Tom Saxlund

I grew up in Norway-bikes in the summers, skis in the winters-and learned to ski at 3, taught by my dad. I grew up on cross-country skis and only tried alpine skiing at 16, finding it incredibly difficult. Then at 21 I went to the Alps for the first time and had my first proper lessons, and after that I never looked back—I was hooked. I love skiing both on and off-piste: the adrenaline of carving on-piste is brilliant fun, and I equally love ski touring and getting into the quieter parts of the mountain. My best skiing memory is passing my racing exam—especially since I am not a ski racer.

I became an instructor because I just love seeing people improve and have more fun on skis, and my favourite thing about the job is meeting so many very different people. Thirty years on, one surprising fact about me: I’ve been in the ski school longer than anyone else.

I live in the Alps year-round and help with the ski school planning, and in the summer, I run the New Generation cycling trips. I love road cycling-it’s been great riding with some of our skiing clients who join our bike trips. I also hold a teaching degree and a master’s in business.