::: Alliance Snowboard School :::

From: Danny Simper 26/4/10

Hi guys,

Just wanted to say thanks for another awesome set of lessons, both myself and Suzanne had an absolutely brilliant time and we'll both be back for more, hopefully sooner rather than later.

Please forward my thanks to Simon, I feel like I got so much out of the lessons once again and am looking forward to getting back up on the slopes and using all the tools he's set me up with, I feel like my riding is progressing more and more and I'm enjoying it more than ever.

Still reminiscing flying over that last kicker and got a HUGE smile on my face thinking about it this morning, very chuffed indeed!

From: Matthew Adamson

Hi Simon

Just wanted to say a big thank you for the great lessons we received or more specifically George had with you last week. I thiink you've given him lots of confidence and looking forward to going again next year.

From: Steve Galloway 19/4/10

Hey Renelle,
Was an absolute pleasure riding with you and learning SO much from you on Wednesday this week. Thanks a million.

From: Thom Proven 22/3/10

Hello

Just a quick note to say how much I enjoyed the lessons last week (14th-19th) in Tignes. Ben our instructor was a brilliant teacher; patient, good fun, able to focus suggestions for development individually to all members of the group and really supportive. I’m now hooked and will hopefully see you for level 2 next year!

Cheers

Thom Proven

From: Catherine Peel 20/2/10

Just wanted to say Alliance Snowboarding are amazing. The level 3-4 group with Renelle w/c 8th feb was brilliant. Not only did I meet some great people, I had a fantastic week. I even extended the amount of lessons I had whilst I was out there as I didn't want to miss out! I had a bit of a wuss attack when I realised we'd be doing tricks and crazy stuff...but Renelle soon made me realise that I was actually ready for it, and in fact it helps massively when you then apply it to your piste and off piste style. I now feel like a true boarder...thank you so much!

Cat xxx

From: Penelope Huggins January 26 2010

Hey guys! i just wanted to say a huge THANK YOU!!! to renelle for her excellent level 3/4 tuition last week in tignes. i had sooo much fun and improved tremendously, achieving all i set out to achieve at the start of the week, plus advancing even further than that.

From: Matt Hyland 24/01/10

Just wanted to say thanks to Joel for a fantastic week of lessons. Really learnt a lot and feel like I improved loads. You guys really made the lessons fun and I actually missed not having them on my second week. Will definitely be booking again when I’m next out there

From: Kate Nicholls 21/01/10

Just a quick one to say I have just completed a weeks lessons (level 1) with Neil which was absolutely fantastic - I enjoyed every minute and despite not being exactly a natural, Neil was patient and extremely helpful, making sure I was turning with relative confidence by Friday! I wouldn't hesitate to book the next stage of my lessons with Alliance and would recommend you guys to anyone!

From: Mark Hutchinson 18/01/10

A Quick note to say thanks for the great lessons - never thought I would be in the park on rollers, boxes and jumps at 43. Ben was great at making everyone feel relaxed and ready for anything. My 13 year old daughter Millie had lessons with Renelle and improved dramatically from her previous weeks snowboarding and was enthused from day one!! Thanks for a great week and i hope you enjoy the videos (taking a long time to edit but will send them eventually).

From: Neil McKean 18/01/10

Alliance are amazing. The lessons were well structured, informative, and above all, made it fun to learn, without feeling like you were at school. Joel was an excellent teacher, who can adapt to any level of rider, and give tuition accordingly. His knowledge of the area is second to none, and all the hints and tips helped make our holiday the best i've ever had, both on and off the slopes. I was wary of trying any freestyle tricks, but by the end of the week, it was the area i enjoyed the most thanks to my fear being replaced with the right skills to make it fun. It was never forced, just encouraged.

I cant wait to come back to Tignes to expand my skills, and Alliance will be the first be people i call to help

From: Ruth Clark 7/1/10

I want to say a particular thanks to Renelle for her patience and encouragement and for telling me to get some new bindings!!!! I love snowboarding now, the fear of going up the lift for the first run is now replaced by anticipation... Can't wait to come back for another round. A massive thank you - worth every penny!!!!!!!

From: Danny Simper 6/1/10

Please forward my thanks to Simon, the lessons were absolutely awesome and worth every penny.

From: Sarah Hilton 6/1/10

I just wanted to thank you for my fantastic snowboarding lessons last week. Joel, thanks for your patience in the group lessons, and Simon thankyou so much for giving me confidence in the private lesson. Once I had got the basics I enjoyed it so much more and will definitely be returning to snowboarding in the future. I would recommend Alliance to anyone, thanks again and happy new year to you all.

From: Hagan Family 1/1/10

Thanks to the whole Alliance team for making our Christmas such a wonderful week. We are all ready to hang up the skis thanks to your incredible tuition. Jack,Debbie,Ben and Katie Hagan

From: John + Siwan 1/12/09

Just a quick note to say thank you to Neil for your help and patience in getting us on our boards this week. Remembering our fear and complete shock on the first morning I am in awe that you got us up on a blue run after 3 mornings. The boards definitely ain't going on e-bay and we promise to keep practising with the firm goal of coming back to Tignes next December for some guiding from you not just lessons!! You made our first trip to Tignes one we will never, ever forget. Amazing!! Thanks again.

From: Esther & Edo 27/4/09

Thanks a lot Ben for great lessons, Edo and I really enjoyed them. It was great that you could switch between our different levels, and provide much-needed encouragement! The lessons were a great help, and I am amazed that I actually started to enjoy snowboarding by day 3!! Very happy with the whole experience.

From: Nik & Rowan Coultas 21/4/09

Just a quick note to say thanks for an absolutely 1st class week. I know Rowan and I have both improved massively as a result of our 4 days spent with Renelle and Simon. Brace yourselves for Archie coming over at Xmas for some one on one coaching !!! See you soon.

From: Simon Gallaway 19/4/09

Thanks once again for looking after Will and Ed so well. See you next year hopefully!

From: Lita 19/4/09

Recently returned from my snowboarding holiday. Just to say thank you Simon for the lessons, although only had two, I learnt so much. The kids had a fantastic time, but were disappointed they didn't get to say "thanks and bye" to Ben. Would you pass that on to him? We are all looking forward to returning again next year.

From: Tim 30/3/09

Just wanted to say thanks for another great experience with Alliance. Big Thanks to Simon. The way he handled our group with an age group from 4 to late 30's just goes to show what a great instructor Simon is.
I feel I've improved and my first experience off piste was great. Alliance snowboard school really is the best in the Espace Killy. Can't wait to book for more lessons later on in the year.

From: Giles Forsythe 14/4/09

Thanks Alliance for the great lessons, from Finlay ...and me and Fiona would like to says thanks as well, to all the instructors who worked with Finlay, especially to Simon who we all think is an absolute star! we hope to see you again next season.

