Courchevel Level 3 & ISIA Training
In Partnership with SkiVo Academy
Skivo Academy and New Generation have joined forces to offer technical ISIA training options that are second to none and open to all!
This new formula combines an entire technical training course delivered only by experienced BASI trainers and designed to pull out all the stops to maximise chances of progress by offering the ultimate balance of technical training.
Our experienced coaches will be on hand to provide guidance and inspiration throughout the programme and your career.
Spaces are limited!
£2500
- Training
- 08/01/2024 – 01/04/2024
- 140 Hours of Coaching
- £2500
- Accommodation
- 08/01/2024 – 01/04/2024
- Twin Occupancy
- €3250
What makes this course unique?
This course is a technical training course aimed at technical exams in the BASI system as well as high-level personal performance. For many, it will be the perfect preparation for the end of season exams. The training also encompasses tactics and guidance from the coaches who have examined these very tests for many years. There will also be a teaching training element included for 2022/2023.
The course will have a significant race training element – something that both Dave and Blake believe is essential to making the most effective progress. 2/3 of this course will be gate based. 1/3 will be converting the good habits you gain into effective all-mountain skiing. The course will involve drill training using poles, short gates and markers and although the aim is technical proficiency over speed, the two goals go hand in hand. The training is well equipped with everything from training gates to timing equipment.
Whereas free skiing around and chatting may make you seem like you are getting better, Dave and Blake are both experts at setting up training environments that will set the right activities and the right drills to make you get better. Less chat, more action!
In any week there are 17.5 hrs of training.We will plan it according to the aims for that week. The sessions are set up to be short, sharp and effective and will demand that you work on the clear focus’ that you are given.
The course is based around two cycles: The first lasts seven weeks and will be largely based on our private race piste. This will be a lot of technical work with the aim of giving you the firm foundations and movements that you need to be an expert skier. It will give you the base of how to stand and move more effectively on your skis. Snowy days and inclement weather days will be used to train in variable snow, off-piste and bumps.
The second cycle aims to take the work of cycle 1 and modify it to a range of mountain conditions and terrain. The second cycle essentially teaches you how to adapt and put your skills to best use in a range of ever-changing environments.
This course is not set out to squeeze around the timetable of a ski school but entirely for the benefit of the candidates and it allows time before and after the course, as well as during the half-term break, for candidates to work as ski instructors and gain experience and money. We have extensive contacts to help organise this work if required.
Designed around you!
We Schedule training around the ISIA exams that take place in Courchevel. Allowing you to sit your exams in your home resort, saving you a fortune as you can use your existing pass and accommodation.
It will be possible to sit all of your training and up to 4 weeks of exams in a 90day period.
You need to book your exams independently with your qualification provider. The BASI dates are listed below.
DATES TBC BY BASI
(Please talk to your coach before booking any exams.)
What’s Included?
- 140 hours
- Training Scheduled around BASI Exams
- Video analysis
- The most efficient and individualised training plans available
- Private Piste for training
- Race Training
- Training delivered exclusively by BASI Trainers
- Video analysis on and off snow
Detailed Course Programme
Course Structure
The first training phase intends to improve fundamental ski technique, improving how we align ourselves and move with the skis. We will use plenty of slow speed drills and exercises to help and guide you into the correct movement patterns. This block is a skills-based approach to skiing, and you will be encouraged to experiment and try new things with your ski technique.
After the Christmas & New Year’s working period, we begin the second training phase and move into various environments, terrain, different slope angles, aspects, and snow conditions. The main block intends to continue developing those new movement patterns whilst skiing within the strands (Shorts, Long, Bumps, Steeps) and begin to expose and challenge them to different terrain. Generally, we experience the best winter snow conditions during this period and make good use of it and secure a lane on the Bruson Stade to introduce training in stubbies and gates. This is also a great time to explore the vast 4 Vallees sector and learn and practice how to travel safely off-piste, practice avalanche awareness skills, and familiarise ourselves with the essential kit for safe off-piste practice (transceiver, shovel, probe).
In the final training phase, the overarching goal is to refine movement patterns and exam preparation. We will gradually increase the tempo and performance outcomes during this training block. This training phase is geared towards skiing on Level 3 terrain and skiing at the Level 3 standard. Conditions permitting, we aim to secure some more time in gates/stubbies to improve our timing and agility.
Further Breakdown:
The training program is broken into three mesocycles, each with a specific intention and aim, as detailed in the chart below.
