I want to be an ski instructor and I need your input.
For the last few years, I have seen the Weekend Clinic for Prospective Instructors offered at Gore, my home mountain. I have finally gotten up the courage and I signed up for the clinic. I spoke with one of the Clinicians, who told me that they can teach anyone how to teach skiing, but a sense of humor, personality and enthusiasm is what they are looking for. I believe I qualify for that part.
About me: I'm basically retired, so I have weekdays and weekends free, and I plan to be in town for the holidays. Back in the day, I taught the beginners when I ran a ski club for teens, so I have an idea.
My current ski skills are the ability to ski parallel on piste all blues and most blacks. I have a habit of a tiny stem before I start my turn. Another bad habit is that I look too casual when I ski - instructors say I'm not "energetic enough" and my friends say that I look so relaxed. When it gets heavily bumped or chopped up, I slow down, my stance widens, and really look for my next turn.
I'm over 60. I'm overweight. My knees are too old to do big bumps. I don't like to ski trees. I learned to ski in the East so icy conditions are not a problem, but deep, heavy snow is challenging.
I'm doing it for the love of the sport and a chance to be out there with people. I don't expect to make much money, although an equipment discount would be nice.
I wold like to hear from the Diva instructors about your experiences in the beginning.
What can I expect in the clinic?
What kind of skier are they looking for?
PSIA Level 1? What does that involve? is it worth it?
Is there an online resource that I can read before the weekend?
What other advice can you share?
For the last few years, I have seen the Weekend Clinic for Prospective Instructors offered at Gore, my home mountain. I have finally gotten up the courage and I signed up for the clinic. I spoke with one of the Clinicians, who told me that they can teach anyone how to teach skiing, but a sense of humor, personality and enthusiasm is what they are looking for. I believe I qualify for that part.
About me: I'm basically retired, so I have weekdays and weekends free, and I plan to be in town for the holidays. Back in the day, I taught the beginners when I ran a ski club for teens, so I have an idea.
My current ski skills are the ability to ski parallel on piste all blues and most blacks. I have a habit of a tiny stem before I start my turn. Another bad habit is that I look too casual when I ski - instructors say I'm not "energetic enough" and my friends say that I look so relaxed. When it gets heavily bumped or chopped up, I slow down, my stance widens, and really look for my next turn.
I'm over 60. I'm overweight. My knees are too old to do big bumps. I don't like to ski trees. I learned to ski in the East so icy conditions are not a problem, but deep, heavy snow is challenging.
I'm doing it for the love of the sport and a chance to be out there with people. I don't expect to make much money, although an equipment discount would be nice.
I wold like to hear from the Diva instructors about your experiences in the beginning.
What can I expect in the clinic?
What kind of skier are they looking for?
PSIA Level 1? What does that involve? is it worth it?
Is there an online resource that I can read before the weekend?
What other advice can you share?