injuries and fears, was achieved by the frighteningly well organised Saran at SwH HQ. The 26 veterans were accompanied by an amazing team of approximately 50 other volunteers that included ski buddies, instructors, physios, psychiatrists, medics, committee members and local Klosters residents. The support that SwH receives in the resort is overwhelming and is a fantastic endorsement of the work they undertake and the results achieved. Hotel owners, rental shops, restaurants and local residents could not have made the 70 strong group feel more welcome. The generosity and kindness of spirit from the network of supporters 10

BASI NEWS ISSUE 118

Prince Charles visits Skiing With Heroes in Klosters

Since returning, some veterans have already managed to find employment, changed jobs, moved house and undertaken other challenges to raise funds for the End of Trip Race charity that helped them - some of these hurdles were insurmountable before the confidence they gained from I’ll be running the Birmingham half-marathon along trip. Others continue great work in schools, with the with another ski buddy (Grania), to accompany one youth offenders system or have been selected for the of the veterans who is participating on behalf of the Combined Services Disabled Ski Team, Invictus Games, charity. Foolishly, I’m in the ballot for next year’s London the Warrior Games in the US and many more other Marathon to run for SwH to continue fundraising to help achievements. fund mentoring and pain management programmes SwH also hold a two day business race event in Klosters for the veterans, so please do not hesitate to contact if anyone is interested in entering a team of 4 for some mark@kennethmorris.co.uk for further details, especially adrenaline fuelled fund raising. if you’re interested in helping the charity.

BASI NEWS ISSUE 118

BASI MEMBERS FEATURE

A memorable week in the sun ended with race day. Whilst my veterans cleaned up the prizes, more importantly, race day is when it became evident to everyone involved just how much progress the whole group had made. Seeing amputees, PTSD sufferers, partially sighted and paralysed skiers successfully negotiating a slalom course with confidence and freedom was a liberating joy to behold. The week achieved a new found confidence in everyone, from veterans, ski buddies and local volunteers, along with the formation of firm friendships and new support networks for some very vulnerable members of society. Whilst physical disabilities are very obvious, these seem to be the ones most likely to be overcome by these determined veterans, however, the battle against the mental traumas of war seem by far the most debilitating injuries, impacting on their broader families and a normal working life. This is where the hard work of rehabilitation now starts as the charity aim to assist their path back to employment with a mentoring programme.

BASI MEMBERS FEATURE

HAVE CONFIDENCE IN YOUR BASI TRAINING Jaz Lamb, BASI Trainers

’ Director

However, such a brutal culture is not true to BASI. In fact, as Trainers become more experienced and skilled at delivering BASI modules, they become more valuable to the Association. So, the intention behind this Trainers’ Technical QA is to ensure a minimum quality, not to get rid of people. If anyone is unsuccessful, they are supported to get better. They are given an action plan and an opportunity to return to prove they can ski to the required standard. If they do this within 12 months (during which time they will not be issued any courses) they will remain a Trainer, if they don’t, then they will not be able to remain on the Trainers’ list.

This article is to give you an insight into what goes on in the background to ensure that everyone attending BASI modules will experience quality, consistency and can have confidence in what BASI delivers and the levels set for assessment. The training body is one of the biggest assets available to BASI. Not only because of the exceptional talent and expertise each Trainer has in their individual disciplines, but also because of the depth of passion and commitment Trainers bring to the Association. There is so much that goes unseen in the background; this article is intended to give you an insight to ensure that every BASI Member has confidence in the quality and consistency of the BASI courses they attend.

Quality There are processes in place to ensure that whichever Trainer stands in front of you to deliver your course, you can be assured that you are getting the best training and fair, consistent assessment. See the article by Dr Peter Allison (118 and 119) on how this is being achieved in collaboration with Edinburgh University.

Quality Assurance Every Trainer has to undertake the Quality Assurance process every 3 12

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years in order to remain in the role. As Trainers, not only do we have to be able to coach, develop and educate instructors, but we also have to behave like all snowsport instructors and provide strong, accurate illustrations of performance. We’ve got to walk the walk, as well as talk the talk, or at least, ski the ski. Being able to do this requires a high minimum level of personal performance. In the same way that each BASI Member has to prove a minimum level of personal performance to obtain their qualification, each Trainer has to prove their competence in order to continue to deliver courses. The significant difference is that we have to do this every 3 years in a tough assessment environment. There is none of the support, coaching and guidance that you find Trainers providing to their students on BASI modules; Trainers are given just 3 runs to produce the goods with no feedback, no comments, and no comeback on their technical performance.

The culture in the training body has already changed. Some have admitted to allowing some complacency to set in and are now out working on their technical skills. Trainers are now much more conscious of having to perform above minimum standards. The teaching and delivery QA will start to be rolled out next winter (15/16). However the initial steps are already in place. If you have been on recent courses, especially the bigger autumn and spring courses, you may have seen a second Trainer coming to observe the group and the delivery of the course. This trainer support role provides many benefits that will be expanded on later in this article, but one thing that you may not appreciate, is that it also provides feedback to the Trainers on their delivery. See Becci Malthouse’s insightful article in BASI News 117 about the Trainers QA process.

Trainer Selection This process has also changed slightly for new Trainers being selected and joining the training body. The selection process was changed subtly but significantly. The focus of selection is firmly placed on the individual’s ability to educate snowsport instructors and the ability to develop peer performance and understanding of BASI’s core philosophies.

