Page 115 - Mind, Body and Spirit Online Edition

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ALPINE SKIING – THE PATH TO BECOMING A SKI INSTRUCTOR

Sgt (SI) A Hogarth RAPTC

W
hen you think of Alpine Skiing you an increasing proportion of time in an off- can instruct up to 8 beginners in a piste
may imagine colourful 80’s one piste environment and, using previously environment and in certain circumstances
piece ski suits and the “après learnt uphill techniques, complete a award SF1, therefore a very worthwhile
ski scene” however, skiing in all forms number of ski tours in the back country qualiication to spend time achieving.

has a long tradition in the military and is away from the conines of a ski resort.
a well recognised medium for achieving These tours often reach substantial The higher level awards in the scheme
the aims of Adventurous Training. This alpine summits and, combined with are focused on ski touring and ski
has become even more evident after the an exhilarating descent, are extremely mountaineering where you will ind

rewrite of the Joint Services Adventurous rewarding. Here students also learn the yourself in some very adventurous places,
Training (JSAT) Ski Scheme which has necessary administration skills to look bringing together skills and qualiications
an increased focus from the foundation after themselves in what can be a very from all the mountaineering disciplines
level courses on ski touring in an Alpine challenging and dangerous environment within JSAT. Ski Concentrations run from

environment. This essentially means due to extreme weather inluences. The the Alpine Training Centre in Bavaria are
students participating in the irst course steep alpine terrain and the constant a great opportunity to further your ski
on the scheme, known as Ski Foundation threat from avalanches mean being touring experience after SL1 and gain
1 (SF1), learn to ski with a view to using a competent member of the team is these higher level awards.
these skills on simple off-piste runs and essential. Often these skills are more akin

quickly progress onto learning uphill ski to winter mountaineering and provide a If you are interested in learning to ski or
techniques. This clearly adds a physical direct transition of skills to and from this enhancing your existing skills, perhaps
element in addition to learning a technically environment; this may spark an interest with the view to becoming a ski instructor,
dificult activity which can be very mentally for people to complete a course on the visit the ATG(A) website for course dates

challenging, which I’m sure anyone who JSAT Winter Mountaineering Scheme. or take a look at the JSMTC Facebook
has learnt to ski will testify.
Students also get to spend time polishing page which also shows any last minute
their on-piste ski performance, the aim course vacancies. Just remember your
Through the second and third foundation being to prepare them to complete the shades and suncream!

level courses (SF2 and 3) students spend
Ski Leader 1 course (SL1) after which they