Diva Ski Tips

I've heard a lot of our instructors talking about "feeling the side of the foot" when turning the legs.  When I ask if they can feel the side of their big toe during bow-ties or figure 8's in boots, they say they do.   Here's a secret: I don't .  And no, it's  not  because I have boots three sizes too big.  So can we really expect our beginner skiers to feel a such subtle difference - resistance from the side of the boot versus pressure down onto the foot?   That downward pressure isn't desired at the beginner level - it means our skiers are either tipping the skis on edge without control over turn radius or (more likely) are pressuring the outside ski to turn, a strategy that will not promote progression to parallel.   Part of learning any sport is becoming familiar with and paying attention to the sensations.  In another post, I'll discuss how you can tune into sensations to improve your skiing.  For now, lets think about it fro...

This is the beginner progression I wrote to help my new instructor candidates. I welcome feedback on it. Here are my sources and additional resources. Introducing the lift • Organize the group before getting to the line. • Check for loose clothing and to make sure pole straps are removed. • Point out groups loading the lift and explain the process. • Explain how to unload and tell group to meet at the trail map sign at the top of the hill. • Explain how to use the safety bar Responsibility code • Always ski in control. • People ahead of you have the right of way. Look uphill and yield. • Explain the significance of trail markers. Show guests the terrain available to them. First run • Some guests may become scared looking down at the slope. Remind guests of the skills you developed on easier terrain. Ask guests to make a turn to a stop to develop confidence. • Manage your group. Tell them exactly where to stop • Give individual coaching so that each guest walks a...

This is the beginner progression I wrote to help my new instructor candidates. I welcome feedback on it. Here are my sources and additional resources. Shallow deviations Goal: Help students develop their first turns, starting with small changes in direction working towards turns and turns to a stop. Terrain: Small incline Estimated Time: 10 -15 minutes Suggested activities: • Cross the line – Draw a line in the snow, ask guests to point the tips of the skis across the line. • Follow the path – Draw a path the snow for guests to follow. • Clock face – Draw a clock face in the snow. Ask guests to point their skis towards 11 and 1. Coaching Points: • Ankles, knees, and hips evenly flexed • Active steering of the legs Turning and stopping Goal: Develop the shallow deviations into turns and stops.  Terrain: Slightly steeper incline Estimated Time: As long it takes Suggested activities: • Slalom course – Put cones, gloves or poles up for your students turn ar...

This is the beginner progression I wrote to help my new instructor candidates. I welcome feedback on it. Here are my sources and additional resources. Why teach rotary? If a student can stand on skis then balance is working. The skis are in a wedge, so there is edging. Pressure is created naturally. Leaving only one of the four basic skills we need to introduce: rotary. You are also using a movement will serve guests as they continue to improve. Old school pressure turns are a dead end. Two ski Goal: Maintain balance while moving, reinforce rotary movements. Terrain: Flat Estimated Time: 10 minutes Suggested activities: • Skating • Sliding • Step around – Step in a circle with tips in and then tails in • Duck walk/Herringbone • Sidestepping Coaching Points: • Actively flex ankles to remain in balance • Take small steps to avoid tripping • Use edges to move uphill and stand in place on the hill Straight run Goal: Maintain balance while moving, reinforce go...

This is the beginner progression I wrote to help my new instructor candidates. I welcome feedback on it. Here are my sources and additional resources. After the boot excercises it's time to put on a ski.  It's up to you to allow guests to choose a ski or tell them which ski to put on.  Given a choice most will choose their dominat foot, so give plently of practice time when you go to the week foot. One ski Goal: Help guests become comfortable on a single ski and introduce balancing and rotary movements. Terrain: Flat Estimated Time: 10 -15 minutes Suggested activities: • The name game – Practice naming the parts of the ski. • Practice putting the ski on and taking it off • Gliding on one foot, scooters • Follow the leader • Red light/Green light • Push against the poles - On opposite edges, place one pole near the tip and the other pole near the tail. Then turn the skis to push against the poles. This gives the guests the feeling of creating turning force wi...

As promised here are my printed sources.  My human sources are the wonderful trainers and instructors of Liberty. Alderson, John. Captain Zembo's Ski and Snowboarding Guide for Kids . Professional Ski Instructors of America : Lakewood, CO. 1996. Crockett, Linda J. Children’s Instruction Handbook . Professional Ski Instructors of America : Lakewood, CO. 2000. Harvey, Megan. Alpine Technical Manual: Skiing and Teaching Skills . Professional Ski Instructors of America : Lakewood, CO. 2002. PSIA. Core Concepts for Snowsports Instructors . Professional Ski Instructors of America : Lakewood, CO. 2001. PSIA. Alpine Movement Assessment Pocket Guide . Professional Ski Instructors of America : Lakewood, CO. 2005. PSIA. Alpine Stepping Stones Pocket Guide . Professional Ski Instructors of America : Lakewood, CO. 2005. Westfedlt, Weems. Brillant Skiing, Every Day . Available at http://www.edgechange.com/ . Vail Resorts Mgt. Co. Vail and Beaver Creek Adult Alpine Teaching Handbo...

This is the beginner progression I wrote to help my new instructor candidates. I welcome feedback on it. Here are my sources and additional resources. Safety, Fun and Learning • Have fun! Get guests excited about skiing and develop comfort and belonging in our sport. • Don’t just put beginner lesson tape in and hit play. Assessing movements and coaching starts right from the beginning of the lesson and goes until the end. • Use terrain to create success. Avoid terrain that is too challenging or holds guests back from advancing at their own pace. • Provide ample time practice and repetition. People learn 10% of what they hear, 40% of what they see, but 80% of what they do. • Introduce and reinforce skiing responsibility and etiquette. • Learn your guests’ names. They enjoy the personal attention and it makes it easier for you to teach. Boot Exercises Goal: Help guests become comfortable moving in their boots on snow. Build awareness of balancing movements and the muscles n...