From: Stephen Robinson 8/4/09

Just thought I would email to say thanks for another great week with Alliance, Dan was one of the coolest people i've met and a superb rider and teacher. By thursday my legs had gone a bit and I managed to do stack of the week, but as we were on our way down to Le Brev and it was nice and soft no injury's just a lot of laughter :-). My mate Steve also had a great time too. Our goal was to land a backside 180 off a kicker, with Dan's help we both managed it with about an hour to go of the last lesson :-). It was great meeting up with you again and hopefully we will see you next year.

From: James Robson 8/4/09

Thank you very much to Neil for the lessons last week. They were totally spot on. I'm still amazed at the number of new tricks we learnt and feel my riding has improved massively over the week. Before this season I was plateau'ing in my riding but reckon that's stopped now! One of the best weeks of snowboarding I've done - and I know the rest of the boys will agree with me there! Please pass on thanks to Dan too - another top session. He did a great job of getting photos of us chucking ourselves off kickers too!

From: Justin Moore 8/4/09

Thanks so much for making Jack & Freya's week so much fun. They have both progressed really well and had a great time doing it.

From: Katie Hinton 9/4/09

Just wanted to say a huge thanks to Joel for being such a brilliant teacher – so patient, explained things really well. I can be a bit of a worrier, but he put my mind at rest when I didn’t want to fall backwards down the mountain and took time to help each one of us in our group with the little things that can stump you! I really enjoyed the lessons I had – thanks so much Joel!! The whole Alliance crew were really helpful as well – so thanks so much : )

From: Will Benyon 3/4/09

Just a quick note to say thanks for a top week of lessons. Had a great time and looking forward to the next Snowboarding trip!

From: Tom Linton 30/3/09

I've just returned home after a fantastic week in Tignes. Wanted to say thanks to Simon and Renelle for such AMAZING beginners lessons!!

I joined some friends on their holiday only after one of them dropped out and they needed a replacement. Never considered a snowboarding trip as a particularly appealing prospect and said yes only because I knew there would be pubs there. I'd always thought I had rubbish coordination and didn't think I'd actually be able to move very far on the thing.

I was clearly wrong. I found it all immensely rewarding/fun and still cannot believe I managed to make it down that black run, with that wind! Definately hope to snowboard again and have already started recommending the experience to other people. Thanks!!

From: Aonghus Stuart 24/3/09

Hi Alliance,

Just wanted to thank you for a great week of riding in Val d’Isere earlier this month. We had a fantastic instructor in Simon, our honourary Plastic Paddy! The pace of his lessons were spot on. Once we got the basics sorted he challenged us to learn and execute new things everyday. A few nice touches with the tricks he showed us, and the afternoon in the snow park on our last day. A really enjoyable experience all told! Go raibh maith agat Síomón!

I’ll echo the comments of others here in saying I would recommend Alliance to anyone planning a boarding holiday in Val or Tignes. Prospective boarders, you will not be disappointed!!!

Best regards from the Irish crew. Hopefully we’ll be back again soon!

Aonghus, Aoife & Antóin

From: Richard Humphrey 24/3/09

Hi,

I'd like to say thanks to Neil for two great lessons last week. I learnt a lot and had a great time!

Many Thanks,
Rich Humphrey

From: Adam Castledine 24/3/09

Hey there everybody at Alliance,

I wished to say how thankful I am to Simon and his gang at Alliance. I have just returned from a rocking snowboarding trip in one piece - aside from a bizarrely bruised nipple - and confident enough to say, 'Si, you were right, I actually can Snowboard'.

I think that Monday morning, around 09.42 summed it up best - I had fallen over again, my defeatist attitude crept out, and I uttered the words "its just not happening is it Si?". Well, thanks to Simon it actually did and by Friday we were even attempting 360 turns and Olly jumps (I will not confirm or deny my success)

It was a great laugh and I would recommend anybody to take on these guys for their time in either Tignes or Val d'isere. My friends went for a more experienced lesson and they to echo my views on the helpful, informative, and friendly nature of the teaching.

Oh and if you are lucky you may even share a golden moment waiting for a chairlift in bizarre silence while Celine Dion sings in the background. Simon, I don't think that I have ever laughed so much.

All the best

Ad

From: 23/3/09 Emma

Hi there,

Just wanted to drop a quick note to say thanks to Simon for a fantastic week of snowboarding in Val D’Isere!

As an absolute beginner I was on the New Recruit training for 5 days. After Simon’s expert guidance I feel confident on a board traversing and changing edges….no small achievement given I have two left feet!

Simon was so patient, helpful and kept a smile on his face despite a few hiccups with our group early on….what a professional (well, as professional as anyone with pants that baggy can be!).

I would recommend Simon and Alliance to anyone wanting to learn to board. If they can teach me to board they can teach anyone!!

Cheers

Emma

From: 23/3/09 Jill Davidson

Hi Renelle and all the team,

Just thought I would send a wee note to say a massive thankyou for all your help over the week we were in Tignes.

Renelle, you have to be the most patient person I have ever met, your ability to teach us all exactly what to do, even when, time and time again we were shockingly bad, you still gave us so much encouragement, is a very special gift indeed.

Through all the tears and tantrums you were there to give us support and hold our hands till eventually we got it, it clicked and we were so amazingly proud of ourselves. I can't say enough how luck I feel to have had such a positive experiance in your hands. I can now officially say I have caught the boarding bug and cant wait till next time I am out.

With all my thanks

Jill x

From: 23/3/09 Charlotte Spencer

Hey everyone,

I just wanted to say a great big thank you to Renelle for the great lessons she gave us whilst we were away last week. You are a fantastic teacher, and I will recommend Alliance to anybody who is looking to learn snowboarding in Tignes. I will definitely be getting in touch for more lessons to progress onto a higher level when I next venture out there, which hopefully won’t be too long! Our lessons were fun and exciting, and the rest of the people in our group were such lovely people. It was altogether a brilliant experience and I can’t thank you enough.

See you again soon and take care!

Charlotte Spencer & Sarah Larsen

From: Neil Sims 22/3/09

Hi guys,

Just a short note to say a huge thanks to Renelle, Simon and Dan for an amazing 2 weeks in Jan. Nelly got me from total beginner to black runs in just 2 days (awesome) and an unforgettable off piste run down the stunning Lost Valley, then Si and Dan just added more and more each day. Introducing me to nollies, ollies, slashes, butters, boardslides etc and a little bit of air only whet my appetite for more... so much so that I'm back with you again next week. Can't wait!

Great technical teaching skills and passion for the mountains, but also in the context of a holiday, perhaps the most important thing is that you're all genuinely nice people and great fun to be around.

Cheers and see you in a couple of days. Neil

From: Charlotte 18/3/09

Hiya Simon

Just wanted to pass on my thanks to Joel for teaching me so expertly from scratch. Can't recommend him highly enough - gets you up and going on the first day with proper technique. We had a really fun group, lots of laughs. By the end of the week I was riding over to Val d'Isere with my way more experienced mates and they couldn't believe how good I was considering. Put in the practice and Alliance does all the rest. Bought my own board and will defo be back for more. Raaaarrr.

Best wishes

Charlotte

From: Tim Masson 18/3/09

Hey Alliance,

Thanks for getting me through my level 2, and for an awesome 10 weeks.

hopefuly see you next year.

