BASI British International Ski Teacher L4 ISTD // Mountain Leader MTA
TEL: +33 (0)630 111109   //   SIRET NO: 803 597 210 00035

Author: Jocelyn Cockle

Ski teacher and online momentum coach

Conquering the Slopes: How to Overcome Fear and Enjoy Skiing

Posted on by Jocelyn Cockle

Introduction: Conquering the Slopes: How to Overcome Fear and Enjoy Skiing- 8 Tips

Skiing can be an exhilarating and enjoyable winter activity. For many people, fear can be a significant obstacle to overcome. Whether it’s the fear of speed, losing control, or the possibility of injuries, these concerns can dampen your skiing experience. However, with the right mindset and some helpful strategies, you can conquer your fears and embrace the thrill of skiing. In this blog post, we will explore effective techniques to help you conquer the slopes and how to overcome fear and enjoy skiing.

Conquering Fear in the Backcountry
  1. Understand and acknowledge your fears:
    The first step in overcoming fear is identifying and understanding what specifically frightens you about skiing. Is it the fear of falling? The sensation of speed? Or perhaps the fear of the unknown? By acknowledging your fears, you can begin to address them more effectively.
  2. Take professional ski lessons:
    Enrolling in ski lessons with a qualified instructor is a valuable investment, especially for beginners or those struggling with fear. A professional coach or instructor can guide you through the fundamentals of skiing. They can teach you proper techniques, and provide a supportive and safe environment. Their expertise and encouragement will help build your confidence and gradually diminish your fears.
  3. Start with beginner-friendly slopes:
    When starting out or overcoming fear, choose ski slopes that match your skill level. Beginning on gentler slopes allows you to gradually acclimate to the sport, build your skills, and gain confidence. You can slowly progress to more challenging terrain as you become more comfortable.
  4. Visualize success and positive outcomes:
    Visualization is a powerful tool for overcoming fear. Before hitting the slopes, take a few moments to close your eyes and imagine yourself skiing confidently. Feel the wind on your face, and experiencing the joy of gliding effortlessly. Visualizing positive outcomes can help reprogram your mind to focus on success rather than fear.
  5. Practice relaxation and breathing techniques: Fear often leads to tense muscles and shallow breathing, which can hinder your skiing performance. Practice relaxation techniques such as deep breathing exercises, mindfulness, or meditation to calm your mind and body. By consciously relaxing your muscles and maintaining a steady breath, you can enhance your focus, reduce anxiety, and improve your skiing ability.
  6. Set realistic goals and take them at your own pace:
    Set achievable goals for yourself and break them down into smaller, manageable steps. Celebrate each milestone you reach, no matter how small. By taking the process at your own pace, you can gradually build your confidence and skills without overwhelming yourself.
  7. Surround yourself with supportive companions:
    Having supportive friends or family members who understand your fears can make a significant difference in overcoming them. Skiing with people who encourage and cheer you on will boost your confidence and create a positive skiing experience.
  8. Challenge yourself gradually: As you gain confidence, challenge yourself by gradually increasing the difficulty level of the slopes you tackle. Pushing your boundaries in a controlled and progressive manner will help you expand your comfort zone and overcome your fears step by step.

Conclusion: Overcoming fear while skiing is a personal journey that requires patience, determination, and a positive mindset. By understanding your fears, seeking professional instruction, starting with beginner slopes, practising relaxation techniques, setting realistic goals, and gradually pushing your boundaries, you can conquer your fears and fully embrace the thrill and joy of skiing. If you would Remember, fear is just an obstacle waiting to be overcome. With perseverance, you can unlock the true exhilaration that skiing has to offer. So, gear up, hit the slopes, and let go of your fears as you glide down the mountains with confidence and excitement.

If you would like to book online coaching and ski coaching to help you move forwards then step forwards and email: [email protected] or book a discovery call.

Watch the video below to give you tips to overcome ski fear.

ESSENTIAL INTRODUCTION TO SKI TOURING SKILLS COURSE

Posted on by Jocelyn Cockle

FREEFLO is joining up together with ALL AT SKI to offer a unique 5 full-day Essential Ski Touring Skills Course based in Sainte Foy in France, 19th-26th March 2023. The package included 7x nights Half Board Accommodation.

Created and designed for intermediate skiers who have off-piste experience with little or no ski touring experience.
Discover hidden gems skiing in different locations in the Tarentaise Valley and get away from the hustle and bustle of a ski resort. You will be coached whilst learning essential skills needed in the backcountry, building on your existing skills and confidence.  Every day you will be driven to different resorts to ski on the best snow.

Join us ski touring

Date: March 19th-26th March 2023
Full Package: €1697 (per person)
Duration: €1697 (per person) based on two sharing. Single supplement may be possible on request
Location: Based in the Auberge St Foy

Package includes
-€485 Ski Touring Kickstarter Digital Online Course 
-Free Membership in the Ski Motivation Hub 
-5 Full Days of British backcountry ski coaching with British ISTD Teacher and Mountain Leader Floss.
-Avalanche and transceiver workshop
-7x Nights Accommodation and Breakfast, 6x Three Course Evening Meals
-6 days of bus transfers between resorts
-Transfers from Geneve at selected times only.

What the package doesn’t include:
– Insurance
– Lift pass
– Lunch and snacks
– Equipment
– Flights

What will you learn?
– Essential ski touring techniques
– Snow awareness, avalanche training
– Route selection
– Making better decisions in avalanche terrain
– How to improve your off-piste skiing
– How to use your ski touring equipment

What level of fitness do you need?
Level 1 fitness is needed for this course. You need to be able to ski all day with short stops for food and drink. You can ski off-piste all day and back-to-back days. You can ski tour uphill for a maximum of 2/3hours hours at altitude. 