Mesocycle 1 – Foundation Phase
Key Focus: Balance, Coordination and Steering
The first training phase is slowed down and targets your balance, agility, and mobility. It’s an opportunity to develop and correct movement patterns and challenge the fundamental skills of skiing. A clear template of what is required at the ISIA L3 Technical and Teaching standard will be outlined. These critical foundation weeks will inform your training action plan that will aid your development throughout the course. You will be training in all mountain areas, including piste-performance, long and short turns and variable snow (off-piste), bumps, and steeps.
Instructing – Christmas Holiday & New Years
This busy period provides a perfect opportunity to work and deliver lessons to various customers. Also, a chance to shadow other full-time instructors and learn group management, interpersonal skills, drills, and exercises. This period is an invaluable knowledge sharing exercise with other experienced instructors and is very helpful for your ISIA Teaching exam.
Mesocycle 2 – Development Phase
Key Focus: Terrain Change, Performance Outputs, Racing Skills, Mountain Skills
The second training phase is the largest and allows focused and structured practice time to reinforce the new movement patterns. The purpose is to minimise ineffective movements and maximum movement efficiency (making sure the movements above your feet are connected to the skis and result in quality performance outcomes). Gradually, you will begin to ski exam criteria turns (shorts, longs, bumps) on the appropriate Level 3 terrain.
Scheduled into this training phase is time in gates/stubbies. Each course set is designed with specific performance outcomes in mind, and this will be significantly influenced by the areas of development needed in the group. A Giant Slalom or Slalom course has set perimeters and tempo that promote effective movements and develop foot placement, rate of movement, and agility. – this has proven to be an invaluable experience.
With so much terrain and generally fantastic snow conditions, we will develop our comfort levels in the off-piste environment. The ability to ski off-piste will develop our piste skiing and is a great playground to challenge our fundamentals. We find this is a great way to develop a well-rounded skier who is comfortable in any terrain. It is also an opportunity to share methods of acquiring practical knowledge:
- Snow reports,
- Avalanche safety
- Safe travel practices
- Using avalanche equipment
Instructing – February Half Term
Perhaps the busiest period of the season and a great time to practice all your hard work during training. These work periods are a brilliant way to log the required teaching hours towards your qualification. Perhaps of equal importance is the structured periods of rest away training, which allows you to recover from training demands physically.
Mesocycle 3 – Shaping Phase
Key focus: Refinement, Accuracy & Consistency, Exam Tactics &Preparation
The training shifts focus now, and it’s time to turn up the performance and tempo of our skiing. A typical day will consist of an off ski warmup, a few warmup laps, a task (short turns) and then skiing the set task whilst working on personal development, lunch break, and a new task (bumps) focusing on personal development. We intend on another short stint in gates/stubbies at this point as a complementary training exercise to piste performance.
The final phase allows for plenty of structured practice and consolidation time. We have found this to be an effective method in preparing people for their exams. It is a tried and tested; it aims to ensure that you enter the exam feeling prepared and confident in your physical and technical ability.
Coaching is an art, and our coaches are true masters.
When it comes to coaching, we only want the best for our students. That’s why we only employ the world’s best coaches. Our coaches have years of experience and know how to get the most out of their students. They’re passionate about skiing and love sharing their knowledge with others. As a result, our students are able to progress quickly without losing their love for the sport.
Meet your Coaches
Blake Williams
Blake has been successfully training people for Level 3 and 4 exams with exceptional pass rates for 5+ years. Blake is also an examiner at Level 3 standard. He has been a Eurotest trainer for more than 5 years and has successfully guided a multitude of people through the complex task of attaining the BASI Level 4. He is also a PSIA level 4 instructor and has proved a very popular coach for Podium both for SL and GS.
- BASI Trainer since 2015
- Owner of SkivoAcademy
- Team Trainer of Alps Academy, Beijing
- Podium ski coach
- Main sponsor: Blizzard
Dave Morris
Dave has been a trainer since 2003 regularly running ISIA and ISTD tech exams since 2007. He has also trained a number of FIS and home nation athletes as well as British ski clubs. He founded Podium which is responsible for helping numerous instructors to surpass the hurdle of the Eurotest and Test Technique slalom exams. He is a current member of the National Education Team for BASI that is responsible for driving the direction of the association.
- BASI Trainer since 2003
- Technical Director of New Generation
- Member of BASI National Education Team
- FIS & Ski Club Coach since 1999
- Main sponsor: Rossignol
Are you Eligible?
To join the training team we require one of the following qualifications:
- BASI level 2
- CSIA level 2
- APSI level 2
- NZSIA level 2
- Swiss Snowsport 1
- Other equivalent qualification*
*If you hold a different qualification please get in touch
Flexible work Opportunities
Every trainee has different needs and focuses for their season so we have built flexibility into the core of our programme. You have 3 main options.