Tim

From: Andrew Buxton 13/3/09

Hey Renelle,

thanks for the one-off lesson - it gave us a lot to think about and we practiced it for the rest of the week. Made a huge difference - with confidence and hopefully our technique for the better!

We'd definitely use Alliance again, and would go for a week of intermediate/advanced lessons next time.

Thanks,
Andrew.

From: Dan 16/3/09

Hey Simon,

Here the Dutch guy, just wanted to say hi from Holland and thank you for some of the best tips I've ever got. You truly made me enjoin snowboarding. After Val d'Isere I went to Les Arcs that second week I already rented some skies but guess what…? No more skiing for me, even dough I'm a pretty good skier. My second week I truly got, with the tips you gave me, snowboarding down. I simply fly with Mach 4 down the slopes blue, red even black who cares, all completely in control and all with the biggest smile on my face.

Thnx for teaching me snowboarding in those view hours but very very useful hours. Whenever I'm back in Val d'Isere you must teach me how to get a good all round snowboarder.

Bye now, and remember if you and Dutch you ain't much

Greetz,

Daan (first week of march 2009)

From: Robin 9/3/09

Hello all at Alliance!

Thanks again for a great week. I've come back buzzing about what I've learned, and what I'm gonna do next. Simon's tuition we got was just brilliant - best I've ever had, without a doubt. Hopefully I'm gonna be back next year for the freestyle course, or maybe something else, not sure yet.

Thanks again for everything - hope to see ya'll again soon!

Cheers,
Robin

From: Dan Goodall 8/3/09

Hi Simon,
I just wanted to say a big thanks for a great week. I hit the powder big time on Friday afternoon and I feel like a different snowboarder entirely. Hopefully will be back for level 4 next year.
Cheers,
Dan Goodall

From: Luke, Laura and Nick 4/3/2009

Guys,

we've just got back from Tignes and our first board holiday ever. We'd all like to say a massive thankyou to all the Alliance guys, and especially to Joel for his excellent instruction throughout the week.

Myself (Luke), Laura, and Nick all had a great time and I think we've all caught the boarding bug. If you could let Joel know that Laura's elbow is fine (after taking a nasty tumble on the last day), that'd be great!

Again, can't emphasise how impressed we were with your setup, attitude, and approach to the coaching.

Many thanks, and may see you guys again (who knows)

Cheers,

Luke, Laura & Nick

From: 4/3/2009 Sean Keyes

we've just returned from a weeks snowboarding in Tignes and I wanted to write and thank Joel for being such a fantastic teacher.

There were 4 beginners in our party - Sean, Chris, Adam and Abi - all with different learning styles and abilities. Joel was great at encouraging us , showing the basic moves (like being able to stand up) along with a few tricks to impress our friends and "heads, shoulders, knees & toes" to make us look like twits coming down the slopes!

As a first-timer with little coordination and very low expectations I felt particularly encouraged and helped by Joel so thanks again. We'll definitely be booking more lessons with him next time we're back in Tignes, hopefully later in the year.

please pass on our thanks.

From: Bruce Danby 24/2/09

Hi guys and girls.
Just got back from an amazing week boarding in Tignes. Massive thanks to Joel and Dan for looking after me. The guys were brilliant.

Thanks again

Ciao

Brucifer

From: Mike Reddy 24/2/09

Dear Alliance team,
Quick note to say thanks for the lessons.

I can't believe how quickly 2 thirteen year old boys can pick-up snowboarding, I suspect a large part of this is due to the excellent instructors, who were very supportive and enthusiastic.

Regards,

Mike Reddy

From: 13/2/09 Justin

Hey,
Thanx guys had a great week, will upload the pics on to facebook tomorrow.

Thanks again, the best coaching we have ever had!

Cheers,

Justin

From: 14/2/09 Lewis Young

Thanks for all your help, the instruction from Simon was excellent the lessons helped me a lot during my holiday. I would recommend ALLIANCE to anyone on holiday in Val or Tignes

Many thanks

lewis young

From: 18/2/09 Gavan Hennigan

Hi Guys

I just wanted to thank Alliance and Dan the Kiwi instructor for the lessons i had a couple of weeks back,i was very impressed with the professionalism shown i got so much from just basic stuff like riding around behind Dan trying to mimic his great style!
Kind Regards

Gavan Hennigan

From: Jon, Vanessa, Scotty and Kerry 30/1/09

Hey Neil,
Meant to write sooner but i've spent a fortnight just trying to deal with being back in London and not over there, not good.
Really wanted to just drop you a line to say thanks and add to the glowing reviews, it was reading the feedback part of the site (what seems a long time ago now) that had convinced me you guys were the school for us in the first place.
Our group of 4 had a pretty similar level of experience heading out there, basically a week's riding that had seen us up and (kind of) moving around on our boards, but not particularly sure of quite how. I think all of us had that same feeling of sort of getting comfortable, but certainly not confident we could do anything in a hurry or with any great precision. Every time i got on a board i just kind of set off at the top and hoped my body would figure it out again, on some painful days it didn't.
Straight away Neil assessed the level we were all at and set about demystifying the dark art of boarding, breaking down the key techniques that we were going to spend the rest of the week trying to make come naturally. We all very soon started to know what we should be doing, even if it was going to take a little longer to make it happen quite as easily as Neil made it look.
From halfway through our first lesson onwards, we were headed out all over the resort, tackling way more than i think we'd imagined we would. The constantly changing challenges this brought gave Neil the chance to introduce new tactics and techniques, whilst always referring back to the same basics and giving us any reassurance we needed that we all had the ability to do it. Along with getting us a whole load more value out of our lift passes, we started to understand using different turns and even getting confident(ish) tackling long traverses at a decent speed. It was great to feel that whilst ticking off minor victories every day it was all underpinned with building the right solid technique and style that is hopefully going to keep allowing us to progress for years to come, rather than just get us down the next piste.
Taking our first tiny steps and (even tinier ollies) into freestyle on the last day set off 4 smiles that i think only faded with getting on the 5am airport transfer the next day.
Despite the constant individual and group feedback and instruction, our sessions were never anything but, well, fun... Just spending the week riding and exploring the resort with someone so obviously in love with snowboarding is worth the money alone.
We all plan on being back in Tignes next year and another week with Alliance is top of the reasons why.
See you then if you can stand another week Neil,

From: Mark and Mandy 12/2/09

Hi Alliance,

Just thought I'd drop a note to say thanks to Simon for all his help and advice during our week from 1st Feb.

Mandy's really come along well now and I'm pretty sure she'll get there soon (ha ha), joking aside, we really appreciate your efforts, we feel our riding has improved a great deal now, as has our knowledge of how to ride.

Out of all the French/Italian/Canadiansnowboard schools we have had over the years, we have never had anything anywhere remotely near the constant advice and feedback throughout each days sessions we had with Simon.

For anyone reading this page who is considering Snowboard instruction, at whatever level, I can't express enough how much we think you should try Alliance.

Thanks very much and hopefully see you soon.

