Why are lessons so expensive?

[Breeze]

Hook up with a bunch of public school teachers, score a dozen rooms in a block in off slope lodging , in a place that partners lodging with the lift ticket. BYO crockpot meals, BYO libations, designate hospitality captains and hospitality suites. Have gobs of fun with a group of people bent on having fun who don't give a rat's patootie whether you even ski at all. If you are there in the spirit of FUN, thats all that matters.

Mt Abrams, Greenwood Maine. West side chair. Developed purposely to recapture the aged out, returning after layoff or injury, or young family. Awesome introduction or re-introduction to chair-lift served skiing Views to take your breath away, fun stuff aside from skiing, many very friendly hands around. Not a big name resort, but dedicated to make sure you CAN still Ski/Ride and have fun outside of the pressure for good, better, best...

Breeze

 

[gmcunni]

One thing I'm surprised you don't see more of is independent instructors. I

craigslist-

Professional Ski Instruction For 75% less than the reosrts will charge!!! Don't pay 700$ for an all day long private lesson from the resorts. I have 4 years of experience as a ski instuctor and have been skiing my whole life.

Private alpine ski lessons available at Gunstock Mountain in Gilford, New Hampshire.
From beginner to advanced levels.
$50 for 4 hours or $75 for full day. Passes and tickets NOT included.

Offering lessons at Pico, Killington, Magic, Sugarbush and Bolton and guaranteed cheaper than the mountains prices.
We are a group of avid skiers and riders who have taught previously and are current teachers or ski patrollers. We are down to earth locals at these mountains and know them very well. Can also act as a guide to first timers in the area and many mountains can be covered.

 

[eclaire]

This guy agrees!

http://www.aspentimes.com/article/20101231/NEWS/101239959/1077&ParentProfile=1058

 

[Stache]

KO, I've read this thread and the linked to article.

Here it is, Business 101. Charge as much as you can and still have paying custoners lined up.

And if that Instructor doesn't like what he is being paid then it is a free country and he can go elsewhere and find a boss that agrees with him.

Actually Mts. LOSE money on Privates compared to group lessons. 5 people paying $40 for a 2 hr group lesson equals $200 or $100/hr. If they sell that same Instructor for a one hour private at $80 they do not profit as much.

Twenty four years ago when I began teaching (and earned my PSIA Certification) I was paid $180/wk for 24 hours of group instruction ($6/hr). I received a 35%-50% commission on the Privates. Last year teaching at a Western MA ski area, that has their own Wind Turbine, I received $8.75/hr with a $5 kicker if I was requested by name for a Private.

I wasn't exactly happy with that (moreso I wasn't happy at being worked 8:30 am - 4:30 pm with nary a pee break nor a chance to eat a bowl of pea soup, never mind a chance to FREE ski). So this season I am teaching somewhere else for more pay with more time to actually utilize that FREE ski pass that comes with the job.

The real sad change over the last two decades is that with the dwindling pay (basically minimum hourly wage and you only get paid for the hours you are actually teaching) the result is we in America have the greatest ski instructors in the world. They are just working at a real job somewhere and buying their own lift tickets and not teaching anymore. Instead you may get some hung over high school dropout who is willing to take the job for the free lift ticket and the warm jacket. The only way to make sure you get your money's worth when you plunk that gold card down on the counter is to DEMAND a CERTIFIED Pro or Demand your money back!

RE: Worker's Comp, at least in NY, Ski Instructors are categorized as TEACHERS and guess what the workers comp rate is for TEACHERS????? Also Teachers in NY are exempt from overtime and minimum wage statutes.

 

[deadheadskier]

craigslist-

see, that seems smart. Only they probably don't get much business advertising through craigslist. That's why I suggested they get their names in with local lodging properties.

 

[Black Phantom]

KO, I've read this thread and the linked to article.

Here it is, Business 101. Charge as much as you can and still have paying custoners lined up.

And if that Instructor doesn't like what he is being paid then it is a free country and he can go elsewhere and find a boss that agrees with him.

Actually Mts. LOSE money on Privates compared to group lessons. 5 people paying $40 for a 2 hr group lesson equals $200 or $100/hr. If they sell that same Instructor for a one hour private at $80 they do not profit as much.

Twenty four years ago when I began teaching (and earned my PSIA Certification) I was paid $180/wk for 24 hours of group instruction ($6/hr). I received a 35%-50% commission on the Privates. Last year teaching at a Western MA ski area, that has their own Wind Turbine, I received $8.75/hr with a $5 kicker if I was requested by name for a Private.

