Spending all day, every day skiing or snowboarding is some people's idea of heaven. Whilst most of us only get to hit the slopes 1 or 2 weeks a year, there are a lucky few whose lives revolve around the ski season from start to finish, often spending 7 hours a day on the mountain teaching and coaching individuals, children, teens & adults how to ski or snowboard.
At this time of year ski schools are busy prepping for the start of the season, taking bookings, organising staff, answering queries and questions, all so that you can get the most out of your time on the slopes in Avoriaz. It's a hard life but someone has to do it!!
One of the first British ski schools to set up in the French Alps was Avoriaz Alpine Ski School (then known as the British Alpine Ski School Avoriaz). We've grabbed a few minutes to talk to its director Ian McKellar to get a little look behind the scenes, to find out what their plans are for this season & the future, and where to go if you're looking for an off-piste adventure..
Ian - Tell us a little bit about your business, how it started out and where you're based…
I started the original ski school way back in 1992, one of the first British ski schools in the Alps.
How long have you been in your current role and how long have you been with the company?
Since 1992
What makes Avoriaz a special place to be for someone in your profession?
I have been working in the Portes du Soleil since 1982 in Chatel then Morgins on the Swiss side. Always thought Avoriaz had the best snow and backcountry runs and now I am here!
What are the best bits about your job?
Spending most of my day teaching skiing and snowboarding to our clients.
And the worst bits?
Admin!
What is in store for the future with your business, any exciting projects in the pipelines that you can share with us?
We have a great new Scottish instructor, Aaron McLean starting with us who will be competing in world class extreme free-ride competitions this winter. He will be passing some of those skills onto our clients.
What are you personal and professional goals for the future?
To increase instructor numbers and maintain our high level of personal customer care.
What's your favourite piste or off-piste area &o top tip to go skiing?
Hiking up places that not many go. Over the back into Valle de la Manche then back down a narrow couloir into Switzerland. Not for the faint hearted!
Where would send someone who was after that something 'something special' in resort, to stay, eat or drink?
The new L'Amara luxury apartments are a big hit with our clients and there is a new luxury chalet next to our meeting point run by VIP ski.
For food go to Chez Lanvers behind our ski school.
What has been your best ever day in Avoriaz?
Skiing off piste beside the wall off piste after a massive dump 2 years ago. Again and again!
What do you do in the summer?
I run advanced driving courses back in the UK. I also love to road bike and windsurf.
Where are we most likely to find you for après-ski?!
At home with my wife and a glass of wine resting my old, tired body after another 7 hours on snow!
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Avoriaz Alpine Ski School offer a range of different lessons for skiers and snowboarders of every age & ability, including sit-ski or handi-ski. You can choose between group or private lessons or if you want to try something a little different why not book yourself onto a freeride or freestyle lesson, or let them guide you into the back-country...
