For all Adaptive Courses: The Simon Brooke Bursary

This bursary has been set up in the memory of Simon Brooke. Simon was a BASI Ski Teacher working in France. Tragically in August 2003, Simon's life was cut short when he was killed in a car crash. His family and friends have raised money and donated these funds to Disability Snowsports UK so that people with disabilities could experience the fun and thrill of being involved in snowsports, something which Simon would approve of. 

One of Simon's closest friends and mentor, BASI Trainer Gareth Roberts has, since this tragic accident organised an annual ski race named the Brookie Bowl which is held in Courchevel. The aim of this is to keep Simon's memory alive by raising funds for Disabilty Snowsports UK and to ensure the continuation of this bursary. After discussions with Mike, Pippa and James, his parents and brother, some of the money went towards buying a child's Bi-Ski. They were keen to buy other equipment but it was decided that a bursary should be established in Simon's name so that BASI qualified instructors would be able to train in the techniques of Adaptive Ski teaching. 

To apply for the bursary and request an application form, please contact basi@basi.org.uk 

Why should you take this course? The course will stretch your teaching techniques and give you a better insight and understanding of people's abilities, not disabilities. It will make you more employable and most importantly, it will also advance the possibilities for more people to enjoy this great sport. 

Are you disabled? You may be eligible to take part in an adaptive course. Please email basi@basi.org.uk to provide details on the nature of your disability and we will confirm if it can be accommodated. 

Key Features

BASI have been developing Adaptive courses for over 10 years and have worked closely with the PSIA (Professional Ski Instructors of America) to develop high quality courses and resources. Adaptive courses are special and require unique people to come forward for the training. These demanding courses are designed to equip ski instructors with the specific skills required to teach skiers with disabilities. If you are considering attending a BASI Adaptive course it is essential that you already have sufficient knowledge and experience of working with skiers with disabilities before applying.

Adaptive Skiing is the term used to describe teaching skiers who need specialist adapted equipment or techniques. The mechanics and dynamics of skis are the same for all users and adaptive skiing requires instructors who can select the most suitable equipment or techniques for individual disabled skiers. Traditionally, those who wish to gain an adaptive qualification are either: BASI instructors who have the skiing skills and want to diversify their potential client base or instructors who work with disabled people in ski programmes and wish to develop their specialist skills. Either way the courses are among the most demanding we offer and candidates need to be well prepared: experience can be gained working with disabled people, preferably in adaptive ski programmes. 

The training on BASI adaptive courses is delivered by some of the most experienced adaptive instructors in the UK. BASI adaptive qualifications are recognised throughout the UK and we are currently working towards European recognition of the discipline. All of the UK charities that offer ski programmes for people with disabilities are involved in the development of the courses.