Category: tdc coaches

Ski, Play, Love it!

Do You Love to Ski? We do!

Ski, Play and Love it with TDCski, Val d’Isere, Tignes and Meribel

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Ski…

2002 was a great year – it was the year we started TDC The Development Centre.
14 seasons later we still have the passion and the drive which allows us to create amazing ski lessons and experiences.

We love skiing and we love to pass on that passion – why do we love it? Read on…

Why not take a week and come join us on a TDCski Coaching Clinic this January?

What does We Love Skiing really Mean?

We all say that we love skiing, and we have a passion for the sport, and have a passion for teaching people to take part in the sport. But what does that really mean?
We decided that we needed to ask a few of the TDCski coaches to see what they said.

What the Coaches said…do you agree?

Here is a summary of some very common reason about why we love skiing…

Being Outdoors – There is for sure a definite feeling of freedom in the mountains. When you are skiing, that perfect day with the ridiculously blue sky, the white snow, the fresh air. Nothing can beat it. Being outside was a big factor for all the coaches.
But we realise that it is not always a perfect day. Skiing allows us to get out there even when the weather is challenging, and then at the end of the challenge there is the feeling that you have done something to “deserve your lunch.”

Play...
Play…

Exhilaration – release the child inside. At the end of the day we are all sliding down a hill on two planks. The worlds trouble are forgotten and for that fleeting second or two (which lasts for minutes and hours) we are released. We are flying, we are going fast but with control, we are all big kids again. Love it!

You can alway get better – no matter what level you are. Each individual can set the level of their own challenge, there is always something to work on. Every turn is different. It is as if we are always searching for the “perfect turn” but we know we will never find it, it is the searching that is fun. Your personal goal might be technical, it might be in the mind, it might be a physical thing, but everyone can have their own little goal, and achieving that goal is a lot of fun.

It is an individual sport done in a group! – Whatever your own personal objectives are when skiing you can be working on your own things, enjoying it your way, while everyone else does their thing, and then every now and again we all get back together and ride a chairlift, or stop for a hot chocolate or lunch. The group element of skiing (apart from just safety) gives every day a purpose, but the pleasure of skiing comes from the individual.
Skiing has to be one of the few sports that all the family can do together, where each member of the family might be doing their best – what other sport do you find dad doing his very best to keep up with his 8 year old daughter?

love_it
Love it!

Apart from the above reasons to Love Skiing, the TDC coaches had a few more “unusual” reasons to love it…

“I like being able to come home and wear my thermal underwear around the house for hours at the end of the day.”

“On a beach I once got asked by a stranger “are you a ski instructor?” – I replied “yes, but how did you know?” The stranger said “because you are wear ridiculous looking sunglasses, and you have a Match Stick Tan – a red head on top of a skinny white body!”

“I am yet to see a hollywood movie that doesn’t make skiing look really cheesey. I don’t think filmmakers can capture what it is that makes skiing so much fun.”

We would love to share our passion for skiing this season.
We hope we can.

To Enquire or book simply Book Online, email [email protected] or call +33615553156.

BASI Prep and Training Courses for Instructors

BASI Prep & Training Courses for Instructors

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Zen and the art of Skiing

Established before time began, The Development Centre run the finest BASI prep courses in the Universe. If you are looking to develop your skiing towards qualification, then only the barking mad would overlook this intergalactic award winning program.

We use coaches who are chiseled from solid gold and each one must have won at least two Nobel prizes. The terrain in the Espace Killy is second to none, and on top of that we send our coaches up the mountain at night to hand craft each piste that we might use.

Occasionally our candidates explode with delight, but those that survive are sure to have had the most extraordinary and superlative week of their lives.

Are you up for this?

Contact [email protected] to book.

Dates:

BASI Prep Training Dates December 2014

intergalactic ski super hero. Gold on the inside.
One of our intergalactic ski super heroes. Gold on the inside.

Level 3/4 1st-5th December 2014
Level 3/4 15th-19th December 2014

300 Euros per week. 550 Euros for two weeks

BASI Prep Training Dates January 2015

Level 3/4 5th-9th January 2015
Level 3/4 12th-16th January 2015
Level 3/4 19th-23rd January 2015

350 Euros per week. 600 Euros for two weeks

For more information about the possibilities please refer to our website page…
TDCski Instructor Training Courses and TDCski BASI Prep Courses.

