Lachy joined the Méribel programme as one of the youngest on the course, after finishing high school in Sydney. He earned his BASI Level 2 Snowboard qualification, and is now heading to Canada for his next chapter.
We caught up with Lachy to talk about choosing a gap year in the Alps, what it was like living away from home so young, and the memories that stuck with him.
Before SnowSkool
“I finished my exams, went travelling in Europe with my family, and then went straight to the course,” he says.
He’d always loved the snow and had been looking for a way to spend his gap year on a mountain, but being 17 when he left made it tricky to find work abroad. Discovering SnowSkool solved that.
“I’d seen it on Instagram, did a bit of research, and it looked like the best option. It meant I could actually go overseas and snowboard without needing to be 18 to work.”
Why Méribel?
Lachy wanted to challenge himself, so he went for the most competitive environment in the world.
“France is the most competitive place to be a snowboard instructor,” he explains. “The teachers are the best of the best. Plus, it’s completely different to an English-speaking resort. I wanted something new.”
He also had plans to travel around Europe after the course, so the location fit perfectly.
Being One of the Youngest
Lachy joined the programme at 17, but quickly found his place.
“There was one other 17-year-old, which helped,” he says. “But honestly, the group was so welcoming. The age gap didn’t feel huge. There were lots of 18, 19, and 20 year olds.”
Homesickness did creep in at times, though.
“There were moments where I missed my mum,” he admits. “But the whole experience felt like a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. And there were people who became like mother figures to me. Everyone was supportive.”
Snowboarding Experience Before the Course
Before Méribel, Lachy had about seven weeks of snowboarding experience—and had ridden in Australia as well.
“I wasn’t super experienced, but I loved it. That’s why I wanted the course.”
First Impressions of Méribel
Nothing in Australia prepared him for the scale of the Three Valleys.
“In Australian resorts, you can basically see the whole area from one spot,” Lachy says. “In Méribel, when you’re looking up at the mountain, you’re only seeing 1% of the place. It’s insane.”
The accommodation and location made life even better:
“Our chalet was amazing—close to the shops, close to the bus, close to the slopes. Dinners cooked six nights a week, breakfast sorted… it felt like a hotel for three months with a bunch of people who all loved skiing and snowboarding.”
“Perisher is great, but it’s just not the same. It's not high enough, not cold enough, not enough snow. Europe is in a totally different category.”
Training & Instructors
Lachy loved the coaching.
“My instructor knew everything. He’d been teaching for 30 years, Level 4, and he could explain things so simply. I still remember things he taught me that I now use when I teach.”
The training built more than just technique.
“I wasn’t confident teaching at all at the start. But they build you up from the ground. Week by week, your confidence grows.”
Qualifications & What’s Next
Lachy left with his BASI Level 2 Snowboard Instructor qualification.
After the course, he worked half a season at Perisher and moved into a rentals job after breaking his wrist
Now he’s heading to Whistler, Canada, to teach snowboarding to 3–12-year-olds.
Best Memories
Two moments stand out for Lachy:
1. Exploring the mountain on days off
“Skiing and snowboarding all over the place, going off-piste, discovering new areas, that whole vibe was amazing.”
2. Sunrise hikes
“Leaving at 4am, hiking up, and watching the sunrise over the Alps… we did it twice, once with a big group and once with just four of us. Both were unreal.”
Advice for Future SnowSkoolers—Especially Young Ones
Lachy’s advice is simple:
“Work hard, but have fun.”
“When you’re in lessons, focus. Try to get better every day. And on days off, keep practising—even if you're not thinking about it constantly.”
And for anyone young or nervous:
“Don’t panic when you get there. Don’t freak out. You’ll get into a rhythm. People will be nice, you’ll make friends, and everything will fall into place. Don’t force it. Just let it happen.”
If Meribél sounds like your kind of season, take a closer look at the 2026 course:
11 Week BASI Ski Instructor Course in France, Méribel | 2026
11-Week BASI Snowboard Instructor Course in 3 Valleys France | 2026