If you are looking to level up your skiing this winter and have booked some lessons then you will want to make the most of the time you have with an instructor.
Here are my top tips to help you turn up well prepared and get the most out of your ski lessons...
MENTALLY READY
A positive mindset and self belief will go a long long way in helping you progress in any area of life and that is equally true in skiing. Make sure you turn up to your lessons with a belief that you are capable of making changes. Be willing to try new things and step outside of your comfort zone. And most importantly do not be afraid to make mistakes as they are a huge part of the learning process.
ASK QUESTIONS
If you don't understand what your instructor is telling you, or why they are telling you, then ask them to explain. Do not just smile & nod along! If you do not understand why a particular technique or tactic will be helpful then you will not be able to implement it in the right circumstances when you are skiing alone.
KNOW WHAT YOU WANT
Try to be quite specific when telling your instructor what you want to learn/improve. Catch all phrases like "I want to improve my technique" or "I want to look more stylish" are very broad. More specific phrases such as "I want to improve my confidence on steeper terrain" or "I'd like to be able to perform narrower turns without picking up too much speed" will make it much easier for your instructor to home in quickly to your needs.
REMEMBER THAT CHANGE TAKES TIME
In a lesson you will work on new techniques & tactics as well as different terrain but you will not perfect all the skills in a few short hours. Don't be dishearted or put off if you haven't mastered it all at the end of a lesson - change takes time so make sure you do your homework! Go away and practice to help embed what you have learnt.
PHYSICALLY PREPARED
Skiing can be a strenous endurance activity, which is also performed at altitude. So make sure you have a basic level of strength & fitness to help you. If you/your muscles tire too much it will be very difficult to make the changes you are looking for.
CORRECT EQUIPMENT/CLOTHING
Make sure that your ski equipment and clothing is fit for purpose! Clothing fits well & is comfortable and that it is adapted to the environment and weather conditions. Ski equipment (boots, skis, poles) are the right size, well serviced and suitable for your specific goals (ie not big fat off piste skis if your aim is to carve racing turns down a pisted slope).
ENJOY IT!
Also have a read of my other posts
"Leap off the skiing plateau" here
"Building skiing confidence" here
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