My Story …..   In January 2010, I made the best decision of my life, which was to start training to become a Ski Instructor.  It was a career I had always dreamt about, yet never thought I could ever do it – until I came across the Fastrack Course run by Instructor Academy.
 On my first day of training, it became very clear that I was by far the weakest skier out of the group and I suddenly realised I was going to have to work extremely hard to get to the standard I wanted to be by the end of the season (CSIA Level 2).   However, with the support and guidance of all the dedicated staff, I managed to progress from one of the weakest skiers in the group, to one of the strongest within 10 weeks, and had the honour of receiving my CSIA level 2 qualification.
The course was an incredible experience which I would recommend to any aspiring Ski Instructor as it teaches every aspect of becoming a successful instructor within those 10 weeks. During my season, I accumulated over 100 hours of shadowing other instructors which was hugely beneficial when it came to taking my own classes, and I believe the reason I feel so comfortable teaching a class is because I was given so many opportunities to learn from experience and accomplished instructors through the program.

I then went to Canada and was very fortunate to find work.  For most instructors, the first season of actually teaching full time can often be daunting and can feel like they are out of their depth, but because of all the training I received from the Instructor Academy, I was 100% ready to start teaching. My first student of the season as a private lesson was with a 4 year old girl, and the parents were so impressed with my lesson, they booked me every single week for the rest of the season. I think this is a great testament to the high level of training I received, as my first ever lesson was such a huge success.

During my season in Canada, I became one of the most requested Instructors out of all the staff, something very unusual for a first time instructor, and at the end of the season, I received the award for “Rookie Ski Instructor Of The Year 2012”.

I would just like to thank everyone from Instructor Academy who helped me get to where I am today. I have found a job that I love, and a career that I can excel in. A special thank you to Gordon and Bethol Standeven for their constant support and encouragement, Nick Reader for making me as passionate about skiing as he is, because without these guys, I wouldn’t have passed the exams and wouldn’t have the incredible lifestyle I have now. I would also like to thank the Instructors in Canada for putting faith in an unknown rookie instructor, and giving me the opportunity to start my career.
To anyone who is thinking of doing this course, I cannot recommend it highly enough! The staff are great, it is extremely good value for money, and the training is excellent. Good luck!

Niall – Instructor Academy Student – Fastrack Course January

A “Life Changing  Experience” – This is how the Instructor Academy Fast Track (Gap) Course was billed and it looked to be a very exciting opportunity. It was in Andorra, not so very far from home, and promised an intense period of Instruction with a CSIA Level II qualification as the outcome.   I could not have imagined how much it would change my life – but now a couple of years on I can fully appreciate the personal development the Instructor Academy helped me to achieve.

I had been skiing for ten years (a week at a time) with my family but the ten weeks of this course were worth much more than twice that through the concentrated practical and theoretical lessons with the instructors.

The breadth and depth of knowledge of the instructors became evident and impressive  and the standard of professionalism demanded provided confirmation that these CSIA qualifications are not awarded lightly.

No doubt the achievement of technical skills is to be expected but one acquires so much more than that – self-confidence, initiative, problem solving, team working, and discipline – skills which are, of course transferable but more importantly vital to one’s development as a rounded individual.

An important part of that learning environment flowed from the friendliness and inclusive attitude of all those from whom and with whom I learnt. This was the first time I had spent any substantial length of time away from home and my natural worries were very quickly reassured through the lively camaraderie that characterizes the Instructor Academy. They have become a second family to me.

I suppose the jargon is, “work hard, play hard” and there is no doubt that the Soldeu Instructor Academy Cadre strive as much for perfection on blues guitar and microphone after sundown as they do for skis and boards on the daytime slopes.

So, yes, my life has been changed and I feel privileged to be working with such a proficient and likeable group of people in a vibrant resort and especially to be able to pass on the skills and enthusiasm to others that was afforded me.

Sign up – you’ll never regret it!

Peter Howe – Level III Instructor, Ski School Soldeu

The Fastrack Course improved my skiing no end both in the different conditions I encountered as well as all the improvement sessions.  I made so many friends at the Ski School and gained so much experience from the Instructors, especially when shadowing.  I would recommend this to any body.  I had a fantastic time

Neill Smith – 12 Week Ski Fastrack

Thank you for a well organised training course.  People who take the Level I course would benefit from the Pre Course. Those of us that did really gained a big advantage.  Could you please pass on my thanks to Nick who took the Course

Steve R. (Birmingham) – Level I Ski Candidate

Just a quick note to thank you for all your help in organising our Course and Hotel Package.  It was all first class and faultless from everyone and I just wanted to say thank you from myself, Mick and Ian.   Oh .. and we all passed our Level 2.  Wooooo Hooooo!!!!!

Allan (Doncaster).  – Ski Level 2

Thank you for an extremely enjoyable (and ultimately successful) course.  Both Will and JP were, as you would expect, excellent Trainers and the whole thing was great fun!

John (Derby)

I would like to say how great JP and Will were.  I knew JP from my Level 2, but once again, he was a great trainer and everyone in the group thought he did a brilliant job. And also the same for Will – he was also great, made everyone feel relaxed during the Course

Helen (Level 3)