Five weeks in Chamonix…

Fifty years ago, I was packing my bags to go to Chamonix and attend the “Auxilliaire’s”, five-week training session at the old ENSA (Ecole Nationale de Ski et d’Alpinisme), to get my second-stage ski instructor certification and the cool pin that came with it. 

I didn’t know anyone there and never stayed much in touch with my new-found colleagues. I got to ski le Brévent, la Flégère, les Houches and les Grands Montets, learned about technique, avalanches and managed to graduate under the guidance of Professeur Martinal. 

This was an easy rite of passage, a pleasant learning experience and a major step into my nascent ski industry career. Five weeks I’ll never forget…