Sam Taylor
Current involvement with ski school
Resort Manager for New Generation in 3 Valleys
Courses involved in:
- Meribel Gap
- Courchevel ISIA
Current Qualifications
- BASI Level 4 ISTD
- Snowboard instructor
- Level 2 race coach
- European mountain safety
Where did it all begin?
Before beginning my BASI journey I raced in the British championships with DHO. I leaned that my strengths were in sports and talking to people, so in 2005 I completed by BASI Level 1 and 2 with New Generation so that I could become a ski instructor. Since then I have been working / training every season.
What is your current role with New Generation?
Having started my career as a gap student with New Generation it is really cool to have come full circle and now be working on the Gap and ISIA programmes in the 3 Valleys. After qualifying I worked for New Generation in both Switzerland and France but am now based in the 3 Valleys where, along with my work on instructor training I am the Resort Manager of our ski school in La Tania.
Over the last few seasons I have mainly taught trainees off-piste mountain safety. To do this I deliver lectures and off-snow training and theory work as well on practical on snow training. With the increasing popularity of free ride and off-piste skiing I believe it’s important to make students aware of the dangers so that they can enjoy the amazing off-piste on offer in the 3 Valleys safely.
What do you get up to in the summer?
In the summers Sam still spends most of his time hurtling down mountains at high speed – though when the snow is gone he prefers to do this on a mountain bike. He spent a number of summers working on cycle trips in the alps but has now set up camp in the highlands of Scotland.
He is definitely dedicated to the cause when riding and most season returns with a new scar or story of broken bones because of his downhill hobby.
Top Tip
In the morning or afternoon, use your free time to practice. Don’t be tempted to go back to how you used to ski or try tackle a harder slope. Take what you have learnt and be patient, but most of all PRACTICE.
