By Killian O’Brien – Winner of the Altitude Futures ‘King/Queen of the Gap Course’
It’s difficult to put into words how much I have enjoyed the ten week Gap course. I can only say that I made some great friends, had some unbelievable days skiing and the experience, itself, has made me realise that I want to make a career as a ski instructor.
Perfect snow conditions in Verbier
There were some parts of the course that stood out in particular. To begin with, the snow conditions throughout this period were near perfect. To have that amount of snow for the ten weeks I was in Verbier and to get to ski for sixty seven of the seventy days was an absolute dream. This was also a very rewarding time for me. Not only personally, because I got to see my own skiing improve more than I could have imagined but also to actually work as an instructor for a week. I have always enjoyed trying to explain a skill or a piece of information to another person and I loved doing the same with one of my favourite sports. As a side note, I still think it’s great that you can get a croissant after a night out in Verbier. One of the many brilliant aspects of this resort.
BASI Level 2 Exam and the award
The final part of this experience was an award which we knew about since we arrived in Verbier at the start of the course: King/Queen of the Gap. A free pair of skis, one thousand Swiss Francs and a guaranteed job for next season. A pretty substantial prize. The day the prize was due to be handed out was our final day of the BASI Level 2 ski instructor exams so I had nothing in my head other than passing that exam. I was so relieved that so many of us had passed, I would have been happy to have left the next day with that but to meet up with instructors and all the other ‘gappies’ at the pub after and find out I had won was amazing. What was even better was how supportive and pleased my friends were for me that I had got the prize. We had a great time at the pub after with everyone in such high spirits and with the sun setting in the background it was one of those I moments I won’t forget.
Thanks to everyone for a wonderful time, see you next season!
Author
Killian O’Brien
