Thinking of working abroad for a season? Want to earn some money and enjoy yourself on the slopes? Why not become a qualified ski and snowboard technician?
A ski technician is someone who is employed to service (or repair) skis to ensure they are in the correct condition to perform correctly on the mountain. There is lots of ‘hands on ‘ work so you are constantly in contact with lots of different brands and models of both skis and snowboards.
You will also be expected to be able to set up a pair of ski bindings ready for the customer to use. This may include mounting bindings onto skis as well as adjusting them to the size of boot and setting the springs to the correct release setting.
A ski is designed to glide well on the piste and to be able to turn well in all conditions. When they are new they will perform to their optimum conditions. Once you start to use the skis the wax will slowly wear out, the edges become more rounded and the bases will inevitably start to get scratches or gouges. Any marks on the base will cause friction which slows you down. Round edges mean that you cannot grip and then turn.
A technician's job is to ensure that the bases are flat, smooth and well waxed and that the edges are sharp enough to grip in all conditions.
A ski binding is a safety device, designed to keep you firmly fixed in and facing directly down the ski. It will only release when you exert enough force to allow the boot to come out, mainly in a fall situation. If the binding is set up correctly the binding will function properly. A binding that is not set up correctly is dangerous because you either release prematurely or not at all. This can lead to serious injury.
A technicians job is to understand the workings and set up of the boot/binding system.
Anything Technical Ltd have been involved in running technician training courses for 28 years and are the experts in their field within the UK snowsports industry. The courses are suitable for people of all ages and ability, as we start from the basics and slowly work through the process covering every aspect of repair work possible. You do not necessarily need any servicing experience or to be a competent skier or boarder, all you need is a good eye, the ability to work with your hands and a lot of enthusiasm.
You will learn about how product has changed over the years and will become familiar with the makeup and purpose of the materials that determine the cost and performance levels of skis and boards. How well the product is serviced will determine how well it glides and turns on and off piste so there is the satisfaction of knowing that you are giving customers the best chance possible to perform at their optimum ability levels.
By attending our training courses you are increasing your chances of getting employment as a repair technician. You will be taught all the skills necessary to be able to service to a high standard which will give you the confidence to work in a rental or retail situation. The way we service is the same worldwide so it may lead to an opportunity for you to work anywhere around the world.
Many people now work in resorts for 12 months of the year. The alps or the States/Canada for our winter and then move onto the Southern Hemishere for their winter.
Most employees looking for technicians for the coming winter will want you to be qualified before they will consider you for employment. We work very closely with a majority of tour operators and retail shops in the Alps and can put you in contact with them.
We run 3 different courses. The first 2 days are on repairing skis and snowboards and day 3 is a boot fitting course. Each course includes practical sessions as well as the theory. There is plenty of ‘hands on’ especially on the repair courses including work on repair machinery.
The courses cover base preparation, edge filing, deburring, gouge filling, patching, wax theory and application including cold and hot waxes, binding mounting and adjusting, including release setting calculations and settings.
The boot fitting course will be relevant to those wanting to work in rental or retail. Work covered includes sizing, boot selection, overall fit, modifications and customisation including heat mouldable inner boots and customised insoles.
All our courses are fully certified. We give each attendee a certificate of attendance and there is a separate certificate for each day. Experience tells us that you are more likely to get employment having attended the courses and by becoming fully qualified.
The success of past technicians who have attended the courses is fairly high. Becoming a ski/board technician is a great start for many people who love the sport and are looking for full time employment within the industry.
There are an incredible amount of people who are now working at all levels of employment, including running/managing companies who originally started in the workshop, so becoming a qualified technician will stand you in good stead for the future!
"You are constantly in contact with lots of different brands and models of both skis and snowboards."
Written by Andy Taylor from Anything Technical.
Anything Technical run 1 - 3 day ski and snowboard technician courses in Cumbria from May through to December.