PS// Mandys brusies from outside Escapade are looking pretty good !

Mark and Mandy

From: Robert Palmer 10/2/09

I have just returned from a week in Tignes over the first week in Febuary 2009 .During this time I took a 4 day cruiser course Mon - Friday and had a private lesson with Simon Cooke.

I was very impressed with the professional standard shown by this organisation and the outstanding quality of snowboard teaching provided.
Alliance is owner run & operated and it's easy to see their enthusiasm & zeal for snowboarding .

I am a medical professional with an interest in sports medicine & a practicing multi-sport participant .I returned to snowboarding last year after a 12 year gap due to family commitments. Previously in the distant past I had lessons under the Australsian system of swing & turn ; this combined with a background of surfing meant I had some significant technical issues to overcome.

In April 08 I did a week of snowboarding lessons at Val Claret with ESF : though a great week with lots ofnew snowboarding experiences the French instructor struggled to communicate with me what I was doing wrong so I didnt really make any significant progress .

Roll onto Feb 09 and the difference in progression over the week was marked .
OK so I didnt turn into Jeremy Jones in a week but I felt my snowboarding was now based on a solid technical foundation from which I can build on in the future.Thanks for your patience Simon .

I would have no hesitation in stongly recommending you fork out your hard earnt pounds to imrove your snowboarding via Alliance Snowboarding .

From: Tim 20/1/09

Hi

Just like to say thanks for the great instruction I received in tignes last week. My confidence is restored and im linking my turns confidently.

From: 25/1/2009

Dear Renelle

Just got back to London and we are having some serious withdrawal symptoms so we thought we should drop you a note to say thank you so much for adding the little extra that made for an awesome holiday. We also wanted to send some feedback for others thinking about getting some lessons from Alliance........just do it you won't be sorry!!!!

It was my 4th week of snowboarding and Charlene's 2nd week and the idea was to get Charlene closer to my level so we booked Alliance for private lessons for 4 morning sessions. Our instructor turned out to be Renelle.

We were both a bit nervous on our first day in a new resort but Renelle put us at ease right from the start. Renelle took us quickly through the basics while assessing our progress and level at each step and then moving on when she was confident that we had it down while also giving us the little push when needed. We enjoyed it so much we just had to get a 5th day with her.

Renelle is a very knowledgeable and excellent instructor and her instructions were easy to follow and to put into practise and her passion for boarding is infectious. Charlene was quickly able to do both heel and toe turns and soon after she was linking turns at increasing speed......she even managed a 180 and an ollie!!!!! Renelle gave me some much needed correction on my posture and switch riding and I was doing 180's and some other manuals with ease towards the end of the week.

The the most important aspect for us was that once Renelle was sure we had the technique she instilled confidence in Charlene to go for it while ensuring that we were having fun the whole time. Towards the end of the week we were going solo all over the mountain following routes that Renelle had kindly written down for us (it being out first time in Tignes) and doing some amazing off-piste riding with Renelle in knee deep snow........

We are Alliance fans for life and will be booking Renelle for further lessons as soon as we can.

luv

Daryn and Charlene "born to ride"

From: Leah 11-1-2009

Hi!

I just wanted to foward on my thanks. I had Joel last week for 5 days worth of lessons - I was so knackered by the end of it, i skipped out on the last run of the day and planned to catch up with the group to head back down the mountain but I just missed them. I didn't get a chance to thank Joel for his patience in teaching me and the group how to board. He was an excellent teacher with tons of patience, but pushed us where we needed it - even when he had a nasty toothache!! Alliance came highly recommended and i'm glad I went with you guys!
... All I need now is buckets of practice and confidence and one day i'll be a good boarder ;)

So if you could pass on my thanks - my name's Leah (the aussie with the pink suit...) it'd be much appreciated!!

From: jonathan moffat 30/12/2008

Hi Renelle,

Now back in the UK we just want to say a big thank you for the lessons we had with you last week.

Oakley, Ella & I had all ski-ed for four seasons but this was our first full week on a snowboard, having only had a single day self teaching last year, and then two sessions at the MK Snow-dome, so we were all just above complete beginner level.

We found the first mornings tuition really good, with you breaking the mystic art of snow-boarding down into easily digestible chunks that meant we had the confidence to go up on the Palafour lift that first afternoon! As the lessons progressed we liked the fact that you were able to work with us as a group, but also pick up on our individual needs. Also, it wasn't just about getting the board down the slope, we learnt so much from your guidance on how best to tackle each part of the piste, from wide flat runs, to the trickier steeper narrow sections. By the end of the four lessons we were all amazed by how much we had learnt & how quickly we had done so. On the last day we found ourselves cruising down long runs, doing nice linked turns with confidence and not worrying so much about slowing down or picking an easier spot to try our turns.

We are now very happy to be able to call ourselves snowboarders, so thank you for that, and we can't wait to get the chance to get back to the slopes to practice and refine our new skills, and hopefully benefit from your expert tuition once more.

Keep up the good work and have a great season.

All the best.

Jonathan, Oakley & Ella

From: Ali 1/1/2009

Hi there,

Just wanted to drop a quick note to say thanks heaps to Simon for the lessons for Sof, Steve and I over the Christmas week. We had an awesome week, and were comfortably cruising down the slopes on our final day!

From: Rory and Angie

28/12/2008

Dear Simon, Dan, and Renelle,

Just a short note to say thank you for the tuition.

I learned a great deal from Simon. After my lessons finished, I rode all over the mountain with new confidence. I understand so much more about the board and my control has at least tripled. On my last day, to Angie's terror, I rode the combe piste off the palafour (the one with the high walls) at an irresponsible speed but had the bizarre sensation that I was sometimes, by fluke, borderline in control. Of course, this does not translate into less calamity because I am now ridiculously keen to leave the snow and get airborne. There is still so much to learn. Aside from the teaching, it was a pleasure meeting Simon, who was a startlingly nice bloke.

I know that Angie appreciated Dan's teaching, and his gentle encouragement. He will be pleased to know that she linked four or five turns on Boxing day, rode anemone, piste H, le mur, and left Tignes babbling about how we can afford another trip soon. When she mastered long traverses, I had to shout at her to slow her down more than once.

I have every intention of returning asap and we shall certainly avail ourselves of your 'shredding' services. In the meantime, I hope you have tons of fun and make pots of money so that you have a foothold in the area for a long time to come.

All the best,

Rory

From: Cat and Jeff

22/12/2008

Hi,

Just wanted to say a huge thank you for the unforgettable week we spent with you guys - it really made our holiday. We'd already done some snowboard lessons in Breckenridge and with the ESF in Courchevel but Neil's instruction last week was in a completely different league - it feels like we've had four years worth of instruction in four mornings! The off piste locations you took us to were amazing fun (and gave us a huge sense of satisfaction when we told our mates who've been going there for 15 years and didn't know about them!). The additional turning technique has done wonders for our switch riding and neither of us dreamt we'd be landing the odd 180 by the end of our week especially after so many years since our last time on snow. You've taken us to a new level and broadened our focus. Going down the slope is just "so last season" for us now! - the real fun's to be had on the edge of it!