What level of ski ability do you need? 
Level 4/5-You must be able to ski red and black pisted runs with no problem and you can deal with some different snow conditions. You have confidence ability in skiing off-piste terrain and are able to link turns and control your speed using different radius turns up to 35 degrees. You are happy to ski in an open simple off-piste terrain.

What level of ski touring do you need?
This course is perfect if you have no or little ski touring experience. The pace is relaxed and a great introduction to touring. The maximum you will tour per day will be up to 900M which will be around 3 hours in duration.
 

The backcountry of the Tarentaise


Meet the Coach: FREEFLO
Floss Cockle is a BASI British International Ski Teacher L4 ISTD which is the highest teaching qualification available to a British coach anywhere in the world. She has the French Carte de Professional which allows her to work in France. With her great passion for teaching and being in the mountains, she has a wealth of experience and has coached skiing for twenty-five years. One of her biggest achievements is climbing and skiing the highest mountain in the Alps Mont Blanc 4810M as well as skiing the volcanoes of Patagonia.
 
Floss is a videographer and has her own youtube channel https://www.youtube.com/c/FreeFloFloss. Due to these digital times, she is also the creator of ski touring kickstarter which is an online ski touring course that teaches you how to get prepare successfully to get into ski touring.

Floss is also a Summer Mountain Leader and guides people in the UK Mountains. In the summer she is an adventure coach who helps people to reach their goals and dreams whether it is running a 10k to climbing famous peaks. If you are interested in online coaching book a free discovery call.

Visit Floss’s website: www.freefloski.com 

Insurance:
Getting specialist travel insurance that covers cancellation, medical and mountain rescue is highly recommended. FREEFLO will not be liable for injuries or accidents on the mountain. Ensure that your insurance covers your skiing off-piste beyond the ski boundary with a guide or an instructor. Buying a Carte de Neige with your lift pass in the resort or online is recommended as it will cover any mountain rescue without payment. 

You can purchase the carte de Neige in the resort with your lift pass for around €3 euros a day or you can purchase it online to beat the queues for a year at http://www2.ffs.fr/carteneige.

Kit list:
Skis:
Ideally an all-mountain ski with a ski touring binding that is 85-95cm underfoot. The length of the ski shouldn’t be too long (as it makes kick turns harder) and the ski tips of the skis should be between your chin and your eyes when standing.

Touring Bindings:
There are three types of bindings on the market:
1) Diamir Fritschi:
2) Marker Tour
3) Pin Bindings
Pin bindings and boots are lighter and easier to use for kick turn and going uphill but they do compromise ski performance going downhill. We do recommend that you rent or have the lightest equipment possible for the backcountry course. Diamir and Marker bindings (where you use a regular downhill ski boot with walk mode) are heavier and don’t have the ankle flex for touring uphill, however, the ski performance downhill is better. 

Skins:
Ideally, skins should be a mixture of mohair and nylon and must have a nose and tail clip. The skins should cover the whole ski and be only 2mm free from the edges.  Skins should be hung to dry after use but not over extreme heat after use.

Boots:
If you haven’t got your own ski touring boots you can rent them or use your downhill boots if they have a walk mode. Ski touring boots are highly recommended as they are light and have a ski touring mode.

Poles:
Telescopic ski poles with a powder basket are essential.

Clothing:
Spring Touring:
Wear thin light breathable layers with a Gore-tex shell
Ski Trousers should have a zip on the outside of the leg for ventilation
Light synthetic mid-layer for the summit or a lightweight down-layer.
A neck buff is always essential for ski touring in Spring and in Winter.

Winter Touring:
In addition to the above add warm breathable layers and a down mid-layer jacket.

Gloves:
Inner liners and light but warm and waterproof gloves.
Accessories:
Suncream 50+, buff, googles with good and bad weather lenses, sunglasses, light beanie, headband (optional), cap to protect you from the sun, camera, go pro, cash, insurance cards, credit card, charged telephone, spare batteries for transceiver, battery charging pack, duck tape, penknife.  Helmet is optional.
First Aid Kit:
Ensure that you have a small first aid kit which includes; paracetamol, ibuprofen, plasters, bandages, compeed etc, so you can deal with first aid if you have to. Purchasing a blizzard blanket is recommended www.blizzardblanket.com
Avalanche Equipment:
A transceiver with three antennae and multiple search victim modes is recommended, a 2m probe or longer and a steel shovel.
Water bottle, flask and snacks, packed lunch: For day tours please make sure you have a minimum of 1 litre of water and a packed lunch. Nuts, dried fruit, energy bars and energy drinks for slow release energy instead just chocolate (but chocolate is always nice too!) Jelly babies for the coaches.
Backpack:
35-45 litre backpack ideally a top loader which sits comfortably on your back.
Map, Compass, GPS: (optional but good to have)
A silva expedition compass and maps are optional but very good to have, especially if you want to improve your navigation skills. (Maps: Carte de Randonnee 3633T and 3532T for Val D’Isere, Tignes and St Foy. You can purchase the maps at the Tabac in Tignes.

Lift Pass:
The aim of the week is to ski in different locations every day. You can purchase a lift pass daily in the resort we are skiing in or we highly recommend everyone to get A La Carte ski pass which will save you time and money.

