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    Peak Leaders have teamed up with BASI to run an Alpine development race coach programme in Switzerland. 2009 Course dates: 15 - 28 Nov 09 (2 weeks). Who is the course for? The course will deliver level 1 and level 2 Alpine Development Coach and is ideal for strong skiers or better who want to acquire the skills to set courses and coach team members. On the way, individual racing performance will be enhanced. The course is full on for 2 weeks. Cost: The course costs £3050 pp. This includes training, accreditations, food and accommodation, lift pass but not travel to/from Saas Fee. Contact: For further information call David at Peak Leaders Scotland on 0044 1 337 860 079 or email david@peakleaders.com        

When I first saw the Peak Leaders course I had been contemplating a career break for about a year at least. In my search for this ‘new direction’ I stumbled across a book entitled ‘Gap Years for Grown ups’ (being thirty-three this seemed quite apt for me!). In this book was a chapter on ‘Specialist courses’, more specifically, skiing, which led me to find Peak Leaders amongst various other companies. It was in March that I decided to make the break and at that time, the winter seasons seemed a long way off. I then realized that Peak Leaders were offering courses in New Zealand and Argentina in the summer months. This was an ideal opportunity for me as I could train for the BASI qualification in the summer, then be set up to find work in the winter seasons in North America and Europe. Fantastic! 

Definitely I chose the right place. I don’t think anything could have prepared me for how spectacular the scenery was. Patagonia really is a special place. The people are also so friendly and hospitable which makes a difference when visiting or living in a foreign country. The accommodation and its’ surroundings were also superb. You can ski or instruct anywhere at anytime, but to have that experience of training in Argentina was a much better all round experience by far.