Hello, my name is Derek. I’ve been based here in the 3 Valleys for 13 years now. Whilst here I have also been lucky enough to spend some time working in the resorts of Val D’Isere, Tignes, Chamonix, and Alp D’Huez. As well as Switzerland, Canada and New Zealand.I am a fully qualified ski instructor and a trainer to the British Association of Snowsport Instructors (BASI). I am also qualified and able to teach snowboarding.


Aside from this I am someone who loves the mountains. If I am not working I can normally be found out sliding down the hill somewhere. I remember my first day skiing back in bonny Scotland when I was but a youngster of 4 yrs old. I loved it then and still do now. I still get a huge kick out of learning new skills that will help me slide down these mountains somehow.


For me I feel that I still have so much to learn and I am out there whenever possible trying to improve myself. This is, I feel, what separates all Marmalade instructors from the rest. We are continually improving our knowledge and depth of skills which ultimately make their way back to you.


Whether it is the level of speed, the steepness of a slope, your journey through the air after taking off from a jump, or the smoothness and tranquillity of the off-piste. All of this is readily available to us all and part of being a ski teacher is having the skills and enthusiasm to show you how to enjoy it as much as I do.


Derek on Flickr