Shout Outs for Favorite Instructors!

[snohflake]

I thought it would be nice to start a list of favorite instructors and where they teach.

Mine is Kelly McNinch at Snowbird. I had my first lesson with him waaay back in '96 (geez I sound like an old geezer). It was the luck of the draw I guess that he was the one available when I signed up for my private. In a few lessons he had me going from green runs to skiing off the tram. The way he explained things just clicked for me. My favorite was when he would wear me out by traversing and traversing and then he'd have me dive down into powder. He wanted me to let it ride vs muscling it and by tiring me out first I was able to ski the powder! I credit him with my love of the sport.

 

[MaineSkiLady]

Besides DH and DS , both of whom are currently not on ski school rosters (but maintain active certification), a big High Five to Harold Biesaw at Sugarloaf. Booked weeks in advance for privates and at least 70 y/o ---- and an ace at honing in on and correcting technical issues.

 

[SnowHot]

I never had a lesson until I signed up for ESA Stowe 2006.
Absolufreakinlutely LOVED Jeb Boyde!

Then had a few pointers shown to me at Okemo by Tcarey, and Know I'd love a lesson from her!!!

Went to Boyne Mt for the opener, and fell in love with Kneale Brownson, and his special gift to teach skiing!
He has really transformed my form!!

Back to ESA Stowe 2007.........I can't say enough about Robin Barnes!!!! OMG she is amazing........I want more of her!!!

Someday I want to do an Extreme Clinic with the Egans!
Dan You Rock!!

 

[NannyMin]

My hands down favorite instructor, is Niger Geary at Beaver Creek. His ability to zero in on movement patterns, and explain concisely what needs to change, is simply amazing!

Other great instructors....

Robin Barnes~ I second SnowHot's recommendation. Robin is fun, creative, and has a gift for teaching.

Gregor Neal~ Another great BC/Vail instructor. Gregor has won several Powder 8 competitions and he is a pleasure to watch ski. He has a very precise method of teaching.

Bob Barnes~ One word...AMAZING! Bob has got it going on. I've never met someone who can explain something in so many different ways in order to get the point across! My skiing changed drastically thanks to Bob!

I feel like I'm missing someone...

 

[Lilgeorg]

I have 2 favorite ski instructors at Okemo. Diva Tcarey and Diva Cnewbound. Both Terry and Crystel not only have a talented way of getting you to see what you need to do to improve, they also help you have fun while you learn new tricks. They also approach learning in a positive way by encouraging you to continue what you are doing right and rewarding you with praise when you improve. They are exceptional!

 

[perma-grin]

I have been very fortunate to have had many stellar instructors in my time. But I think the ones that have had the most infulence on my skiing would have to be Christine Vantongeren, Nancy Oakes-Hall, Jan Hanzaryk. Chris was one of my examiners on my asscociate level exam in "86", and has since become a good friend. She told me to keep making skiing fun for my students and never get complacent in my teaching. Nancy taught me that no matter how difficult the excersize may seem or how scary the terrain,(or how intimidating your students may be to you), you can always break it down to it's simplest form,and build it back up to gain their trust. Jan for always being willing to ski with me to train the skills and drills that very few like to work on (white pass turns, one footed drills, pivot slips!) All of these Instructors are women that I look up too, and owe them a great deal ,because they always challenge me to make improvements in my skiing , coaching and teaching! Thank you I really, really appreciate and respect you all the time that you have given to me as a student and a friend.

 

[greekpeakskier]

I've got two at Greek Peak.

Brandon Phillips and Tyler Wainwright. I've taken lessons from a lot of people at Greek Peak and these two are the best. They look at things from unique and close perspectives, finding things that are sometimes missed by other instructors. they are then are always spot on with their analysis.

On top of that, they are both very, very committed to their students. I am absolutely amazed by their generosity. Today, for example. They (and another instructor I don't know as well but seems great) both showed up to teach the women's ski group even though they were not scheduled. We had three participants and three instructors. Then, instead of closing it after an hour and a half, they spent HOURS pulling us into areas where we could find powder, watching us closely, full of excitement and joy, encouraging of progress and critical of form, able to see barely perceptible shifts as I experiment w/ weighting different areas.


Along the same lines, because of these two, my skiing time at Greek Peak has become the closest thing I've ever known to the "Cheers" Bar. These two are constantly aware of my skiing, stopping me in the lift line to encourage or correct, whether I'm taking a lesson that day or week or month or not. They remember the specifics of what they've taught me and analyze how I'm incorporating it into my skiing that day.

 

[lucine]

This is difficult.
I've skied with a whole lot of instructors at Copper Mt. in their Womens Wednesday program. I have liked and learned from all but two, and one of those, I really like as a human, but not as an instructor.
The way she stated the problem and solution just did not click in my brain, she is, however a favorite of others.
So I think it good to have favorites, but not every instructor will jell with every student. so,.....
PM me if you are going to Copper and I'll tell you about the fabulous women instrctors there! I've had about 10 of them in the past three years and they all have their strengths.
Do I have a favorite? hmmmmm
I don't think so but on certain days I might wish to have a specific instructor .Not that we get to pick, but in my perfect world, .....

 

[Native Vail Gal]

Gregor Neal~ Another great BC/Vail instructor. Gregor has won several Powder 8 competitions and he is a pleasure to watch ski. He has a very precise method of teaching.

Gotta second this one!!!

 

[SueNJ]

I have 2 favorite ski instructors at Okemo. Diva Tcarey and Diva Cnewbound. Both Terry and Crystel not only have a talented way of getting you to see what you need to do to improve, they also help you have fun while you learn new tricks. They also approach learning in a positive way by encouraging you to continue what you are doing right and rewarding you with praise when you improve. They are exceptional!

I have to agree--I had a private lesson with tcarey recently, and we started and finished my lesson on a very up, positive note, in spite of the fact that I was more than challenged by what I asked Terry to focus on in my lesson. It's the sign of a truly gifted instructor when you can walk away from a trying lesson feeling so positive and motivated! I'm more determined than ever to conquer bump skiing and I'm looking forward to taking another private lesson with Terry at some point.

 

[MaineSkiLady]

My DH!
Possibly the most patient man on earth.
He has been talking me through bumps for 33 years....
Ya think I'll "get it" someday??
Seriously, patience is his middle name. Plus the ability to slow-mo demonstrate ANYTHING.
Too bad he is currently retired from active teaching - however, this means I get him all to myself.
Another possibly favoritism vote for my son, who is L3 snowboard and will be coaching this summer at a camp in Argentina. Specializes in freestyle but is one of the finest freeriders out there.