Let's try and answer your questions!
Deciding to commit to a Ski Instructor course can appear to be daunting enough and you may have many questions. Don't forget we (and many others) have also been through the situation to achieve our goals so we are easily able to help you with any questions or concerns you may have. Whilst it would be impossible to show all the questions (and answers) we have been asked we have listed below a selection of the most frequently asked questions and answers. If you have any specific questions that are not listed here, please feel free to skimail us. as we are more than happy to give you the information you needWhy choose us?
There are many providers who run Ski Instructor courses, however when you book a course with The Edge Clinic, you book a course that is run by Instructors for Instructors. Here are just a few of the reasons to choose The Edge Clinic over some of the other tour operators who run similar courses.
We are a BASI Partner and the team of people that coach and manage the course own the company and are passionate about what they do, rather than being representatives who are just there for the season.
This is really important as if there are any problems or concerns while you are on the course, it really matters to us that we resolve them effectively.
We are not a tour operator.
We have a great team and support network.
At our office we have a member of staff who is there everyday to help with any issues that crop up from day to day. In addition the directors of the company, who are based in town, can be called at any time of the day or night.
All accommodation is directly in Altenmarkt - Zauchensee. You also have the opportunity to arrange your own accommodation.
Meals are provided by local restaurants, however, if you have chosen to stay in a hotel for your duration, meals will be provided by your chosen hotel. Either way the quality of food is excellent and very affordable.
Restaurants and Hotels provide a real variety of menus throughout the course, with local specialities every week.
There are no hidden extras on our prices and as previously mentioned all students will be offered the opportunity to come out during the summer and meet us, talk about your plans, see our facilities and fantastic ski area. Also, if you are not sure about the requirement level for the assessment, we can arrange a pre-assessment course on an artificial slope with one of our coaches in the UK so that you can be sure that you are making the right decision.
Either way, if you then decide to change your mind we will give you your money back!
That’s how confident we are.
What is included?
Our courses are packed full of things you need to get your qualification, below are just some of those benefits included in this course:
. 25 Hours Practical Lessons/training/ski school experience per week (approx.)
. Level 1 and/or Level 2 Ski Instructor assessment entry fee
. A choice of fantastic and very comfortable accommodation (half-board option available) or a “find your own accommodation” option
. Video Analysis
. Full area Lift Pass for Entire Training Period
. Free Basic German Language ski instructor vocab training. Online Language Material available and detailed course available at a small cost
. Theory Lessons and Preparation Material For Your Exam
. (In appropriate conditions) Basic off piste training with avalanche transceiver, shovel and probe
. Exclusive Discounts or equipment with The Edge Clinic Partner Programme and local businesses
. Personal Performance training - Carving, Bumps, Steeps, Variable Snow and Freeride
. Shadowing/Ski school experience and certified hours
. Meal package - if you have chosen a half/full board package
. Alternative Discipline opportunities
. Possibility of some local part time (paid) work
. Airport transfer
. CV and career advise
. Male and Female mentors
. Washing (clothing) service
. BASI membership
. Pre course information
. Free ski testing
. Discounted visit to the fabulous “Therme Amade” (conditions apply)
What's not included?
We would love to make it an “all in one package” but student requirements are very different. This is why we want to be a more flexible with you accommodation, food choices and course. We can’t list everything, as most of these are common sense, however, there are important items that you will need to organise yourself i.e.
. Flights
. Comprehensive Medical and Accident Insurance
. Spending money
. Lunch (Discounted Instructor menus are available every day)
. No Saturday meals are provided (Discounted Instructor menus are available every day)
Basically, you just need to remember you are going on a slightly longer “holiday” than normal. Prepare and organise everything that you would normally for this period of time. If you have any questions, then please email us. We will me more than happy to help.
What do I need to bring?
When embarking on your road to becoming a professional ski instructor with The Edge Clinic instructor courses it is very important to have the right kit for the task ahead. Having the right equipment for the courses can increase your chances of success by up to 20%!
Below are some basic ‘must have’s’ to give you the best chance of success.
Skis - It is essential to have your own skis and once you’re a signed up member of our training team we have the facility to help you with a ski purchase from our sponsors at Salomon UK. At present we highly recommend the Salomon Salomon X series.
If you already have your own skis please contact info@theedgeclinic.com to discuss their suitability.
Boots - Again it is at this time that you will need to have your own ski boots, not only to give you the best chances of success but also to add to comfort, performance & professional improvement. Not only do you need boots, you need the right boots. This is a very specialist area and whilst all The Edge Clinic staff are highly skilled and knowledgeable, we don’t proclaim to be boot fitters, however in resort, we do have specialist boot fitters that will be more than happy to help.
Poles - Ski poles come in all shapes, sizes and colours. Look for a ski pole with a handle you like the grip of, with a small basket. Measure them by holding them upside down with your hand under the basket on flat ground in flat shoes, your forearm should then be at 90 degrees. That’s about as complex as poles get!
Clothing - Another of the many reasons to join us at The Edge Clinic is the free jacket. Each year we choose a high quality technical shell jacket, logo it up and provide each one of you with one at the course welcome meeting.
