A Big Birthday Bash In Meribel

A couple of weeks ago saw a very important event take place, the celebration of a big birthday number (diplomacy deployed) for Chris! I first met him a few years ago over in Val d'Isere, and we have skied together every winter since, back here in Meribel. This winter was a very different holiday for Chris, he had hired a chalet and filled it with close family members and friends who go back decades (still being diplomatic). The intention was to celebrate his birthday all together in one of his favourite environments, ie skiing and being in the mountains. He hired me for the week and asked me to be the group's Private Ski Instructor.

There were sixteen skiers in the group and a few non-skiers, with varying skiing standards ranging from green piste skiers all the way through to black piste skiers. I was also tasked with recording the week by taking photos. Some of you might be aware that I'm a very keen photographer, so it was extra fun for me to take my mate called Canon out every day.

At the start of every day Chris made suggestions as to who I'd be teaching each morning and afternoon, and then we'd discuss the all important lunch venue to enable the other members of the group to catch up. It was really fun for me to bounce around skiing with different group members, and helping them out with their goals and aspirations on the mountain.

Several of the group members had hardly had any ski instruction in the past, so it was fascinating for me to hear their thoughts on ski technique and to understand their knowledge before trying to simplify things. It soon became evident that some of the group didn't particularly have a focus on their skiing whilst they were sliding. Whilst others benefited from having something simple to think about to help them control their line and speed down the mountain.

The snow conditions have improved considerably the last week or so, but when Chris and the others were here we had to choose the pistes to use that had the best snow conditions. It was also fun showing the huge Les Trois Vallees ski area to those who hadn't skied here before.

It was an incredibly enjoyable week, and one that will remain in my memory for a long time. Because everyone knew each other so well, the week was full of banter and endless laughter. Here are a few more photos from the week.

It was nice to receive emails from the group members after they had returned back to the UK from Meribel. It sounded as though everyone had had a real blast, and I think you can see that in the photos.

If you are intrigued as to how Michael and I teach skiers with improving their performance and also what affects our skiing performance, click on this link. I wrote this article last winter about this very subject. Feel free to share away on Facebook, Twitter and Google+ by using the social media icons. Or leave a comment below, it's always lovely to hear from you. Have a great week everyone, and don't forget.... Live With Passion. Martin.