Lessons

[Sparky]

There was a survey a while ago that asked what skiers though would be the best investment to improve their skiing. The response was a season pass. This got me to wondering (which happens a lot when I’m at work) do upper level skiers (people on forums like this one) take lessons? If so how many in a season? if you don't why?

 

[ski_adk]

Nothing beats snow time, but...

On-snow time is definately the first part of improving. However, if all you do out there is reinforce bad habits, you'll go nowhere quickly...except maybe the hospital.

Lessons help tune your style and push your potential. I only took 4 lessons last year, but without them, I don't think I would have improved as much as I did. Also, read up on skiing technique. There are some great publications out there. The All-Mountain Skier definately helped me as well.

Remember, knowing is half the battle.

 

[riverc0il]

do upper level skiers (people on forums like this one) take lessons? If so how many in a season? if you don't why?

i don't. despite not knowing any one with flawless technique and knowing my technique is far from perfect, the cost to impact ratio of a lesson for myself just wouldn't be worth it. i think upper level skiers already know what they need to work on (though a fresh perspective and a different set of eyes never hurts!). i am consistantly thinking about improving technique while skiing, something i constantly work on. i can feel what i am really nailing and what still needs some work. doesn't compute to drop 20-30 for something i would not likely get much out of that i did not already know. not saying i couldn't benefit from someone giving me a tip or two, just saying it isn't worth the money, imo. i took a lot of lessons and spent time with lots of race coaches in the past, fwiw. i still learn a lot every year, often times i learn from the people i am skiing with as the places i need the most help improving my technique are places that lessons are not available :lol:

 

[thetrailboss]

My results are skewed...I took four last season as part of my vacation...none planned this season.

 

[eatskisleep]

For racing I guess you could say it is sortof like lessons but instead it is like a coach. I ahve only taken two lessons in my life. Both were at Attitash. I ahve taken one snowboarding lesson. And this year I plan to learn to Telemark and hope to get a lesson in that too.

 

[ctenidae]

I took lessons when I was 6 or 7, but haven't since. It probably shows.

 

[Powderhound21]

I never took em. Self taught shredder.

 

[Greg]

I've never taken a lesson, but could probably use some...

 

[tirolerpeter]

Lessons?

I keep meaning to take a lesson or two, but I'm having too much fun skiing. Once I get out on the mountain in good conditions, I find the idea of standing around while things get organized, or while the class "dunce" gets corrected for the same thing for the third time just too much wasted ski time. It's not that I couldn't use some improvement, I just can't stop myself from heading for the lift the minute I'm geared up.

 

[tirolerpeter]

Double post

Sorry, it won't let me delete the accidental double post.

Got it Bob R

 

[Marc]

It's ok Peter, the second post can be considered to come from me. I feel the same way.


Never taken a formal lesson, probably never will. Have no desire to.

 

[tirolerpeter]

Lessons? postscript

I always observe skiers while riding the lift. It is pretty easy to see "do's and don'ts." When I teach others I find it very useful to have them observe both proper and improper techniques while I explain what is happening, and relate it to what they are doing or not doing. I also read up on techniques. I'm one of those fortunate people who can actually learn from books and manuals.

 

[ALLSKIING]

I usually take one lesson a year and work on what they taught me for that year.

 

[Vortex]

I find someone who skies better than me and challenge myself. I find that helps. I ski with some instructors and take some points. I'm not sure if there would be value in a lesson. I have reached the point where I don't listen much anymore. Set in my ways.

 

[tree_skier]

I have a whole gang of little J5's to work with all season :lol:

 

[highpeaksdrifter]

I take clinics every season. They are both fun and helpful. This season I hope to take a park clinic. I want to be the baddest old guy in there.

 

[dmc]

I just try and telemark with people better then me...
They give me great tips...

Last year a telefest I blew off all the clinics to ski with my friends... Who gave me tips all day...

 

[Brettski]

I like to take a lesson or two every season...last couple though I have been spending the lessons on my kids...

I used to take two or three a year...especially in the afternoons on a busy weekend to beat the lines...

 

[highpeaksdrifter]

I have a whole gang of little J5's to work with all season :lol:

That's great. I really admire people who spend time coaching young kids. It takes alot of patienc. What mountain do you work at and how long have you been coaching?

 

[Sky]

Two things.

1) A previous poster mentioned "The All Mountain Skier". I should get royalties since I plug it so much. Great book.

2) Lessons...Wachusett has a great deal...used to be $59 for the past few years...just went to $69 for FIVE group lessons. A booklet of coupons that you can spend over two ski seasons! Looking at the responses in this forum/this poll...you can see that better skiers are not "likely" to take a lesson. Well that works great with this program @ Wa. Because my "group" lesson becomes a "private" lesson since no other good skiers opt for this plan!!

I will say that three years ago when I first started these lessons...I kept coming up with excuses to NOT take the lesson. Big time anxiety about what level skier I was, who else would be in the lesson, etc. I didn't know what to ask for help with...didn't know what I didn't know type of thing. Angst all the way to the mountain.

So I swallowed hard, stood in line with all the non-skiers taking group lessons *more angst*. So I get asked what level I am and what do I want to work on and...I spill my guts about what I "think" I need blah blah blah.

I got this great instructor...we go to the head of the lift line (another perk!). We ski to check out my level...we start working on the bad habits etc. We were supposed to cut the 1-1/2 hr lesson to 1 hr because it was 1 on 1 vs a group (mt policy), but the instructor and I were having such a great time, we worked the entire 1-1/2 hr. I tipped the guy $15.

Since then...no more angst, no worries....more private lessons @ group lesson rates (plus tip). Looking forward to more lessons this year.

Recently overheard a pal relate this story: Visitor from Europe, excelent skier, they go to K-Mart. Visitor signs up for a private lesson (becuase he knows there was an awesome instructor..world-class). Hooks back up with his host later in the day. Host notices the visitor skis like a pro and asks why he took the lesson. Response: Always looking to improve.

Good guidance I think. Certainly time on snow is very important. As mentioned somewhere above, time spent on snow NOT making the same mistakes/reinfocing the same bad habits is better.

Last thing...Had a golf pal (scratch player) almost give up the game this year out of frustration. I finally convinced him to take a lesson from the pro (took LOTS of coersion). ONE! ONE comment from the pro right off the bat made everything all better.

Certainly there are those in this forum who have quality skills and neither want nor need lessons. For me...I like lessons. I like the feedback.