5 Simple Ways to Improve Your Skiing

5 Simple Ways To Improve Your Skiing

Improve your skiing and enjoy the mountains more than ever before

Inspirational Skiing
Simple ways to Inspire

We all know that feeling – the mountains, the snow, the freedom!

When it all comes together there is no better feeling – we love it!

Improve your skiing and that love and enjoyment just keeps growing.

Below are 5 simple things that you can do in order to maximise your improvements, and therefore maximise your fun and enjoyment of the mountains.

TDCski coaches look at 5 ways that you can improve your skiing

Over the years the TDCski coaches have seen lots of people who under their guidance have taken their skiing from basic, to advanced, to expert.

How was this achieved?

The ways to improve are not complicated, it can be a simple ongoing task.
Here are 5 rules to follow.

1) Have a Goal

Enjoy Yourself
It is all about having fun, and enjoying yourself

Having a goal doesn’t need to be an overly complicated or technical thing.
Your goal could be as simple as you want to ski relaxed, or you want to ski without worrying what is round the next corner.
Alternatively you could have a more specific goal. You might want to be able to ski a certain challenging run or you want to be able to “ski the bumps”.
Whatever it is, having a goal means that you will be able to move towards it.

In every ski lesson that we will ever take out, at some point at the beginning of your lesson whether you realise it is happening or not, the coach/instructor will negotiate a goal for that lesson with you. This will give you a target and as you move forward towards that target it is enjoyable. Achieving the little milestones will give you a satisfaction – a sense of achievement – it makes it fun!

2) Have a Focus

One of the greatest things about skiing is that it allows you to NOT focus on the regular days to day things that we all have to deal with in daily life.
If however you DO have a simple focus about your skiing, then it will allow you to keep your mind on the job at hand – enjoying yourself and getting that wonderful feeling of mountains, snow and freedom!

We love skiing
Skiing – We love it!

If you focus on absolutely nothing then it is very easy for the job at hand to go wayward.
Keeping a simple focus will allow you to monitor and measure what you are doing and if the job at hand is going wayward, you can adjust, change or even stop and start again.
A skiing focus does not have to be complicated; it can be as simple as making rhythmical turns or focusing on balancing on the outside ski.

Setting a focus is the pathway to achieving your goal. You need a more specific focus to achieve your wider goal. – see above!

3) Understand that Focus

It is a really good thing to understand WHY you are focusing on something, don’t just take someones word for it. Take ownership of what you are doing and try to understand the reasoning behind what you are focusing on.

TDcski Coaching
TDCski Coaching Sharing their Knowledge

Skiing is a blend of different skills so as you are skiing around the mountain there will be many times when you need to adjust the blend of what you are doing in order to adapt to a different situation – it might get steeper, or bumpy, or there is fresh snow.
If you understand WHY you are doing something and understand what skill it is that you are practicing/developing then you will be able to take that skill with you into any different situation.

4) It’s Not Just all about Technique

It is a really common misconception that getting better is just about what you are doing technically. There is more to improving your performance than just doing “x” with your little toe, or doing “y” with your hands.
Quite often you might take what we call a Tactical approach – where it the best place to turn, should I turn quickly, what line should I take? A good tactical approach to any given situation allows you to maximise the technical skills that you have at that time.
Skiing like any sport has its up and downs. Some days you feel really confident and some days….not so much. It is times like this that maybe we have to take a Psychological approach. Work out what it is that is not working today – is it in the mind? Maybe the weather has changed or there are lots of people around. The actual movements required to ski are the same – but it is how our mind is viewing it.

Being able to understand these things and tap into them will give you far greater success when you get down to the job of sliding down a hill and enjoying yourself.

5) Challenge Yourself

Challenge your skiing
Challenge yourself

“Challenge” – this word I think means different things to different people, but whatever way you look at it, challenging yourself is a very enjoyable, rewarding thing to do and it will allow you to realise your best.
To some it means that you take on something that is harder than normal. Then you dig deep, you focus and you overcome, you rise up and take on the challenge.
To others this idea of increasing the level of difficulty is in itself very off putting. If this is how you feel, then your “challenge” is to keep the task the same, keep skiing on the same run, keep skiing at the same speed, but make sure that you set a challenge that means you do have to be more accurate, more precise with what you are doing. e.g. do all of your turns balancing on the outside ski early, don’t only do half and then start thinking about what’s for lunch.

Whichever way you look at the idea of “challenging yourself”, by giving yourself little challenges you will set yourself on a path for improvement that will be lasting, enjoyable and it will be fun!

