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Ski Instructor DO's and DON'T's

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-Colton
Posts: 272 - Karma: 2,525
Tittle says it all...


First year Ski Instructor out of Glen Eden.. Looking for some tips :)

+K to the best ones ...
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Nov 6 2015 6:12PM
55 2
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e~b
Posts: 861 - Karma: 2,735
Be fun. Don't throw it all at them at one time, take it step by step and build it up. And if you plan on taking them in the park, give em a quick run down of park rules. Good luck!
Nov 6 2015 6:16PM
17 0
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TheButterHashira
Posts: 9691 - Karma: 1,702
Think about what you want to say before you say it based on who you are talking to. Don't just recite the same lesson the same exact way. Fewer words and simpler analogies are better, especially for group lessons.

Watch and listen to other instructors giving lessons. Sometimes it takes a key phrase or presentation to trigger a student into getting something. Learning those analogies and key phrases is really helpful.

It is important to remember that you are in a customer service position. Teaching people is important, but not everyone is going to get it after one lesson. The number one thing is to help the people have fun.


The real C word is "can't".
Nov 6 2015 6:25PM
3 0
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.MASSHOLE.
Posts: 7481 - Karma: 11,497
Make it fun.

They may not be great skiers, but if you can make it fun, it will be that much better for you and them.
Nov 6 2015 6:34PM
5 0
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.Roockley.
Posts: 3864 - Karma: 4,078
keep it simple, make sure they are comfortable and having fun. if not then they probably wont be to open to learning to ski

teach kids how to stand up themselves after falling, otherwise some of them will give you the run around

if a child goes quiet there is normally something to be picked up on such as being them being cold, or needing the toilet. the last thing you want is a code yellow or worse code brown at the top of a run

any specific questions shoot me a PM!
Nov 6 2015 6:45PM
4 0
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theabortionator
Posts: 51645 - Karma: 162,278
Keep it fun

Don't let the shitty lessons, shitty parents get you down.

Remember how much skiing has done for you, and try to put that back out there.
Nov 6 2015 6:46PM
3 0
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Brule.
Posts: 3920 - Karma: 6,206
I'm a fellow ski instructor and I have some tips from my first year as an instructor (a.k.a. last winter).

-Keep everything short, sweet, and to the point. There's a good chance that you're gonna be stuck teaching kids how to ski your first year, and their attention spans are short. Don't use big and technical words in front of them because they won't know what you're talking about and it's going to make the lesson frustrating for everyone. Also, make sure you have their attention because sometimes they'll go off in space and forget what you're teaching them.

-Make sure that the customer's experience is fun during the lesson. In most cases, the customers are having a rough morning, so when you brighten their day with your enthusiasm, they will most likely come back.

-Leave all your troubles at the door. If you're having a bad day, leave everything behind before the lesson starts. Like I said, the customers will be happy by your positive enthusiasm and that will turn your bad day into a good one.
Nov 6 2015 7:04PM
5 0
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Criloh
Posts: 348 - Karma: 2,091
try to keep in mind what it felt like to start to learn how to ski so you can relate to the people you are teaching
Nov 6 2015 8:05PM
1 0
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iFlip
Posts: 4543 - Karma: 19,132
Get ready to have your world revolve around tips. You discussions will center around who tipped and who didn't, how much, etc. Get ready to hate people who don't tip and be surprised by how generous some people can be. Get ready to be completely disgusted by people who are pulling in hundreds of thousands per year, yet won't tip you $10 or $20. Get ready to learn to hate children.
Nov 6 2015 8:20PM
7 0
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graber
Posts: 12 - Karma: 65
Go into boot shops talk like you've been an expert your whole life. Talk about how you need a knee alignment and disagree with every one in the shop. This is how the majority of my time with instructors is spent. So I guess you should do the same. You got this kid!
Nov 6 2015 8:22PM
9 0
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Breaking_Rad
Posts: 478 - Karma: 1,092
Don't talk about how you are a ski instructor at parties, get togethers, social settings.
Nov 6 2015 8:27PM
5 0
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JoeMadDog
Posts: 8 - Karma: 20
Most importantly: It's gotta be fun, everything else is optional. Be the most excited 8yr old in the group. Kids love stoke. If you're enjoying it, they will too. I drink a lot of Monster and chase squirrels. Life is good.

Don't forget that teaching day 1 never-ever skiers is the most improvement you'll ever get from a student, and learn how to be stoked on that cos it's rewarding. It's also the most important ski day they'll ever have... if they love it they'll be back, and you've enhanced their life.

