Question: Lessons

[toughgirl]

I have a question to all the ski instructors. I want to take some lessons this winter. I have only ever done the basic learn to ski lesson (once in grade school and then once again when my DH was learning to ski a few years ago).

I want to spend the money on individual lessons so I get all the attention i need... but honestly I don't know what to ask for in a lesson. Will the instructor just know by seeing me ski or will they ask me a questions?

I just want to get the best experience out of it.

 

[Jilly]

When you sign up for your lesson, explain what you want to the clerk. They should ask you about your skiing ability. Give them a estimate. That way they can be sure you get the proper level of instructor. Most instructors that give private lessons are really good, so they should be able to determine what needs to be done as soon as you start to ski.

 

[LiaEliz]

I love taking lessons and I take one at least every year. I think that you can only retain 3 things from a lesson but they have been very valuable to me.

Question for Everyone: I wanted to take a park lesson this year – mainly so I can go over a few jumps and not flail my arms like an idiot. Does anyone have any advice about these types of lessons? Do all resorts have them?

 

[Jilly]

Not sure about the states, but here in Canada, not all resorts have park and pipe instructors. We have a special designation for them within the CSIA. Check with the ski school where you're going.

 

[LiaEliz]

I will be skiing in VT this winter - and they are going to make me take a private lesson! Boo Hiss!

 

[Jilly]

I know here at Tremblant they have a weekend day course. Not sure how many weeks. But its usually the teenagers taking it. I think a private lesson would be better. I know its $$, but it just might be worth it.

 

[geargrrl]

I have a question to all the ski instructors. I want to take some lessons this winter. I have only ever done the basic learn to ski lesson (once in grade school and then once again when my DH was learning to ski a few years ago).

I want to spend the money on individual lessons so I get all the attention i need... but honestly I don't know what to ask for in a lesson. Will the instructor just know by seeing me ski or will they ask me a questions?

I just want to get the best experience out of it.

go for privates. The instructor will probably talk to you about what you think you need, and then will watch you ski to give you what you actually need.

 

[Swamp Dog]

what about tee skiing? Can I get a lesson for that or do I just go in and hope I come out alive? I'd love to learn how to go in the woods and NOT die.

 

[ski now work later]

My experience has been that there are not a lot of freestyle ski instructors here in New England, though plenty of snowboard freestyle instructors. I echo the recommendation for a private lesson, though I would add that getting a personal recommendation for an instructor from someone who knows the staff really helps. The WAA clinic at Okemo or ESA Stowe are also two great ski clinic programs to try. I learn a lot from watching others learn.

 

[Kano]

what about tee skiing? Can I get a lesson for that or do I just go in and hope I come out alive? I'd love to learn how to go in the woods and NOT die.

There are tree skiing classes -- or at least when I took an "off trail" class last winter, I got some instruction on avoiding tree trunks!

Karen in Boise

 

[volklgirl]

I can't even imagine taking a group freestyle lesson. I know I WILL be falling.....it's bad enough that random people on the hill and lift will be seeing that . To have a whole group see it and still have to ski with them - . I think I need to go somewhere that no one knows me for my jump lesson

 

[abc]

I think there's a market for women specific park lessons. What do you all think?

 

[LiaEliz]

I think that a women’s clinic would be fantastic!! That way I would not be the only one flailing on the MT and being run down by two year olds doing a 1080s!

 

[whitewater girl]

my little local hill in central New York (Greek Peak) has women's clinics and instructors that give private lessons who specialize in teaching women as well...is this that unusual?

 

[whitewater girl]

hmmm, just re-read the last few posts...not sure we have anyone who teaches woman-specific freestyle...huh, may have to look into that (for future reference, of course!)

 

[CMCM]

I'm a complete believer in private lessons. That's where I've learned the most. I usually spring for a couple of them per year, and it's worth every cent!

 

[lucine]

At Copper Mt. we had an opportunity to take a park/pipe class during our Women's Wednesday series.
As I recall though, it was a powder day so.......

 

[MaineSkiLady]

Park and pipe specialty SHOULD be available if not coming soon. I have the latest list of PSIA-E courses downstairs, will see if it's offered. I do know that tree skiing is a specialty that's offered, because DH is taking a PSIA CEU course for trees/steeps in early Feb. The association offers a huge range of teaching specialty courses -- more and more each year, it seems. The list this year is 2+ pages long!!

 

[LiaEliz]

It sounds like a private lesson is the way to go right now – does anyone know any good park instructors at MT. Snow in Vt?