PlanetSKI Speaks to Award Winning Ski Coach

30th January 2025 | Clare Meaney

Where did your love of skiing begin?

I was lucky enough to have ski lessons at Hillend in Edinburgh when I was 8 years old. My auntie worked there and somehow managed to get my cousin and me some beginners’ lessons.

After that my auntie Liz managed to get me free access.

I could jump on the number 4 bus and ski until my heart was content. I was hooked.

I was lucky to be given free access as, coming from a one parent family, there is no way mum could have afforded the lessons or the recreational skiing for me.

How old were you when you took your first trip abroad?

I was never able to take the school ski trips as we simply couldn’t afford it.

My first trip abroad came when my colleague, in my first job, asked if I fancied a last minute trip in 1989.

So. at 17, I had my very first taste of the Alps.

You joined the RAF. Did skiing take a backseat then?

When I first joined the RAF, I went on a two week trip to Flaine for the RAF 1993 Ski Championships.

Then other commitments came along, which meant that I couldn’t ski for a few years after that.

I went along with some friends to the Three Valleys in the late 90s but my daughter came along in 2000 so I didn’t ski again until 2009.

Where did you get the idea to become a coach?

I was lucky enough to have my training as a BASI 1 instructor paid for by the RAF.

After a few years I got involved with coaching the Tigers Ski Club in Silksworth.

Clare Meaney getting instruction from Scott Fraser at Silksworth. Image © Clare Meaney/PlanetSKI

What made you feel you were ready to become a Level 2 coach?

I decided that I wanted to be licensed to teach in the Alps.

I went out there with a friend to prep ourselves and to see if we were in fact ready to go ahead with the course.

Unfortunately, I had a really bad accident which meant that I had pull out for the season ahead.

After the accident, what made you determined to get back on your skis?

I’m not the type of person who easily gives up.

If the surgeon had told me that my skiing days were over, I would have reluctantly agreed.

But he didn’t.

With a bit of mental strength and determination, I was back on my skis.

Who nominated you for this award?

I still have no idea who nominated me.

I would love to thank them if I could only find out.

All I know is that it was someone whose child I used to coach and they were very impressed with progress they had made.

How did you feel about winning?

Very proud. I was over the moon.

I really didn’t expect to win, especially as there are so many brilliant coaches out there.

To win the children’s coaching award was amazing in itself, but to win the overall award was overwhelming.

I guess anyone who has had been taught by you must have felt lucky too.

I’m not sure about that one.

They will know from my lesson how passionate I am to help people to love our sport.

It’s a privilege to help them, no matter where they are in they are in the ski journey.

Clare Meaney at Silksworth dry ski slope near Sunderland. Image © Clare Meaney/PlanetSKI

Do your think that your career as a trainer has helped with your method of teaching?

Without a shadow of a doubt.

There is a lot of crossover. As an experienced trainer of three decades, I have studied and applied lots of the things I have used in my coaching.

What tips would you give someone who has never skied before?

Make it fun at all times.

Try to find a coach whose style really works for you.

Make sure your boots are comfortable.

Sore feet will ruin your day.

What advice would you give to anyone who is feeling nervous about their first trip abroad?

Gather as much information as can from social media or, even better, from your friends.

It can be really daunting but remember everyone is there because they love skiing too.

Clare Meaney with Scott Fraser at Silksworth. Image © Clare Meaney/PlanetSKI

*Scott Fraser is the Snowsport England 2023 Overall Coach of the Year and Children’s Coach of the Year.  (There was no award in 2024).

PlanetSKI: Number 1 for digital ski news.

Your digital platform for ski news, resort information, travel, equipment rental, money saving deals and everything connected with snowsports – web site, social media & more.