- Work During the Peak Weeks
- Work For A Tour Operator
- Just Train
Full Details
1. Teach for the Peak Weeks
We never guarantee a job as part of our course, but all students are eligible for an interview to join our Ski School Team.
We are the only Ski School able to support you throughout your Career across Europe as you progress through your ISIA and work towards becoming fully certified.
If you think you have what it takes to join the team apply today!
2. Teach for another Ski School
While we are always on the hunt for talented young instructors, if you already work as part of another Ski School Team you are still welcome to join our training. We schedule all training to ensure you’re available to teach during the busiest periods maximising your earnings and ensuring you don’t have to choose between the two focuses.
Thinking about changing Ski Schools? We offer a unique commission setup for all clients you introduce to New Generation.
3. Just Train
For some, the best way to progress through their exams quickly is to focus exclusively on the training aspect of the programme. If this sounds like you then don’t delay and get booked on before all our spots fill.
How do you Join the Training?
Our training course is intensive, but it is also extremely rewarding. You will learn from some of the best instructors in the industry and you will get to meet like-minded people from all over the world.
If that sounds like it suits you then you can reserve your space online instantly. Don’t delay as space is limited.
How do you Apply for Work?
Applying to work for New Generation is an entirely separate process. Please complete the form linked below.
We are unable to reserve you a place on the course while you wait to see if your application has been successful. As our course is so heavily subsidised by New Generation training places are filling up quickly. So don’t delay in reserving your spot.
Your Future
Our coaches are experts at spotting the true potential of our trainees.
We regularly handpick training team members to join our Full-Time Teams in Verbier and across the Alps. It’s a competitive industry, but we are always on the lookout for those with that something special.
Unlike other Ski Schools though the opportunities go way beyond teaching Skiing. Our unique international presence and unparalleled size mean we are regularly looking for people to open new locations, lead on new projects and occasionally take on an existing resort.
Accommodation
Courchevel is a notoriously difficult place to find accommodation. So we have done the hard work for you. We have places available that can be booked. Get in touch to include this in your package.
Advice and Information
Equipment Requirements
Ski
A solid piste ski is ideal because it will give you the best chance to display the skills and outcomes required for the Level 3 standard. You should be able to cleanly carve long turns and ski short turns with this ski. The skis should have a 75mm maximum width. Something wider may impact the performance of the ski on piste.
Please also try and source some slalom skis [real FIS approved] – Men: 165cm / Female 155cm
Ski Length
We recommend that you use a ski length of 160-180cm, depending on your height. As a rough rule of thumb, we recommend a ski approximately the same size as you or up to 10cm longer.
The longer the ski, the more stability it will have at higher speed, but the more difficult it will be to steer it through short turns.
Ski Radius
Your height, weight, and strength will largely influence this element. Over the years, we have found that people perform best on skis within a 14-18 meters radius. Skis with a larger radius will likely mean you will spend too much time in the fall line. Stick to this sweet spot; solid technique will allow you to mix a little more edge angle into the turn and achieve more performance out of the ski.
Ski Stiffness
If the ski is too stiff, bending the ski to change the radius of the turn will be difficult. If the ski is too soft, you won’t be able to maintain an edge when carving, and the ski will feel unstable. The appropriate stiffness of a ski is dependent on the individual. Your body weight and strength determine it. If you’re tall and powerful, you’ll likely need a stiffer ski with a race plate (this will help stiffen the ski up).
Training towards Level 3, we advise that you get a slightly softer ski rather than too stiff. Over time skis will become softer and lose their energy. So, ideally, if you are starting a ski instructor training program, we recommend starting with a new ski.
Ski Servicing Equipment
This is a vital skill that we will teach you straight from the get-go. We find if your skis are maintained and kept sharp you can get the best out of the training conditions, as sharp skis will allow you to grip the firmer snow easier than blunt skis. Little and often is the key here, if you go weeks in between servicing your skis and snag countless rock during that period you will likely need a grand service at a ski shop and then things get expensive quickly and worst of all put you out of action.
Basic Kit
- Bench and Vices
- Rubber bands
- File guide
- Base bevel guide
- Chrome file
- Diamond file
- Sidewall remover
- Plastic scraper
- Brushes: brass and nylon
- Ski waxing iron
Supporting you, Supporting the World
We consider our impact on people and the planet in everything we do. We continually ask ourselves how we can make our work an even greater force for good in our communities and in the wider world.