The clarity of task set and qualities required made it a very simple process to identify those who have the skills, knowledge and depth of understanding to become a valued BASI Trainer. It should be firmly pointed out that becoming a Trainer is not a right or natural progression from Level 4. Representing BASI as a Trainer is a job that requires a skills set, approach and perspective. BASI Trainer selection is a job interview where the required skills set, approach and perspective of the potential Trainer is tested and revealed.

Trainer Induction The second stage of the Trainer selection is an induction week. The purpose of this week is to educate the new Trainers in delivering the BASI product, to support them in being able to go out and deliver the courses consistently to the standards and qualities expected.

colleagues to make sure there is smooth communication between the groups. This communication happens both on and off the snow. Trainers have meetings before greeting their groups in the mornings to arrange the schedule for the day. They meet in the evenings, sometimes informally, just to chat and discuss groups’ and individuals’ development, often sharing ideas and approaches that may be more productive. They also convene formally, to look at video footage, not to judge whether a specific skier should pass or fail, but to observe a performance and justify why that run should be assessed as they say. These conversations and calibration exercises are often very challenging. Speaking up and expressing an opinion in a room of your peers can be a very vulnerable experience, but going through this process over and over again is making the training body a much stronger group. There is positive, healthy conflict, there are different opinions but, working through this, brings greater trust and respect and most importantly consistency.

Background Work

Hearing the conversations that go on in the calibration exercises and on the final day gives me great confidence in the training body and what BASI does. There are very difficult decisions to make, decisions that affect people’s professional careers and these decisions are not taken lightly. The time, effort and commitment to making the right decision is enormous, both in the background work to prepare for the final day, and also in the final moments of the course when borderline decisions have to be made.

Coordination and consistency has always been a very important theme for BASI. When there are multiple groups running, one Trainer will be appointed ‘Point Person’ with duties to coordinate their

We are human, and (often contrary to popular opinion) we are nice guys and girls – we’d love everyone to be good enough to pass. No Trainer enjoys having to fail people (or write the reports!) but it is an essential

Trainer Support At the bigger courses, experienced Trainers are being used to support and assist in Trainers delivering courses. This role is multi purpose. It is there to help facilitate communication between groups, to ensure that Trainers are working together, to help clarify the assessment levels across the groups, to ensure consistency of assessment across the groups and against the criteria and to provide individual support to Trainers when required.

part of our job and if we didn’t do it, we would not be upholding the standards set by BASI - and that would devalue the qualification for every BASI Member.

Resources Last, and definitely not least, is the volume of work that goes on behind the scenes to produce the BASI resources. Producing a manual is a massive job and ensuring that all resources are aligned with consistent information is a continual challenge that we still get wrong sometimes. All the resources are incredibly important and valuable and result from an enormous number of hours work; they are vital part of communicating to the membership on all courses and they are continually being reviewed, revised and updated. One of the new specific pieces of work that has just been introduced in Alpine are the PIAs. If you attended courses recently you may have seen paper copies of these “Performance Indicators and Actions’ in use. They are another layer of support information that can help on many levels but specifically, to further increase the consistent application of assessment criteria, and, as guidelines, on how to use our current tools to improve performance. We are now over two years into their development and they are just starting to appear on courses; they will appear in the resources in the near future!

BASI MEMBERS FEATURE

The SCQF framework has been used to clearly identify the qualities required of a Trainer and this provides a very clear framework for decisions to be made against.

I am proud, not just to be a part of the training body, but also to be able to work alongside such an extraordinary group with such diverse and exceptional talents. But even more than this, a group of people who are committed to BASI and are passionate and conscientious in ensuring that decisions are correct and the training provided is the best possible available, tailored to each and everyone in the group.

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BASI LIFE MEMBERS

LIFE MEMBERS Ian McMillan Born, raised and educated in Glasgow, Ian McMillan (68) graduated from the world renowned Glasgow School of Art in 1968 and it was during his post-graduate, fifth year of studies, at Jordanhill College, that he first experienced skiing on Cairngorm. Persuaded to go on a college ski trip by a classmate, Ian found the perfect antidote to the cancellation of rugby weekends, due to the hard winter of 1969, and discovered a new replacement sport. With the growth of outdoor education in the 1970s, Ian became involved in schools skiing, taking the Ski Party Leader qualification followed by, the then, BASI Grade 3. During five years as an art teacher and part time ski instructor, Ian also developed a reputation as an artist, exhibiting in several important group exhibitions and mounting one-man shows in leading art galleries. Winters skiing and summers painting seemed the perfect career path, and Ian started as a full time ski instructor with Ecole du Ski Francais in Isola 2000 in 1976, moving to The Ski Ecole International in Flaine the following year, after passing his BASI Grade 2. He remained in Flaine for the next four winters, passing his Grade 1 during this time. He became a BASI Trainer in 1981. Accepting offers to illustrate ski articles and books, Ian found an alternative in the ski industry, progressing to writing widely about skiing in the national press and launching his own magazine “Skiing UK” in 1985. Just as French restrictions on foreign qualified ski instructors led him into ski journalism, the revolution in “desk-top” publishing opened up opportunities in graphic design and he launched Front Page Design Ltd. Now only a few months from its 25th anniversary, Ian remains as Chairman, having sold his controlling shares in the business to the current management. Life has come full circle for Ian. Having established a Glasgow city centre studio for painting and digital artwork, and, based on recent good snow seasons in Scotland, he has bought a season ticket for Cairngorm and is planning as much slope time as he can. “It’s great to have achieved this ‘Life Membership’ award and to have a continuing connection with BASI,” says Ian. “I have maintained an interest over the years, and, because of the combination of skiing and my art training I have had, and still have, a fantastic level of freedom to make choices in my life.”