Rough Itinerary:
This is an example of a 5 half-day backcountry adventure itinerary. An average day will be 9 am – 4 pm. The itinerary is likely to change depending on the group, energy levels and the weather.
Sunday: Arrive
Monday: Introduction meeting. Introduction to the use of avalanche equipment, ski touring equipment and techniques on lower slopes. Warm up to find our ski legs on the piste with a technical focus on balance and other fundamental elements. The ski area will be local in St Foy.
Tuesday: Dependant on weather conditions 200-400m ascent ski tour. Practice ski touring techniques, packing your ski touring bag and technical focus on off-piste skiing. The choice of resorts will be Les Arcs, Tignes or Val D`Isere.
Wednesday: Technical focus on route selection, weather and decision-making in avalanche terrain. Touring up to 600m. Depending on where the best conditions are skiing in Les Arcs, Val or Tignes.
Thursday: Technical focus on ski touring a longer route and leadership skills with a ski tour in a different resort. Depending on where the best conditions are skiing in Les Arcs, Val or Tignes.
Friday: Revision on techniques and skills. Tour and debrief.
Saturday: Free Ski Day – Ste Foy

Please let us know if you are interested in this course and if you know of anyone else that would be please email Floss at [email protected]. Save money and refer a friend to ask for more details.

I am happy to answer any questions that you may have with regard to skiing and levels.

For all accommodation enquires, bookings and payments please email: [email protected]

Website please visit: allatski.com

I will look forward to skiing with you and coaching you into the wonderful world of ski touring.

Floss 

Please connect with me on:  

FREEFLOSKI

[email protected] 
www.freefloski.com

Ski Touring Kickstarter Online Course: Save Money and Time
Tips and Hacks To Improve Your Skiing
Adventure Coaching: Book Free Call 

Connect us on: 
Instagram
Facebook

How To Overcome Fear Part 2

Posted on by Jocelyn Cockle

3 Tips To Overcome Fear By Training Your Mind

Think about your biggest goal. Why haven`t you achieved it? If you are like most people, the answer is fear. Fear is the limiting factor stopping you from working towards what you want. Fear distracts you and leads us to excuses and limiting beliefs. It doesn`t have to. Learning how to overcome fear is one of the most liberating pursuits you can undertake.

With over 25 years of ski teaching and coaching in the mountains, I have developed and used these three simple hacks that have helped me to overcome fear at the moment. With these techniques, I have climbed and skiied Mont Blanc skied and climbed many peaks and passed my ski racing to teach in France.

Tip 1: Set Your Goals – Set goals to lead you up to what you want to over become.

Hack 2: Visualisation – Find a quiet place where you can be calm and visualise what it’s going to be like when you find yourself in that situation when you are confronted with fear and how it’s going to feel. How are you going to overcome the fear?

Hack 3: Object Excuses- When you are confronted with fear your brain is often finding the easiest way out. Your brain will make excuses. Overcome these excuses.

For more details see the video 👇

If you want to achieve your goals and adventures Book A FREE Discovery Call today to discuss future coaching or visit Freefloski . How To Get Into Ski Touring in 2 Hours? 👉 online course . Check out 👉 Ski Touring courses

Don`t Miss out on video 1 👇

ESSENTIAL SKI TOURING SKILLS COURSE

Posted on by Jocelyn Cockle

FREEFLO is offering a unique 5 half-day Essential Ski Touring Skills Course in Tignes and Val D’Isere, France. Created and designed for intermediate skiers who have skied off-piste with little or no ski touring experience, and who would like to explore the mountains one step beyond the pistes. Be led and guided whilst learning essential skills needed in the backcountry, building on your existing skills and confidence.  

Escape from the crowds and enjoy the peace, tranquillity and beauty of the backcountry whilst having fun and learning how to be safe when skiing in the mountains.

Date: March 20th-24th March 2023
Course Fee: €537.00 (Max group size 6)
Duration: 5x Half Days
Location: Tignes, Espace Killy, France 

Package includes

• €485 Ski Touring Kickstarter Digital Online Course 

• Free Membership in the Ski Motivation Hub 

• 5 half days of British backcountry ski coaching with Floss 

• Avalanche and transceiver workshop

• Photos & film of your week

What the course fee doesn’t include:
– Insurance
– Lift pass
– Lunch and snacks
– Equipment
– Guides lunch and expenses

What will you learn?
– Essential ski touring techniques
– Snow awareness, avalanche training
– Route selection
– Making better decisions in avalanche terrain
– How to improve your off-piste skiing
– How to use your ski touring equipment

What level of fitness do you need?
Level 1 fitness is needed for this course. You need to be able to ski all day with short stops for food and drink. You can ski off-piste all day and back-to-back days. You can ski tour uphill for a maximum of 2 hours at altitude. 

What level of ski ability do you need? 
Level 4/5-You must be able to ski red and black pisted runs with no problem and you can deal with some different snow conditions. You have confidence ability in skiing off-piste terrain and are able to link turns and control your speed using different radius turns up to 35 degrees. You are happy to ski in an open simple off-piste terrain.

What level of ski touring do you need?
This course is perfect if you have no or little ski touring experience. The pace is relaxed and a great introduction to touring. The maximum you will tour per day will be up to 500M.

Meet the Coach: 

FREEFLO
Floss Cockle is a BASI British International Ski Teacher L4 ISTD which is the highest teaching qualification available to a British coach anywhere in the world and she has the French Carte de Professional which allows her to work in France. With her great passion for teaching and being in the mountains, she has a wealth of experience and has coached skiing for twenty-five years plus. One of her biggest achievements is climbing and skiing the highest mountain in the Alps Mont Blanc 4810M. 

Floss is a videographer and has her own youtube channel https://www.youtube.com/c/FreeFloFloss. She is also the creator of ski touring kickstarter which is an online ski touring course that teaches you how to get prepare successfully to save money and time to get into ski touring.