I wasn't exactly happy with that (moreso I wasn't happy at being worked 8:30 am - 4:30 pm with nary a pee break nor a chance to eat a bowl of pea soup, never mind a chance to FREE ski). So this season I am teaching somewhere else for more pay with more time to actually utilize that FREE ski pass that comes with the job.

The real sad change over the last two decades is that with the dwindling pay (basically minimum hourly wage and you only get paid for the hours you are actually teaching) the result is we in America have the greatest ski instructors in the world. They are just working at a real job somewhere and buying their own lift tickets and not teaching anymore. Instead you may get some hung over high school dropout who is willing to take the job for the free lift ticket and the warm jacket. The only way to make sure you get your money's worth when you plunk that gold card down on the counter is to DEMAND a CERTIFIED Pro or Demand your money back!

RE: Worker's Comp, at least in NY, Ski Instructors are categorized as TEACHERS and guess what the workers comp rate is for TEACHERS????? Also Teachers in NY are exempt from overtime and minimum wage statutes.

PSIA= pretend ski instructors of America.

 

[deadheadskier]

PSIA= pretend ski instructors of America.

you know, I hear this often

I know a number of PSIA instructors who absolutely rip, are great instructors and take a lot of pride in what they do.

 

[Black Phantom]

you know, I hear this often

I know a number of PSIA instructors who absolutely rip, are great instructors and take a lot of pride in what they do.

Unfortunately, the number is small compared to the majority of tools that hide behind 'psia' patches.

BTW- why are you seeking an instructor if you ski with these ripppers?

 

[mister moose]

Unfortunately, the number is small compared to the majority of tools that hide behind 'psia' patches.

BTW- why are you seeking an instructor if you ski with these ripppers?

In my experience, the number of talented dedicated instructors is far in excess of the number of tools. The parka does attract tools though.

To the OP, I think what you mean to say is "Why are walk up last minute window rate lessons are so expensive at big resorts?

And the answer is of course the same one for last minute walk up rate window lift tickets at big resorts. The resort is in it for a profit.

Lessons can be had for far less if you arrange well in advance, and are willing to buy in bulk. There are ski clubs that offer lessons for free. There are package lessons that meet once a week at a local feeder hill for a 6 to 8 week stretch. There are "camps" where you go for a weekend, or longer, and you get all day instruction on a particular venue, like racing or bumps. Resorts offer very reasonable ski and stay 5 day packages that frequently include a lesson each day. Smaller hills are cheaper to both ski and take lessons, it doesn't have to be at mega resorts.

Remember, it will take many lessons to get better, and you are never finished. There is no 1 hour magic lesson that will transform you to über skier.

 

[Stache]

PSIA = :

Poor Skiers Immitating Austrians
Proper Stance Improper Angles
Probably Still Inside Arguing
PLEASE Say I'm AWESOME
Actually it is a secrect code backward Acronym for
Assholes In Stretch Pants

 

[deadheadskier]

Unfortunately, the number is small compared to the majority of tools that hide behind 'psia' patches.

BTW- why are you seeking an instructor if you ski with these ripppers?

Because I have no desire to travel to WISP or Snowshoe, both places that I worked and got to know PSIA instructors.

 

[Stache]

What is the difference between a large cheese pizza and a Ski Instructor?

A Large Cheese Pizza can feed a family of four.





How can you tell who is the Ski Instructor at a cocktail party??

You don't have to, they'll tell you, "I'm a Ski Instructor."

 

[ta&idaho]

Move to Idaho: $129 beginner package includes two days' beginner area lift tickets, two days' rentals, and unlimited beginner lessons for the rest of the season.

http://www.brundage.com/7577/learn-to-ski-guarantee-offers-unlimited-beginner-lessons-for-just-129/

 

[Black Phantom]

Because I have no desire to travel to WISP or Snowshoe, both places that I worked and got to know PSIA instructors.

Good point. I have heard good things about Wisp.

If you are looking to step it up a notch, check these guys out. You won't be disappointed. :flag:

http://www.epicquest.com/trips/snow/

 

[Black Phantom]

How can you tell who is the Ski Instructor at a cocktail party??

You don't have to, they'll tell you, "I'm a Ski Instructor."

This

 

[WWF-VT]

Move to Idaho: $129 beginner package includes two days' beginner area lift tickets, two days' rentals, and unlimited beginner lessons for the rest of the season.

http://www.brundage.com/7577/learn-to-ski-guarantee-offers-unlimited-beginner-lessons-for-just-129/

Another $100 gets you three days of rentals, lessons and a seasons pass at Sugarbush

http://www.sugarbush.com/ski-ride-school/first-timer-lessons