I grew up learning to ski as a member of a ski school in Montreal, Rod Roy which I believe is still going strong. This was not associated with one particular resort; rather, parents signed their kids up for a 10 Saturday ski club. The club bussed us to different resorts in Quebec and Vermont (trickier since 911, I assume). We had lessons in the morning and free skied in the afternoon. Parents had easy weekends due to exhausted kids. A whole generation learned to ski. It was win-win! I assume the instructors were certified. We need more independent instruction. I would be a lot happier putting $200 in the pocket of an excellent instructor than in the till of the resort.
This!More paid ski patrol and better benefits (life and health insurance) for them.
I grew up learning to ski as a member of a ski school in Montreal, Rod Roy which I believe is still going strong. This was not associated with one particular resort; rather, parents signed their kids up for a 10 Saturday ski club. The club bussed us to different resorts in Quebec and Vermont (trickier since 911, I assume). We had lessons in the morning and free skied in the afternoon. Parents had easy weekends due to exhausted kids. A whole generation learned to ski. It was win-win! I assume the instructors were certified. We need more independent instruction. I would be a lot happier putting $200 in the pocket of an excellent instructor than in the till of the resort.
So sad that a long tradition for Canadian skiers has been interrupted like this!Had to reply to this as I teach for Rod Roy (Tuesday adult program). The ski school still seems to be going strong (though I'm sure overall numbers are lower than in the past). Generally their weekend programs for teens and adults go at least once to Jay - they decided against that this year as, quite frankly, nobody wanted to cross the border with a bus-load of people (of many different backgrounds).
Had to reply to this as I teach for Rod Roy (Tuesday adult program). The ski school still seems to be going strong (though I'm sure overall numbers are lower than in the past). Generally their weekend programs for teens and adults go at least once to Jay - they decided against that this year as, quite frankly, nobody wanted to cross the border with a bus-load of people (of many different backgrounds).
Rod Roy is, I think, one of the few ski schools that will hire instructors without certification - but only, I think, for the kiddie program. The ski school has its own insurance and provides training for instructors, who are encouraged to become certified. In the adult program, all the instructors have at least a level 2, a couple with level 3 and this year one with a level 4. I can pretty much guarantee that if you join the Tuesday program, you'll get excellent instruction (says she modestly).
By the way, @mustski, Rod himself is still going strong and skiing well at age 80. His two sons run the business now.
I think the changes in gear have been incredible over the past few years and I'm seeing changes that are making it better so I wouldn't tamper with it.....well, with one exception. I'd like to see the new binding technology get it together on the Walk to Ride/Grip Walk/MNC. Figure it out and make it one thing that works with all boots so that people aren't so freaking confused about their boot/binding interface.It's interesting that no one has commented yet on the gear side of things. That's as much as part of the ski industry as the resort side. I agree -- high ticket prices, low pay for instructors and patrollers are indeed a problem. But what about gear? What would you change in that? For example, there seems to be a disconnect (by some ski manufacturers) on making longer women's skis. Or in some apparel makers in producing ski pants in shorter lengths or jackets in larger sizes or with as many pockets as men's (a pet peeve of mine). And on the retail side, better training is needed in shops to 1) treat women as valid customers who aren't just interested in a ski's graphics, but how it's actually made and the way it skis, and 2) are more knowledgeable about women's gear.
I'm sure it's the passport hassle. What parent wants to send their child on a ski bus with their passport? Kids lose everything and aCanaduan passport is gold on the black market!So sad that a long tradition for Canadian skiers has been interrupted like this!