I grew up skiing and can barely remember the day when I first stepped on skis......Read more about
Liam LukeI have been teaching in Val d’Isere for the past 5 years and counting and absolutely love it! My passion is......Read more about
Ross SampsonMy love for the mountains started as a kid with family trips to Switzerland. It was while at Bath University that I first visited Val d’Isère......Read more about
Hannah LukeLauder learned to ski at Hillend, the dry ski slope outside Edinburgh...Read more about
Lauder MasonSkiing since the age of two in the French Alps and new to the TDC team...Read more about
Kim BruceRich loves skiing; starting at the age of 3 with his parents who also love the sport......Read more about
Rich JonesTerry’s first ski trip was the start of his obsession with the mountains......Read more about
Terry WalkerGrowing up in the south of Germany, Joe has been skiing since the age of 6......Read more about
Joe HarkessSince joining the TDCski team Lena has become a well established and well loved...Read more about
Lena HauritsSince being inspired as a kid on school ski trips skiing has been Steve's passion in life.......Read more about
Steve AngusKieran grew up ski racing in Scotland. After several seasons teaching in the Alps, he......Read more about
Kieran BuchananMy indoctrination started at an early age, as part of a fanatical skiing family...Read more about
Ben LangridgeScott from Glasgow, learnt to ski in Scotland. Starting in Glenshee he then...Read more about
Scott MesserNicko started his career in Val d'Isere more than 20 years ago. After a couple of detours to University......Read more about
Nicko BraxtonAfter first skiing in Kashmir aged 3, I went on to hone my ski skills...Read more about
Hamish BrownGi has been skiing Val d’Isère for over 20 years. He studied at Oxford University...Read more about
Giles LewisA director of The Development Centre, Paul is now based in the Malvern Hills in England with his wife and...Read more about
Paul GarnerColin has been based in Val d'Isere since 1994/95, and worked for bars, ski shops and........Read more about
Colin TannerI grew up skiing and can barely remember the day when I first stepped on skis at 3 years old. I have been skiing in the Val d’Isere, Tignes area since I was a child and I never wanted to leave so I returned after university in 2008 to live and never left.
I graduated in Sports, Exercise and Health Science from Northumbria University, where I studied athlete’s biomechanics, physiology and psychology. I have also been fortunate enough to coach a number of different sports so my academic knowledge coupled with a range of experience helps me to help my clients take their skiing to new levels.
I love the mountains so much and when not working on the hill, you will find me skiing off piste, exploring deeper into the backcountry of the surrounding area, planning the next adventure or appreciating the amazing pistes the area has to offer. I have worked in the resort in many roles, from chalet boy, to boot fitter but most recently as a ski instructor. I joined TDC to be surrounded by an amazing team which will allow me to carry on growing within the sport. My passion is for the off piste and sharing my knowledge and experience with my clients.
In the summer months I enjoy challenging myself by competing anf coaching endurance sports like triathlon. I also work for The Sail Tent Company building Sail Tents for the next big event.
Feb 2019
Myself and my partner shared 3 private lessons with Liam and had a fantastic time. This is the 2nd year we've had lessons with Liam and both times we've been really pleased with our progress. If you're booking private lessons with TDC in Val d'Isere I'd definitely recommend Liam if he's available, regardless of skiing level - if we're in Val d'Isere again anytime soon, booking another lesson with Liam will be top of our to-do list. trwoodward, Trip Advisor
I have been working in the ski industry for over 10 years. I have been teaching in Val d’Isere for the past 5 years and counting and absolutely love it! My passion is taking people into the off piste and getting away from the crowds into the backcountry. I specialise in confidence building sessions for nervous skiers and love helping skiers of all levels achieve their goals, whether that is carving down corduroy pistes or mastering their first turn. On my day off you will find me exploring the off piste or in the local Après bars!
I look forward to skiing with you on the mountain.
Dec 2018
Jane and I had a great week with Ross in the Development Plus clinic last week in Val d'Isere. A very competent and attentive instructor and he even managed to teach an old dog some new tricks! Thoroughly recommended. Edward, United Kingdom
My love for the mountains started as a kid with family trips to Switzerland.
In my my teenage years sking was put on hold as I concentreated on three day eventing.
It was while at Bath University that I first visited Val d’Isère and fell in love with the resort and skiing was back on the agenda.
After graduating in 2009 with a degree in Sports and Exercise Science I came back to Val d’Isere to work as a chef and I’ve been in the Alps every winter since, building my experience as a coach over the last 5 seasons.
I know the Val d’Isere and Tignes resorts inside out and I love sharing my passion for this amazing area while improving your performance and confidence.