You've made a couple of inflexible over-30's very happy, thank you!

Hope to come and see you again soon,
Cat & Jeff

From: Nicola Young

Hi there!
Just wanted to send thanks to Neil for pushing us to a far better level than we'd ever have dreamed last week! Great to have someone willing to explain the 'why' behind the actions (stance shift was way helpful) and also someone so massively positive and encouraging (even when we were punching the ground with frustration).
He also showed us some gorgeous places that we'd by def not have claimed alone (damn it, that's my line!) and made us all look back at the week with a sneaky suspicion that he's kinda turned us into some really quite 'kick ass 'boarders' ya know?! ;-)
Saying this, we're now even more hooked than before though, so - be warned - we'll haunt your slopes again!

From: Donna Ross

Hi Neil,

Just wanted to say thanks again for our lessons last week. Having been smiled on by the snow gods the night before two of our lessons, it was brilliant to be able to make the most of the late season snow and learn how to ride powder properly. Going off piste and turning on black runs isn't something I thought I'd have been up to this trip, and I'm really pleased with how much my riding benefited from 3 lessons. I'm looking forward to practising my nose and tail presses, and am determined to master 180s on my next holiday now, which for a girl who didn't think she'd ever do tricks, is no mean feat :) Thanks for demystifying these park tricks, and showing how much fun they can make regular piste riding. Having come to Tignes as part of a group ranging from absolute beginners to 3-4 week cruisers, everyone came away stoked with the lessons (and the post-lesson encouragement) we got from you and Simon. I've now got a range of tricks to take away and practice on my next few holidays, and I'll definitely be back for more when we inevitably return to Tignes.

From: Victoria

Sent: Thursday, April 24, 2008
Subject: cheers for the lessons

Hi renelle - Just to say thanks to you and simon for the expert tution you supplied to Victoria and I at the start of April. Simon has made victoria a lot more confident and definately increased her technical ability, 'just go faster'. I keep telling her, but all in good time.

Without lessons you do plateau and pick up some bad/lazy habits, so grateful for them to be remedied, plus learning to be a good technical rider is a essential foundation that all riders should have. Trying the new things,spins and boxes etc is always much more fun in a group and gives you the nudge to go for it. As you get older the analysis phase gets longer, this does slow your progress (but maybe reduces the bumps!).Spelling out the technical side and passing on invaluable tips helps no end. We all know the main word is 'commitment', but if you can be fully briefed, then the belief is there.

From: Jo and Jason

Sorry this is a bit of a slow follow-up email, but I wanted to drop you a
line and say to Renelle, thank you very much for the week of lessons we had
at the beginning of March. We really enjoyed it and were blown away by the
contrast between our lessons with you this time and those we had with ESF a
couple of years ago. You gave us a much more detailed and technical
explanation of everything - even the seasoned boarders in our group were
impressed by what we were coming out with! We need a bit more practice to
get the hang of things, but perhaps we'll see you next year for the next
step!?
Although having watched your rail crash on YouTube, I think we might
concentrate on just getting down the mountain! Hope your leg is better now.
Have a good rest of season and a great Summer with your chats!

Love Jo & Jason

27th march 2008

From: David

Hey Renelle,

Thanks so much for your excellent and patient teaching: it was a great week and really inspiring to be taught by someone so passionate, talented and cool.

I went out and did some nice runs on Saturday with my family and even (I think) managed some carving! A great week and I'll definitely give you an email for some more lessons if I get back out to Tignes.

March 15th 2008

From: Helen

Hi Simon,

Safely back in the UK, but wishing i was still on the piste! I just wanted to write you a quick note to say a big 'thanks' for all you taught me last week. I spent my last few days riding confidently with Jamie and I even went down a black - flew past you while you were on the beginners slope at Le Lac, ha ha ;-)

Jamie was mega impressed with me chasing him down the slopes, but that's all down to you - you are a gem!

Thank you, once again

Helen

From: Sarah Boulton

Hi Renelle,
I just wanted to say a huge thank you for making my snowboard week the best yet. I have been snowboarding for three years and was struggling with my confidence massively.......until this year!! You were an amazing and patient teacher and really helped every single person in the group. I really feel like a proper snowboarder now, and cant wait to get back on the slopes :) Tignes was amazing, the snow was amazing and Alliance Snowboard was amazing.

Thank you once again, and I hope to return next year. Hopefully in the next group up!! I will be recommending you to all of my friends and family.

From: David Lockie

Hey Renelle,
Thanks so much for your excellent and patient teaching: it was a great week and really inspiring to be taught by someone so passionate, talented and cool. I went out and did some nice runs on Saturday with my family and even (I think) managed some carving! A great week and I'll definitely go for more lessons if I get back out to Tignes.

From: Lynne Curran

Hey Renelle!
Just wanted to say a massive thank you for the absolutely BRILLIANT lessons I had with you. Cant believe I went from having you tie my boots on properly to being able to get down the runs so smoothly, feel like I made so much progress everyday. Learning to board is so much harder than it looks, I would never have been able to do it without your coaching and so glad I didn’t go with the other schools too, you guys are the best by a mile. So yeah, really appreciated your patience and perseverance with us 3 ladies, was awesome fun and cant wait to get back to Tignes again and see how far I can get with another weeks lessons!

Im so sad to be back at work today!! You have the best job in the world, have a brilliant 2008.

From: Al Robinson

Hi Renelle, I just wanted to send you another massive thank you for your tutorage last week. This was very much a make or break holiday for me. As it was my second week away I'd decided if i didn't get to grips with boarding this time i may have to accept it was not the activity for me. You have banished any worries i had about that.

My parents were both teachers so I'm very aware of the difference between knowledge of a subject and the ability to deliver it. Your delivery was second to none. I've come back inspired, much more confident and looking forward to my next holiday. The most important lesson i've learnt from you is it's not just about getting down the mountain, it's about the style in which you do it.
I wish you and Alliance snowboarding all the best for the rest of this season and many more to come. I will definately be back. I've already started to look at boards for next year!

From: Richard Izatt-lowry

Neil, just a quick note to say Thanks to you and Joel.
Johnny really enjoyed his lessons, the group size and mix was good and he really enjoyed the crack, and the tuition was excellent, the best he has had. You were both so enthusiastic, encouraging and good at teaching and this really improved his ability and enjoyment. As such, you far outstripped the teaching which he had received over the past couple of years from the ESF.

Thanks again for the lesson which you gave to Sean and I. Like Johnny we both really enjoyed your company and found that in that one morning you had been able to teach us more than we’s ever picked up from similar lesson in the past. In addition the trip over the wall was excellent, and whilst neither of us will ever be great boarders being taken off piste and down gullies was great.

From: Nathan Oliver

Just a quick one to say a big THANK YOU to you plus everyone else at Alliance for the great tuition. I had never snowboarded before but found you to be an expert teacher, very patient and you also had a great sense of humour! I can now snowboard with some confidence and can't wait to come back and learn some of those freestyle moves.
Go on quote me - you know you want to! :o)
Hope to see you soon.

