How can I improve my skiing?

[ThinkSnow]

I was talking to someone from this forum about that several seasons ago. The commit level is still high, tho I forgot the number of hours you have to put in.

Just do the WaWa Ski instructors training course. $169, weekends only from Nov-Dec, and no commitment to work as an istructor.

http://www.wachusett.com/SkiSBSchoo...1944749&utm_content=Tuesday, October 14, 2014

 

[Domeskier]

Are terminal intermediates allowed to become ski instructors?

 

[hammer]

Are terminal intermediates allowed to become ski instructors?

From what I have just read of the standards, it looks to me like a skier with upper intermediate skills could become a Level 1 instructor if he/she has the book knowledge.

 

[Puck it]

From what I have just read of the standards, it looks to me like a skier with upper intermediate skills could become a Level 1 instructor if he/she has the book knowledge.

If upper immediate, I have seen some ski instructors that are not very good skiers.

 

[hammer]

If upper immediate, I have seen some ski instructors that are not very good skiers.

Don't want to get into a PSIA vs. others argument (will leave that for other message boards) but in my struggles to get past the terminal intermediate phase I have not used any techniques I was taught in my beginner lessons...if anything I've been trying to unlearn them. There may be some biomechanical reason to learn snowplow turns as a beginner but I still don't understand why.

I actually think learning and then being an instructor would be a good way to get out on the slopes and get the miles and vertical in. Like the OP, however, I also run into the situations where life gets in the way.

My plan is to get out when I can and hope for the little ah-ha moments that will eventually get me to ski better. Also want to keep in decent shape because it sucks to try to learn something like skiing when your legs are cramped from being weak and you're sucking wind.

 

[MadMadWorld]

Don't want to get into a PSIA vs. others argument (will leave that for other message boards) but in my struggles to get past the terminal intermediate phase I have not used any techniques I was taught in my beginner lessons...if anything I've been trying to unlearn them. There may be some biomechanical reason to learn snowplow turns as a beginner but I still don't understand why.

I actually think learning and then being an instructor would be a good way to get out on the slopes and get the miles and vertical in. Like the OP, however, I also run into the situations where life gets in the way.

My plan is to get out when I can and hope for the little ah-ha moments that will eventually get me to ski better. Also want to keep in decent shape because it sucks to try to learn something like skiing when your legs are cramped from being weak and you're sucking wind.

No idea what it costs now to take their instructor training course at Wachusett but I know lots of people just took it to become a better skier with no intention of becoming an instructor. One thing that really clicked after becoming an instructor was the "why" behind everything.

 

[MadMadWorld]

From what I have just read of the standards, it looks to me like a skier with upper intermediate skills could become a Level 1 instructor if he/she has the book knowledge.

Level 1 is just a written test and it's very easy to pass. It's a huge revenue stream for PSIA. Level 2 is tough. If you pass level 3 you are a damn good skier/rider.

 

[wa-loaf]

Just buy some new gear. That will solve all your problems!

 

[KevinF]

Level 1 is just a written test and it's very easy to pass. It's a huge revenue stream for PSIA. Level 2 is tough. If you pass level 3 you are a damn good skier/rider.

Really? I last instructed back in the mid-90s, but back then, L1 definitely had a skiing component to it. I think the only way to fail was if you ran over the examiner or something, but you did have to click into ski boots.

 

[MadMadWorld]

Really? I last instructed back in the mid-90s, but back then, L1 definitely had a skiing component to it. I think the only way to fail was if you ran over the examiner or something, but you did have to click into ski boots.

I should have prefaced my statement with the fact that I did my level 1 in the late 90s. But that is how I remember it.

 

[jack97]

IMO, commitment is the key, whether its a ski instructor clinic or just a clinic in general. The real hurdle is convincing the boss to get the free time. My hidden agenda approach is to convince wifey that the kids need to go to ski school to be a well rounded person. One she is convince of that then use that time for lessons or clinics.

 

[Domeskier]

My hidden agenda approach is to convince wifey that the kids need to go to ski school to be a well rounded person.

I sure hope she doesn't read this forum if that is your goal! :grin:

 

[Not Sure]

IMO, commitment is the key, whether its a ski instructor clinic or just a clinic in general. The real hurdle is convincing the boss to get the free time. My hidden agenda approach is to convince wifey that the kids need to go to ski school to be a well rounded person. One she is convince of that then use that time for lessons or clinics.

If that fails....Bribery is your last resort

 

[Abubob]

I found these exercises (years ago) really help. They prepare the precise muscles used for skiing. Combine these with core exercises and you'll feel like you've been skiing several times already so your confidence will really go up.

http://books.google.com/books?id=5ZXLE1u_HIUC&lpg=PA76&dq=2004%20skiing%20magazine&pg=PA152#v=onepage&q=2004%20skiing%20magazine&f=true