ISTD BASI Level 4 instructor, Christian Jensen, launches Pinnacle Ski, an exclusive ski school and travel specialist in Megève, France

Founded by ISTD BASI Level 4 instructor and Alpine Race Coach, Christian Jensen, Pinnacle Ski is a brand-new ski school and travel specialist based in the renowned resort of Megève, in south-eastern France.

Having spent five years living in Megève, Christian designed Pinnacle Ski to showcase the many delights of the resort whilst helping guests make the most of their trip, from arranging ski school and instructors to accommodation and restaurant bookings.

With his latest qualification, ISTD BASI Level 4 (the highest level of worldwide recognition for ski instructors), alongside his European Mountain Safety, Alpine Race Coach Level 2 and Adaptive Level 1, Christian creates bespoke holidays for each visitor, offering unique off-piste heliskiing trips, a wide range of tuition plus stays at the luxury Chalet Anna, which has been in his family for 13 years.

Plus, with Christian’s extensive contacts, he and his knowledgeable team can help organise breaks beyond Megève, to some of the most sought-after resorts in the world. And for an unforgettable trip, why not combine skiing with sailing on the dramatic coast of Norway?

Christian Jensen
Last month (November 2018) Christian Jensen passed the ISTD BASI Level 4 instructor course, meaning he now has the highest level of worldwide recognition. On completion, students are qualified to the level required for mutual recognition in France, Austria and Italy.
This is the latest string in Jensen’s bow, already comprising European Mountain Safety, Alpine Race Coach Level 2, UKCP Coaching Level 1, Adaptive Level 1 and Outdoor First Aid.
But all these credentials have not been earned overnight; Christian has been a passionate skier since he was three years old. He started racing for Sandown Park Ski Race Club in Surrey at the age of eight and qualified for the England team a few years later.
When he was 17, he – with a small group of athletes – set up his own team in Megève and (with the guidance of a French ski coach) raced on the FIS circuit for Great Britain.
After retiring from racing in 2016, he was keen to continue to pass his knowledge onto others who love skiing in the place that he considers home, hence two years later, Pinnacle Ski was born…
Jensen says: “I knew I wanted to work in the mountains and pass my knowledge onto others who love this sport.”
For more information: www.pinnacle-ski.com/team/\

Megève
Nestled in the Haute-Savoie department in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, Megève was created in the 1920s by a Baroness of the famous Rothschild family as the French answer to the Swiss St Moritz and has attracted many rich and famous people ever since.
Nowadays, the resort is still favoured by many affluent customers (it even has its own airport) but it’s not limited to those with extensive funds. Skiers and snowboarders can enjoy 400 km of well-groomed pistes, easy freestyle options and plenty of off-piste opportunities.
Away from the slopes, Megève is home to many non-ski activities including ice skating, tennis, climbing, swimming and bowling. Plus, retaining much of its traditional charm, the cobbled streets lead the way to numerous five-star hotels, luxury chalets, swanky apartments, designer shops and Michelin-starred restaurants.
And if that wasn’t enough, the resort also hosts the International Jazz Festivalwhere famous musicians such as Gregory Porter, Marcus Miller and Norah Jones have shared the limelight. Now in its fourth season, the next festival will take place from 28-30 March 2019 with the line up yet to be announced…
A six-day lift pass costs from €188 / £167 pp
For more information: www.pinnacle-ski.com/pinnacle-bespoke/

Instruction
With Christian’s long list of accolades, Pinnacle Ski is able to offer instruction for all ages and abilities. The company believes smaller groups, or even private lessons, will aid learning and enjoyment. All instructors are fully insured, first-aid trained, police-and-reference checked and have unbeatable experience working with children (age four plus) and adults.
Pinnacle Ski’s instructors will pick up and drop off all students in their preferred location plus can bring all the necessary equipment (skis, boots, poles etc.) with them; removing any hassle and saving time.
Lessons will be adapted to suit any age, for example, four-year olds and beginners will learn how to move on snow and make a snowplough while older kids (and more confident skiers) can perfect their parallel turns and master different terrain.
Jensen says: “We don’t just teach, we place the emphasis on having fun and learning a perfect technique whilst gaining a skill for life!”
Three mornings of tuition (at three hours a day) for children age 4-13 costs £215 pp
Three mornings of tuition (at three hours a day) for adults costs £210 pp
A three-hour private lesson costs from £165 pp
For more information: www.pinnacle-ski.com/children/ / www.pinnacle-ski.com/adults/ / www.pinnacle-ski.com/private/

