Trainer to ski instructors all over, pro on the snow and Head of The Snow Centre’s Snowsports School, Peter Gillespie, one of Europe’s highest-qualified instructors, explains how indoor centres and dry slopes are offering more Brits the chance to hit the slopes !
Pete has been skiing for 33 years, coaching for more than 28 and training new generations of ski instructors since he was 26. Now 45, Pete is a qualified BASI (British Association of Snowsport Instructors) level 4 ISTD and IASI (Irish Association of Snowsports Instructors) trainer and examiner, runs his own ski-coaching trips to the mountains and occasionally still represents Ireland at international events, such as Interski’s World Congress of Snowsports Instructors.
But, when he’s not been busy doing all that, Pete has spent a lot of time helping to build on the opportunities to learn and progress in snow sports without leaving the UK. Read on to find out from Pete how new UK snow-sports facilities and lesson programmes are allowing Brits of all ages and abilities to take to the snow!
What’s changed for Brits looking to take up snow sports now that they have access to dry slopes and indoor snow centres?
My career as a professional ski teacher was shaped by the ability to train in my hometown (Hemel Hempstead), on the original dry ski slope. I owe so much to the plastic slope that eventually became The Snow Centre many years later.
I look at the youngsters now training at the indoor centre, and I am so impressed with their skills and technical level, much of it learned without even seeing a real mountain. I put this down to two main points: the access to real snow every day and access to top-class coaching domestically.
What snow-sports skills can you learn in the UK more easily than on a mountain?
In the UK the access to a slope and snow-sports coaching is all year around! In the mountain environment, snow sports are seasonal. What UK slopes offer is the ability to clock up “coaching miles” and access to regular input and guidance. The early stages are easy to pick up in a UK facility. The equipment hire, progressive slopes, coaching and lift systems are all readily on hand in the UK’s micro ski resorts. This offers entry without barriers into snow sports.
My European ski instructor colleagues often comment to me how impressed they are when holidaymakers from the UK join lessons in their ski schools. They already have a range of skills they have learned in the UK which are directly applicable to the mountain environment.
Do you see a big difference in the number of Brits enjoying skiing and snowboarding since more UK dry slopes and indoor centres have opened?
The indoor facilities and dry slopes have created a starting point and created “stickability” in snow sports. People are now using the centres in the same way they would use a gym. It’s a great way to learn and develop new skills, and take regular exercise. At The Snow Centre I see many regular guests using the facility all year round. We have created a regular and loyal base of snow-sports fans.
Can you begin a career in snow sports without having skied a mountain?
A definite YES! You can learn the skills to take your first-level ski or snowboard instructors award and actually take the course at The Snow Centre. This forms the basis and first tier. To progress to level 2 and beyond, mountain experience will be necessary, but much of the experience and training will be transferable from the UK environment.
So, it looks like there are no excuses for the Brits these days! If you’re keen to take up skiing or snowboarding, or get some extra practice in between your winter holidays, or maybe you’re thinking of kick-starting your career in snow sports, check out your local dry slope or indoor centre before jetting off to the mountains!