British Association of Ski Patrollers

A last ditch agreement between David Campbell and a group of snow enthusiasts headed up by Falkirk business man and self-confessed snow nut Andy Meldrum has assured the future of the Glencoe Ski Centre. Andy is an experienced recruiter, marketer, trainer and public speaker who built his current company, AM-Distribution into a successful international business with distributors in the UK and Southern Ireland. Drawing on his early experience of teaching skiing and running his own outdoor centre at the Spittal of Glenshee, Andy believes that he and his team, with the support of the local and snow sports community, have the background and commitment to make Glencoe a successful, year-round, destination. Andy is absolutely delighted to announce that the ski centre will definitely be opening its doors this season and would like to thank David Campbell for his patience during the necessary lengthy negotiations that led to today’s announcement. Bobby Munroe, resort manager, says “this is really great news for Glencoe snow sports enthusiasts, for Scottish skiing and for local employment. We’ve got a lot of work to do to be open for the start of the season, but we’re all up for the challenge”. Bobby Williamson, Glencoe ski patrol, who, in the background, played an important ambassadorial role to ensure that Glencoe stayed open, says “the resort with Scotland’s premier ski and snow board terrain and an enviable weather record has been thrown a lifeline”. To promote the re-opening of the Glencoe Ski centre season passes are being offered at the specially discounted price of £250 (normally £300) until the end of November. For more details give Angela a call on 01855 851226. In addition to plans for the development and improvement of the facilities for skiers and snowboarders, the new owners plan further development of the resort as a year-round facility; with new mountain bike trails (and bike hire), an adventure play-park, dry ski slope and archery range being on offer for the 2010 summer. The café also plans to launch its great new re-vamped home baked menu within the next few weeks. The new owners believe that the best way to safe guard and develop skiing at Glencoe is to explore the possibility of snowmaking to ensure that the centre is less dependent on the vagaries of the Scottish climate. “With this in mind we plan to have a number of weather stations up and running by the start of the season”. “We have an uphill task ahead of us but with the support of the local community, ski clubs, ski patrol and you the general public, we are certain that we can not only safeguard the future of the resort but improve and develop its facilities.” We look forward to meeting you on the hill this season.

My thoughts having never been before: skiing, good although very much end of season.
Lectures, some were very interesting some not, best being the avalanche stuff, but that was professionally presented. The Aussies did a lot, but they had to present to be there (fully funded), Japanese hilarious (but I didn't laugh), I think the FIPs in Japan could be a cultural train wreak
Practicals, mostly good, avalanche stuff great.
Overall I am glad I went, I think that:-
a) We Brits can ski, we ski well and as far as skiing to patrol is concerned can hold our own.
b) We are ahead in the medical areas, we have more freedom and are more highly skilled.
c) practically, rope, sledge, etc. while there was little work (none) on this, we worked as a team where required and presented stronger skills than most.

Other members should definitely go, given the opportunity, it is a worth while experience. However, I feel that members (BASP) should go based upon merit, particularly if they are partially funded by BASP, if they are totally self funded as were some of the Americans then they can do what they like. However, if you are receiving partial funding from the home organisation attendance to some lectures would be a good idea.

Thanks to Martyn for updating the BASP_FIPS facebook diary daily while he was out in Sweden. BASP members are welcome to join this group, however it is not likely to be updated again for a while. More reports will be given to BASP members through the newsletter and special updates and at the AGM. Applications to attend the next FIPS conference are welcome at any time.

Christine Gillespie shares a dram with Australian delegate

It was all outside action today with a set of events set up by Manual. He is a Swiss guy that runs avalanche training. This is Manual the days organiser, he did a great job and made sure we were all Ok. But....he is a wee bit strict.