Inside Beau Soleil's Ski Instructor Programme

Inside Beau Soleil's Ski Instructor Programme 

by Daniella, an extract from the third edition of The Beau Soleil Times.

As winter term approaches Beau Soleil our school community greets it with enthusiasm. With its arrival, the school transforms, highlighting a unique aspect of its curriculum that sets it apart from many others: skiing. At Beau Soleil, skiing isn't just a recreational activity; it's an integral part of the educational experience, offering students lessons in resilience, teamwork, and the joy of engaging with nature. A select group of students have taken their passion for skiing a step further by becoming ski instructors. These students balance their academic responsibilities with their roles on the slopes, where they guide and teach others the art of skiing. I had the pleasure of sitting down with a couple of these student instructors to learn more about their experiences and insights into this unique aspect of life at Beau Soleil.

Q: How do you manage the balance between your studies and your responsibilities as a ski instructor?

A: It's definitely a challenge, especially including the fact that I’m in the IB program, but it's all about time management. The school is really supportive, and being organized helps a lot. Plus, being out on the slopes is a great way to de-stress, so it actually helps with my studies in a way.

Q: What is something you have learned from being a ski instructor that you apply in your academic life?

A: Patience and perseverance, teaching someone how to ski, especially beginners, requires a lot of patience. And just like in skiing, in academics, you face challenges where perseverance becomes key to overcoming them.

Q: Can you walk us through the process of becoming a ski instructor at Beau Soleil?

A: Absolutely, the journey starts when you sign up for the instructor course. After signing up, we dive into a two-day first aid course. This isn't just any first aid training; it's adapted to situations you might encounter on the slopes, which is crucial for the safety of everyone. Once we complete the first aid course, we must pass a test that covers everything we've learned. It's important because it ensures we can handle emergencies, which is a big responsibility when teaching others to ski. The real immersion begins when we head to Zermatt for four intensive days, this part of the training is a mix of on-ski theory and practical lessons. We spend a lot of time skiing, of course, but there's also a significant focus on learning how to teach skiing. It's not just about being good at skiing yourself; you must know how to break down the techniques and communicate them effectively to students of all levels. And finally, there's an exam. It's there to assess both our skiing skills and our ability to teach what we know. Passing this exam is what qualifies you to become an instructor. It can be challenging, but it ensures that those who pass are ready to teach others safely and effectively. It's a challenging process, but incredibly rewarding.

Q: What's the one piece of advice you always give to your students?

A: The advice I consistently share with my students is to not let fear hold them back. Fear has a way of magnifying challenges, making every slope seem steeper and every obstacle larger than they really are. It's important to have trust in your instructor's knowledge and expertise. We're here to guide you, to teach you, and most importantly, to ensure your safety. We would never put you in a situation that's beyond your capabilities. Embracing this trust can transform your skiing experience, allowing you to overcome challenges and enjoy the experience of skiing with confidence. It's about finding courage in the face of fear and trusting the process, knowing that we're with you every step of the way.

In closing, the experiences of these student instructors underscore the value of integrating extracurricular passions with academic pursuits. At Beau Soleil, skiing serves as a foundation for personal growth, leadership, and community engagement, illustrating the school's dedication to students who are not only academically proficient but are also skilled at navigating the slopes of life with grace and determination.

The Beau Soleil Ski Instructor Programme is one of our Professional Learning Programmes. Our Professional Learning Programmes are designed to inspire future entrepreneurs, exposing students to diverse industries and enabling them to earn formal qualifications. In our Student-Led Business Initiatives, they gain practical business experience through active participation in founding and running one of three unique student-run enterprises, covering areas like marketing, e-commerce, and product development. Learn more about our Professional Learning Programmes here.