What now?

Come ski with us
Come ski with us

These are some of the principles that TDCski use to develop skiers to their full potential.

We invite you to achieve that feeling with TDCski this winter.

To Enquire or book simply Book Online, email [email protected] or call +33615553156.

TDC coach Steve Angus at Hemel Snow Centre in the UK

Ski with TDC – in the UK Snowdomes

Get your skis on before it snows…Hemel Snow Centre

What’s On: Piste performance and All Terrain clinics at Hemel Snow Centre.

What do you do?: 3 hours on snow training plus video analysis time.

When: Clinics run from 4-9pm on Saturday evenings
Saturday 14th September – afternoon / evening
Saturday 28th September – afternoon / evening
Saturday 5th October – afternoon / evening
Saturday 19th October – afternoon / evening

Meet TDC coach Steve from 4pm…. ski from 4.30-6.30pm, coffee break, then 6.30-8pm back on snow. Followed by video analysis then depart for 9pm.

Technical content tailored to individuals needs and wants.

You should be able to ski confidently on a blue run. Equally you could have a high level of performance and still develop your skills and understanding during these sessions.

Cost: £75 per clinic with a reduced rate of £60 if you book a second session. Price includes – slope entry fee, lift pass, equipment hire, coaching.
Min of 2 and max of 4 people a session.

Après-Ski: Video analysis and performance development discussion

Booking: contact Steve Angus on [email protected]

Introducing the new TDC Coaches for 2012….

TDC are proud to annouce that for the 2011/12 season there are going to be a few new faces in the TDC Jacket….

Jamie – Meribel, Joe – Val d’Isere and Sarah, Rorie, Mark and Rab – Tignes

Jamie Deamer – Meribel

Jamie Deamer
Jamie Deamer – TDC Meribel

Jamie’s passion for winter sports started at an early age playing ice hockey for his home town team Chelmsford at every level from juniors through to the first team who played their matches in English league division one.

It wasn’t until he was 13 that he first put skis on and he quickly caught the bug. He was a regular visitor to the Alps whilst working as a printer around London in the 1990’s.

A career change was needed to further his passion and in 2001 he set off on a ski trip that saw him work his way around the world via Canada and New Zealand ending up in the Aosta valley in Italy where he met his wife Lucy.

Twelve winter seasons later and Jamie is now a BASI level 4 instructor with full French
equivalence. He spends his summers working at golf courses in the UK as a greenkeeper
struggling to lower his handicap !

This coming winter will be Jamie’s 6th in the 3 valleys and his first with the
all new TDC Meribel.

Joe Harkess – Val d’Isere

Joe Harkness
Joe Harkness – TDC Val d’Isere

TDC are proud to welcome Joe on to the TDC Val d’Isere team.

Growing up in the south of Germany, Joe has been skiing since the age of 6. Driving to the Alps on a Friday after school to squeeze in a weekends skiing was the norm.

It wasn’t until the age of 16, being back in the UK and reduced to one or two weeks a season, Joe realized how much he loved and missed those quick ski trips. Since then a gap year has turned into a lifestyle and career, spending winters in the Alps and summers in the southern hemisphere or the glaciers and snowdomes of Europe.

Competing in Freeride, Freestyle and Giant Slalom events Joe has built up a strong platform and adaptability discovering how the very different disciplines compliment each other and create a well-rounded skier. After spending the past 6 years based in Austria while training towards his qualifications, Joe joins the team as a BASI ISTD with French equivalence and Freestyle coach.

Sarah Musson – Tignes

Sarah Musson
Sarah Musson – TDC Tignes

Sarah started skiing at the age of 15 on a School ski trip. By her second holiday she knew skiing had changed her life forever and her goal was to train to be a ski instructor.

At the age of 18 she moved to Tignes and with a brief year out in Verbier and has been in what she calls home for the last 10 years.

She has the highest BASI Level 4, with French Equivalence and with 10 years under her belt in Tignes knows the resort like the back of her hand. Whether performance skiing, bumps, gates or deep powder she is no happier than when she has skis on her feet.

In the summer Sarah runs a lakeside Hotel and Restaurant in Tignes waiting patiently for the snow to arrive and kick start the new winter season.