I enjoy teaching skiers of all levels and ages, whether 5 years old or 65 years young.
When I’m not ski coaching I am running The Sail Tent Company with Liam (my husband and fellow TDC coach).
Jan 2018
Our girls really enjoyed your company this week.. Isla says ‘Don’t forger her, and she hopes to meet you on the slopes again soon !’ And Niamh says ‘ Thank you for not being a boring teacher!’ - you really brought fun to the lessons, thank you! Daryl & Trish, United Kingdom
I learned to ski at Hillend, the dry ski slope outside Edinburgh and then trained and raced in the Scottish ski resorts. Ski teaching has taken me to Zermatt, Perisher and the dizzy heights of the snow domes in Glasgow and Leeds. Based in L’Espace Killy since 2011/12 my favourite run has to be the Arcelle red run at Solaise. I’m up to fifteen full time winters instructing and counting …
11th January 2018
We had two wonderful ski lessons with Lauder. Probably the best lessons I have ever had. Lauder enabled me to feel confident again on skis which made me realise how much I loved skiing. JAN Z - BRIGHTON, UNITED KINGDOM
I have been skiing in the French Alps since the age of two and love sharing my passion for the mountains working with TDC in Val d’Isere.
I was given elite athlete status at University in Edinburgh due to my success in International ski racing, which enabled me to work my way through the BASI system at the same time as completing a Sports and Exercise Science degree.
In the summer I spend my time teaching and coaching skiing in New Zealand.
March 2016
Just spent three days with Kim on a Development Plus clinic and after skiing for decades she gave me tips and advice that made an immediate change to my skiing. RDK1 - MELBOURNE VICTORIA
I have loved skiing since the age of 3 when my parents took me on my first ski trip.
After graduating with a degree in Engineering from Nottingham University, I decided it was time to move to the mountains full time. I joined the TDC team in 2013, but have been living Val d’Isere since 2003 enjoying all that the Espace Killy has to offer.
I love teaching and guiding all kinds of clients from tiny children to the most experienced off-piste skier; but I guess you’d say my specialty was off-piste, ski touring and general mountain adventuring! That’s why Terry and I got our heads together to launch TDC Expeditions with our first trip to Kyrgystan this winter.
Summers are spent in the South West of France, with my wife Sara and 2 year old daughter - who I’ve started teaching to ski this winter.
April 2016
I enjoyed an excellent and memorable afternoon with TDC coach Rich in March. As is typical with good instruction and coaching I only needed a few key tips to think about and my (basic) off-piste skiing became stronger and felt better. It was one of the most enjoyable ski experiences I’ve had in a few years and I felt my off-piste had taken a comfortable nudge forward. Jenster, London
At 5 years old, my obsession started with the Alps. I absolutely loved skiing, snow, the mountains and the fresh air. Later, I took part in freestyle competitions on dry slopes, played lots of rugby, and eventually escaped management consulting for ski teaching and professional rock climbing.
Now I work with TDCski in the Winter and run rock climbing courses around North Wales in the Summer. Fun times!
I am currently studying Nutrition and Exercise Science, and writing my thesis for a Master’s degree.
March 2018
Terry was a fantastic ski instructor. Super helpful, patient, kind and most importantly able to connect with me in order for me to receive and understand the technical information required to actually be able to ski. After 5 days of three hour sessions, Terry had transformed this total beginner into a competent skier who had a whole lot of fun along the way. Kate G, Trip Advisor
I grew up in the south of Germany and I have been skiing since the age of 6. Driving to the Alps on a Friday after school to squeeze in a weekends skiing was the norm.
It wasn’t until the age of 16, being back in the UK and reduced to one or two weeks a season that I realized how much I loved and missed those quick ski trips. Since then a gap year has turned into a lifestyle and career, spending winters in the Alps and summers in the southern hemisphere or the glaciers and snowdomes of Europe.
Competing in Freeride, Freestyle and Giant Slalom events I have discovered how these very different disciplines compliment each other and create a well-rounded skier.
March 2018
I have used TDC a couple of times over the years (instructors: Joe and Steve). Both times off piste. Their mix of technical advice and fun was excellent. I can totally recommend TDC as I have used many other ski schools in Val d'Isere and they can be considered one of the best. Riaan J, Trip Advisor
Since joining the TDCski team Lena has become a well established and well loved member of the team.
Lena’s a seriously talented skier, coach, teacher and all-round sportsperson.
Lena has trained with TDCski and then went on to be successful in all her highest level BASI exams.
Lena holds the BASI Level 4 ISTD with French equivalence.
Ever smiling and happy to be in the mountains, Lena works well with all levels, children and adults.
