MEET Jimmy Kuo, a seasoned ski instructor whose passion for teaching transcends borders.
With over six years of experience under his belt, Jimmy has honed his craft in various snow destinations, from the powdery slopes of Japan's Hakuba, Rusutsu, Teine, and Niseko to the picturesque terrain of Falls Creek.
But his dedication doesn't stop when the snow melts; in the wake of COVID, he's taken his expertise to a treadmill ski machine in Taiwan, where he can ski year-round.
Jimmy's day starts early, often before the crack of dawn, to prepare for his first lesson at 8:30am.
"We have to work all day, so breakfast is crucial," he explains.
"After simple stretches and a warmup, I’ll have a big breakfast."
Even though instructors are famous for their goggle tans, Jimmy aims to avoid the best goggle tan and instead protects his skin from the harsh Australian sun with plenty of sunscreen.
And, of course, no morning is complete without a cup of coffee to kickstart the day.
Once on the mountain, Jimmy's day is a whirlwind of setting up, instructing, and training.
If there's no early training or setup, he takes advantage of the quiet morning to do practice runs, assessing the snow conditions and planning his lessons accordingly.
"It's very different from day to day," he explains, "and very important for us to plan our lesson."
Jimmy's students span all ages and skill levels, from three-year-old tots to seasoned elders.
Whether it's a private lesson or a group session, he tailors his approach to each student's goals and abilities.
"Communicating and observing is critical for lesson planning," he notes.
“I always try to keep people not overly stressed.
"Small steps help.
"Plus, here at Falls Creek, we have the best terrain for instructing and learning.
"Broad and gentle slopes are really good for learning new ski skills."
Despite the fun and excitement of skiing, safety is always a top priority.
"We're not just considering how to ski better," he explains, "we also need to show how to respect the mountains and everyone in it."
Amidst the long days on the slopes, Jimmy stays warm and energised with his trusty cup of coffee mocha or hot chocolate, along with dry socks and gloves, “I always keep spares in my locker”.
For those considering a career as a ski or snowboard instructor, Jimmy offers sage advice: "Always keep positive and motivated".
Despite the challenges, he loves providing great experiences for his students.
After all, as Jimmy knows, there's nothing quite like sharing the joy of skiing with others, no matter where in the world the snow may take him.