Learn how to read parents, and always take the time to talk with them at the end of the day. Prep the kids for that too. Pop quiz on the last lift ride, again on the last run. What you taught them sounds good when told by you, but coming from them is way better and helps them remember it too. Have a contact email address and business cards for parents, especially if their kid is someone you want to ski with again. After all, each year they come back bigger, stronger and - thanks to you - better. 3yrs down the line you'll turn up to work to go shred with teenagers and get paid to send stuff. You have to earn it, but it'll happen.

Terrain can teach a lot without people even knowing it. Pick your runs, and use the park when safe as it builds good all-around skiers. But, as others have said, first lap EVERY day has gotta be 0 hits just feature inspection and safety - call drops, use spotters, get clear etc.. as that stuff not only kills snakes but also covers you if something goes wrong. Even the best 9yr olds go 14ft to flat off a hip every once in a while. If you inspected it, that's on them. If not, totally your bad.

Do it for the love of skiing, not the money - especially the stupid tips. Drives me mad as hell to hear colleagues in the US go on about them. In Canada we were lucky to get $300 over a whole winter working full time.

Lastly, never forget that you are less important to a ski day than a liftie, and look after your bunny hill lift crew when you get a really good tip day.
Nov 6 2015 10:08PM
2 0
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tschums
Posts: 207 - Karma: 1,064
to switch it up from all of the other replies about how you should teach:
In regards to your attitude about it - think of it as one of the best possible jobs you can have. While your friends are working as a bus boy youre teaching people how to ski. It does seem shitty when youre at the magic carpet and you see all your friends come down but its worth it. If the mountain has night skiing especially - free tickets and discounted food, and a great reward after working
Nov 6 2015 10:34PM
2 0
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Bagels
Posts: 1022 - Karma: 1,306
If the Mom touches you anywhere lower than your Go Pro mount, she's looking to get railed sooner than later to make up for the lack of father figure to afford paying for the ski instructor with a go pro mount, Trust me, I'm a professional go pro mounter.
Nov 6 2015 10:51PM
13 0
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robert.clarkeiii
Posts: 154 - Karma: 448
Just make sure they really understand the basics because remember "If you french fry when you're suppose to pizza, you're gonna have a bad time m'kay."-Mr.Mackey
Nov 6 2015 11:04PM
2 0
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theabortionator
Posts: 51645 - Karma: 162,278
If you don't like them, bring them down the steepest trail on the mountain. When they fall, spray them, tell them everything you hate about them, then ski away into the abyss, laughing, smoking a blunt and sipping a 40 with tupac blaring out of your headphones.
Nov 7 2015 12:00AM
11 0
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Byron_tha_gr8
Posts: 4573 - Karma: 14,299
Breaking_RadDon't talk about how you are a ski instructor at parties, get togethers, social settings.


this.

If you're a lifty, you can mention it casually, but be sure not to brag. Patrol; you better have a patrol shirt on with a beacon strapped over it for everyone to see.
Nov 7 2015 12:14AM
2 0
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Skiingsnow
Posts: 1567 - Karma: 797
graberGo into boot shops talk like you've been an expert your whole life. Talk about how you need a knee alignment and disagree with every one in the shop. This is how the majority of my time with instructors is spent. So I guess you should do the same. You got this kid!


Am and instructor and can confirm, i know way more about what you do than you. I'm very important.
Nov 7 2015 2:07AM
3 0
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freestyler540
Posts: 13083 - Karma: 18,725
dont be an automaton where you do a full hour of exercises and feedback. I hated that and costumers will hate skiing. Let the client ski and have fun.

Make sure to have challenges for all abilities. Some are in the course, but most are invented on the spot. You dont need to know what you are doing, just make it look like you know what you are doing.

If its your first year, you will be getting a lot of 4 to 8 year olds and first time on skis. Get to know them well and teach skiing in a way it connects to their interest. Most kids dont wanna be there either, so break up the course with idle chit chat.
Remember the parents are paying the bills so your client is really the parents. Sucking up to them just might give you more work.

Learn all the lousy stereotypes of a skiing instructor and use them. People can relate to you easier. That includes the Aussie accent.

Just have fun and dont think about it too much, as long as they are hooked on the sport, you did your job well. Always be positive, even if you have to fake it.

