Nigel Tribbeck

Head rep

What is your profession?

Semi-retired, former police officer (31yrs), central government employee
(10yrs). I currently have a portfolio career, where I am able to dip in and
out of employment, with school ski rep at the top of the list for enjoyment
and satisfaction.

60 second life story?

Born in Southampton in a working class family with two siblings, and caring
and hard working parents. Enjoyed school and excelled at sport competing at
county level in swimming and athletics. Was a member of a youth organisation
which introduced me to hill walking and camping, and set me on target for
achieving my D of E Gold award. Further education continued with service as
a police cadet in Hampshire, which included college based work, outdoor
pursuits, lifesaving, first aid and community service.
Naturally progressed into the police service as a constable aged, 19yrs.
Soon established a specialism in crime investigation which covered the major
part of my career. Met and married my wife of 37yrs, Sue, with whom I have
two sons, Stuart, a police officer, and Lewis, a teacher. Sue and I have
been blessed with two grandsons, with whom we spend a lot of quality time.
Have always maintained a good level of fitness through swimming, running,
cycling, and mountain activities. Share a love of all genres of music with
my wife, but not hard rock, and with soul and disco being my favourite. Even
with the many hours of time taken up with work and home life, managed to
squeeze in 13yrs as a reserve soldier with the Royal Military Police, who
taught me to ski at the advanced age of 47yrs!  Luckily, Sue fell for the
sport as well and there has not been a single year since learning that has
not involved a week or two away skiing. The final six years of my police
service was as a member of Special Branch, which led to an opening on
retirement to an investigative position with the FCO. Needless to say I
enjoy travelling. Looking forward to maintaining an active retirement,  but
dutifully taking care of DIY and gardening, out of necessity, but not love!
Looking forward to all the family going on holiday to Orlando at Easter.

What do you bring to the team?

Honesty, trust, a caring and responsible attitude, confidence, experience,
and as recently commented upon by a teacher – ‘patience’.

Resort experience?

With in excess of twenty five ski weeks undertaken in France, Italy,
Austria, Andorra and Colorado I have taken an interest in not only the
skiing but what it takes to provide a safe experience when taking either
groups of friends, or as the case is now, school students to what can be the
most dangerous of environments – the mountains in winter!

What is your favourite aspect to the role of resort rep?

Without doubt the connection with the younger generation. In starting as a
school ski rep at the age of 60, I naturally wondered how the students would
react to the ‘old guy’ in an area of work where reps are generally much
younger. I’ve been pleasantly surprised, kids are not stupid, they are often
quite astute at deciding in whom they can trust. I’m seen as
non-judgemental, I’m not the authority figure. To them I’m not ‘Sir’, but
‘Nigel’, the guy who explains in simple terms how to get the most out of
their week away, whether it be on the mountain or enjoying a night out. I
admit to selfishly getting much satisfaction from watching them develop
through the week, gaining more confidence, as well as greater independence
through the experience.

Guilty pleasure?

Simply, travel it does broaden the mind!

Favourite quote?

Often heard to say in resort, ‘We have no problems, only solutions’.

Happiest when?

I have all my family around me.