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How the Snow Camp and BASI Partnership is Transforming Lives Through Snow Sports    

Snow Camp’s partnership with BASI (British Association of Snowsport Instructors) is changing the game for young people across the UK. By combining Snow Camp’s innovative youth programmes with BASI’s world-class snowsport instructor training, this collaboration provides life-changing opportunities.

Together, they enable young people not only to discover the joys of snow sports but also to gain recognised qualifications that open doors to professional pathways. For many, it’s the first step towards a brighter future. This partnership highlights the incredible potential of snow sports to transform lives, foster confidence, and create new opportunities.

The Journey to Becoming a Snowsport Instructor

Through Snow Camp’s structured programmes, participants embark on a journey that takes them from their first day on the slopes to achieving recognised qualifications.

  1. First Tracks: The journey begins with an introduction to skiing or snowboarding. For many, this is their first experience of snow sports, sparking excitement and curiosity.
  2. Graduate Programme: Participants refine their skills and gain insight into the snow sports industry. They also learn about the wider impact of their training on personal development.
  3. Excel Programme: This advanced programme includes mentoring, goal-setting workshops, and the chance to achieve a BASI Level 1 instructor qualification.
  4. BASI Certification: With the support of both organisations, participants gain BASI qualifications, opening the door to job opportunities in the UK and abroad.

This carefully designed pathway provides both personal and professional growth, setting young people on a path to success.

BASI and Snow Camp Partnership

How BASI Qualifications Are Turning Underserved Young People into Ski Instructors

For young people from disadvantaged backgrounds, finding meaningful opportunities can be incredibly challenging. Many face barriers such as a lack of access to quality education, limited career guidance, or financial struggles. The Snow Camp and BASI partnership is breaking down these barriers by offering a pathway that is both inspiring and practical.

This collaboration has created a supportive environment where participants not only learn snow sports but also build resilience, teamwork, and confidence. BASI’s globally recognised qualifications open doors to career pathways that many young people might never have imagined.

“Working with SnowCamp has been rewarding on so many fronts. Seeing new passion develop in the young people for snowsports has been humbling. Watching many of them achieving success through the program, getting to visit the mountains for the first time, then coming back to complete their BASI instructor qualification has been great.

The support they receive throughout the various Snow Camp programmes is invaluable to them becoming instructors. The tools and experience they gain sets them up for a successful career in snowsports and BASI are proud to be part of that journey.” – Kevin Edwards, BASI Snowboard Product Owner and Snowboard Trainer.

BASI’s Contributions in 2024

Over the past year, BASI has gone above and beyond to support Snow Camp’s mission. Their generosity and expertise have provided young people with the tools to thrive:

  • 10 Free Course Spots: BASI gifted 10 free spots on their Level 1 instructor courses, allowing young people to achieve life-changing qualifications.
  • 14 Participants Completed Courses: BASI instructors supported young people through intensive training, with 9 of them successfully earning full qualifications as instructors – a huge achievement!
  • Course Variety: Qualifications included BASI Level 1 Ski, Level 1 Snowboard, Level 2 Snowboard, and BASI Level 1 Adaptive Certification. This diversity ensures pathways for everyone, including those looking to specialise in adaptive snow sports.
  • Excel Programme Success: During the Excel Programme in Andorra this April, 80 participants earned BASI Foundation Qualifications, marking their first step toward professional certification.

A Caring and Encouraging Approach

One of the standout features of BASI’s involvement is the kindness and encouragement shown by their instructors. From providing extra coaching to first-time participants to motivating those nervous about exams, BASI staff consistently go the extra mile.

“Working with Basi has transformed our young people’s skill levels; when they’re learning in such a short space of time to get input from BASI, it has been transformational. Every single Basi trainer we have had working with the young people has been so kind and caring towards them and has taken time to get to know them all, work to their strengths, and work with them on their weaknesses. 

But not only the BASI trainers but the full Basi team are always so kind, and considerate with all the communications and have been integral to our ability to provide this additional element of advanced training to our young people  and to fit into our Snow Camp pathway perfectly. 

It has been a pleasure working together so far. We are really excited to continue working together to change young lives around.” shared one Snow Camp Programme Manager.

By fostering a positive and inclusive learning environment, BASI helps young people feel confident and capable. These experiences are about more than qualifications – they’re about realising potential and creating brighter futures.

 

BASI and Snow Camp Partnership

BASI Impact Stories

The partnership between Snow Camp and BASI is changing lives, and no story illustrates this better than Leggy’s. Referred to Snow Camp Midlands in 2022 by his youth worker, Leggy initially struggled with confidence and felt out of his comfort zone when meeting new people. However, through his participation in Snow Camp programmes, he found his passion for snowboarding and began a transformative journey.

Leggy completed the entire Snow Camp pathway, including the Excel Programme, and went on to volunteer as a youth instructor, helping others while continuing to build his own confidence. He also spent time riding with friends at Tamworth Snowdome, where he developed both his skills and friendships.

In 2023, Leggy joined the Apprenticeship Programme and achieved his BASI Level 1 Instructor qualification, as well as a BASI Adaptive Instructor certification. Now employed at SnowDome, Tamworth, Leggy is known for his dedication and caring nature. He is a true inspiration, always ready to volunteer and support new snowboarders.

As Leggy puts it:

“I want to help as many people experience the magic of snow as possible.” – Leggy.

His hard work, combined with the support of Snow Camp and BASI, has paved the way for a bright future – one filled with opportunities to inspire the next generation of snowboarders.

Another success story is Kai, who joined Snow Camp during a difficult time in his life. He quickly discovered a passion for snow sports and, with BASI training, has not only gained employment but also the confidence to lead workshops for new participants.

“I am so happy. I can’t believe I passed – I’m so proud of myself! It’s overwhelming, but I’m just excited to start doing something I love.”- Kai.

Since the partnership began, hundreds of young people have earned their BASI qualifications through Snow Camp. These achievements are a testament to the power of collaboration and the commitment of both organisations to making a difference. You can read more inspiring success stories here.

Snow Camp & BASI Partnership Success

The Snow Camp and BASI partnership demonstrates the incredible potential of collaboration to transform lives. By providing young people with the skills, confidence, and qualifications they need, this partnership paves the way for brighter futures.

Whether it’s through donating, sponsoring, or sharing this story, your support makes a difference. Together, we can empower more young people to discover the joys of snow sports and take bold steps toward achieving their dreams.

How You Can Support a Snow Camp Partnership

BASI and Snow Camp Partnership

Snow Camp relies on the generosity of supporters to continue making a difference. Here are some ways you can help:

  • Donate: Every contribution helps young people access these incredible opportunities.
  • Sponsor: Businesses and individuals can sponsor a programme or participant to ensure the partnership continues to grow.
  • Spread the Word: Share this story to inspire others and raise awareness of the Snow Camp and BASI partnership.

Your support enables more young people to take their first steps onto the slopes and begin their journey toward personal and professional transformation. Visit our Get Involved page to learn how you can make an impact today.

For more updates, inspiring stories, and news about our programmes, visit our Snow Camp news page.