Feb 2016
Lena is the most awesome instructor, she gives you confidence whether a beginner or experienced skier, and tailors her instruction accordingly. She makes every moment fun and a great learning experience. I would recommend her with no hesitation at all. Suzie A, Trip Advisor
Since being inspired as a kid on school ski trips, skiing has been my passion in life. After obtaining a degree in Geography from Royal Holloway, University of London, then working in ski tour operations in the UK, I knew I had to get out to the snow full-time.
I believe variety is the spice of life in this job. To that end I love teaching the full spectrum from beginner kids to off piste adventurers! Nothing gives me more pleasure than seeing people enjoy the environment within which we partake this sport and achieve their goals and dreams.
This job has taken me all over the world to Japan, Austria, Australia, Canada and New Zealand amongst other places. In the summer months I do a variety of jobs but mainly enjoy time in Val d’Isere. My enthusiasm, knowledge and experience will help you achieve your goals and aspirations.
December, 2018
Steve was AMAZING and managed to tailor our three half day lessons so that all of us came out confident and significantly better than when we started….Thank you so much for taking the time to help me and to push me just enough to where I am truly looking forward to skiing again! Rannoranno92, UNITED KINGDOM
My first skiing experience was on a snow covered golf course in Scotland as a kid, with skis twice my size, trying to turn in knee deep powder..! That was when I caught the bug and the rest, as they say, is history.
I grew up ski racing, spending many hours on dry slopes and travelling to the snow on the weekends, Scottish skiing certainly toughens you up. My favourite times were racing on the British Children’s team and travelling to races around Europe.
Many ski racers become ski coaches, and I was coaching the up and coming kids on the dry slope when I was 16 and have been teaching skiing ever since. I have done seasons in Courchevel, Les Deux Alpes, Morzine, Meribel and have been in Val d’sere for the last 10 years.
I enjoy teaching all levels and am in tune with how to develop people’s skills in a manner that is fun, inspiring and motivational. The off piste in Val d’isere also has so much to offer, it’s a real thrill being able to encourage and coach our clients to ski it well.
When I’m not skiing, I work as a Signage Installation Manager and travel to International Football tournaments such as the Champions League, having my work viewed by a tv audience of over 100 million people certainly keeps me on my toes!
February 2018
As you’ll see from the scores below, the clinic was excellent all round - I particularly appreciated the fact that Kieran tailored the clinic to the specific needs/objectives that the group set out on day one. Iain C, United Kingdom
Born into a fanatical skiing family, my indoctrination started early. Annual ski trips and weekly visits to the local dry slope fostered my addiction. Sunday morning sermons in the form of Greg Stump movies, were the norm. Blizzard of Ahhs, The Good The Rad and the Gnarly, and Licence to Thrill reached deep into my subconscious.
It was no surprise that my University choice was influenced not by campus facilities or job prospects but by a year out in Grenoble, where I grabbed every opportunity to escape campus to tiny ski resorts overlooking the city.
With a degree in French and Business under my belt, the lure of the Alps was too strong and I’ve spent every winter here since 1999.
I enjoy teaching all levels but my passion is teaching people to ski the off-piste, exploring the incredible terrain on offer, and helping people make a breakthrough in their performance and enjoyment.
Kids aren’t my speciality, but I believe in teaching children solid technical foundations to give them control, which in turn makes the mountain an immensely fun place to be.
I have the highest BASI qualification (ISTD) with full equivalence and have been teaching Telemark and Alpine skiing in France since 2003.
February 2017
I have attended courses on many subjects but have never come across such an enthusiastic and skilled trainer as Ben. Skilled in his subject and as a communicator. Paddy N, United Kingdom
I am from Glasgow and learned to ski in Scotland. Starting in Glenshee I then worked in Italy, learning to appreciate all things Italian including skiing, pizza and coffee.
After a number of seasons in Verbier I found myself in Val d’Isere and have loved being a part of TDC ever since.
I spend my summers in the southern hemisphere working in New Zealand.
April 2018
Scott taught both my wife and me, but separately in a 1:1 lesson. Both of us really enjoyed our time with him and most importantly of all we improved. He's a very experienced and capable teacher, who can adapt so well to the person he's teaching - encouraging with my wife and pushing me to my limits and then helping me learn from the experience! JLN64, Trip Advisor
I started my career in Val d’Isere more than 20 years ago and after a couple of detours to University, to train as an accountant, and various finance jobs, the lure of the mountains was just too great to overcome. I qualified as a ski instructor with a local French ski school and joined the TDCski team in 2007.
My passion is definitely for the off-piste and for taking people into the Val d’Isere backcountry, to places that they will love and to which they wouldn’t normally go.