Evelyn MacLean Evelyn’s first ever ski holiday was to Zermatt in 1958, and she can still remember vividly how magical it was arriving there as a child, getting whisked off on a horse-drawn sleigh through the village to the chalet. “I have to thank my late Mum and Dad, Helen and Alex Carmichael for 14

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their adventurous and determined spirit, introducing their family to the amazing world of skiing; all of whom have had a career in skiing, from British Team, Scottish Team to ISTD BASI Members;- aka Helen Carmichael, Stevie Carmichael et moi!”, comments Evelyn. Evelyn grew up on the outskirts of Glasgow, and every weekend during the winter season she headed to Glencoe with the family, plodded across the plateau of Meall a Bhuiridh, where they spent their days free skiing; and in holiday periods, it was race training organised by Frith (Finlayson) with the Glencoe Ski Club. Race training became more intense, she went to Wengen and trained with the DHO (Downhill Only Club). Skiing was now a very big part of her family’s life, so they headed north in 1967 and made their home in Aviemore. Evelyn began working with Cairdsport on Cairngorm in 1969 and became a BASI Member, passing the then Grade 3 in 1971 with Ali Ross, and the following season she passed Grade 2, again with Ali Ross as Trainer. It was 20 years later in Les Deux Alpes in 1992, when she passed her Grade 1. In the meantime, she was still working with Cairdsport and her husband- to- be, Arthur (MacLean), tried to poach her for Badenoch Ski School, but Derek (Brightman) would have none of it! Later, she did work part time for Badenoch, then in 1982, Evelyn began her long service of 14 years with Joint Services Mountain Training Centre, Kingussie. In the early days, working with them on Cairngorm, under the watchful eyes of BASI Trainers Ian Baxter and Jimmy Smith and then on JSMTC training courses in France, Austria & Bavaria, were all amazing experiences for Evelyn. For the last 18 years, she has been working in the 3 Valleys, firstly in Meribel and now at Supreme Ski School in Courchevel. Evelyn comments: “My career has been blessed as I find myself happily still involved, working with dear friends in the skiing industry and my ‘Ski Family’ is now in its 4th generation. I am extremely proud to have received my BASI Life Membership.”

Alan Hamer Alan was born in Manchester just after the Second World War and his family moved to Bournemouth in 1952. Living in a big house on the sea front was a lot different from Salford, and he enjoyed the freedom and easy access to the beach enormously. Later, after progressing through higher education, he began a career in the Water Industry as a water and environmental scientist. In the mid 1970’s, newly married, Alan and his wife moved to Chandlers Ford in Hampshire. Persuaded by a friend who was going skiing the following winter, they went to Southampton Ski Centre to learn to ski. He comments: “It would be fair to say that enthusiasm exceeded ability by a big margin but after a week in Sauze D’Oulx for £99, the two had balanced up a bit. Returning to Southampton dry slope, skiing became a major sport and hobby for us and we joined the ski school as Trainee Instructors, qualifying as ASSI’s in 1982.”

Officer. However, he somehow managed to collide with the fencing during a raging white-out (the fence is still there today) and ended up with the Queen’s physician in Ballater! That almost put him off skiing, but he thankfully persevered and has recently returned from two weeks at Victoria Barracks in Ballater delivering qualifying courses for the Army at Lecht and Glenshee - nothing’s changed in 43 years apparently, not even the lifties.

So began a life changing experience, starting at Solden in 1988, where he did the first of many BASI courses, with John Picket as Trainer, who was tough but very fair on the course participants. A couple of years later, Kenny Dickson and Alan Hole passed Alan’s first attempt at the then BASI Grade 3 exam. Something one of them said after the course presentation has always stuck with Alan: “Always remember you’re not teaching skiing, you’re teaching people”. This is a subtle difference in words but a very important difference in approach, which he’s tried to adhere to throughout his second career as an Instructor.

He comments: “My BASI qualifications (both Alpine and Nordic) have given me the opportunity to teach at the highest level around the world. I have especially fond memories of working with many instructors within BASI - Arthur McLean (singing and playing with the Trampies in the Winking Owl and Red MacGregor remember those days guys?), Jimmy Smith, John Gardiner Jnr, the late George Shields, Andy Lockerbie, to name but a few. Also from the BASI/Joint Services set-up - Stewart McNeish, Dougie McGill, Ewan Martin, Tim Davies, Mac Mackay and Glyn Shepard. I recently attended an ISIA refresher course in Verbier with the young guns and thoroughly enjoyed it, despite being the grandfather of the group!”

That career started in the late 1990’s when Alan was able to take early retirement from his job as Water Treatment Manager for Southern Water. Alan and Sue went back into dry slope teaching at Southampton, and also worked for Interski, SkiClass and Ski2 in Italy, Austria and Switzerland, doing one or two weeks at a time in different resorts, for several years. For the last 14 years they’ve also both been actively involved in coaching the very enthusiastic over 50’s group at Southampton Snow Sports Centre. Recently, they’ve been spending the winters in Tignes as a part of the seasonal expat community of keen skiers, including Alan Hole who Alan is privileged to say has remained a good friend since they met in Solden on his first BASI exam. Alan comments: “Now with active skiing careers behind us, BASI has honoured both my wife and I with Life Membership and we are delighted to receive it in recognition of our small but very satisfying contribution to skiing.”

