On Wed, 20 Feb 2013 12:15:56 GMT, Mike Clark
wrote:

I see the issue of French Protectionism for the ESF raises its ugly head
once again

http://www.planetski.eu/news/4683

"A court in France has ruled that British Tour companies are not allowed
to use ski hosts to show clients round the slopes. It believes skier
safety is compromsied. It is a test case and all ski hosting in France
is now banned."

Hadn't seen that new result yet. We (Ski Club) were part of the
earlier proceedings, as one of our leaders was also stopped and asked
in for questioning at the same time as the incident that sparked this.

In our case no further action was taken, presumably on the basis that
no financial remuneration takes place for our volunteer leaders. Even
so, we've changed our expenses system to ensure that (the very low)
allowances are only paid after the event and on presentation of
receipts.

As it happens, I have some sympathies with the French on this. I have
seen, and skied with, unqualified ski hosts, and while mostly they do
a reasonable job, some of them are frankly a menace. I recall one,
from some years ago, whose idea of leading was - "we're going down
here, see you at the bottom". I don't agree that they need to be
qulified ski instructors, particularly with the France-only rulng
about having to do the 'test technique' to teach, but maybe something
on a level with the BASI level one course (which is itself a lower
standard than the Ski Club leaders training, for example) could be
established...



--
Ace
Ski Club of Great Britain http://www.skiclub.co.uk/
All opinions expressed are those of the poster and in no way reflect those of the Ski Club or its members