Week 3 of the Peak Leaders ski instructor training in Argentina had the trainees officiating an FIS race, experiencing peace and love at a hippy village, and sending CV’s out for next winter’s job hunt! Our course leader Steve reports in …

Week 3 already …

We’ve just competed the third eventful week of the Argentina ski instructor training course here in Bariloche.

The week started strongly at Cerro Catedral as the trainees were lucky enough to be skiing fresh powder on Monday!

Always amazing to wake to fresh snow on the mountain

Over the first few days we had fantastic conditions to practise and improve our skiing, utilising the accurate feedback from video analysis at the end of last week with Agustin Torres, Peak Leaders trainer and former Argentinian Olympian.

Remember to check our instagram for all the latest pics @peakleaders

Race is on

Coinciding with the fresh snow and perfectly groomed pistes, we had the unique opportunity to be race officials at an under 16’s FIS slalom and GS races over Monday and Tuesday.

Race officiating in the sunshine

Each of us were allocated 4 or 5 gates with the responsibility of ensuring any racers who didn’t pass the gate correctly would be disqualified.

The level of performance from these local racers was so good that it proved a challenge to spot mistakes at high speed!

Daily briefings from the team leaders

Each week we have two designated team leaders who are tasked with delivering a daily brief including the weather forecast and ensuring that everybody has the correct equipment for the day.

This week Amy and Luke had the treat of delivering their daily brief to a (supposedly pretend) group of five-year olds.

Being super enthusiastic especially first thing in the morning is an essential part of being a ski instructor.

Occasionally our daily briefs include special seminars prepared by trainees.

Week 3 had some very interesting and engaging sessions from Ellie (bio-mechanics) and George (sidecut and cambers – and their affect on turn shape and radius).

Studying and stretching

Throughout the week the trainees here have been studying their BASI manuals with Jorge and Tety, our local trainers, and putting the new found knowledge into practise on the slopes.

Spanish lessons and stretching sessions continue to prove useful after long days on the snow.

One of our trainees, Bertie, stepped up and ran a stretching session for the group this week.

Very impressive for a first timer.

On the hunt for next winter’s jobs

Evenings after training have been packed full of useful seminars in El Retorno.

Ivan, course director and former Olympian, delivered an interesting  (and somewhat essential) session on ski maintenance.

Round 2 of ‘Stevie’s CV’s’ (employment seminar) has seen everybody utilise Peak Leaders fantastic links with ski schools around the world.

Trainees have already started sending off their freshly constructed CV’s in order to secure their first season of employment.

We’ll keep you updated on that one.

Another Argentina ski adventure

On Thursday we ventured to the nearby ski resort of Perito Moreno for a bit of a ski adventure!

On the way back we visited the nearby town of El Bolson – a quirky little place inhabited by hippies who moved from Buenos Aires in the 70’s.

Even trees need some peace and love

Strolling around the local market (which had almost as many dogs as people!) was a welcomed break after a tough week of training.

Wine tasting and local platters

Friday saw the first wine tasting session at Cava Sur on the edge of Cerro Catedral.

This was a huge hit with all who attended because of the amazing wines on offer and the massive platters of local meats and cheeses.

Just one more glass? Go on then!

However, Friday night wouldn’t be complete without the traditional asado (bbq) at El Retorno!

Cook out Fridays at Asado-hut

Incredible meat, great atmosphere and red wine by the fire is always one of the most popular parts of the course.

Relax before …

This weekend has been very relaxing – the first of our weekly yoga sessions made everyone so relaxed that we had to postpone soccer until next week as they were all staring into space, smiling whilst half asleep.

Yoga relaxed to the max on the shores of El Retorno

Some trainees visited the local climbing wall at La Luna.

Will I make the “Mission Impossible” move?

While others mustered up the energy to try snowboarding.

They must be preparing their second discipline for BASI level 3 already!

… BASI exam time!

With the imminent arrival of the BASI trainers next week (the BASI Alpine Level 1 course will start on Monday 17 August 2015), we’re all set here in Bariloche.

Everyone is ready to impress and put our new found skills to the test!

Peak Leaders has ski instructor courses starting pre-season in Saas Fee (Switzerland) and St Anton (Austria), plus winter courses in Morzine (France) and Verbier (Switzerland).

For a chat about any of our courses get in touch here.