BASI LIFE MEMBERS

After several years of part time teaching, his wife Sue became a full time Instructor at Southampton and Christchurch Ski Centres, and joined BASI in 1987. She quickly convinced Alan of the value of the BASI qualification, suggesting that if he ever took early retirement from his scientific career, they could both take up ski instruction, which he found a very appealing prospect but one which he did not, at that time, believe could ever be fulfilled.

Mike moved to Blairgowrie almost nine years ago and is now a fully-fledged freelance adventurer. His diary continues to fill up with various teaching trips in France, Norway, the Himalayas, jungle environments and more exotic places like Aviemore, where he first qualified. He is still a part of the Services as a Distributed Trainer and even now requests are coming forward for 2015/16. “I was delighted to receive my BASI Life Membership status - indeed I intend to somehow sew the gold metal badge onto my jacket I am so afraid of losing it! My sincere thanks go to BASI for giving me the opportunity to show it off on the slopes; it has turned a number of heads already”, comments Mike.

Mike Mooney Mike grew up in Snowdonia and has always had an affinity with the mountain environment. Being rather fed up chasing sheep, he joined the Welsh Guards then transferred to the Royal Army Physical Training Corps. Initially an international athlete and semi-pro footballer, Mike developed his outdoor and adventurous activities during his military career and skiing became a passion. He eventually qualified with BASI (Nordic and Alpine) and achieved ISIA status. He undertook postings to Norway and Germany, which opened up opportunities for him to teach in America, Canada, France, Austria and Germany and more recently, a biathlon race training camp in Sweden. Mike’s first experience of skiing was at Glenshee as an eager 24 year old, trying to impress his Commanding BASI NEWS ISSUE 118

BASI FEATURE

BASI Welcomes Chinese Delegation to the UK In May, BASI’s Chief Executive, Andrew Lockerbie and Membership & Marketing Manager, Tania Alliod met with I - Snow Snowsports of China to explore the possibility of the BASI teaching and qualification pathway being adopted for use in China. The Chinese delegation led by Byron Chen (Marketing Manager), Qian Wu (Operations Manager), Beard Xu Left to (Instructor) and Susan Chen (Consultant) travelled to Xu, Qiaright: Susan Chen, Byron Chen, Tania Alliod, Bo n Wu, Andrew Lockerbi wen e the UK to meet and discuss all aspects of the BASI qualification pathway, BASI’s Approved Ski School Quality Assurance Scheme and the Snowlife Scheme. Further discussions are planned over the summer. This is an exciting project in so many ways as China’s public interest in snowsports is in the early growth phase and China is also bidding for the 2022 Winter Olympics. I Snow Snowsports’ aim is to train instructors to meet the Chinese domestic market’s snowsports learning needs and to adopt a training system that is based on safety, enjoyment and learning. Chinese plans also include the opportunity for an instructor exchange programme – so start brushing up on your Chinese language skills! Bowen Xu and Byron Chen remained in the UK and took part in the BASI Snowboard Level 1 Instructor course that ran at the Snow Centre in Hemel the week following the meeting. Byron undertook the role of observer and interpreter and Bowen was put through his paces by BASI Snowboard Trainer Lyndon Boddey. Bowen Xu successfully completed the Level 1 course and is set to become the first Chinese national qualified BASI Instructor.

Lyndon with the Snowboard Level 1 Group round!

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at Hemel in May. Passes all

Byron (right) and Bowen (left)

Wigwam announces sponsorship deal with the British Association of Snowsport Instructors. Performance sock brand Wigwam has announced a new sponsorship agreement with the British Association of Snowsport Instructors (BASI). The partnership forms part of its intensive efforts to push forward into the UK market this year, propelled by the appointment of Hej International as European distributor. The agreement sees Wigwam support BASI at the Interski Congress 2015, the world’s biggest Snowsport Congress developed to share knowledge of ski teaching techniques. In addition, and in return for promotion across the Association’s communication materials, BASI’s members (including Wigwam athlete and member of Great Britain’s Ski Cross team, Pam Thorburn) will be able to enjoy exclusive offers on products from the sock expert’s extensive range of high-performance, ski and snowboarding socks. Founded 110 years ago and currently US no.2, Wigwam is a 4th generation, family-run company renowned for its products’ quality and performance. As well as offering a highly-recognisable ‘seal of approval’, the agreement with BASI provides excellent exposure in the snowsport market; something which Hej International identified as a superb tool to help in its attempts to replicate Wigwam’s US success across the UK and into Europe.

Hej International Director, Linda Torstensson, commented; “We are delighted to forge such a strong link between Wigwam and BASI. Offering a perfect fit with Wigwam, BASI represents the pinnacle of British snowsport instructors. Its endorsement is a huge testament to the socks’ quality and performance. We are working hard to build brand awareness in the UK and being associated with prestigious organisations like BASI will no doubt prove an invaluable tool”. Nick McKelvey from BASI added; “At BASI we strive to provide the highest quality training and support for snowsport instructors. Part of this includes linking our members up with the latest and ultimately, the best clothing and equipment. We are very pleased to have partnered with such a well-established and renowned brand as Wigwam and I am sure our members will enjoy the benefits of this collaboration”. The Wigwam Pro Deal will be open to members by 1st September and we will make sure to give you all reminder when it is available.