Having taught in Tignes for 7 years before, 2012 is Sarah’s first year for TDC. The rest of the team have long been wondering whether the Escape Killy is big enough to contain her excitement and enthusiasm for ski teaching.
We look forward to finding out…

Rorie Scott – Tignes

Rorie Scott
Rorie Scott – TDC Tignes

It was 10 years ago Rorie handed his notice in to his boss at a reputable firm of financial advisers with the dream of becoming a ski instructor in Tignes. With his career pathway written by a friend on a scrap of paper, Rorie attained his goal four years later.

Joining TDC this year, Rorie is delighted to be providing to such high quality and can’t wait to see you on the slopes.

Rorie holds the prestigious BASI ISTD with full equivalence, Canadian ISIA and is a level 2 race coach.

Mark Lees – Tignes

Mark Lees
Mark Lees – TDC Tignes

2011/12 is Mark’s first winter with TDC and he can not wait to ski and coach in the Espace Killy. His passion for skiing started on a 80m plastic slope and gave growth to a 11 year career in ski teaching. This passion and drive for great skiing is something that Mark delivers to his clients with every lesson.

Mark´s time in the mountains has spanned the globe from the Alps, the US and Chile. A fully qualified British BASI Level 4 instructor. He has spent his career working with children, adults, instructors and elite athletes. From teaching under 9yr ski school groups to coaching the British mens senior ski team for 5 years on the European and world cup circuits.

Mark is also a experienced personal trainer and delivers fitness training in his home city of Glasgow and online. He is currently studying a degree in Sport Science, Physiology and sport nutrition at Glasgow University and and is very much looking forward to joining the TDC team this season.

Rab Bickerdike – Tignes

Rab Bickerdike
Rab Bickerdike – TDC Tignes

Rab has been skiing since he can remember and was brought up on the “character building” slopes of Scotland. He was told he started with plastic skis and welly boots in Aviemore. So it was only obvious that he’d run away to the Alps as soon as he could.

Since 1999 he’s been doing seasons in Pila, Chamonix, Les Gets, Verbier, was based in Aosta, Italy, and now Tignes for it’s “good vibe and massive off piste possibilities”.

After 12 seasons of teaching and coaching experience under his belt, Rab still loves to pass on his love and knowledge of the sport, whilst respecting and enjoying the mountain as much and as often as possible.

Rab very honestly admits to his park and pipe background, and at any given chance will be upside down or back to front. He is just as happy on the piste or off piste on skis or even one of those snowboard thingies.

In summer Rab is happiest on his Downhill Mountain bike. Racing and coaching his local Italian team, and is currently sponsored by G.T. bikes.

He also finds writing about himself in the third person very difficult and Steve Peat is the man!?

Val d’Isere flag highlight of the night

Scotland v Georgia Val d'Isere Flag
Scotland v Georgia Val d'Isere Flag

I’m not going to even mention the rugby, apart from saying that is was cold and wet and generally quite uninspiring.

How ever the Val d’Isere flag was displaying proudly and the company was good.

I even saw the flag on the TV when we got home.

TDC coach Phil Harrison will be representing TDC at tomorrow nights England v Georgia game.

I hope that for all involved it is a better game.

TDC Val d’Isere at the Rugby World Cup 2011

Scotland v Romania Val d'Isere Flag
Scotland v Romania Val d'Isere Flag

TDC Ski Coach Colin Tanner and long time Val d’Isere “local” Mike are enjoying the RWC.

While down at the recent Scotland v Romania match the Val d’Isere was unfurled, to a few bemused looks from the travelling Scotland supporters.

The match was all too exciting, for all the wrong reasons, especially if you are a Scotland fan.

The end result was a good one for Scotland and a few celibrations continued on in the bar afterwards…

This was then followed by the equally tense and “exciting” England v Argentina match.

Colin is down in NZ after a ski season at Coronet Peak in Queenstown.


The Celebrations

We are now looking forward to seeing a better Scotish performance on Wednesday nights game at Invercargill.

Keep an eye out for the Val d’Isere flag on your TV…

Snow in June!

Yesterday saw a freak snow storm hit the Tarentaise valley, almost half a metre fell in Val, whilst even down in the valley there was widespread chaos as trees laden with fresh wet snow came down onto power cables. It was pretty strange going sledging with my son on 1st June when the last time we’d had enough to sledge was Christmas! It hasn’t snowed properly in the valley for about 4 months and now it decides to come down thick and fast and ruin our tomatoes and geraniums!

Here today gone tomorrow. The summer snow was short lived. The sun was back out today, the sledge got put back in the shed and it was time to get back on the bike…what a strange old world!