When Neil, a lifelong skier from Cornwall, England, signed up for New Generation’s Performance and Adventure course, he wasn’t a beginner; he’d skied most of his life, but never in a structured learning environment. Here he shares his experience with New Generation Ski and Snowboard School.
Why Choose the Performance and Adventure Course?
The appeal was clear for Neil: technical progression with a side of adventure. He didn’t just want to “ski better”—he wanted to learn and explore, challenge himself both mentally and physically, and dive into environments he’d never experienced before.
“I wanted to technically improve, but also gain fun and new experiences in a different environment,” Neil said. That spirit of curiosity and challenge is exactly what our Performance and Adventure 4-week course is built on.
Balancing On-Piste Precision with Off-Piste Discovery
The course uniquely combines on-piste refinement with off-piste exploration, offering a holistic approach to improvement. Neil was particularly focused on solidifying his foundational skills on the groomed runs, but the lure of untouched snow and the unknown added another dimension.
“The off-piste environments we explored were incredible. It was great fun and a real challenge,” he shared. The course offered thrills and a carefully structured, safe learning experience for someone stepping off-piste for the first time.
A Learning Experience Like No Other
Throughout the four-week course, Neil’s goal was: “Learn something new every day—and have some fun doing it.” And he did just that.
From day one, the instruction was technically sharp and continuously adaptive. Ettore, his coach, provided constant, friendly feedback and helped Neil focus on what he needed to improve. It was a journey of targeted assessments and positive reinforcement.
One of Neil’s most memorable moments came during his first real off-piste descent—a mix of heavy snow, adrenaline, and discovery. “It was a bit of a surprise, but really enjoyable,” he recalled.
Prepared for the Backcountry
Safety is never an afterthought in our adventure courses—it’s the foundation. Neil and his group were trained on avalanche awareness and backcountry safety from the outset. Transceiver training, search-and-rescue simulations, and comprehensive avalanche education ensured every participant was informed and confident.
“We went through everything from transceiver use to digging someone out. It was very thorough,” Neil explained.
The Power of Community and Shared Growth
What stood out just as much as the skiing was the shared experience. Living and learning with a group of individuals from diverse backgrounds created an atmosphere of support, camaraderie, and inspiration.
“You learn a lot about others—and a lot about yourself too,” Neil reflected. Whether discussing technical aspects or laughing over dinner, the bonds formed on the mountain carried through every part of the experience.
Why the Three Valleys Made All the Difference
Set in the iconic Three Valleys, the course offered endless options for development and exploration. With instructors tailoring the terrain to match learning goals, every day brought a new challenge.
“It’s the best of both worlds—great on-piste and amazing off-piste areas. It covers every aspect of skiing,” Neil said.
Final Verdict: Outstanding
When asked to sum up his experience, Neil didn’t hesitate:
“Outstanding—from a learning perspective, an instructor perspective, and a team perspective. The best of the best.”
His journey through the Performance and Adventure course is a testament to what skiing can be when passion meets purpose and technical development is paired with the thrill of discovery.
Ready to take the next step and become a confident backcountry skier? Contact us to find out more about our Performance and Adventure Course.