Floss is also a Summer Mountain Leader and guides people in the UK Mountains. In the mountains is where you will find her skiing, climbing, running, biking, leading people, hiking etc:  

Visit Floss’s website: www.freefloski.com 


Insurance:
Getting specialist travel insurance that covers cancellation, medical and mountain rescue is highly recommended. FREEFLO will not be liable for injuries or accidents on the mountain. Ensure that your insurance covers your skiing off piste beyond the ski boundary with a guide or an instructor. Buying a Carte de Neige with your lift pass in the resort or online is recommended as it will cover any mountain rescue without payment. 

You can purchase the carte de neige in the resort with your lift pass for around €3 euros a day or you can purchase it online to beat the queues for a year at http://www2.ffs.fr/carteneige.

Kit list:

Skis:
Ideally an all-mountain ski with a ski touring binding that is 85-95cm underfoot. The length of the ski shouldn’t be too long (as it makes kick turns harder) and the ski tips of the skis should be between your chin and your eyes when standing.

Touring Bindings:
There are three types of bindings on the market:
1) Diamir Fritschi:
2) Marker Tour
3) Pin Bindings
Pin bindings and boots are lighter and easier to use for kick turn and going uphill but they do compromise ski performance going downhill. We do recommend that you rent or have the lightest equipment possible for the backcountry course. Diamir and Marker bindings (where you use a regular downhill ski boot with walk mode) are heavier and don’t have the ankle flex for touring uphill, however, the ski performance downhill is better. 

Skins:
Ideally, skins should be a mixture of mohair and nylon and must have a nose and tail clip. The skins should cover the whole ski and be only 2mm free from the edges.  Skins should be hung to dry after use but not over extreme heat after use.

Boots:
If you haven’t got your own ski touring boots you can rent them or use your downhill boots if they have a walk mode. Ski touring boots are highly recommended as they are light and have a ski touring mode.

Poles:
Telescopic ski poles with a powder basket is essential.

Clothing:
Spring Touring:
Wear thin light breathable layers with a Gore-tex shell
Ski Trousers should have a zip on the outside of the leg for ventilation
Light synthetic mid-layer for the summit or a lightweight down-layer.
A neck buff is always essential for ski touring in Spring and in Winter.

Winter Touring:
In addition to the above add warm breathable layers and a down mid-layer jacket.

Gloves:
Inner liners and light but warm and waterproof gloves.
Accessories:
Suncream 50+, buff, googles with good and bad weather lenses, sunglasses, light beanie, headband (optional), cap to protect you from the sun, camera, go pro, cash, insurance cards, credit card, charged telephone, spare batteries for transceiver, battery charging pack, duck tape, penknife.  Helmet is optional.
First Aid Kit:
Ensure that you have a small first aid kit which includes; paracetamol, ibuprofen, plasters, bandages, compeed etc, so you can deal with first aid if you have to. Purchasing a blizzard blanket is recommended www.blizzardblanket.com
Avalanche Equipment:
A transceiver with three antennae and multiple search victim modes is recommended, a 2m probe or longer and a steel shovel.
Water bottle, flask and snacks, packed lunch: For day tours please make sure you have a minimum of 1litre of water and a packed lunch. Nuts, dried fruit, energy bars and energy drinks for slow release energy instead just chocolate (but chocolate is always nice too!) Jelly babies for the coaches.
Backpack:
35-45 litre backpack ideally a top loader which sits comfortably on your back.
Map, Compass, GPS: (optional but good to have)
A silva expedition compass and maps are optional but very good to have, especially if you want to improve your navigation skills. (Maps: Carte de Randonnee 3633T and 3532T for Val D’Isere, Tignes and St Foy. You can purchase the maps at the Tabac in Tignes.Lift Pass: Please purchase an Espace Killy lift pass or a Forfait Rando pass at the STGM lift office in Le Lac or Val Claret on or before the first day of the course ahead of the introduction meeting. The lift pass office opens at 8.30am.

Rough Itinerary:
This is an example of a 5 half-day backcountry adventure itinerary. An average day will be 9am – 12 pm. The itinerary is likely to change due to individual and group goals and the weather.

Day 1: Introduction meeting. Introduction to the use of avalanche equipment, ski touring equipment and techniques on lower pisted slopes. Warm up to find our ski legs on the piste with a technical focus on balance and other fundamental elements.
Day 2: Dependant on weather conditions 200-300m ascent ski tour. Practice on ski touring techniques, packing your ski touring bag and technical focus on off-piste skiing.
Day 3: Technical focus on route selection, weather and decision-making in avalanche terrain.
Day 4: Technical focus on ski touring a longer route and leadership skills. 
Day 5: Ski touring and back to the resort for coffee and debriefing. 

Please let us know if you are interested in this course and if you know of anyone else that would be please email Floss at [email protected]. I am happy to answer any questions that you may have. 

I will look forward to skiing with you and coaching you on the skills.

Floss 

Please connect with me on:  

FREEFLOSKI

[email protected] 
www.freefloski.com

Ski Touring Kickstarter Online Course: Save Money and Time
Tips and Hacks To Improve Your Skiing
Adventure Coaching: Book Free Call 

Connect us on: 
Instagram
Facebook

FAST TRACK INTRO TO SKI TOURING

Posted on by Jocelyn Cockle

FREEFLO is offering a unique 3 Full day Fast Track Introduction To Ski Touring Course in Tignes and Val D’Isere, France.
Created and designed for intermediate skiers who have skied off-piste with little or no ski touring experience and want to be sat tracked into the new world of ski touring. If you are limited in time then this is the perfect course for you. Be led and guided whilst learning essential skills needed in the backcountry, building on your existing skills and confidence.  

Escape from the crowds and enjoy the peace, tranquillity and beauty of the backcountry whilst having fun and learning how to be safe when skiing in the mountains.