BASI MEMBERS DEAL

A Cool Deal for BASI

For more information about Wigwam visit www.wigwam. com or find Wigwam on Twitter @WigwamUK. To learn more about BASI go to www.basi.org.uk or to follow the BASI Interski Team got to www.basiinterski.org.uk

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BASI FEATURE

INTERSKI ARGENTINA 2015 – THE TRIP OF A LIFETIME… Places still available for this trip! 28th AUGUST 2015 – 14th SEPTEMBER 2015 by World Class Skiing With over 800 delegates from 35 countries preparing to take part in Interski 2015, World Class Skiing is organising a programme for Members and friends to be part of this global ski instructor gathering with a spectacular itinerary to South America - that will include the Interski gathering in Ushuaia. WCS is celebrating its 24th year by taking an adventure! We are proud to be visiting the 2015 INTERSKI Congress in Ushuaia Argentina and supporting BASI and associates whilst we are there. The 16 day trip will be a whirlwind tour of Argentina and the sights it has to offer; a four centre adventure with

at least 10 days skiing in different ‘once in a lifetime’ resorts. The adventure begins on 28th August 2015 with a flight to Buenos Aires in South America! After an evening enjoying the delights of Argentine cuisine and the Tango we depart on our journey… Bariloche is where we will spend 4 + days skiing at the Cerro Catedral area with its fantastic views and exciting terrain. Whilst staying in Bariloche, with its bustling town centre by the lake, you can take in the excitement of the city. Eating out will be great; there are many places to choose from. Also it wouldn’t be complete without a visit to one of National Geographic’s voted ‘Best Views in the World’. To ensure we gain the most from our South American visit we will be visiting a real Estancia, the Estancia Huechahue, where Jane Williams will welcome us for a few days to sample the authentic Argentina and its fantastic Patagonian vistas. Here you can relax, walk, or horse ride and take in the atmosphere. After all, you are surrounded by 15,000 beautiful acres! Jane farms this vast expanse with the help of a team of Gauchos who ride the steppe shepherding the

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cattle and sheep in this huge area. The Estancia is self-sufficient and is pretty isolated; great for star gazing at night! During our stay we hope to have a mystery two day ski tour, perhaps over the border to Chile? Details will be confirmed as soon as we know more. We then return to Bariloche airport to take a flight to the southernmost city in the world, USHUAIA! Here we have five days of skiing this amazing area and viewing the impressive INTERSKI Congress where the world’s skiing nations will be demonstrating some dynamic presentations and holding various workshops. This is truly a life time experience, especially in this amazing location. Last, but certainly not least, Ushuaia. Geographically it’s at the southern tip of the South American continent (next stop Antarctica) a unique location with its harbour, penguins, boat trips, and a mountain with the world’s best ski nations attending and performing at a magnificent event. Only one question remains – what are you waiting for? There is so much to see and do in Argentina and somehow 16 days just does not feel like enough! An

BASI FEATURE

Argentinean steak meal for example will be a steak you will never forget by far the best there is. To ensure your peace of mind, we have teamed up with Travel Counsellors, a national network of travel advisors and facilitators who are ATOL protected and have packaged our adventure together to ensure a hassle free and exciting adventure. This means, when making your booking you will be entering into an agreement with Travel Counsellors and you will benefit from all the security that provides.

LOCATION AND HOTEL INFORMATION When in Argentina, the accommodation is listed below by area. If this accommodation is not available, similar standard accommodation will be booked. Rooms are on a shared basis. Should you require single rooms, a supplement will be applicable.

Buenos Aires Nights of 30th August and 12th September (total of 2 nights) Accommodation at the Design Suites or similar. www.designsuites.com

Bariloche 30th August to 3rd September (total of 3 nights)

the booking at any time, you should be able to claim this back (this does depend on your own policy and is not the responsibility of World Class Skiing Ltd).

What is in the price? • International return flights from London Heathrow to Buenos Aires • Internal Argentina flights • All transfers from airports to hotels. Transfers not included from hotels to ski resorts and travel once at a location

Accommodation at the Edelweiss or similar. www.edelweiss.com.ar

• Shared accommodation

Argentina Patagonia

• Ski performance coaching

3rd September – 7th September (total of 4 nights)

What’s not included? Lift passes, lunchtime or evening meals unless listed in the itinerary, additional excursions we may wish to take advantage of at the different venues (these may then include evening and/or lunchtime meals).

Accommodation at Estancia Heuchahua. www.huechahue.com

Ushuaia 7th September – 12th September (total of 5 nights) Accommodation at the Hotel Mil810 or similar. www.hotel1810.com

• Breakfast at accommodation

Looking forward to seeing you on our adventure!

Balance required 12 weeks prior to departure – £3,089 Please note: as internal flights must be paid for in full at the time of booking, you must have a valid passport and relevant travel insurance in place before paying your deposit. Should you have to cancel

The deposit of £1,360.00 should be made payable to’ World Class Skiing Ltd’ directly by bank transfer. Bank details will be forwarded upon request. Please note, payment can be made via credit card, however, this will attract a 3.5% fee. No reservation can be confirmed without the booking form completed in full and returned to us.

Book Here! http://ski.world-class-skiing.com/ wp-content/uploads/2011/08/ Booking-Form-and-TCArgentina-2015.pdf By clicking this link you will open the booking form and the terms and conditions page from which you can download the complete form. Trip organised by: World Class Skiing Ltd. Address for correspondence: Merrilies, Polhearne Lane, Brixham, Devon. TQ5 9LE

ARGENTINA 2015 ITINERARY

Total price – £4,449 Deposit required on booking by BACS – £1,360.

To Book!

