Seeking Private Instructor Rec, Aspen and Snowbird

[amack]

I am lucky enough to have 2 trips on the books this season. Heading to Aspen (went once 2 yrs ago and preferred Highlands) and Snowbird (although possibly 1 day at Alta)
Looking for a private instructor/guide/coach recommendations for a few days at Aspen and Snowbird … ideally someone with a lot of experience, who is involved in the mountain’s women’s ski clincs, and who is patient, encouraging, and fun to hang out with for a few days. I am an expert skier but sometimes lack confidence in my skiing abilities, especially in unfamiliar terrain. The goal is to be skiing appropriate terrain at my level (not below, which is usually my default), fine tuning technique, and doing a lot of great skiing with someone who knows where to go.
Have you had any lessons with anyone you loved and would recommend? Thank you!

 

[marzNC]

Paging @Skier31 for Aspen.

 

[marzNC]

Snowbird (although possibly 1 day at Alta)
Looking for a private instructor/guide/coach recommendations

If you are willing to do a lesson at Alta, Arthur Haskell is my favorite instructor there. He's done several lessons with my friends who are women of assorted ability levels in the past decade. I've become a solid advanced skier (over 60) partially because of lessons with Arthur.

I set up a semi-private lesson with Arthur for myself and three other advanced Divas during Diva West last season. We had a ball towards the end of the lesson doing an adventure run off starting with traversing the High T. Also did a run out Catherine's earlier in the lesson after doing a few runs on groomers working on technique.

Post #43 in Diva West 2025 trip report

Diva West 2025, Alta Snowbird: Trip Report and Photos

Such a lovely week! I'm in Ogden visiting some friends today but here are a few pics from the last few days. Here's most of the group saying hello to @ski diva at dinner on Tuesday. Thanks again @Olesya C for coordinating this meal! On Wednesday, @MissySki and I were lucky enough to join...

www.theskidiva.com

 

[RachelV]

If Bob Barnes is still teaching at Aspen, he's fantastic. @Skier31 would be a great choice as well.

 

[SnowHot]

If Bob Barnes is still teaching at Aspen, he's fantastic. @Skier31 would be a great choice as well.

Bob Barnes and @Skier31 are my favorites at Aspen Snowmass, or Aspen Highlands.

I've also had Charlie MCCarthur and his wife Jenny.

Aspen is one of those mountains that has a really good foundation of instructors.

 

[RCL]

Thanks for these recs! I’m headed to Aspen last week of March! I’m planning my 2026 ski season adventure and will share as soon as I finalize plans. Would love to meet up w a diva or 2!!

 

[Skier31]

Appreciate the recommendations. Annie Black is fabulous to ski with at AspenSnowmass.

Happy to meet up with people!

 

[MissySki]

If you are willing to do a lesson at Alta, Arthur Haskell is my favorite instructor there. He's done several lessons with my friends who are women of assorted ability levels in the past decade. I've become a solid advanced skier (over 60) partially because of lessons with Arthur.

I set up a semi-private lesson with Arthur for myself and three other advanced Divas during Diva West last season. We had a ball towards the end of the lesson doing an adventure run off starting with traversing the High T. Also did a run out Catherine's earlier in the lesson after doing a few runs on groomers working on technique.

Post #43 in Diva West 2025 trip report

Diva West 2025, Alta Snowbird: Trip Report and Photos

Such a lovely week! I'm in Ogden visiting some friends today but here are a few pics from the last few days. Here's most of the group saying hello to @ski diva at dinner on Tuesday. Thanks again @Olesya C for coordinating this meal! On Wednesday, @MissySki and I were lucky enough to join...

www.theskidiva.com

I was one of the Divas in the lesson with @marzNC and Arthur last year during Diva West. It was a great time and I really enjoyed his teaching style! I was a bit more apprehensive skiing than usual that day due to some boot issues I was having at the time, he was able to make me feel comfortable enough to do our adventure run at the end, which I would have very much doubted beforehand! He was very good at giving each person what they needed during the lesson, and elevated our skiing throughout. I would definitely recommend Arthur and would love to do another lesson with him in the future.

 

[SnowHot]

Appreciate the recommendations. Annie Black is fabulous to ski with at AspenSnowmass.

Happy to meet up with people!

Oh I forgot about Annie! She's a hoot!!
I remember a story about her training some military dudes who needed to learn to ski well for a depolyment.

Bob and Chris told the story that these strong dudes showed up and seemed almost disappointed that they were being trained by this skinny (then) middle aged woman. Annie ran them into the ground and quickly earned their respect.
I would have loved to see that happen.

And by the way, for those who don't know Skier31, I've had the pleasure of spending time with her both on and off the snow and she's a badass!!!