A Personal Touch

There are so many things that I love about this job as a Private Ski Instructor in Meribel, and over the years I've written about them on this blog page. One of the main advantages is being able to meet people from different walks of life, various sporting backgrounds, and also different professions. Many years ago I was introduced to a wonderful lady called Cat. Her passion for skiing was high, she had worked a couple of ski seasons in Meribel firstly as a chalet host, and then as a massage therapist.

We have socialised (I certainly can't keep up), and skied together many times. I've even taught Cat which in a way was a rather nerve-racking experience. Why? Because Cat is an industry leading sports professional in her own right, both physical fitness and coaching. We had a lovely chat the other day and had the idea of sharing experiences. Her references went like this....

"I am Cat Booker and I have been a keen skier since I was thirteen years young keeping up with other skiers, namely my Dad, Brother and then other half on the ski slopes of France, Austria, Switzerland, Italy and Bulgaria. Skiing to me is an annual must, as important as a summer holiday, if not the priority. I work in the UK as a Fitness Professional and have my own studio in Buckinghamshire, where I run small group class training, personal training, and a biomechanics business.

(Cat cycling up the Col du Colombier)

Having spent nineteen years as a qualified fitness trainer, and more besides in the field, skiing has been a great physical sport for me, and I train all year round as a cyclist and a duathlete.

Like Martin, I get to deliver coaching and training everyday, and totally understand the importance and value in being trained and having advice from professionals. Most of the time whenever I get to ski, I will always book a ski lesson or two, with these days as private lessons rather than group. This is because I know the value of one to one time, and one of the best times I've had on the slopes has been with Martin during a lesson, then free skiing and socialising with him and friends.

(A recent 'big' birthday cake)

I had the great opportunity to have had spells working out in the Alps in Meribel to help with sport massage. This was an inspiring experience to be able to help people recover to move freely and then progress as skiers. I know I will return to the French Alps this winter to St. Foy, not far from Meribel, and intend to try a new form of skiing called telemarking. Martin tells me it's like lunging in a gym all day long, but with the added freedom of being on skis in the incredible high mountains.

My round up here is to say I have a genuine respect and mutual appreciation for coaches who are passionate about what they do and how they are able to share their knowledge and experiences with clients. For me, without doubt, Martin is high on this list.

Gosh, how nice to receive such feedback from Cat. However this is a wonderful time to say again it's very interesting for me to meet so many people with different sporting intersts each winter. Pilates, horse riding, yoga, circuit training, nutrition, racquet sports, cycling, dancing, and gym sessions all crop up in conversations on the mountain. And you know what? All of these activities will have a closer connection to you on skis than you realise.

To find more details on Cat Booker and her fitness services, go to her website by clicking here. If you enjoyed this article, you might be interested in a 'fly on the wall' of a day in the life of a Private Ski Instructor in Meribel from last winter, click here for the link. Feel free to share away on Facebook, Twitter and Google+ by using the social media icons below. Or leave a comment, it's always great to hear from people. Hey, guess who is leaving the UK in a few days time to the Alps for the winter? Nope, not Michael yet........ yes it's Mister Eager Beaver 'Monsieur Martin'. Promise to keep you posted. Martin.