FLIGHT INFORMATION DATE

DEPARTURE AIRPORT

DEPARTURE TIME

ARRIVAL AIRPORT

ARRIVAL TIME

28.08.15

London Heathrow

22.25

Buenos Aires

08.10*

30.08.15

Buenos Aires

13.45

Bariloche

16.10

07.09.15

Bariloche

11.00

Ushuaia

14.40

12.09.15

Ushuaia

20.20

Buenos Aires

23.48

13.09.15

Buenos Aires

12.55

London Heathrow

06.10*

* denotes flight arrival is on the following day %% Internal Argentina Flights

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BASI FEATURE

BASI INTERSKI Presenting the Sponsor Line Up Nick McKelvey

available on our website in the coming months. We’ll keep you updated when this is available. making a major commitment by supplying the team with that latest lab boots, skis and poles and snazzy trainers for off snow. Over the past nine months the BASI office team has been working tirelessly to pull together a strong pool of sponsors for the BASI Interski Team who will travel to Ushuaia, Argentina at the end of August to take part in the Interski Congress 2015. As the departure date gets closer and closer we are pleased to announce that we have sourced a range of sponsors who have committed to supporting the team with a range of products and services. A big thank you to all our generous sponsors who have come forward to support the BASI Interski Team 2015. The team suits have been provided by BASI supplier, Avalanche. The suits include full outer wear and a white mid layer puffer jacket similar to the jackets worn by current BASI Trainers. These mid layers will become a vital part of the team uniform as they will be embroidered with all the sponsors’ logos and will be worn when travelling as well as at all the off snow events. BASI has been working with Avalanche for three years now as they are the current supplier for BASI Trainer uniforms. As we have come to expect from Avalanche, the clothing provided is of the highest quality and looks fantastic. A number of our long standing Pro Deal suppliers have also offered support with Icebreaker providing base layers for the team and Salomon 20

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10 Peaks will be providing the entire Interski delegation with gloves and we are happy to say they have also committed to running a Pro Deal for BASI members in 2015/16. This new member offer is already up and running and you can find it in the members’ area of the BASI website. From hands to feet, Wigwam Socks, a family owned company from the USA, will provide the delegation with the ultimate in ski sock performance. They too have also agreed to come on board as a Pro Deal supplier. The member deal will be launched in September, so keep an eye on your members’ area for details. Head protection and eye wear is sponsored by Neon Optics, an exciting Italian brand providing; helmets, goggles and sunglasses. Solutions4feet will undertake the perfect boot fit with insoles provided by Sidas UK and Datawax has kindly supplied servicing equipment for the team as well as providing shirts. Obviously it is important that the team look as good off the hill as they do on it, so with this in mind, Norwegian clothing supplier Odlo has agreed to come on board, providing casual clothing for the team to wear around town and at official events. Odlo will also be coming on board as a Member Pro Deal supplier and will produce a limited edition BASI branded clothing range which will be

Once the team have collected all their shiny new equipment and clothing, they will need something to carry it in. UK based company Snokart will be providing the team with luggage bags, making sure all the equipment makes it to Argentina. Dogtag Insurance, providers of the BASI members’ travel insurance product are not only providing travel insurance for the entire delegation to South America for the event, but they are contributing also to the off snow clothing requirements for the team. Finally, BASI business partners BASS has provided a sponsorship donation towards the cost of attending the Interski Congress. Pointy Hill Productions is providing video film and editing support so that we have an exciting visual story of the event to share with the membership. Remember you can keep up with the Interski Team on the dedicated web site page at www.basiinterski.org.uk/blog/ In total, the market value of the sponsorship is valued at £35,500 from all the sponsors’ and we are very grateful to them all for their support. The sponsorship cycle is a three year one for Interski and we look forward to showcasing the sponsor brands, their services and products. We hope this relationship will continue to grow over the next few years as we look towards Interski 2019. If you would like to get involved with Interski or BASI, as a sponsor or supplier, then please do get in touch; we will be happy to work with you to ensure that both parties benefit from the relationship.

BASI FEATURE

TEAM 2015

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BASI FEATURE

European Ski and Snowboard School, Les Deux Alpes; France’s first BASI Approved Ski School

Who is the BASI Approved Ski School Quality Assurance Programme aimed at?

instructor team always deliver the best possible lesson experience.

The BASI Approved Ski School Quality Assurance Programme is aimed at two key audiences:

European Ski School Director, Jeremy Edwards said;

ESS works closely with a number of major British tour operators to provide carefully tailored instruction for guests and independent bookings too. ESS works also with the Ski Club of Great Britain, delivering instruction for their Freshtracks holidays.

1. Any organisation or venue which promotes, sells, organises and delivers snowsports instruction directly to the public, schools and / or groups and directly contracts or employs instructors. Typically these include:

“We are extremely proud to have been awarded the kite mark ‘BASI APPROVED SKI SCHOOL’. The application and assessment process proved to be an exciting opportunity to fine-tune our existing business and customer service model to rigorous BASI standards.

They offer tuition in skiing, snowboarding, telemarking, freestyle and off-piste/freeride. In Les Deux Alpes, the La Grave-La Meije offpiste area is on the doorstep, and the School provide regular guided trips and high-mountain off-piste skiing in a spectacular environment.

• Artificial slopes or snow domes who provide instruction as part of their services

Becoming the first BASI approved ski school in France is a very important landmark for us in terms of recognition of all the hard work and commitment put in over the past years, seeking to provide a quality service for our British customers, whilst at the same time offering work and training possibilities to BASI members aspiring towards ISTD qualification.

The School is open both summer and winter, offering ski and snowboard lessons on the glacier, race training (Test Technique / Euro Test) camps and ski/snowboard freestyle camps in the largest summer snowpark in Europe. Les Deux Alpes too offers many other summer activities such as downhill mountain biking, rock climbing, white water rafting and much more.