From: Jimmy McGillicuddy

Just wanted to say thanks for a brilliant week..cant believe the change from when we first joined you from complete beginners last year to being confident riders having done a week at Level 2. Its nice to know that we have the building blocks to become really great riders if we put the time in....Special thanks to Simon for the lessons but Alliance as a whole is so well run and and all the guys are so friendly that we would happily come back again for some Level 3 lessons. Your ability to get the best out of the higher level riders while also focussing just as hard on the less confident members of the group is what sets you apart.

I have personally got the bug big time and am going back out in April and strongly considering a season next year..Simon, I'll let you know how the board goes and get a pic of the fun kink doing its first backflip (at least with me attached to it)!
All the best guys and I hope we meet again.

From: Joanna Duncan

Just wanted to say a HUGE thanks to you all for making our holiday (1-8 March 2008) so special. Pre-holiday I knew I wanted my boarding to progress and that a few lessons were the way to go, but I was less sure about which of the options on offer would work best for us. After slick email from Neil and a quick chat with Renelle on the phone, I’d had all my preconceptions turned on their head and been convinced to give your Level 3 group lessons a go. I’m so glad I listened!! Thanks to you guys I had my best week of boarding ever!

Simon, of course an extra special thanks must go to you for being our mentor for the week. You not only managed to explain technical concepts in a simple and straightforward manner, but you never once made me feel like I was in a “lesson”. Your informal style and laidback nature made me feel like I’d spent the afternoon cruising on the slopes with mates rather than with an instructor and some other pupils. I don’t think I told you at the start of the week but due to always riding with lads who are both better and more experienced riders than me, my confidence has been knocked on more than one occasion in the past. Thanks to your expert coaching I’m now far happier that I can hold my own with the boys. Sure, they may sometimes whip me in terms of speed, but damn my riding style is now so much sweeter than some of theirs! ;o)

Given how much we learnt and how much our riding progressed, it’s no surprise that the lessons were our favourite part of every day and we had an absolute hoot. Each night we were buzzing telling our other mates what new stuff we’d been doing and each morning was spent showing off the new tricks we’d learnt to pull off.

Having thought that freeride would always be my bag, I’m now seriously considering a freestyle camp with you this summer! Either way, we’ll definitely both be back for more Alliance action as soon as we can. Obviously, I’d have absolutely no hesitation in recommending Alliance to any fellow boarders be they complete beginner or more experienced rider. I know they’ll get the same quality of tuition and dedicated service as we did so would no doubt come away with equally big grins and happy tales.

Thanks for everything and all the best for the rest of the season.

From: Laura Clark

Just a quick one to say thank you again and we were really impressed with our snowboarding lessons last week. Please also pass on our thanks to Joel who did a great job (and was very patient with me especially)! Dolf and I thoroughly enjoyed it and were completely hooked by Saturday when we had to go home.
We will definitely book some more if we come back (which will hopefully be next year!).

From: Sammy Purcell

Hey Alliance Krew
I wanted to drop a short line to say thanks for arranging my 2 hour freestyle lesson with Ben last Wednesday.
All of Tignes tourists should be thankful for such a competent and professional service that Alliance offer to their pupils!
Ben was tip top in communicating his knowledge and style of boarding and when teaching me his flatland trickery, results progressed from the word go!
BIG UP BEN!
Don't look any further for a snowboard school....... You have the masters of the slopes right here.

From: Jonathon Graves

Just wanted to drop you a line to say a 'massive thank you' for your expert help and guidance whilst I was on holiday the other week. Having spent the last couple of seasons feeling like I had reached a plateaux and that I was not really progressing. It was amazing what a few days of tuition with you has improved. My confidence to try new freestyle tricks/jumps and put into practice the technique and style of riding that you showed me have meant that carving turns is not now something that I just watch others doing - even though there have been some pretty spectacular wipe-outs !!!!
I shall be recommending your school to my friends

From: Gracie Powell

Hi Neil,

I would just like to say a massive thank you for making my holiday such a great experience, learning new things and becoming more confidant in my turns. It has certainly been the best snowboarding holiday.

Can not wait to come back next year with a few of my boarder mates 2: ) Hope everything goes well with your new arrival, and I shall see you in 2009.

Gracie x

From: Curtis + Ryan McGill

Just to let you know we had a fantastic time this week. The lessons with Neil were top and our riding improved more than we could have hoped in a week. Could you let me know the dates of your summer freestyle camp as were interested in booking up, (can't wait).

From: Deanna Bowen

Hi Neil
Thanks for the lesson. The off piste we did was excellent it really boosted my confidence on piste and it was great fun. I also liked the doing all the tricks on friday they where good fun and it will give me something to practice on my next holiday. I am really happy with what I accomplished by the end of the week being able to do flowing s turns down the mountain.I never thought I'd get as far as I did in one week. It was all a great and the snow was good which helped. Hoping to have more lesson with you next season to get myself even further with my snowboarding.

From: Jenna Truder

Just wanted to say thanks for an awesome week in Tignes (12 Jan – 19 Jan). After my first snowboarding experience in Chamonix I thought I was traumatised for life! But my beginner group was great, really nice size, laid back and, the lessons were always fun. Special thanks to Simon who was a great instructor, really enthusiastic and patient, made sure everyone was going at their own pace but always encouraged you to try things, even if they landed you on your bum in the beginning! I would highly recommend you to any of my friends wanting to learn how to snowboard, I was having such a good time I didn’t even realise I was coming down with the flu! Thanks for a great experience, now I just have to start saving up for my next snowboarding holiday!

From: Jon Wilde

Thank you for our fantastic time in Tignes recently. Park, piste and powder in one week - great! We thoroughly enjoyed our lessons and felt that we really improved our riding ability over the four days, and even managed to lose some long standing bad habits through your patience, excellent explanation and good fun which were all seen in equal measure! We thoroughly recommend you and the Alliance team to anyone taking lessons in Tignes.

From: Cat Chapman

We had an absolutely awesome holiday and I just wanted to pass on my thanks to Ben for being such a patient and informative instructor.

It was great having such a small group and despite the varying degrees of ability and confidence, Ben really helped us all with his instruction and feedback. (Despite our probing questions and snowball fights. Sorry Ben, we will behave better next time) In fact, we loved it so much that two of us are coming back this year!!

From: Dan Thacker

I was in Ben's level 3 group and had 4 days of lessons in Tignes (great snow, great resort!). We covered a lot of ground technically both on and off-piste (powder riding was a highlight for me) and Ben was a very good teacher giving each of us in the group personal feedback and attention. He always took time to watch each of us making sure he spotted any faults in our technique. Group was small meaning we all got lots of attention/advice. Ben always explained the technical aspects and mechanics of what we were looking to achieve and encouraged us to push ourselves out of our comfort zones. I felt my riding improved a huge amount over the week meaning by the end of the week I was happy tackling pretty much any grade of slope as well as some basic park elements, for a 40 year old with only 2 weeks riding experience before hand was no mean feat!

