Fernie 11 week Instructor Course 2015.16 - Week 4 Update From Jamie

As per usual it’s been a fantastic week! Next week is our Level 1 Ski Instructor Assessment so we’ve been practicing hard on both our skiing technique and also our teaching ability so that we are fully prepped when the time comes.

Despite having to work on all the basics again, our wonderful instructor Karlyn managed to make even snowplow practice super fun. As Level 1 Instructors we would be teaching beginners so being able to showcase the snowplow perfectly is most definitely a prerequisite when it comes to passing the assessment. I don’t remember it being so hard though!

I actually fell whilst snowplowing just moments after this photo was taken. Very embarrassing indeed!

Since the Level 1 is looming next week, we’ve had a slight respite from the usual plethora of ‘More’ activities that we are usually offered. Having said that we did have a great game of street hockey on Tuesday night which was only marginally less aggressive than the NHL games I’ve seen! I will definitely remember to wear shin pads next time.

Once more unto the breach, dear friends!

At the weekend we were also lucky enough to get the chance to go backcountry touring. For those that don’t know what this is (I didn’t!), this involves exploring off-piste areas outside of the usual ski resort boundaries. In order to do this the first thing you need is a guide. We had Steve, who has been doing this for the best part of three decades. What he doesn’t know about backcountry skiing isn’t worth knowing! The next thing you need are some powder skis and some touring bindings which allow you to pivot your foot at the toe. Finally you need some ‘skins’ to put on the bottom of your skis, which allow you to grip when walking uphill.

Exploring the 'Mammoth Droppings’

The reward for all this extra kit and cardio work is that you can explore areas completely untouched by other skiers and find fresh lines all day long. Whilst we were not hugely lucky with the powder conditions on the downhill parts of our day, the amazing scenery and uphill treks were more than rewarding enough and made it a truly excellent adventure.