Snoworks GAP, based in the ski resort of Tignes in France, offers skiers the chance to hold a BASI level 1 and 2 ski or snowboard qualification before Christmas 2015 that can be used to secure work as an instructor in countries such as Austria, Switzerland, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, Australia, Norway and many others.

The snowboard course has been introduced this year for the very first time.

Apart from the skills that being a snowsports instructor instils – leadership, decision making, communication, personal development, empathy and responsibility, successful students will be able to secure work in countries that are both close to home and much further afield.

Snoworks GAP offers the chance to gain the necessary qualifications before the winter season even starts, ensuring that employment through the ski season means earning money, rather than only spending it.

An eight week residential course based on the high-altitude Tignes Glacier, is overseen by one of the most experienced teams of ski and snowboard instructors in the UK. Senior BASI Trainer (qualified to train and asses ski instructors who hold international qualifications), Lee Townend, heads up the team that also includes Olympic ski racer, BBC commentator and Britain's most successful slalom skier, Emma Carrick Anderson.

For some, working as a snowsports instructor for the year (it's possible to work the northern hemisphere winter and then swap to the southern hemisphere between June and September) is a temporary experience before they move onto their chosen career, but for others it becomes a full-time job.

'Snowsports instruction is no longer seen as a low paid job that's fun but doesn't lead anywhere, far from it', says Lee Townend. 'Today, there's a structured professional pathway that leads to well-paid and stable employment. If a career in snowsports isn't for you then working for one or two seasons can be a rewarding experience and it's always going to look good on your CV.'

One former student from last year's course, Joe Cutler, passed his BASI level 2 and went onto work in Japan for the winter ski season. He's now returning to Snoworks to continue his training and further his qualifications to the ISIA level (International Ski Instructors Association). 'I hadn't really ever thought of becoming a ski instructor as a holiday skier but now I have, I honestly believe it was the best decision I have ever made', said Joe. 'I was skiing with Snoworks on a holiday when Emma (one of the Snoworks instructors) mentioned ski teaching and working in Japan as a serious career. I choose Snoworks as the team seemed hugely knowledgeable and willing to help out before during and after the course. They made no promises about guaranteed work but told me the chances were high of getting a job. Once in Tignes I was not disappointed, we never had a free minute - lectures, fitness sessions, games nights and social evenings kept us busy and prepared us very well for our exams'.

'The promises of realistic jobs also came true with all of those on the course seriously looking for work. They all secured jobs in Japan, USA and Europe. I was so impressed by the set up I'm going back this year for my BASI 3'.

Editors Notes:

• Snoworks GAP courses are based in the French Alps – Tignes & Courchevel Le Praz 1300
• Dates for the 2015 GAP BASI Level 1 & 2 ski or snowboard course are – October 24 – December 19, 2015
• Price for the 8 week ski or snowboard course is £7,495 – course fee includes 8 weeks full training, half-board accommodation, airport transfers, ski passes, BASI exams, first aid course, CRB check and many more additional benefits
• Snoworks GAP also run a summer course on the glacier in Austria that guarantees a job for the following winter in St Anton with the ski school (http://www.snoworksgap.co.uk/gap-austria.php)
• BASI Level one's should contact Snoworks directly for bespoke, shorter, programs
• Snoworks GAP coaches include Lee Townend, Phil Smith, Emma Carrick-Anderson, Mike Barker and Nick Quinn
• Visit online > www.snoworksgap.co.uk
• Telephone, UK > 0844 543 0503. Telephone International > +44 870 122 5549
• Email > info@snoworksgap.co.uk
• Snoworks GAP Facebook page > www.facebook.com/snoworksGapPro

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