About BASS
A Brief History
Three friends, Hugh, Ian and Phil, collaborated and combined resources to initiate the opportunity. Working closely with French authorities and BASI, we helped establish the administrative framework for British instructors to work in the French Alps. Ian leads the Avoriaz Alpine Ski School, Phil leads Snoworks, and Hugh has devoted himself to establishing and supporting the BASS Network of ski schools.
The BASS Network of skis schools was established in Les Gets in 1993, one of the first British ski school to operate legally in France. (We had friends doing their own thing at the same time, as part of the first wave.)
BASS has been the cornerstone of British ski instruction in France since 1993. BASS operations are at the forefront of our professions and many of today's other successful British ski schools were founded by instructors who began their careers training with or working with BASS. We're pleased to have established not just a ski school, but an entire tradition of excellence in British ski instruction across the Alps.
Our Background
Founded by Hugh Monney in 1993, BASS began in Les Gets before expanding to Morzine and eventually to ten resorts across the French Alps.
In the early years, we worked with French authorities and BASI to establish recognition of British qualifications in France. This involved developing administrative processes and demonstrating equivalence between BASI Level 4 ISTD and French standards.
Professional Development
Over the past 30 years, our Professional Programme has always supported instructors through their BASI qualifications. Many have gone on to successful careers across the Alps, some establishing their own operations. We continue to provide training and mentoring for aspiring instructors.
Our Approach
We believe in maintaining high professional standards while creating an enjoyable learning environment. All our instructors hold BASI Level 4 ISTD qualifications with French equivalence, ensuring consistent quality across all our resorts.
The BASS Network has been created and developed with client success in mind.
Here is an overview of the carefully considered approach that BASS provides for it’s clients:
BASS Teachers - BASS teachers are skilful, experienced and sympathetic. We like to help people solve their problems and discover how to have fun, and we know how to make this happen.
English language - All of our sessions are delivered in the English language. Your mother tongue is a must, if you are to make the best progress and understand the subtleties of these great sports.
Terrain - We only go where you feel safe and comfortable. We are interested in your enjoyment.
Techniques - During your BASS lessons you will know exactly what to do, how it feels & how to self correct. Our Directors are at the leading edge of our profession, so our organisation offers the very best professional advice.
Tactics - During your BASS lessons, we help you to understand which steering techniques to use, where and why; how to control speed and how to deal with steeper ground and harder snow.
Psychological issues - We help you to improve your effectiveness and resilience by learning how to stay in control of your mind and your body. As used by champions and professionals!
Small groups - We have small group sizes, even in peak season, so there is a lot of personal attention and care.
Humour - A caring, humorous approach makes the lesson a pleasure for everyone involved. The effectiveness of the sessions are dramatically increased by this important aspect of communication and enjoyment.
We have learned a great deal from our tens of thousands of clients and our sincere thanks go out to them.
Professional Training
Supporting Instructor Development Since 1993
Our Professional Programme has been running continuously since the 1990s, supporting instructors at all stages of their careers:
BASI Level 1-4 training support
Guidance on French administrative requirements
Mentorship through the qualification process
Practical experience in resort operations
We're pleased to have played a part in developing many successful careers in ski instruction.
Our amazing teams of ski teachers are all hold the highest qualifications available, BASI Level 4 International Ski Teacher Diploma, with French equivalence. Many are also Trainers and examiners of instructors with BASI and contribute to the development of that excellent training system. You can find them in the meet our team sections for each BASS operation.
BASS Morzine Les Gets and Avoriaz team
BASS Val d’Isere and Tignes Team
Here are the BASS Directors - the people who have played important roles in guiding BASS and its development, shaping our profession, creating opportunities for clients and colleagues:
Derek Tate Director BASS Chamonix
Shona Tate Director BASS Chamonix
Peter Kuwall Director BASS Chatel
Becci Malthouse Director BASS Morzine, Les Gets and Avoriaz
Jaz Lamb Director BASS Morzine, Les Gets and Avoriaz
Tom Watts Director BASS Morzine, Les Gets and Avoriaz
Steve Ricketts Director BASS Val d’Isere, Tignes, Meribel and Courchevel
Hugh Monney Director BASS Network and BASS Performance Breakthrough
Most importantly of all, our thousands of clients, over more than thirty years and counting. You are amazing and that’s why we are so invested in this work. Thanks to everyone who has skied and ridden with us so far - and thanks to those of you who will in the future.