In the summer I work as a sea kayaking coach and guide living in Cornwall with my wife Rachel and family. I have competed in the Etape du Tour for the last 5 years and also enjoy triathlons.
Dec 2018
Nicko from tdc, probably the most irrepressibly, irresponsibly, irritatingly cheerful person in Val d'Isère! John, YSE
After first skiing in Kashmir aged 3, I went on to hone my ski skills at the slightly less exotic Hillingdon dry ski slope! My passion for skiing and the mountains was embedded early - lots of my childhood was spent either cycling up, or skiing down hills of some sort. I was fortunate enough to escape London for plenty of family ski holidays, but even when it snowed locally the whole family would rush up to Hampstead Heath to get some freshies.
During my twenties I managed to do ‘the season’ that I’d always dreamt of - Val d’Isere was the natural choice - the place immediately charmed me and I was hooked. Initially I used to spend winters here and return to property developing in London during the summers. Back then I was working nights in bars & during the days skiing all that Val has to offer. Some years later I decided to move the renovating to Val and I’ve now lived here permanently for about 15 years.
As my desire to be working in a bar until 2am faded, I began my teaching qualifications and have been teaching here since 2007. Coaching skiing has become one of my great pleasures - helping and watching people achieve new skills on the hill is a real joy. I’m currently making the most of coaching my 4 children while - I can still keep up with them…..
BASI Level 4 ISTD with full French equivalence
I’ve been skiing in Val d’Isere since we came as a family when I was a little nipper. 30 years later and I still love this place and am amazed by what it can offer passionate skiers.
I’ve been coaching skiing to recreational and professional instructors for 20 years and I think I’m still getting better at it. I also coach rugby at the local club in the valley. I even pull on a pair of boots for the adult team every now and then, hanging on to my youth when I played rugby for Oxford University. I don’t believe in getting too old to do things that you love.
On the weekends you’ll find me on the rugby pitch with the kids, or driving them around to their busy social and sporting engagements. I still ski for me as much as I can, piste skiing, off piste, touring and bumps, I love it all.
March 2016
My partner and I had 3 excellent private lessons with Giles last week. This follows on from having 3 excellent private lessons with Gavin last year in Tignes. Giles helped both of us hone our technique and gain more confidence on the slopes. He was friendly, concise and a great teacher. We both felt that he helped us enormously and highly recommend The Development Centre. Great ski school with great teachers. fully_2001, Trip Advisor
As one of the founding members of TDCski I am very proud to have been working and skiing in Val d’Isere for over 15 years. I now live year round in the Malvern Hills in England with my family but still make regular visits to Val to indulge my love of teaching skiing.
I was a relative latecomer to the slopes and had my first taste of skiing aged 14 on a school trip and I caught the bug instantly. A weekly washing up job in a local hotel that I managed to hold down through the rest of my school days funded my annual ski trip until I was old enough to go to the Alps on a year off. Then it was a French and Sport Science degree… with a year in the Alps!
Following my degree I quickly worked out that conventional work wasn’t right for me so I headed back to the Alps and rattled through my BASI exams. Establishing TDC during the 2002/03 season with three great mates was a brilliant adventure that continues to this day.
My ideal day is spent skiing powder in the trees with friends or exploring new off-piste routes with long standing clients, followed by a few early evening beers somewhere cosy. My late drinking days are behind me!
I have the highest BASI qualification (ISTD) with full equivalence and have been teaching skiing in France since 2000.
Excellent! We were of mixed abilities and Paul dealt with all our requirements in his usual friendly, professional and informative manner. Henry B, United Kingdom
I have been based in Val d’Isere since 1994/95 and I have worked for Tour Operators, bars, ski shops and for French Ski Schools before setting up TDCski.
After learning to ski in Scotland, my first season was in Austria working as a rep for a Tour Operator, I thought that the winter life was amazing, so the next season I was back for more. That second season I worked in Val d’Isere and I have never looked back.
The skiing that is available in Val d’Isere is just amazing, everything is there, green runs, bumps, off piste.
I discovered early on in my ski teaching career, that is is not just skiing and the mountains that I love, but teaching and communicating with people.
It is said that I have an insatiable appetite for ski coaching and since 1995 I have been spending my “summers” in New Zealand winter working for the Coronet Peak Ski school and running gap-year business based in Queenstown called SITCo Ski Instructor Courses.
In recent years since starting a family, I have been spending more time in NZ.
Dec 2017
Colin was absolutely first class. We have used a number of instructors over the years and Colin ties joint first for the best. So many people on the piste could benefit from his tuition. Shame they don’t know it! Ian, London
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