So overall a big thanks to you all, and I want to wish Alliance all success in the future, I'd definitely recommend you to anyone who wants to improve their boarding at any level, and that should be every single boarder!

From: Jon-Paul Coetzee

Firstly let me thank you and your team for an utterly professional and friendly approach! Both Vanessa and I agree you dudes rock!
I had an awesome time riding with you over my 5 days in Tignes. The lessons were well structured and thought out, the group big enough to be fun but small enough to give individual feedback and assistance. My riding has gone to a whole new level with your instruction. My only regret is that I didn’t have longer on the mountain…

From: Christine Lee

Renelle,
Just wanted to send a huge THANK YOU for your excellent snowboard instruction this past week. Who would have thought from my sketchy "audition" on Day 1 that by the end of the week I would be able to cruise with confidence and speed (!), ride switch and do a couple of tricks! I have taken lessons in the US, Canada and Europe and you are the only one who has been able to see and help me kick my bad boarding habits. Also really appreciated your challenging me by pushing me beyond my comfort zone and on to the next level. I cannot wait to get back to Tignes to ride again with the Alliance team! Not only fantastic teaching but also such great fun!!!!

From: Charlotte Martin

Hi all at Alliance

I’ve just got back from the most amazing week boarding in Tignes. I had lessons all week and started as a complete beginner and thanks to you guys I’m now able to board. I can’t say thanks enough, Neil was the most wonderful instructor, really encouraging, patient and treated us all individually when we were at different levels which was great and much needed towards the end of the week.
Like I said, had a great time, and I’d happily recommend you to anyone

From: Caroline O'Boyle

I just wanted to drop you a line to say a massive thank you for such a brilliant week on the snow. I am so impressed with how much I’ve learned as a result of your expert instructions, and especially with how patiently you talked me through everything despite my suffering from frequent bouts of nerves!! I feel like I’ve learned from the best and can’t recommend you highly enough! Rob and I are planning on coming back to Tignes before the end of the season and will definitely book in for more when we get back.

From: Christie Aumonier

Hi guys

I hope you've had a great Christmas. Thanks so much for a fab week of lessons - you guys completely made our holiday. Fantastic lessons, thanks so much Neil - you made me feel completely at ease when I should have been a damn site more nervous hurling myself down a mountain! Filled me with confidence and the small group size meant we all learned so much more than the other big groups we saw on the slopes. Was also great for the holiday socially, and of course the inter-group engagement gave some added spice to the week! Happy New Year to you all!!

P.S. Sorry if I was late, once or twice… Hope you'll take me back next year!

From: Rachel Norman

Thanks a million for a fantastic beginners week board school. Small groups, easily digestible, fun and motivational tuition allowed even a 30 year old Londonite to master the art of falling leaf and linking turns!
We'll be back next season and would thoroughly recommend Neil and the guys if you are thinking of heading out to Tignes.

Rachel

From: Charlie Mapletoft

Neil, Cheers for an amazing day on the snow last week. It was a great
laugh - and really good for our boarding! Your expert tuition was very well communicated and your knowledge of the local area gave our trip a
whole new feel once we were on our own again. Anyone reading this should
seriously think about giving these guys a shot, you won't be disappointed
Good luck with it all... Charlie and the boys

From: Petrina Jones

Hi Renelle!

Just to say thank you for a fantastic week of snowboarding . As a self-taught/un tutored boarder you sorted me out from day 1! You were so patient in correcting my very bad habits and explaining and teaching the correct posture and technical stuff that made my riding so much easier and me more confident on the snow! I may have been quite slow riding down piste at times, but I know I have a really good technique and foundation that will certainly improve my riding with time! I would always walk away from lessons with a smile and this great sense of accomplishment that I had done something I had always been so scared to do in the past - like some little tricks (which I will keep practicing), going off piste, going on black runs and one that I really enjoyed - going down the half pipe!!! (with board attached to my feet and not going down on my bum and belly!)
I really appriciated the lessons and really felt it was money well worth spent - a lot better quality than if I had have gone for the cheaper ESF choice!

From: Lauren

Went riding with the legendary Alliance for my first week on a board in December 06, and have got to say was one of the best experiences of my life, so much in fact i went back for more in Jan! Was ripping up the slopes with Renelle who i must thank for her amazing teaching skills that had me over the whole mountain by day three, and whom also made me realise my total passion for snowboarding, im well and truely converted, im now hooked, she rocks, infact the whole team rock, i was stoked by the end of each lesson! I
can't wait to come back for more, ill be there next season for sure! Thanx once again Renelle... Loz

From: Gordon

Hi Neil,
I just wanted to thank you for the lessons that you gave me, Mike and Lou last week. We were all very impressed with your teaching style and the way you managed to explain the mechanics to us in a simple way. We really enjoyed learning from you and the lessons definitely helped us make the most of our few days in Tignes. We all feel so much more comfortable on a board than before. It was just a shame we didn't stay longer. If we ever come back to Tignes we'll be signing up for some more lessons for sure. They were worth every penny.
Thanks again and keep up the good work. You're a true pro!
Gord.

From: Jill

Hi There Renelle
Just wanted to say a big thanx for the BRILLIANT lessons I had with you. I really appreciated your patience, perserverence and also your sheer determination to get me snowboarding.... I would probably have been leafing down the nursery slope all week rather than cruising the mountains.
Looking forward to next year when I will definitely be booking more lessons
Just want to wish you loads of luck

From: Steve Jetton

I would like to say a big thank you for the boarding lessons that my son Steve Jetten received last week. His instructor, Simon, was absolutely great. Considering he had only had a few lessons at a snowdome in England, his boarding by the end of the week was fantastic - please send my thanks to Simon and all at Alliance.

From: Michelle

Please pass on our thanks to Simon. Emily and I thoroughly enjoyed our introduction to snowboarding - except maybe the mild concussion! Emily is definitely never returning to skiing and I may still be tempted to stay with boarding - albeit with a helmet next season!
Thanks again

From: Dominic Tresedor

Neil,
Just quick note to say Many Thanks for the recent snowboarding clinic you provided. The lessons you gave were absolutely 1st Class. Within 3 days of the 5 day course we went from Snow Virgins to Street Wise Piste Artist, cruising all over Tignes like a nasty rash.
I can't recommend Alliance enough. Your combination of knowledge, patience, calmness and positive enthusiasm gave the perfect balance for snowboarding tuition.
Thanks again and see you soon for a repeat dose.

From: Faye Nicholls

It was great learning to snowboard with you afew weeks ago. Especially after all the problems with E.S.F and their instructors who couldnt even speak clear english and the really big groups! I would choose Alliance over E.S.F anyday. Your enthusiam helped me to get more confident because i was so nervous! You really helped me to learn and pick up the techniques. Hope to see you soon!

From: Richard Allysop

U may remember me Richard Allsopp "switch rich" I had lessons with Simon in the second week of the session 2006.

I would like to thank Simon and Neil for meeting me and working out lessons so thank you. I really enjoyed my lessons with Simon and learned a lot. Keep up the good work and I will probably c u next year.

