A Typical Day on the French ski instructor course

From servicing your skis to enjoying a cold beer in the village of Villeneuve, find out what is involved in a day in the life of those on the 20 week French ski instructor course in Serre Chevalier...

Every single day on the mountain is different given the ever-changing snow conditions and vastly differing terrain that this incredible ski area has to offer. Training is always challenging, varied and above all enjoyable. Below is a guideline of what to expect in a typical day:

• Wake up at 07.45, ready to be in the car for 08.30-08.45 having packed your ARVA pack, helmets, guards, freeride and slalom skis

• Meet the trainers at 09.00 and sign in ready to start the day

• Carry slalom gates up the lift to the stade and set up the course

• Train slalom during the morning
• There are often three small slalom courses set over the course of a run
• Continuously go round, with feedback from one of the trainers at the end of each small course

• Lunch for an hour
• Either bring a packed lunch or go to a small café depending on the location
• Change slalom skis to freeride skis change helmets and leave racing guards, behind as well as putting on and testing your ARVA pack

• Meet again and split into groups to free ride or work on technique depending on the snow conditions and according to demand

• Finish at 15.30

• Head home or to the pub for an après-ski beer

• Stretch/use foam rollers/core work
• Stretching is crucial as your muscles begin to tighten over the course of the season and there are many muscular injuries that occur, most commonly to the shins

• Service skis
• You will learn to edge & wax your skis so they are suitable for racing
• Especially with slalom skis it is essential to maintain them impeccably in order to maximise their performance

• Eat dinner

• Either chill out or go for a beer in Villeneuve

• Enjoy your bed!

Usually on a Thursday morning, there are timed slalom runs or mock tests to measure your progress and there is often a different focus on a specific aspect of slalom each day.  On a Saturday and Sunday many people take the chance to rest, recover, enjoy a lie-in and watch Sky Sports in the pub!  Others choose to go jogging, swimming and generally do something different.  However, of course you can take advantage of any bluebird conditions and ski!  

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If you think that a career in the instructor industry is for you, be sure to check out our ski instructor courses or the snowboard instructor courses on offer. If you love skiing and are ready for a serious challenge, or are dedicated to becoming an instructor in the French industry then this is the one for you. The 20 week French ski instructor course is a great way to transform your skiing and kick-start your career. The many challenges that you will face will bring even greater rewards and there is no doubt it will make you a phenomenal skier.

Plenty of our courses are perfect for someone on a gap year. Whether you're looking for ski gap year courses or snowboard gap year courses, we have the perfect way for you to spend the time doing something you love!