Bret was recently accepted as an associate member by the Ecole Suisse de Ski Morgins. This means that he is now an owner/share holder of the ski school and will be more involved with the running of the business. Generally one has to be born within the Commune (town area) before a Swiss ski school will even consider you, so it is a real recognition of Bret’s ability to have been voted in by the other members. 

“I put it down to 15 years of fronting up and working hard. This is a great opportunity and I am very excited. I know how hard being in the ski industry can be (especially in New Zealand) and I think this is a good piece of information to share with the members, showing them that there are possibilities beyond the land of the long white cloud. If one is willing to put in the hard work and stay in the industry then options can come your way…….”

Bret Marshall.

The SBINZ returned to Niseko, Japan in February to run a Children’s Teaching Certification followed by a Level Two exam. Paul Philip is our Children’s specialist so he was the lucky examiner who got to go – and he was especially lucky this year as Niseko has had a record season. By the time he arrived they had already had over 20 metres of snow for the season and it was still falling hard!!

It was a really successful trip with everyone passing both exams and having a great time riding powder in the process. It was the first time we have run the Children’s Teaching Certification overseas and we are planning to do the same next year so come and join us in powder paradise!

Thanks again to Brian and Keith from the Niseko Academy for helping to organise the event for their instructor trainees, and also to Grand Hirafu Resort who kindly provided Paul with lift tickets for the week.

Matt Phare

Course Manager SBINZ

Paul Philip with the Niseko Children’s Group in February 2012

Paul Philip will be heading over there in February to run the Level Two exam and for the first time in Japan a Children’s Teaching Certification.

 A big thanks to Brian and Keith from the Niseko Academy for organising the event for their instructor trainees, and also to Grand Hirafu Resort who kindly provided Matt with lift tickets for the week.

Matt with Niseko Level Two Candidates

 The Telemark timetable for 2012 will be set so that all those taking the full certs and working towards an ISIA stamp will be able to do the Telemark level 1 as their cross over. Don’t turn up having never telemarked as it could be a bit of a challenge to pass -  take a lesson first.

There are a couple of info face book pages.

Telemark NZSIA –  http://www.facebook.com/pages/Telemark-Nzsia/233470510018229
NZ Telemark community –  http://www.facebook.com/pages/Telemark-New-Zealand/126426297389943

AdamClaire

• NZSIA/SBINZ Level Three
• Level One Certification in a second discipline
• Avalanche Course
• First Aid Certificate
• Second Language

Ski division is also investigating options for ISIA Card certification in the near future.

Many of you will be aware that work visas to the US are now very hard to come and ISIA certification becomes even more importantt for our members.

The Level One course consists of an introductory training weekend; completion of hours as a volunteer ; and a two day teach course. This is an excellent lead into the six day level two course.

Adaptive Level One is available as a second option for the ISIA stamp. 

Chapters of the Adaptive Manual are available on-line for NZSIA members to use as a reference.

Teaching people with a disability to ski or snowboard is very rewarding –  it about adapting your teaching to meet the needs of your client so they can experience the freedom snowsports offers – give it a try …

Childrens Course will extend to 3 days.

These changes are part of the ongoing process of review and development of SBINZ courses to ensure that we continue to be amoungst the leaders in snowboard instructor training.

These changes have been introduced largely as a result of our on line survey’s of course participants. Detailed course outlines will be available for 2012.

Rhys has been selected for this year’s award which will be presented at the snowsports award ceremony in 2012. Cesar Piotto nominated Rhys -

“Rhys has been an integral part of the Snowboard team for a number of years.
Rhys is being nominated because of his ongoing dedication, leadership and professionalism he has displayed through the last few seasons, but have really shone in 2011.

Setting his sights to the SNB trainers exam, he was at first unsuccessful and he bounced back with determination that is not often witnessed in the Snowsports industry. Not only did he step up a few gears, he was inspirational to the entire crew as they also stepped up in their own individual pursuits. Rhys sought help, challenged himself and devoted everything he had in order to fill the gaps which were presented to him as feedback when he was unsuccessful at the exam… This was always done whilst still helping, inspiring and leading the SNB crew at Coronet Peak, and he even managed to teach a few lessons as well!

At his second attempt, he missed out in only one category which the examining staff allowed him to resit a week later after he had sought out more feedback and coaching. What is instrumental in this nomination, is that when Rhys had to get a group of people to be his audience for his Teach to Develop clinic, there we no shortage of people willing to help.

Rhys is a worthy candidate, and a representation of the professional NZSIA / SBINZ is creating.”