From: John Rowan

I would just like to thank all of you for the top lessons you have given to all of us over the last couple of months. You have been amazing people to learn from and your dedication and passion for snowboarding is infectious.

We have had so much fun and learnt so much from all of you.

To anyone who is thinking of lessons in the Espace Killy area you must go to Alliance snowboarding as you will learn from the best and friendliest instructors I have ever had lessons from. I have had many lessons over the years in many different countries and no one comes near to the quality and enjoyment I had with Alliance.

Thanks again John Rowan. Representing Osh, Hedo, Dunc and THE SHOW

From: Matt Isherwood

Thank you for the snowboarding lessons you provided in Tignes, we had a fantastic time from start to finish. Having never stepped on a board before I was a little apprehensive but was immediately put at ease by Renelle. She was a brilliant tutor, explaining methodology clearly and at a level understood by all. She knew when to be serious and when to have fun, identifying what would produce the best results in her students. We had a group of mixed ages and ability and whilst we all progressed at different rates Renelle managed to balance everyone’s progression so that they felt comfortable and not pressured. By the end of the week we were all completing blue and red runs with confidence and even did a couple of half pipes. Her enthusiasm and love of the mountain and boarding is certainly infectious and inspiring and I’m sure that all of our group will be returning to the slopes as a result. My only complaint is that she made it look too easy! The other alliance representatives that I had contact with were all equally as professional and had a similar attitude. If you are thinking of boarding in Tignes or Val d’isere then Alliance is the only way to go.

Thanks once again & see you next year, if not before!

Matt.

PS. I was going to mention that being taught by a hot chick helped enormously, but didn’t think it was appropriate!

From: Garry Crystal

I just wanted to say thank you for a brilliant week of lessons. Learning to snowboard is clearly not the easiest thing but you made it a great laugh and I am truly hooked! The lessons were worth every penny (well Euro) and I can heartily say that you are truly the dog's bollocks!

Thanks again and see you next year...I'll be back, Garry

From: Meno Smits

Thanks so much Renelle for the lessons I had with you. Your competence, energy and enthusiasm were inspiring. You've really helped improve my technique and confidence.

The lessons were fantastic preparation for the following week I had in Austria. I was able to work on the things you introduced in the sessions and make them stick. I'm boarding so much better now, especially when snow conditions are dodgy. Hope to see you out in Tignes again some time soon!

05/02/07

From: Darran Oakley

We have just returned from Tignes. My seven year old son Josh and I have successfully negotiated our first snowboarding adventure. This was done as a result of excellent instruction from the Alliance snowboarding team (particularly Renelle and Joel). We had five days of lessons which were made exciting and enjoyable by the patience, good humour and excellent teaching; a definite
recommendation for anybody visiting this part of Europe. Darran ( South Wales).

02/02/07

From: Clive Swiggs

THANKS to Joel Gray @ Alliance for the private lessons. He was so relaxed; made me feel pretty chilled, despite being nervous with all the gear and no idea............ It was very refreshing to deal with a guy who was passionate about boarding and not someone who was teaching it as a sideline to skiing. I loved every minute of it. Keep up the great work - it was SWEET!!!

22/01/07

From: Shay

Thanks for a brilliant week riding. For me that was definitely the best week I've had so far (helped by the fresh dump of powder we had) and pushed my confidence levels right up. I was well impressed with your fledling school and I'm positive it will go from strength to strength. It was especially re-freshing to have snowboarding taught by instructors who had a passion for the sport and weren't just trying to get your money off you!!

26/01/2007

From: Christina

Out of the couple of boarding trips I have been on, something clicked on this one and I think Renelle had a lot to do with it! I ended on a complete high after our last lesson, I just had such fun and was a mental shift for me as I left Tignes feeling like I can snowboard and now cant wait for the next trip.
I have had such a mental barrier which I just don´t have anymore. Renelle, you have a very rare coaching technique and such a genuine passion. I only wish you had taken me for my first lesson!

20/01/07

From: Eggsy & Goldie Looking Chain

Its johnny eggs here just saying hi and that we managed to get back to the Port safely. We all wanna say thanks again for dropping the science on us and teaching us the skills to go ride properly, its hard enough trying to walk and chew gum at the same time so you did us all proud. Big up Renelle for being super smooth on the slopes.

I´m going to make my own nursery slope in my kitchen to keep me going until the next time I get to Tignes.

Johnny eggs and the glc boys.

15/01/07

From: Alexa

Hi Renelle, It's Alexa here...remember the girl who couldn't do the chair lifts! I just wanted to say a really big thank you to you for all the help you gave me on my snowboarding lessons in Tignes. I really enjoyed my lessons although they were tough at times - and I thank you for all your efforts in improving my confidence on the slopes. You really were wonderful!

We have just booked a big group skiing/boarding trip with our friends. We are coming to Tignes again and staying in a lovely apartment. We would love to book some lessons again if you will have me (I'll leave it up to you and Simon to decide who can rise to the challenge!).

10/01/07

From: Clive

I am writing to thank you for the excellent tuition that Simon gave to Florence last week-she has progressed so well over the week and has enjoyed every day of the lessons. We were very lucky that you did manage to correct the poaching that ESF attempted on the first day!

Thanking you again for the excellent tuition, as well as being efficient with communications, Clive.

24/12/06

From: Phil

Just wanted to thank you guys for an excellent week in your beginner classes with Neil this week just gone (17-22 Dec). Really enjoyed it and in the end it was great to have someone pushing you to that next level and the advice really made all the difference, very well tailored.

Keep up the good work guys and the best of luck for the future.

23/12/06

From: Aidan

Flexible I know it's start of season but being able to do the one hour catch up on day one and start with the guys on day 2 was very helpful.

Friendly you guys were more like friends which made it the sessions and trips around the mountains a lot of fun.

Patient and encouraging taking the time to explain what to do in different ways when we were stuck, or found it hard to learn something new.

Speed of progression making sure that we were comfortable with what we learned before moving on but always giving new tips to keep us challenged.

Passion you guys seemed pretty passionate about boarding, teaching but most importantly you really cared about how we were getting on, what we wanted and how best to help us achieve our goals and become snowboarders.

Safety I felt safe all the time whether it was on a baby slope or steep icy piste which I think is very important.

If I go back to Tignes I would definitely get more lessons and would definitely recommend you guys for all the above reasons.

18/12/06

From: Laura

We all had great fun and everybody enjoyed the lessons, even though we were all at different levels.

Thanks especially to Simon who spent most of the week with us, me in particular. From seeing Simon and Neil snowboard you are obviously great snowboarders with amazing control but from my week with Simon I thought he was a great teacher too. Good at explaining how to do things, very patient, good at inspiring confidence and reminding me to enjoy snowboarding at the rate that I was going instead of worrying about how fast I was learning.

I know the boys all enjoyed their lessons too and learned things from their time with Simon and Neil. Anyway, thanks again for everything, it was nice meeting you all and good luck to Alliance Snowboarding school.

We'll recommend you to anyone we know who is going to Tignes. Laura.

17/12/06

From: Lynne Curran