Brushing up on Skiing Techniques in Meribel

In the summertime, I run a yacht business on the South Coast of the UK, I’m a Yachtmaster Instructor. I have completed significant instructor training and understand how people, particularly adults, learn. Unfortunately, these skills make me a dreadful student; I have an inbuilt reaction to being told what to do and I will often do the opposite (ask my ex-wife!)

I also need to fully understand the “why” before carrying out the “do”. This week, a friend who was staying here booked a private lesson and invited me and another friend to join him. I was reluctant. I know how I react, but I have also been skiing with the same errors for years...

My friend managed to book a lesson with Andy Parker of Ski Marmalade. This company is based in Méribel, but regularly teach in La Tania and Courchevel - in fact quite a few of the instructors live around Le Praz.

The lesson was on the afternoon of a “bad weather” day, by that I mean windy, lots of snow, foggy at the top and really rather cold. Could this be my reprieve - would I be able to avoid it without a display of weakness?!

We met Andy Parker in Méribel and were quickly heading up to the Saulire mid station. The plan was to work on skiing in poor visibility (we had little choice) and maybe some shorter turns to ski through trees - very often this is the best place to be when the weather turns. Andy was impressive. He had sussed all 3 of us out very quickly. I felt at ease and his words gave me confidence. We covered some basic principles - the ones we always let slip - he was direct yet reassuring to each of us and ALWAYS gave positive affirmation.

I love this, and use it in my own teaching. Negative breeds negative! In a very short space of time I felt 2 feet taller and twice as strong. Incredible. My turns flowed and I had a few new tricks in my skiing toolbox. As we approached an off piste area underneath a chair, I glanced down with apprehension. Whether Andy was aware of this or not, I do not know. He directed his instruction to me and was clear, concise and gentle in his delivery explaining the “why” (essential for me). He gave a short demonstration, and I followed on. How incredible to ski an area I never thought would be achievable, without falling or catching an edge and on just 5 minutes of chat!

The afternoon continued and we covered the same areas to really see the improvement in our own skill level. By the end of the 3 hours we were all tired. Despite skiing here since November, it seems certain muscle groups hadn't ever been flexed - but our grins were evidence of a superb experience and money well spent. Andy’s manner, clear talent for instructing and communicating was one of the best I have experienced and everything we covered has rocketed my on piste skiing.

Andy Parker from Ski Marmalade comes with a 5 star recommendation (and that’s out of 5). If you treat yourself to anything on your holiday, give the new outfit a miss, and have a lesson. The improved technique and style will make your old outfit look like new!