Date: Feb 21st-23rd 2023
Course Fee: €587.00 (Max group size 6)
Duration: 3x Full Days
Location: Tignes, Espace Killy, France 

Package includes

• €485 Ski Touring Kickstarter Digital Online Course 

• Free Membership in the Ski Motivation Hub 

• 3 Full Days of British backcountry ski coaching with Floss 

• Avalanche and transceiver workshop

• Photos & film of your week

What the course fee doesn’t include:
– Insurance
– Lift pass
– Lunch and snacks
– Equipment

What will you learn?
– Essential ski touring techniques
– Snow awareness, avalanche training
– Route selection
– Making better decisions in avalanche terrain
– How to improve your off-piste skiing
– How to use your ski touring equipment

What level of fitness do you need?
Level 1 fitness is needed for this course. You need to be able to ski all day with short stops for food and drink. You can ski off-piste all day and back-to-back days. You can ski tour uphill for a maximum of 2 hours at altitude. 

What level of ski ability do you need?
You must be able to ski red and black pisted runs with no problem and you can deal with some different snow conditions. You have confidence ability in skiing off-piste terrain and are able to link turns and control your speed using different radius turns up to 35 degrees. You are happy to ski in an open simple off-piste terrain.

What level of ski touring do you need?
This course is perfect if you have no or little ski touring experience. The pace is relaxed and a great introduction to touring. The maximum you will tour per day will be up to 500M.

Visit the backcountry of Tignes and Val DÌsere

Meet the Coach: FREEFLO
Floss Cockle is a BASI British International Ski Teacher L4 ISTD which is the highest teaching qualification available to a British coach anywhere in the world. She has the French Carte de Professional which allows her to work in France. With her great passion for teaching and being in the mountains, she has a wealth of experience and has coached skiing for twenty-five years. One of her biggest achievements is climbing and skiing the highest mountain in the Alps Mont Blanc 4810M as well as skiing the volcanoes of Patagonia.

Floss is a videographer and has her own youtube channel https://www.youtube.com/c/FreeFloFloss. Due to these digital times, she is also the creator of ski touring kickstarter which is an online ski touring course that teaches you how to get prepare successfully to get into ski touring.

Floss is also a Summer Mountain Leader and guides people in the UK Mountains. In the summer she is an adventure coach who helps people to reach their goals and dreams whether it is running a 10k to climbing famous peaks. If you are interested in online coaching book a free discovery call.

Insurance:
Getting specialist travel insurance that covers cancellation, medical and mountain rescue is highly recommended. FREEFLO will not be liable for injuries or accidents on the mountain. Ensure that your insurance covers your skiing off-piste beyond the ski boundary with a guide or an instructor. Buying a Carte de Neige with your lift pass in the resort or online is recommended as it will cover any mountain rescue without payment. 

You can purchase the carte de Neige in the resort with your lift pass for around €3 euros a day or you can purchase it online to beat the queues for a year at http://www2.ffs.fr/carteneige .

Kit list:
Skis:
Ideally an all-mountain ski with a ski touring binding that is 85-95cm underfoot. The length of the ski shouldn’t be too long (as it makes kick turns harder) and the ski tips of the skis should be between your chin and your eyes when standing.

Touring Bindings:
There are three types of bindings on the market:
1) Diamir Fritschi:
2) Marker Tour
3) Pin Bindings
Pin bindings and boots are lighter and easier to use for kick turns and going uphill but they do compromise in ski performance going downhill. We do recommend that you rent or have the lightest equipment possible for the backcountry course. Diamir and Marker bindings (where you use a regular downhill ski boot with walk mode) are heavier and don’t have the ankle flex for touring uphill, however the ski performance downhill is better. 

Skins:
Ideally, skins should be a mixture of mohair and nylon and must have a nose and tail clip. The skins should cover the whole ski and be only 2mm free from the edges.  Skins should be hung to dry after use but not over extreme heat after use.

Boots:
If you haven’t got your own ski touring boots you can rent them or use your downhill boots if they have a walk mode. Ski touring boots are highly recommended as they are light have a ski touring mode.

Poles:
Telescopic ski poles with a powder basket are essential.

Clothing:
Spring Touring:
Wear thin light breathable layers with a Gore-tex shell
Ski Trousers should have a zip on the outside of the leg for ventilation
Light synthetic mid-layer for the summit or a lightweight down layer.
A neck buff is always essential for ski touring in Spring and in Winter.

Winter Touring: In addition to the above add warm breathable layers and a down mid-layer jacket.
Gloves:
Inner liners and light but warm and waterproof gloves.

Accessories:
Suncream 50+, buff, googles with good and bad weather lenses, sunglasses, light beanie, headband (optional), cap to protect you from the sun, camera, go pro, cash, insurance cards, credit card, charged telephone, spare batteries for transceiver, battery charging pack, duck tape, penknife.  Helmet is optional but recommended.
First Aid Kit:
Ensure that you have a small first aid kit which includes; paracetamol, ibuprofen, plasters, bandages, compeed etc, so you can deal with first aid if you have to. Purchasing a blizzard blanket is recommended www.blizzardblanket.com
Avalanche Equipment:
A transceiver with three antennae and multiple search victim mode is recommended, 2m probe or longer and a steel shovel.
Water bottle, flask and snacks, packed lunch: For day tours please make sure you have a minimum of 1litre of water and a packed lunch. Nuts, dried fruit, energy bars and energy drinks for slow release energy instead just chocolate (but chocolate is always nice too!) Jelly babies for the coaches.
Backpack:
35-45 litre backpack ideally a top loader which sits comfortably on your back.
Map, Compass, GPS: (optional but good to have)
A silva expedition compass and maps are optional but very good to have, especially if you want to improve on your navigation skills. (Maps: Carte de Randonnee 3633T and 3532T for Val D’Isere, Tignes and St Foy. You can purchase the maps at the Tabac in Tignes.
Lift Pass: Please purchase an Espace Killy lift pass or a Forfait Rando pass at the STGM lift office in Le Lac or Val Claret on or before the first day of the course ahead of the introduction meeting. The lift pass office opens at 8.30am.
NB: All skis and equipment can be rented in resort at: Mountain Story in Le Lac Tignes

Rough Itinerary:
This is an example of the 3 Day backcountry adventure itinerary. An average day will be 9am – 4pm. The itinerary is likely to change due to individual and group goals and the weather.

