All Trainers
Ken Smith
Ken is the founder of Progression and will be overseeing the program from start to finish. Fully qualified BASI ski instructor, Alpine Performance Coach Level 2 and telemark and snowboard instructor he is the all-rounder. Ken’s role will predominantly be in the overall running of the courses, but he will also be on the hill helping out with groups and taking the telemark and snowboard beginner sessions. To contact Ken directly about any aspect of the courses email him on ken@progressionski.com.
Simon McCombe
Simon is one of the longest-serving and most respected trainers based in Val d'Isère. He's been a member of the BASI board of directors and worked on many a GAP program, so his wealth of experience is bound to bring out the best in all students.
Alan Okrafo-Smart
Al has been in Val d’Isère since 1996 so knows the place like the back of his hand. He holds the top BASI Level 4 qualification and is also a BASI Trainer. Al has worked on many GAP courses training and assessing various levels of students and instructors.
Sean Manley
Sean was one of the very first Progression instructors and is one of the younger set of BASI trainers. He's as comfortable in the park on the rails and jumps as he is straight-lining couloirs or blasting the gates. Sean is an inspirational skier but doesn't have the ego to match!
Amanda Pirie
Amanda Pirie has worked for Progression for the past two seasons and will be the race training coach. From a well-known Scottish ski family she raced for the GB team and reached the heady heights of No. 56 in the world. Amanda is also part of the British Demo team. Just look for the big cheesy grin or the girl skiing past all the guys!
Amigo Hermeler
The skiing Dutchman is an integral part of Progression Ski & Snowboard School and brings a wealth of off-piste experience. As an Austrian Ski Federation Trainer (one of the most difficulat countries in the world to acheive such a feat) Amigo specialises in off-piste and often lectures to several hundred instructors on this subject. Amigo trained to the level of Aspirant Guide during his years in Aurtria before moving to Val d'Isère.
David Boutet
You can tell David a mile off as he is often seen in the brightest and baggiest clothes on the mountain. David's love of jumping led him to buy his own airbag to land jumps into, so he knows a thing or two about freestyle moves in the park. As handy on telemark (in switch as well) as he is on skis it is impossible not to be impressed by David's ability and enthusiasm.
Line Crammon
Line has worked with Progression since 2009 and is a Danish Ski Federation trainer, Danish moguls champion and sponsored freerider. Look out for her cruising around in a brand new mini BMW gave her last season. For a closer look check out her video here. When she is in resort she will take some specialist clinics.
James Dealtry
James is one of the best known British instructors in Val d'Isère. The voice of Radio Val ski & instructor availability reports for the last few years we choose to use his skiing skills instead. James is the only British Aspirant Guide de Haute Montagne (trainee high mountain guide) and will be involved in the off piste training.