If possible, sourcing some nice blue or black (for males) and pink or burgundy (for females) ski pants to join the jacket we provide as this makes for a nice colour combo (yellow jacket) and looks awesome in the photos and videos. Don’t worry if these are not available. The key to being warm is layers. Whilst cotton t-shirts look cool they don’t breath and aren’t warm. Look for good quality thermal layers. Makes such as Falke, Smartwool, Icebreaker, Helly Hansen. Also Hoodies, fleeces and jumpers are a good mid-layer. Socks are also important. Whilst thick socks are warm they might not always provide the best comfort for a long day on the piste. Try looking for a compression ski sock. Again good gloves are a must. Don’t buy cheap gloves. Ideally buy gloves that you can wear liners or a thinner glove inside. The more options to adapt to the changing weather conditions the better.
Basic kit list -
. Skis, boots, poles (own)
. Helmet (obligatory)
. Ski clothing (good layering systems)
. Sports/gym clothing (2 sets of trainers)
. Swimming kit
. Social/casual clothing
. Medium sized rucksack
. Transceiver, shovel and probe (if owned)
. Comprehensive insurance
. Not forgetting, the "BASI Manual"
Worried about the language?
The BASI Level 1 and 2 Assessments will be carried out in English, however, we want you to get familiar with the local lifestyle and be able to improve your German further than ordering a beer in a bar. Don’t forget that even though you are in Europe not everybody speaks English.
You are far more likely to get work if you can speak a second language (however basic). The language learnt can also be used towards your “second language” modules. You will be taught the basics of the language during a combination of ski training and fun classroom lessons to the point you can understand and communicate in basic German. If you are still concerned or simply wish to further your German language skills then why not add our German Language Course to your course.
What about BREXIT - will it effect me?
Many people will be thinking "Why should I take a BASI qualification if we are leaving the European Union? Will the BASI qaulification be recognised?"
The reality is that there is probably no better time to get on the BASI ski instructor ladder.
The chances are that very little will change in the future either. Nevertheless, it’s always better to get on the ski instructor ladder now rather that let the opportunity slip by. We at the The Edge Clinic (Austria) have always been able to offer students employment here in Austria within the ski schools locally and we can happily announce that nothing has changed and there are no plans to change this. The opportunities for ski instructors here in Austria remains extremely positive.
The opportunities for ski instructors here in Austria remains extremely positive.
BASI is encouraging people not to delay taking BASI qualifications as a result of Brexit especially if they are Level 3 and looking to complete Level 4.
BASI Qualifications will continue to be recognised in the EU and throughout the world as we have an excellent reputation and the qualifications are aligned to the Scottish Credit and Qualification Framework. This means BASI qualifications are also aligned to the UK and the European qualification frameworks recognised by employers and Universities. The BASI qualification is highly respected and valued. This will not change as a result of Brexit.
Below is a statement from the Chairman of BASI pointing out the commitment of BASI to ensure that BASI and its members will be recognised throughout Europe.
In the absence of any clear plan from the UK Government on the Brexit process, BASI believes that the status quo will continue for 16/17 season and possibly for a further year. All BASI Members who already have the recognition to work in European Countries, such as holders of the carte pro for France, will continue to be able to access and use this. Following a recent conversation with our European snowsports counterparts, they have confirmed that, so long as BASI continues to comply with the rules and the processes as they currently stand, there will be no change to the recognition of qualifications.
The European Commission have also clarified the status quo:
“Until the process foreseen in Article 50 TEU has been triggered and completed, the UK continues to be an EU Member State, EU law continues to apply to the UK and in the UK.”
BASI will be monitoring developments on Brexit closely and we will adapt to whatever agreement evolves as a result of Brexit to ensure that UK nationals continue to be able to work in EU countries. In order to present the employment case for instructors in the EU, it is important we have up to date work status information on as many of the members as possible. The more who complete the survey the more statistically relevant the results, so even if you are not working as an instructor at the moment - please complete the survey. You can complete the survey anonymously and the information will be aggregated and presented to politicians and bureaucrats as and when required. We will also make the results available to Members so you can use it too.
For now, there is no change. BASI qualifications are recognised worldwide and we will continue to ensure that this remains the case.
Andrew Lockerbie
BASI Chief Executive Officer
BASI
Morlich House
17 The Square
Grantown on Spey
PH26 3ES
TEL: 01479 861717
Who are we?
A bit about us!
Hi, my name is Nigel and I'm your host at The Edge Clinic and a Partner in the The Edge Clinic in Zauchensee. I have (and continue to be) trained through both the BASI and Austrian Ski Instructor systems. I've been an instructor for about 20 years and have taught all over Europe. To live out here in the World Cup skiing village of Zauchensee is a dream come true. I've had so many wonderful times in Austria and now I'm able to share some of these experiences with you. I hope to ski with you soon. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to skimail me.......
.....And I'm Karen and I'm a qualified nanny and experienced nursery nurse. Now I'm in charge of the day to day running the The Edge Clinic, keeping everything in shape and organising all the extra bits that will make your GAP Course perfect. Skimail me if you have any questions on how I can help.
As we also live in Zauchensee, we are always on hand to help you make your stay at one of the chosen accommodations as comfortable and as enjoyable as possible.
We both moved to Zauchensee in 2007 but are originally from the "Robin Hood" county of Nottingham, UK. Now Zauchensee & Altenmarkt is our home and we think you will love Zauchensee as much as we do.
Gerd and Margie Balla are our Austrian partners with the The Edge Clinic and the Balla Ski School. Both these guys are great English speakers and will make you feel very welcome from the first meeting.
It is impossible to have every answer to you questions. Please Skimail us with any questions or concerns you may have.
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