Day 1: Introduction meeting.  Introduction to the use of avalanche equipment, ski touring equipment and techniques on lower pisted slopes. Warm up to find our ski legs on the piste with a technical focus on balance and other fundamental elements. Depending on weather conditions 200-300m ascent ski tour. Practice ski touring techniques, packing your ski touring bag and technical focus off piste skiing
Day 2: Technical focus on route selection, weather and decision-making in avalanche terrain.
Day 3: Technical focus on ski touring a longer route and leadership skills. 

Depending on weather conditions 200-500m ascent ski tour

Please let us know if you are interested in this course and if you know of anyone else that would by emailing Floss at [email protected]. I am happy to answer any questions that you may have.  

I will look forward to skiing with you and giving you the skills.

Floss 

FREEFLOSKI

[email protected] 

www.freefloski.com

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INTRODUCTION TO INTERMEDIATE SKI TOURING SKILLS COURSE SAFARI WEEK

Posted on by Jocelyn Cockle


FREEFLOSKI and POWDER MAD are offering a unique 5 Full Days coaching and 7 nights self-catering package Introduction To Intermediate Ski Touring Skills Week based in St Foy in the Tarentaise Valley, France 16th – 23rd March 2024.
This skills week is for strong intermediate skiers with a good level of fitness and off-piste skiing skills with little or no experience in ski touring, who want to take their ski touring, mountain knowledge and adventure to the next level.

Date: March 16th -23rd March 2024
Coaching Dates: 18th-22nd March 2024
Price Full Package: €1395 (Max group size 6)
Duration: 5x Full Days Coaching and 7x nights self-catered accommodation
Location: Sainte Foy, France 
Transportation: Fly & Self Drive

Package includes:
-Ski Touring Kickstarter Digital Online Course worth €485
-Free Facebook Membership in the Skiing Club
-5 Full Days of backcountry ski coaching and guiding with Floss 
-Avalanche and transceiver workshop
-Self Catering Accommodation

What the course fee doesn’t include:
– Insurance
– Lift pass
– Lunch and snacks
– Equipment
– Transfers
– Flights/Car Hire

What will you learn?
– Ski touring techniques
– Snow awareness, avalanche training
– Route selection, navigation, how to plan a touring ski day
– How to make better decisions in avalanche terrain
– How to improve your off-piste skiing
– How to use your ski touring equipment and the extra kit you need 

What level of fitness do you need?
Level 2 fitness is needed for this course. You need to be able to ski all day with short stops for food and drink. You are able to ski off-piste all day and back-to-back days. You can ski tour uphill for a maximum of 2-3 hours at altitude and still have the energy to put some good ski turns in for the downhill. 

What level of ski ability do you need?
You must be able to ski red and black pistes run with no problem and you can cope with all conditions. You have confidence ability in skiing off-piste terrain and are able to link turns and control your speed using different radius turns up to 35 degrees. You are comfortable to ski down variable conditions narrow paths and more complex terrain with trees and gullies. You have had some experience with exposure.

What level of ski touring do you need?
Each tour will involve 2-3 hours of going uphill every day and between 400-800m of ascent with a mindset to be coached. You must be able to cover at least 400m of uphill per hour with little or no ski touring experience.

The backcountry of Tignes and Val D`Isere
Ski Touring Monal, St Foy
Filmed in Sainte Foy, Tarentaise Valley

Meet the Coach: FREEFLO
Floss Cockle is a Female BASI British International Ski Teacher L4 ISTD which is the highest teaching qualification available to a British coach anywhere in the world. She has the French Carte de Professional which allows her to work in France. She also holds the Mountain Leader Qualification and Level 4 Sports Massage Diploma. With her great passion for teaching and being in the mountains, she has a wealth of experience and has coached skiing for over twenty-seven years. One of her biggest achievements is climbing and skiing the highest mountain in the Alps Mont Blanc 4810M and skiing the volcanoes of Patagonia.
 
Floss also has her own youtube channel https://www.youtube.com/c/FreeFloFloss. Due to these digital times, she is also the creator of ski touring kickstarter which is an online ski touring course that teaches skiers how to get prepare successfully to get into ski touring.

ski touring summit rocher de la davie
On the Summit Rocher De La Davie 3159M

In the summer she guides people in the UK Mountains and works on the downhill hill bikes in Tignes. In between time, she is a momentum coach who helps people to reach their goals and dreams whether it is running a 10k to climbing famous peaks. If you would like to know more book a free discovery call.

In the mountains is where you will find her skiing, climbing, running, biking, leading people, hiking etc:  

Visit Floss’s website: www.freefloski.com 

Insurance:
Getting specialist travel insurance that covers cancellation, medical and mountain rescue is highly recommended. FREEFLO will not be liable for injuries or accidents on the mountain. Ensure that your insurance covers your skiing off-piste beyond the ski boundary with a guide or an instructor. Buying a Carte de Neige with your lift pass in the resort or online is recommended as it will cover any mountain rescue without payment. 

You can purchase the carte de Neige in the resort with your lift pass for around €3 euros a day or you can purchase it online to beat the queues for a year at http://www2.ffs.fr/carteneige .