Heliskiing
Imagine gliding through fresh powder with no one in sight, taking on challenging couloirs, picturesque tree runs and wide, inviting fields.
Pinnacle Ski aims to build technique, confidence and awareness, allowing skiers and snowboarders to enjoy one of the best elements of the sport; heliskiing.
After learning the fundamentals in Megève, jump in the private helicopter and fly to Italy or Switzerland for an exhilarating day in the backcountry, led by Pinnacle Ski’s IFMGA guide.
The company also offers avalanche training, ski touring and off-piste courses to help prepare and improve skillsets before making the drop.
Pinnacle Ski can also organise trips further afield for guests in Canada, Sweden, Iceland and Greenland.
For more information: www.pinnacle-ski.com/heli-skiing/
Prices on request www.pinnacle-ski.com/contact

Chalet Anna
Although Christian and his team can help organise accommodation in a number of beautiful chalets, hotels and apartments in Megève, Chalet Anna is the place to stay for a tailor-made holiday with Pinnacle Ski. Named after Christian’s sister, the chalet is nestled in an exclusive ski-in, ski-out location, just five minutes from the centre of Megève. The beautiful-wooden exterior blends naturally into its surroundings with unobstructed views of the Aravis mountain and the massif du Mont Blanc. Sleeping 8-12 people in six bedrooms (four of which are en-suite), guests can relax in the outdoor hot tub, recline by the open fireplace or chill in the TV room after an exhilarating day on the slopes. Sip a glass of Champagne and tuck into some delicious canapés on arrival, making the most of the exclusive concierge services throughout the week. With its warming-wooded interior, sleek LED lighting and soft-patterned rugs – not to mention its very large baths – it’s an ideal place to relax and recharge. Plus, Chalet Anna’s wine cellar can hold up to 200 bottles…
A seven-night stay costs from €833 / £737 pp (€10,000 / £8,856 total) for 12 people sharing the chalet. Price includes daily cleaning, Champagne and canapés on arrival and access to exclusive concierge services. Flights, transfers, food and ski rental extra.
For more information: www.pinnacle-ski.com/pinnacle-bespoke/

Ski and sail…
For an ultimate ski touring trip, why not sail away to Norway on a luxurious yacht? Board the spacious Oyster 885 RS (sleeping six guests), which offers 365-degree views of the spectacular fjords and spend the day skiing with an IFMGA certified mountain guide, taking in the incredible scenery. Guests can also try dog sledding, sign up to cultural excursions and keep an eye out for majestic whales. Plus, there’s a very good chance of seeing the shimmering Northern Lights too. Returning from the snowy mountains, unwind on the incredible vessel complete with PlayStation 4, music library, in-house movie server, local terrestrial TV, AirPlay from own media devices, Yachtspot Wireless Wi-Fi System, 3G and 4G Wireless connection (when available) and a Zodiac Professional RIB. As night falls, retire to one of the spacious cabins and be rocked to sleep by the sea.
A week’s ski and sail trip costs from €7,950 / £7,172 pp (€47,700 / £43,049 total) sleeping up to six guests. Price includes six days of ski touring and sailing (weather permitting), IFMGA mountain guide, all local transport to/from airport and the harbour, full-board accommodation, including packed lunches to enjoy on the mountain side, drinks and house alcohol.
For more information: www.pinnacle-ski.com/ski-and-sail/

For more information on Pinnacle Ski call 0799 059 8622 or visit www.pinnacle-ski.com