Lessons

[digsnow]

Never to old to learn...

Even after skiing since I was two and having had my ski instructors designation for over 20 years I try to take a lesson, or camp every year.

I'm not supporting lessons jsut because I used to make my living at it (had to join the corporate world - but trying to get back) but my experience has been lessons are an awesome investment. 1 day of lesson's can give your skiing a big jump and add a little extra fun to each run. Sure you have to forgo a day of what might also be excellent skiing, but I have never been sorry.

The last set of lessons I took were with an outfit in Whistler BC called Extremely Canadian. You hook up with a professional skier (200+ days on skis a year) who is also likely been seen in a few ski movies - and they show you how to hit it hard - really hard. We were lucky enough to get Wendy Brookbank (now Fisher) who was one of the famous 'hot chicks' in the Warren Miller movies in the 80's. Man can she ski!

After 3 days of that I definately pumped up my speed in the steep and deep and learned a few ways to get over fear of big drops too. Well worth it.

 

[Tyrolean_skier]

I joined the Killington Ski Club Skillfuls program last year. It is a great deal if you are member of the club - my husband and I have a membership because of our son who is in their program. You get 10 lessons for $165. See this link for more information: http://www.killingtonskiclub.com/programs/skillfuls.asp

I found that it did help me improve my skill but it did cut into my skiing time since I only ski on the weekends. I joined again this year but will not go to class if it's a powder day.

 

[Sparky]

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.

I think this sums things up nicely :beer:

 

[ChileMass]

......Host notices the visitor skis like a pro and asks why he took the lesson. Response: Always looking to improve.

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.

Can't argue with any of the points above.

I've been skiing since I was 8 and still learn from watching every advanced/expert skier I spend a day with. Carving sharper turns on shaped skis has ben my challenge for the past couple years, and I feel like I'm doing well.

There are few of us that couldn't benefit from objective eyes being applied to our technique. If you have trouble on ice, or if you can't seem to get the hang of bumps or crud or powder, or if you want to learn to ride a board, or if you want to learn how not to kill yourself in the backcountry, lessons are always available and a good investment in your technique, health and enjoyment. Why torture yourself and eat up an expensive, precious day on the slopes? Hire a pro for a couple hours and you'll be glad you did.....

 

[Sky]

I joined the Killington Ski Club Skillfuls program last year.

I have a brother-in-law @ killingtom who is ina "masters" (?) program. Not sure if it's racing or what. He does it every year.