Kit List That You Need:
Skis:
Ideally an all-mountain ski with a ski touring binding that is 85-95cm underfoot. The length of the ski shouldn’t be too long (as it makes kick turns harder) and the ski tips of the skis should be between your chin and your eyes when standing.
Touring Bindings:
There are three types of bindings on the market:
1) Diamir Fritschi:
2) Marker Tour
3) Pin Bindings
Pin bindings and boots are lighter and easier to use for kick turns and going uphill but they do compromise ski performance going downhill. We do recommend that you rent or have the lightest equipment possible for the backcountry course. Diamir and Marker bindings (where you use a regular downhill ski boot with walk mode) are heavier and don’t have the ankle flex for touring uphill, however, the ski performance downhill is better. 
Skins:
Ideally, skins should be a mixture of mohair and nylon and must have a nose and tail clip. The skins should cover the whole ski and be only 2mm free from the edges.  Skins should be hung to dry after use but not over extreme heat after use.
Boots:
If you haven’t got your own ski touring boots you can rent them or use your downhill boots if they have a walk mode. Ski touring boots are highly recommended as they are light and have a ski touring mode.
Poles:
Telescopic ski poles with a powder basket are essential.
Clothing:
Spring Touring:
Wear thin light breathable layers with a Gore-tex shell
Ski Trousers should have a zip on the outside of the leg for ventilation
Light synthetic mid-layer for the summit or a lightweight down-layer.
A neck buff is always essential for ski touring in Spring and in Winter.
Winter Touring:
In addition to the above add warm breathable layers and a down mid-layer jacket.
Gloves:
Inner liners and light but warm and waterproof gloves.
Accessories:
Suncream 50+, buff, google with good and bad weather lenses, sunglasses, light beanie, headband (optional), cap to protect you from the sun, camera, go pro, cash, insurance cards, credit card, charged telephone, spare batteries for transceiver, battery charging pack, duck tape, penknife.  The helmet is optional.
First Aid Kit:
Ensure that you have a small first aid kit which includes; paracetamol, ibuprofen, plasters, bandages, compeed etc, so you can deal with first aid if you have to. Purchasing a blizzard blanket is recommended www.blizzardblanket.com
Avalanche Equipment:
A transceiver with three antenna and multiple search victim mode is recommended, 2m probe or longer and an aluminium shovel.
Water bottle, flask and snacks, packed lunch: For day tours please make sure you have a minimum of 1 litre of water and a packed lunch. Nuts, dried fruit, energy bars and energy drinks for slow-release energy instead just chocolate (but chocolate is always nice too!) Jelly babies for the coaches.
Backpack:
35-45 litre backpack ideally a top loader which sits comfortably on your back.
Map, Compass, GPS: (optional but good to have)
A silva expedition compass and maps are optional but very good to have, especially if you want to improve on your navigation skills. (Maps: Carte de Randonnee 3633T and 3532T for Val D’Isere, Tignes and St Foy. You can purchase the maps at the Tabac in Tignes. 

All skis and ski touring equipment can be rented in the station Sainte Foy Ski Resort at Ski Set
Transceiver, shovel and probe can be rented from Floss for 70€ per week.

Lift Pass:
You can buy a lift daily in the resort on the day, this will range from €38-65 per day. Or you can take full advantage of the ski a la carte option. I would recommend you to order the card to arrive at your home 3-4 weeks before your holiday.

Rough Itinerary:
An average day will be 9am – 3.30/4pm. The itinerary is likely to change due to individual, group goals and the weather.

Sunday: Free skiing in the resort of St Foy getting use to your boots and ski touring equipment.
Day 1: Monday: Introduction meeting.  Introduction to the use of avalanche equipment, ski touring equipment and techniques on lower pisted slopes. Warm up to find our ski legs on the piste with a technical focus on balance and other fundamental elements. Avalanche training if needed. Option to do a ski tour to planay desous. To discuss weather information and
Day 2: Tuesday: Dependant on weather conditions 200-400m ascent ski tour. Option to ski tour route around the monal or monal to Lac Clou with a technical focus on how to improve your off-piste skiing and ski touring skills. Making better decisions in avalanche terrain module.
Day 3: Wednesday: Member of group plans and leads with assistance. Technical focus on off-piste skiing and variable conditions in a different area such as Tignes, Val or Les Arcs.
Day 4: Thursday: Member of group plans and leads with assistance. Technical focus on off-piste skiing and variable conditions in a different area such as Tignes, Val or Les Arcs.
Day 5: Friday: Depending on the weather ski touring and off-piste skiing in St Foy. Coffee and debrief. 
Day 6: Saturday: Departure

Please let us know if you are interested in this course and if you know of anyone else that would by emailing Floss at [email protected]. I am happy to answer any questions that you may have.  

All accommodation enquires, bookings and payments are to go through Powder Mad email: [email protected]

I will look forward to skiing and coaching you in the new world of ski touring.

Floss 

FREEFLOSKI

[email protected] 

www.freefloski.com

Online Course: Save Money and Time
www.skitouringkickstarter.com

Tips and Hacks To Improve Your Skiing:
YouTube FreefloFloss

Adventure Coaching:
Book Free 30 mins Discovery Call:


How To Overcome Fear Part 1

Posted on by Jocelyn Cockle

3 Simple Hacks To Overcome Fear

Think about your biggest goal. Why haven`t you achieved it? If you are like most people, the answer is fear. Fear is the limiting factor stopping you from working towards what you want. Fear distracts you and leads us to excuses and limiting beliefs. It doesn`t have to. Learning how to overcome fear is one of the most liberating pursuits you can undertake.

With over 25 years of ski teaching and coaching in the mountains, I have developed and used these three simple hacks that have helped me to overcome fear at the moment. With these techniques, I have climbed and skiied Mont Blanc skied and climbed many peaks and passed my ski racing to teach in France.