BASI is thrilled to announce that on 2 April 2015, European Ski and Snowboard School, Les Deux Alpes, became the first BASI Approved Ski School to be accredited in France.

I would also like to take this opportunity to thank all instructors and staff members for their ongoing commitment and collaboration in helping us to develop and achieve this important result.” The team is led by Jeremy Edwards, BASI ISTD who has run the School successfully since setting it up in France in 1998. The multi-lingual instructing team consists of BASI ISTDs and top qualified instructors from other European nations. There are opportunities available for BASI ISTDs with a passion for teaching to join the team, and for those working towards their ISTD to benefit from the Sponsorship Programme run by the School. ESS prides itself in the quality, consistency and value of its ski and snowboard lessons at all levels. It is big enough to deliver a full range of group and private lessons for all ages and abilities – Snow Garden Kids to high-level adults – but small enough to ensure that the hand-picked 22

their ISTD with the support of the European Ski and Snowboard School, and they anticipate many more success stories in the future.

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ESS Sponsorship Programme The European Ski and Snowboard School believe it is important to support instructors progressing through the BASI system to reach their full potential. To this end, the Sponsorship Programme provides assistance, free of charge, to two instructors working towards their ISTD. This includes Eurotest/Test Technique training, access to our in-house instructor training and staff development and the possibility of working within the ski school in a non-teaching role whilst training. The programme also provides a fantastic opportunity to ski with and to shadow the team of top level qualified instructors which is great preparation for teaching and technical exams. ESS are quite rightly very proud of the success record of the Sponsorship Programme. To date over twenty five BASI members (including four current BASI Trainers) have achieved

• Commercial snowsport schools offering instruction to the general public

• Holiday companies arranging snowsports courses as whole or part of their holiday programme. 2. The general public, school and group organisers who are looking for snowsports lessons and instruction from a professionally accredited school. The BASI Approved Ski School kite mark is a quality assurance mark that they can ask for when looking for lessons.

Benefits of the BASI Approved Ski School Quality Assurance Programme Those who successfully complete the assessment process are permitted to use the BASI Approved Ski School quality assurance logo. This makes prospective customers aware that the school has passed the high standards of assessment required to become a BASI Approved Ski School. As BASI Approved Ski School Quality Assurance gains recognition and increased awareness it will become a significant driver in delivering clients for approved schools and create a strong link for BASI directly with the broader snowsports public.

If you would like more informatio n or would like to ap ply for your Scho ol to be inspected guidelines and ap please see the plication form he re:

www.basi.org.uk/ content/basi-app rovedski-schools.asp x

In order to access the current discounts your membership must be current for season 2015. BASI relies on the goodwill and generosity of the providers in supplying these discounts to Members, so we ask that you do not abuse them. Discount suppliers do conduct random checks with BASI Membership & Marketing department to ensure that users are legitimate BASI Members. Membership checks may be carried out by suppliers prior to order confirmations. Login to your Member’s area and click on ‘Member Pro Deal’ and ‘Member Discounts’ to access the offers. PLEASE NOTE: Offers are provided in good faith by suppliers and they should not be abused by Members as this may jeopardise future offers. Abuse includes but is not limited to: purchases for non personal use or on behalf of friends and family and purchase with the intent of reselling. These actions are unacceptable and may result in disciplinary action.

BASI NEWS ISSUE 118

BASI MEMBER PRO DEALS

BASI Member Pro Deals and Discounts 2015

BASI MEMBERS FEATURE Marvin with class

ZIMBABWE

to BASI Instructor How did that happen? Marvin Nyadzayo

I first spoke to BASI Member, Marvin Nyaszayo via a very poor Skype link early in 2015 but I managed to catch up with him in Andorra this March where he was on his BASI Level 2. With a huge disarming smile, you can’t help but like Marvin and the burning question I had to ask was how he got into skiing as snowsports wasn’t an obvious Zimbabwean pass-time…… “I was born in a town called Nyazura, in the Makoni District which is in the east of Zimbabwe in a rather mountainous region, so perhaps mountain air was in my DNA earlier than I realised. My family moved to Harare (Salisbury at the time) as my father had a teaching job there. Growing up I played a lot of football initially, which was pretty much the staple exercise for young Zimbabweans. It was the only sport that you could make up your own

BASI NEWS ISSUE 118

In secondary school I did a lot of middle distance running (8001500m), played basketball and rugby, eventually becoming a regular winger in the 3rd team rugby squad and ad hoc sub in the 2nd team. Unfortunately the athletics constantly conflicted with the rugby as I spent summer losing weight from all the running, then spent all winter, unsuccessfully, trying to pile it back on to make the rugby team. I came to the UK to do my Masters in Healthcare Management and Public Leadership jointly with University of Manchester and University of Birmingham. In 2008, while on a Masters sandwich course in Manchester, two colleagues on the same course invited me to join them and their friends on a ski trip. Initially I was worried it would cost a fortune, be freezing cold and was very reluctant but they assured me it was a wellplanned ‘budget trip’ so I signed up!

equipment; a few bags and lots of crumpled newspaper was usually enough to make a ball. When my father started his apprenticeship at the National Bank he moved us into a suburban town where the neighbours where far more diverse and I picked up a lot of the local or ‘western’ activities; skateboarding, BMX riding and what is now ‘X-games’ - much to my parents’ angst as they’d never seen any of these gadgets growing up. As I couldn’t afford all the new toys, I manufactured my own skateboard from bits I picked up in the neighbourhood and joined my school friends on the ride outs, usually returning with lots of road rash. I also spotted motocross on our first TV but the folks resolutely stomped on any ideas of motorcycles so it wasn’t till I arrived in the UK, and cleaned half the hospitals in Bedfordshire, that I had saved up enough to finally get a motorbike,

