My journey to the Alps and to ‘Chamonix’ began while working for Ian and Jane as part of McGarry the Ski System’s first team of instructors. Indeed, I was the first person to be invited by Ian and Jane to be part of their team and began my first season in Chatel in 1989/90. This was perfect timing for me as I developed my career in teaching skiing and sought to follow Ian’s footsteps (or rather skiing) in reaching the top level BASI qualification. One of my fondest memories of this time (and there were many) was when we went as a team (including Andy Smart) to Grands Montets, Argentiere (probably 1991 for the first time) to ski the same slopes as our heroes from the iconic ski movie – The Blizzard of Ahhhs. We used to play that VHS every week to the guests at the McGarry’s chalet in Chatel. Little did I know that this was the beginning of my journey to living in the Chamonix area and setting up our British Alpine Ski School franchise in Chamonix in 2005. Now 17 years on we are still here. Thank you Ian and Jane for being such an important part of my snowsports journey and for giving me the opportunity to teach for three seasons in the Portes du Soleil.
- Derek Tate