Glen Eden... Where did I hear about that hill?
Nov 7 2015 6:24AM
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Xanderpe
Posts: 81 - Karma: 157
Best thing to do with kids at the end of the day is: Let them wear your jacket and let them play the ski instructor. It will look G as fuck since your jacket is most likely oversized for them. And they wanna do really good infront of the other kids then.
Nov 7 2015 7:16AM
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chuckmarty
Posts: 344 - Karma: 448
Make them watch GNAR every night for homework
Nov 7 2015 9:41AM
2 0
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-Colton
Posts: 272 - Karma: 2,525
.

Glen Eden... Where did I hear about that hill?[/quote]
Small hill in Ontario... Lots of people.. decent park.. good riders :)

Best snow school ever ;)
Nov 7 2015 11:29AM
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-Colton
Posts: 272 - Karma: 2,525
The referenced post has been removed.


NS night possibly ? Would be sick to get a crew riding once a week
Nov 7 2015 11:30AM
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KitAkira
Posts: 12 - Karma: 17
Do make sure that your skiing is the same as what you're saying (if you're teaching wedge turns, don't get lazy and start doing parallel turns)
Do have fun; even if you have a low level lesson, learn to have fun doing flatland stuff so you don't burn out

Don't terrain fuck your students
Don't trust parents when they estimate their child's skill
Don't return a kid crying. If your students are crashing, go in for hot chocolate half an hour before the end of class so they're fresh when you give them back

Also, stickers can save lives

If you can make it work financially, instructing can be one of the most fun jobs on the hill
Nov 8 2015 12:41PM
3 0
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-Colton
Posts: 272 - Karma: 2,525
KitAkiraDo make sure that your skiing is the same as what you're saying (if you're teaching wedge turns, don't get lazy and start doing parallel turns)
Do have fun; even if you have a low level lesson, learn to have fun doing flatland stuff so you don't burn out

Don't terrain fuck your students
Don't trust parents when they estimate their child's skill
Don't return a kid crying. If your students are crashing, go in for hot chocolate half an hour before the end of class so they're fresh when you give them back

Also, stickers can save lives

If you can make it work financially, instructing can be one of the most fun jobs on the hill


Stickers as in.... for the children?
Nov 8 2015 5:31PM
0 0
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WidelyHomier
Posts: 49 - Karma: 108
Let the kids challenge themselves and have fun once in a while, if you see them getting bored ask if they want to try something harder to break up the actual teaching aspect.
Nov 8 2015 5:57PM
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CHORIZO
Posts: 2003 - Karma: 10,039
whenever my friends call me a pussy, it pushed me to get better.
Nov 8 2015 8:54PM
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brett_fisher
Posts: 2417 - Karma: 10,494
When i go skiing with my school for a field trip it gets boring bc we have the same instructor for the 4 thursdays and just stops every couple feet and talks about edge control and to be even weight on both skis and dumb shit and makes it boring i don't pay attention but be cool and don't stop too much but make it fun.
Nov 8 2015 11:26PM
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PacificRimJob
Posts: 24725 - Karma: 29,944
DON'T french fry when you should pizza.

DO french fry when you should french fry.
Nov 9 2015 10:33AM
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PacificRimJob
Posts: 24725 - Karma: 29,944
KitAkiraDon't terrain fuck your students


best thing I've read this week.
Nov 9 2015 10:35AM
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hemlockjibber8
Posts: 5977 - Karma: 3,545
Do: ski
Don't: instruct
Nov 9 2015 10:37AM
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-Colton
Posts: 272 - Karma: 2,525
Interviewer: "Do you pizza or french fry?"
Me: "Yeah i liike to french fry .... allot. I'm the peak opisite of who you want to hire, but im deffs the best skiier on the mountain"


Holy shit.... Game of gnar .... but like .... With the munchkins !? Holy shit i just invented jesus
Nov 9 2015 8:29PM
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ghoti_hook
Posts: 243 - Karma: 1,225
Bump. I’m going through my first trial lesson to become an instructor and it sucks right now. I’m wondering if this is even for me. They are talking about wide and narrow edge turns and criticizing every turn we make. I get they are trying to train us to be skiing models so others can replicate, but I thought they would be teaching us a lot more do’s and don’t s of teaching etiquette and how to get people generally just stoked to be on the snow.
Dec 12 2020 12:37PM
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ReturnToMonkey
Posts: 6394 - Karma: 69,421
Every single thing you teach, make sure to teach it switch too. Also, first thing to teach them is afterbang
Dec 12 2020 1:18PM
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BenFrost
Posts: 160 - Karma: 644
I taught kids so it was a lot more geared towards making it fun and not over complicating it. Like someone said before don’t throw everything at them at once and take things one step at a time. Everyone has their own style and you’ll get the hang of it after a few lessons I wouldn’t worry about it too much. Teaching is about trial and error just as much as learning how to ski is.