A few weeks later I was doing a crash course ‘Board in a Day!’ training programme at the Sno Zone in Milton Keynes to ensure I was snow ready for when we hit the slopes. The all-day training session was brilliant and exhausting, and I now know we essentially worked through the central theme for snowboarders; introductory activities, sliding, toe edge descent, heel edge descent, weight management and falling leaf exercises, progressing into first turns, linked turns and then mountain activities and getting onto the button lifts. By the end of the day, I was mentally and physically exhausted and slept like a log. The pre-holiday training proved useful as the following week I was on a long coach ride from London Victoria to Meribel with a mix of skiers and boarders of varied experience but all up for a good laugh. My first view of the mountains was amazing (and scary) as the slopes were nowhere near as straight and ‘safe looking’ as the simple Sno Zone run. Nevertheless I jumped in and slid and tumbled my way down the Altiport green run, collecting valuable experience and bruises along the way. By the end of day 2, things were starting to fall into place, the falls diminished and I was hooked.

Together, this amazing sensation of sliding and appropriately timed on piste bar stops helped me through the week and the après ski triggered many new friendships. On my return to London, I spotted a few last minute deals on the web from a number of Ski Tour Operators and week 2 was booked to Austria a few weeks down the line. Over the years I ended up taking 3-4 weeks of 1 week and weekend ski trips to any last minute resort deals I could find in the papers, Tube and on the web. Along the way, I’ve ventured to Mayerhofen, Kaprun, Brides les Bains, Les Menuires, Monte Bondoni, Paganella, Tignes, Val d’Isere, Zermatt and Meribel again. I have kept myself going by undertaking a lot of NHS projects and interim management roles during the summer and have used the last 2 winters to ski and do my BASI exams.

BASI MEMBERS FEATURE

much to my parents’ displeasure. My last bike got me round Europe on a 14-day tour, which was amazing.

I next stumbled on an instructor gap course run by SnoSkool and signed up for the BASI Alpine ski course as I’d heard you needed to do a competitive ski test to work in France. Little did I realise the complexity of the pathway that lay ahead! One that hopefully BASI will succeed in smoothing out with their ever developing curriculum. I managed to pass my Alpine Level 2 Teaching with SnoSkool and Parallel Lines but didn’t have enough skiing mileage to gain a Technical pass. This season past was spent teaching in Grimentz, Switzerland. The ski mileage went up along with my teaching experience, despite some considerable logistical issues with everything from accommodation to working permits. At the end of the season I felt I was ready and booked myself onto the BASI Level 2 exam and headed to Andorra where I recently passed my Technical re-sit. I’m now looking forward to doing my Snowboard Level 1 and possibly Level 2 then seeing which Level 3 course I’d be better suited to after another season of training. I’m looking forward to the next challenges and seeing how BASI cope with the complex EU laws they’re tackling to enable more snow sport enthusiasts the freedom of the European slopes. Thank you to everyone at BASI who I’ve encountered to date; for all your work and the fantastic level of training BASI provides. See you on the slopes!” BASI NEWS ISSUE 118

BASI FEATURE

Snow-Camp Apprentice Programme 2015 - the success continues BASI, in partnership with The SnowCentre at Hemel, continue to support Snow-Camp with their ‘Young Apprentice’ programme. We’re delighted to report that two apprentices from 2014, Stacey and Aaron, are now employed by Hemel SnowCentre and will be Snow-Camp instructors this coming year, which is such a positive outcome from the partnership. These two are great role models to the young people starting out with Snow-Camp in this year’s programme and shows that it is possible to secure employment within the snowsports industry through the Snow-Camp programme. Charlie, another former apprentice, has also achieved success and is now employed as a snowboard instructor working for SkiPlex in Chiswick. He continues to work with Snow-Camp and goes back to talk to the groups about his experience on the Snow-Camp programme and his new job at Chiswick, so there are high hopes for the new apprentices this year. The 2015 Snow-Camp Apprentice programme gets underway in June 2015 and Deana Irwin and Jasmine Jones will be taking their BASI Level 1. We’ll keep you informed of developments as the summer progresses. Apprentice, Jonjoe, had an amazing experience on his nine week BASI 1 & 2 course at the Warren Smith Academy in Verbier. He wrote a blog about his time away which you can read for yourself here: www.snow-camp. org.uk/programmes/youth-blogs/jonjoes-blog

Top: Jonjoe with

Pete Gillespie at the Snow Centre Hemel Jonjoe passed his Above: Aaron teachi ng BASI 2 at the end of the season and is now the highest qualified youth ski instructor to have come through the Snow-Camp Apprentice programme with BASI.

Stacey teaching

EUROTEST, TEST TECHNIQUE, INSTRUCTOR TRAINING

Tignes

SUMMER, WINTER & AUTUMN

Trainers include...

P lus... other current & former trainers

Supported by:

Emma Carrick-Anderson : 4 time Olympic Skier & current BASI Trainer Lee Townend : current ISIA BASI Trainer Mike Barker : former National Team Trainer

For further details Visit: www.snoworks.co.uk/pro.asp Tel: 0844 543 0503

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BASI MEMBERS FEATURE BASI NEWS ISSUE 118

Specially-negotiated travel insurance for BASI Members. To get a quote or buy online www.basi-insurance.com

BASI NEWS ISSUE 118