As the mist rolled over the lush grey tarmac on the runways of Montreal airport, 150 bleary-eyed but excited teenagers hailing from the United Kingdom stepped into the country that would become their home for the next 3 months. Split into groups they chatted excitedly on the yellow school buses bound for Tremblant and wondered if the next 3 months would live up to their expectations.
This was me almost half a year ago. Five months later I'm a qualified snowboarding instructor and freestyle coach, I'm entering snowboard competitions (and doing quite well!) and I'm scanning the internet for accommodation in Queenstown, New Zealand. Not only did Ski Le Gap 2006 live up to all my wildest expectations; it exceeded them as well. The best food, the best coaches, the best parties, the best friends - the Gap was truly a legendary experience, and the most exhilarating three months of my life.
In terms of snowboarding itself, there could be no better environment to learn and improve. The coaches are not only there to teach, but to be an inspiration and most importantly, to be mates. Where else can you get snowboarding advice while taking a leak in the bushes? I'll always remember chilling in the bar or hot tub with my coaches discussing the Gap's girls, or how to do a certain move. Riders are so well prepared for the examinations there was almost a 100% pass rate. After CASI level one, riders can choose whether to pursue higher qualifications (CASI level two, Basic Coach) or just to shred the morning powder with "Phat" Phil scaring off skiers. CASI Level two involved much more technical riding skills such as short radius turns and stylish carving. This tough exam is often a pitfall for snowboarding instructors, however with the Gap's tuition from legendary instructor "Demon" (one of 3 level four instructors teaching at the gap - there are only a few level fours in the whole of Quebec!) there was a 100% pass rate. Basic Coach involved learning the principles of teaching "freestyle" snowboarding to pupils. Personally I found the training involved with this qualification my most enjoyable time at the Gap. Not only did I learn the teaching principles, but I also learnt some sick new tricks whilst enjoying the spring sunshine in Tremblant.
It is difficult to describe the town of Tremblant. Imagine a Disney movie, with all the colourful buildings and happy people. Now add some kick-ass bars, snowboarding and 150 teenagers with a mind to party! Imagine stopping at lunchtime after hitting waist deep powder all morning, heading for a burger and pitcher of microbrewery beer before relaxing in the hot tub and waving at people on the lifts. Imagine the spring, with hot weather, sunshine and beers on the terrace, dancing around in shorts singing "Funkytown" at four in the afternoon. A typical day would end at three, at which point most gappers would head to the bar and take part in the "beat the clock" phenomenon. This involves the price of beer going up every half an hour after starting at rock bottom prices. Obviously this resulted in some rather eventful and entertaining bus journeys at 5.30, crude singing usually being the order of the day. Back at the Gap there would be cookies and soup waiting, with dinner just around the corner. Then, of course, would be another famous Gap party.
I've always wondered what it would be like to have a "Van Wilder" style party liaison officer; somebody employed solely for the purpose of creating mayhem. Our very own "love monkey" organised parties on an epic scale twice a week, and got paid to do so. Playing bar games dressed as John Travolta, a fireman, Mr. T (I pity the fool) and a roman emperor were all new and unique experiences! I think a quote that appears on the 2006 Ski Le Gap DVD sums up the atmosphere fairly well: "Let's get some snow down some togas! I want to see some snow... in some togas."
Even eighteen and nineteen year olds can't party and ride 24/7, so in the down-time there were plenty of facilities to amuse gappers. Obviously the bar was never far away but there were also pool tables, TVs and computers to keep in contact with family and friends. The residential staff were always on hand for any queries, trips, injuries, letters or just general TLC. A tip of the cap goes to chef Normand, who is not only the happiest, nicest person I've ever met, but also makes a mean cookie and some seriously good steaks!
I literally had the time of my life at Ski le Gap 2006. To put things into perspective, it has now been nearly 3 months since I left Canada and not one day has passed where snowboarding and the people I met at the Gap has not been on my mind. The friends I made will be with me for life, as will the huge volume of awesome memories. I would recommend Ski le Gap's snowboarding programme to anyone - even skiers!
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