A-Level results day: you’re glued to UCAS, refreshing every 30 seconds. But once the grades drop...what next?
Uni? A job? Backpacking through Asia with plans to “find yourself”? Or... ski every day, make some pretty cool friends, and come back with a qualification and a shot at turning it into a career.
Don’t get us wrong - travelling in the sun is a classic pre-uni move. But if you’ve got that little voice asking “what more?”, listen to it.
Let us introduce you to Henry Veitch. Last summer, after results day, he had the dilemma: Southeast Asia or SnowSkool?
He chose the mountains - and came home with his BASI Level 1 and Level 2 ski instructor qualifications.
Henry’s been skiing since he was two - snowploughing down the baby slopes of Les 3 Vallées on family trips. A few years ago, his family got a place in Les Allues, and they’ve been going for weeks at a time ever since.
“I adored it. Then one day I thought, why wouldn’t I try and make a job out of this?” That’s when SnowSkool came into the picture.
The Big Gap Year Decision
After A-Level results, Henry was torn - should he head off with mates to Southeast Asia, or do something that might actually mean something long-term?
“In my opinion, it was a no-brainer.”
He found SnowSkool on Instagram and messaged a few past students - all raving about their experience. He signed up, packed his skis, and flew out in January.
Was it worth it?
Short answer: yes.
“It was everything I’d dreamed about. I already knew the Three Valleys really well, but the instructors took us to whole new areas. We were skiing cliffs, dropping into off-piste spots… it was next-level.”
The Vibe
“We all got along crazy well. There was none of that awkwardness when you arrive. Everyone just clicked straight away.”
Tyler, SnowSkool’s 24/25 Méribel rep, played a big part too - planning nights out, organising powder-day sessions (including charcuterie boards on homemade kickers), and making sure no one got left out.
The Training (and Exams)
“It’s nothing like A Levels. There’s pressure, but not in a scary way. You’re enjoying it the whole time.”
You train in small groups, either morning or afternoon. The course starts with BASI Level 1 - covering the basics of how to ski and how to teach.
“Snowplough? Come on, I thought. Bit easy.” Henry laughs. “Honestly, it was the hardest thing I’ve ever learned.”
The BASI Level 1 exam lasts four days. You prep with SnowBase, then examiners come in and assess you on technique, teaching ability, and professionalism.
“There was pressure, but not the kind that makes you stressed. The examiners wanted to help you improve.”
Once that’s done, Level 2 kicks in. It’s more technical, faster-paced, and lasts about eight days. “My examiner was great. Even when you nailed something, he’d find another way to help you improve,” Henry says.
What’s Next?
After his season, Henry went to Australia with mates - and guess what?
“It was amazing. But it didn’t compare to the course. It completely flipped a switch for me.”
He’s now heading to Exeter Uni to study Business Management, but plans to work towards Level 3 and 4, with hopes to teach in New Zealand, Japan, and eventually France. He even wants to start his own ski business one day.
Final Thoughts?
“Do it. The course was wicked. It genuinely was one of the best three months of my life.”
Want to see where your skis could take you? Check out our ski and snowboarding courses