Hodgson hones in on what it takes to be a guide

Amelia Hodgson is one of two guides currently involved in the Snow Australia Para Snowsport Program.

She’s paired with vision impaired Para-Alpine skier Patrick Jensen and together the duo have their sights set on the 2022 Winter Paralympic Games.

Jensen competed at the Winter Paralympics in PyeongChang 2018, and started working with Hodgson shortly after.

Despite the pair being described as a ‘dream team’, Hodgson had never imagined that she’d be a guide, stumbling on the role on the slopes in Jindabyne.

“I grew up ski racing and then I became an instructor and then a coach. At some point being a local in Jindabyne I just got asked to do it and I thought why not?

“I love it, I love skiing, I love the circuit, and honestly most of all I like skiing around with Pat, he’s like my best friend.

“I like what we do together and I think it’s a really good relationship.

“Pat is the only person I’ve ever guided and he is really trusting. He was really easy going when I first started as I made a lot of mistakes at the beginning and guided him to some places I shouldn’t have!” Hodgson said.

“But he’s really easy to work with and that makes my life so much easier,” she said.

Hodgson admitted that there are a few skills that equip you to be a good guide.

“You need to be quite easy going - working so closely with someone can be really testing sometimes,” Hodgson said.

“You also need to have a passion for skiing and a lot of determination. But at the end of the day you have to just enjoy helping others.

“I really like helping Pat - I know that skiing makes him happy, so I like to get him out skiing whenever I can.

“You just need to be really accepting of each other and mindful of each other’s space and feelings. It’s like a marriage, in a way,” she said.

If you are interested in becoming a guide - please contact Para Snowsport Program Manager Annie Geiger on ageiger@snow.org.au