Hack 1: Breathing – When you are facing fear take a deep breath in the exhale out longer as this will focus your mind to be in the moment.

Hack 2: To Keep Moving – It’s so important to keep moving and to have momentum. Rythym is so important so don`t stop keep continuing with movement.

Hack 3: Belief in your ability – The brain is programmed to find the easy way out and object to what you are doing. So Make sure you give yourself positive self-talk. “You can do this… you have the ability ”

For more details see the video 👇

If you want to achieve your goals and adventures Book A FREE Discovery Call today to discuss future coaching or visit Freefloski

How I Improved My Fitness, Sports and Productivity – One Simple Hack

Posted on by Jocelyn Cockle

THIS is the best and the simplest hack I have used to improve my fitness, sports and productivity.  
“WHAT GETS MEASURED GETS IMPROVED.” Is this week’s ski tip in the FB motivation group. DON`T MISS OUT and join here if you haven`t already.

This is a quote from Robin Sharma or Peter Drucker. I don`t really know as the internet isn’t sure. What I do know is that I have used this method for years and it has worked for my fitness, sports and productivity. For example, I wanted to ski and climb the biggest mountain in the Alps Mount Blanc which lies at 4810m. I measured my fitness, nutrition, my skills and equipment accordingly. All pillars got measured and improved. On 10th June 2020, I found myself on the summit of Mount Blanc in Chamonix in France.

Mont Blanc The Highest Mountain In the Alps 4810M

Anyway, this quote lays out a simple truth we can use easily to boost your productivity.  What we measure, we improve. Above all this improvement happens automatically, solely because of the measuring process.

Oh, and this isn’t just some weird speculation or bold claim — it’s a scientific fact. I also use this method
successfully with clients with online coaching moving them forwards to reach their goals and ambitions.

Researchers studied the effects of a given project, simply asking participants to track a specific outcome makes them more likely to improve. For example, people who are assigned to wear a pedometer, walk at least one extra mile per day on average. They improve their overall activity levels by 27%.

Just imagine if you could increase your fitness and productivity levels by 27%. How much more you could achieve?  How much more would you accomplish? We will never know. But we surely know that measuring your productivity will help you improve it.

“My name is Floss and I am passionate to help people to unlock their true potential in sports and adventure..”

How To Get Into Ski Touring – Freefloski Touring Kickstarter Online Course -FAQ’s

Posted on by Jocelyn Cockle

Since I have launched the Ski Touring Kickstarter course, I’ve had lots of questions and interest and in this blog, I will hopefully answer all your questions:

1. Is the Ski Touring Kickstarter an online course or an on-mountain course?
Well, it is both, The Kickstarter program is in place to help answer many of the questions I’ve come across from my students like Dellie and Matt who wanted to get into ski touring but they didn’t know how? The goal here is to help you get the most out of your holiday by preparing as much as you can before you come to the mountains. The other advantage is that can watch the videos to refresh your mind whilst on the mountain.

2. What happens if I can not go skiing
Another question I get asked a lot from people who really want to participate but are nervous is – what happens if I cannot go skiing. Well – I don’t have a crystal ball – but the skills you’ll learn are the fundamentals and can be used any year. Of course, I’d love you to come skiing with me here so we can build on the program – but because they are universal skills they can be applied with any professional tour guide.

3. If I’ve never done this before is it for me?
Many people are excited about the thought of touring but have never done it – that is exactly why I built this course. Remember Gary, my customer who’d never done anything like this – well through these tips and tricks not only did we get him more confident in his normal skiing but we got him into touring too. So if you’ve never done it – you are in the right place.

4) I’m not fit
2020 has been a year of change for all of us and many of us were sedentary – that’s why one of the bonuses is I’ve included my plan to make the most of your time in the mountains. The goal of this course is to lay the foundations and with that, if you are interested in it and want to take it further then we can work on it together but these exercises and stretches will help.

5) It’s is too expensive to get more kit
One of my goals here is to make skiing as fun and accessible as possible. That’s why I have my takeaway gear guide of products and services to help you make the choices if you are looking to invest in equipment. If you are only looking to try touring that’s ok too – I can also recommend you rental services.

6) I only go skiing once a year
If you only go skiing once a year- why not make it the most memorable week where you can explore the mountains, re-connect with those who are important, see the world from a new perspective and improve your health at the same time.

7) What if I purchase the Kickstarter and I don’t like it?
I am so confident that you will like the Kickstarter, it is packed with information and coaching that if you don`t like it you can have a 30-day money-back guarantee with no questions asked.

8) What is Included in Ski touring Kickstarter?

  • Ski Touring Kickstarter Programme- +32 videos and 4 modules 
  • Online 1 to 1 Coaching 
  • Private Members-Only Community  
  • Discount Codes
  • PDF`s, Bonus resources and lots more.

If you would like to see the video of the Ski Touring Kickstarter visit:👉 https://www.skitouringkickstarter.com/

If you have any questions that I haven’t answered just drop me an email Floss: [email protected]

Ski Touring For Beginners | 5 Tips For Success

Posted on by Jocelyn Cockle

Ski touring for the first time or when you are a beginner can often be very daunting and overwhelming.

After 24 years of ski teaching and leading in the mountains I have learnt that “Preparation is everything!…. To make sure that I have a good and safe day in the mountains, I prepare for success!” Click on the video below and I will share with you 5 tips that you can follow to have a successful day ski touring in the mountains whether it’s your first ski tour or first ski tour at the start of the season.

If you would like to take this opportunity and to enter the new world of ski touring with one to one coaching with me then visit Ski Touring Kickstarter online course.

If you have any questions please drop me an email to Floss: [email protected]

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