This year we’re very excited to be introducing a brand new Gap course to sit alongside our existing courses. The new course will run from January to March, and is a 10-week residential programme combining a ski instructor qualification with an off-piste course, aimed at competent skiers who are looking to improve their skiing whilst experiencing some of the world’s best freeride skiing in Verbier.
Who can join the new course?
Skiers applying for the course must be able to ski black runs and above, to enable them to get the most out of the course. The 10-weeks will involve skiing bumps, off-piste and other challenging terrain as well as some ski touring so will be best suited to those with at least moderate fitness who are looking for a challenge!
Sounds great … tell me more!
During the 10 weeks, participants will focus on off-piste skiing, mountain safety knowledge and awareness including avalanche training, and backcountry touring, as well as giving students the opportunity to gain their BASI 1 instructor qualification.
The course will run for 10 weeks Monday to Friday, although this may occasionally change due to weather conditions. Approximately 3 weeks of the course will involve training and undertaking the BASI level 1 exam, with 1-2 weeks shadowing within our ski school to gain the 35 hours needed for the BASI 1 qualification.
The remaining 5-6 weeks will be dedicated to the ‘off piste’ portion of the course. Sessions will involve technical training in how to improve participants’ off-piste skiing, ‘steep and deep’ training, glacier adventures and more!
Training will be delivered by Altitude’s own experienced and dedicated coaches, in addition it will include training from local mountain guides, BASI trainers and World Freeride Competitors.
Outcomes and Qualifications
On successful completion of the course, students will have gained their BASI level 1 ski qualification, which is a worldwide recognised qualification. In addition they will have completed an off-piste training course and learnt many new skills to help improve their freeride skiing and to ride safely in the back country.
Why would I choose the off-piste course rather than the existing Gap course?
Whilst our existing course is aimed at those wanting to qualify as a ski instructor in BASI 1 and 2, and look to work as an instructor in the future, we have also found that more and more students are looking to do a gap course to undertake professional training to improve their skiing whilst gaining qualifications at the same time.
This freeride course is the perfect opportunity to get the best of both worlds, and gain qualifications and knowledge in how to teach and instruct, whilst experiencing some incredible off-piste skiing and making memories to last a lifetime.
Being based in Verbier gives us access to some of the world most renowned freeride runs, so there literally couldn’t be a better place to take part in such an experience.
How can I book?
The course will run from 7th January 2017 – 17th March 2017, and cost £ 8,750, the same as our existing Gap Course.
For more information on what’s included in the cost, check out our page here or email info@altitude-futures.com for more information or to sign yourself up!