As far as do’s and don’ts I would say make sure you’re giving you’re attention to everyone and not focusing on a few people in the group. The first 30 minutes to an hour it’s important to try to gauge everyone’s ability so you can move students up or down a level if necessary. It’s way easier to teach a group of a similar level rather than having some people who are picking it up easily and others who are lagging behind. Just be very observant and make pointers where needed instead of trying to teach your group how to do everything at once and expecting them to retain and replicate it right away. The first couple weeks will be a huge learning experience for you and you’ll pick up on what works quickly. There’s no sense second guessing yourself before you start just go into it with an open mind and you’ll do fine.
ghoti_hookBump. I’m going through my first trial lesson to become an instructor and it sucks right now. I’m wondering if this is even for me. They are talking about wide and narrow edge turns and criticizing every turn we make. I get they are trying to train us to be skiing models so others can replicate, but I thought they would be teaching us a lot more do’s and don’t s of teaching etiquette and how to get people generally just stoked to be on the snow.
Dec 12 2020 1:40PM
0 0
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r00kie
Posts: 5238 - Karma: 59,578
ghoti_hookBump. I’m going through my first trial lesson to become an instructor and it sucks right now. I’m wondering if this is even for me. They are talking about wide and narrow edge turns and criticizing every turn we make. I get they are trying to train us to be skiing models so others can replicate, but I thought they would be teaching us a lot more do’s and don’t s of teaching etiquette and how to get people generally just stoked to be on the snow.


Sounds like you're in a PSIA clinic? Just have to be patient and work through that. I thought the same thing when I started. Once you start teaching indenpendantly you can let your gaurd down a bit and teach YOUR lesson, not the textbook robotic way the clinicians have you teach.

Here's my list of do's and don'ts:

DO recognize that students will copy how you ski. You need to be mindful of this.

DON'T let the old timer instructors get under your skin. They see a lot of people come and go, stick around and teach well you'll earn their respect.

DO ask to work with the occasional adult or intermediate level skier. Starting out you'll doing a lot of first time kids and they will burn you out. Getting a good lesson with an adult or somewhat experienced kid will refresh ya.

DON'T keep tip ties on the kids too long as they will become dependant on them which is very difficult to overcome. Also don't be afraid to use them on adults for a run if needed.

DO buy beer for any co workers that see you fall during a lesson.

DON'T get upset at kids when they fall. It happens, a lot. It's not their fault, they're learning and trying.

DO demonstrat how to fall to the side right when you get to the top of the the bunny hill.

DON'T be afraid to take poles away from people.

Theres a lot more feel free to pm me if you have any questions.
Dec 12 2020 2:18PM
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b0ss
Posts: 795 - Karma: 6,271
-ColtonTittle says it all...


First year Ski Instructor out of Glen Eden.. Looking for some tips :)

+K to the best ones ...

Listen to your students goals bruh don't just start blindly teaching 180s and 360s like their life depends on it. I always encourage my high level students to get an ns account, they should have a voice.
Dec 13 2020 2:01PM
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anders_a
Posts: 1680 - Karma: 5,603
My mum still tells the story when I was a tiny kid and got lessons... we were supposed to be different animals and make sounds while moving around with skis on on the flats... aka no actual skiiing.. I came home crying saying it sucked and we didnt learn anything, got bumped to "advanced" the next day, loved it, never looked back, dude didnt treat us like total idiots and just actual skiiing and skills.



Fun, can be learning/skiiing
Dec 13 2020 4:45PM
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iced
Posts: 3070 - Karma: 17,965
I know this is an old thread but I wanted to say use bamboo poles to get kids/people up
stand on the downhill ski and plant the pole end on the ground and hold it like a staff
have the skier grab on and climb up it (with a little pull effort from you sometimes)
ive found it stops kids from just falling over when their tired or don't wanna stand and wait, as it forces them to do some work to get up
Dec 13 2020 5:39PM
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Chris.B
Posts: 464 - Karma: 683
For me as a kid the most important thing I was taught in skiing was how to hockey stop, I felt so much more comfortable going down the slopes after that.
Dec 13 2020 5:50PM
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