Tips for Teaching Beginners?

chumba_WYO

chumba_WYO

New member
Yo ns, I have some friends who want to get into skiing this year, and have never been before. I’ve offered to teach them as I’ve been skiing for a while (15 yrs) and have taught and given tips to a few of my other friends in the past. I was wondering if there’s any small little details that an advanced skier might miss when teaching beginners? (beyond the basics of pizza, french fry etc.) Any tips or techniques for teaching would be appreciated.
 
Have them walk/run around in the snow in their ski boots before they even try to put skis on. I was an instructor for two seasons and always did this to help people get used to making "athletic" movements before trying to teach them to make turns.

Holding their poles in front of them horizontally (think handlebars) also helps get people used to skiing in the front seat.

Bullying and name-calling also work wonders.
 
Elate media has a pretty good ski school video series. I watched their videos religiously when I was first learning how to ski.

Start here and work your way through the videos in order.


There's a lot of day 1 stuff that experienced skiers don't really think about because it comes as second-nature. The first couple days are important for newbies. This is how you make a lasting impression of the sport.

I've taught a few friends and family in the past. It goes okay. These days, I'd rather convince people to invest in a beginner lesson. It's expensive, but the instructors will do a better job than I could. They'll have a better experience, learn more, and have more fun on the hill. I can meet up with them after they've learned to make basic pizza turns. Skiing itself is expensive, so investing in a lesson shows some commitment to the sport
 
Alright a ski instructor here, I got a few.

No poles. Only start using them when they start learning parallel skiing. If you let them use poles too early they’ll never learn how to move properly on flat ground. You know how people move when there is a slight upwards hill and they keep sliding back.

Teach them how to fall properly. Youtube will help you better than me explaining but learning about a proper way to fall will save some wrists.

Keeping your weight forward. Probably the most important thing for a beginner. Once again, youtube is full of fun beginner friendly videos that will help you.

Teach them the general rules of skiing. You’re always responsible for the person infront of you etc. Also make sure they can use all types of ski lifts on their own.

In general avoid over-explaining, let them try and fail.
 
sweet thanks! I’ll keep all this in mind, the video series will be especially helpful, we should be heading up Friday, so hopefully it’ll be a good first day for them
 
14492608:YoungChristmas said:
Have them walk/run around in the snow in their ski boots before they even try to put skis on. I was an instructor for two seasons and always did this to help people get used to making "athletic" movements before trying to teach them to make turns.

Holding their poles in front of them horizontally (think handlebars) also helps get people used to skiing in the front seat.

Bullying and name-calling also work wonders.
Click to expand...

bullying and name calling is the number one way I progress
 
Have them push with one ski on and feel the edge…this also helps with balance. Do a progression that starts with just boots, then one ski and then the other. Have fun with the one ski progression. First have them feel the edge and then see how far they can go before hockey stopping. Keep them smiling!
 
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