Is there anything else you’d like to know?

Do I need to be of a good standard to come on an Instructor Course or Performance Camp?

Within the details for each camp we run, we include information explaining the appropriate level of skill required for that course. Please call us in the UK office on +44 (0)207 243 6222 if you require some course-specific advice.

Will the course be challenging enough if I am advanced or expert?

Your level will be assessed early on in the course and you’ll be put into a small group with people of similar experience and ability.

Our coaches are all fully qualified and are used to coaching up to the highest level. Some resorts are better than others for advanced levels (contact the team for further information) but whichever course you choose, we guarantee you will be pushed and feel challenged!

How old are people who normally attend the courses? Are they just for people from the UK?

All sorts of people attend all of our courses. This year, we have people booked on from the age of 17 up to 54. They are from all walks of life and from all over the world - including Latvia, America, South Africa, Chile and Australia.

If you’re over 16 and have a passion for adventure then you can join a course. No matter where you’re from, it’s important to check with relevant embassies and government representatives whether you need a visa to enter the course the country is held in - this also applies to work after your course. See below.

Am I guaranteed a qualification?

We are not legally allowed to guarantee you a qualification, as the amount of time and effort you put into your course will determine this.

If you really want to become an instructor, we’ll give you all the support and coaching you need to help you achieve this.     

What do I have to do book a place on a course?

To book a place on a course we need you to send in our booking form, together with a registration fee of £400. The booking form is found in the back of our brochure, which you can request using the button at the top of your screen.

Once we’ve received this, we’ll guarantee your booking by return post. We’ll be in touch again about 3 months before your course with advice on insurance, equipment, etc and details of when the rest of the payment is due.

How far ahead do I need to book?

Our courses operate on a first-come-first-serve basis. Some of our more popular courses get booked up as early as 6 months before, so, if you’ve made a decision on which course you’d like to go on, we’d advise you to book sooner rather than later (we also offer financial incentives to encourage you to do this!).

What is the payment schedule?

Please see the terms and conditions on the Booking Form. We require a £400 Registration Fee with your booking to confirm your place on the course. After this, your first instalment of 35% of the course fee is due 18 weeks prior to the start of the course, with the balance due 12 weeks before it begins. Please be aware that we also require a damage deposit for your stay.

For late bookings we still follow the same payment schedule as for all other clients. So, any payments that have had their deadlines pass prior to your booking being made will need to be made up immediately. If you’re struggling to meet your payment schedule, on rare occasions we are open to arranging individual agreements.

Is there any help available to help fund the course? 

Yes, a Career Development Loan is a deferred repayment commercial bank loan, designed for people who need help funding vocational training and education.

CDL’s are arranged through a partnership between the government’s Department for Education and Skills (DfES) and major high street banks – notably Barclays, The Co-operative and the Royal Bank of Scotland.

Base Camp Group is a registered training provider with the DfES, which means that you can borrow between £300 and £8,000 to help fund your course. In some cases, a CDL covers 100% of your course fee. The DfES will cover your interest payments during the course and for a period afterwards.

Who is eligible for a CDL?

Anyone who is an English, Scottish and Welsh resident aged over 18, regardless of whether you are employed, self-employed, unemployed or a student.

How do I get more information?

Call the CDL Information Line on 0800 585 505, visit their website www.direct.gov.uk/cdl or contact our office to request a Career Development Loan Pack.  

Base Camp is a registered learning provider, and our learning provider number is 11033 

Is insurance compulsory?

Insurance is compulsory on all of our courses and we have certain requirements that need to be met due to their nature. Each year we recommend a certain policy at the beginning of the summer that meets these requirements, however, we emphasise that you should be happy with the policy yourself and remember that it is a direct arrangement between the insurer and yourselves. 

What is the situation with flights?

Many of our clients like to make their own travel arrangements to enjoy the flexibility of spending time resort before or after their course. Because of this, we don’t include travel arrangements on most courses and leave the planning up to you, helping you to make the most of the your trip in which ever way you choose.

However, we do organise group flights and transfers to and from nearby airports at the start and end of each course, catering for clients who just want to come out for the course itself.

Contact us for specific details relating to each course.

Do I need a visa?

If you are an EU citizen then you don’t need a visa to visit or work in Europe. For Canada, you need a holiday visa for the course which is issued upon arrival in Vancouver. To work in Canada after the course you will need a working visa. You can apply for this through BUNAC if you’re under 35, or through the Canadian Embassy in your country of residence.

If you’re a citizen from outside the EU, please check with your local embassy for specific visa requirements. If you intend to use your qualification and our recruitment service to help you get a job in a ski area after your course, please check your working visa requirements with any relevant embassies.

Where is the best place to buy equipment?

We advise that you buy most of your ski or snowboard equipment before leaving for your course in the UK, or at the start of the course in the resort. We have negotiated significant discounts with local shops on your behalf and our instructors will be on hand to offer advice. Also if something breaks or needs a service during the course the local shop will only be too happy to help.

If you have any further questions at all, please don’t hesitate to get in touch – either by email or by calling the Base Camp office on +44 (0)207 243 6222.