Sometimes, in an effort to be polite or sensitive, we don’t say exactly what we mean. This is a brief guide to things you might hear from your instructor, and what she is really trying to tell you.
“What do you want to get out of your lesson?”
Your instructor really wants to know what your expectations are. It’s YOUR lesson and you should be ready and willing to voice any preferences, fears, etc. You want to be a better bump skier? Keep up with your spouse? Just not feel like you’re going to fly into a tree at any given moment? In a group lesson, your instructor may not be able to tailor everything to your specific needs, but she can find a common thread for the group and build a lesson that works for everyone.
“Tell me about yourself.”
This is more than just polite chairlift chitchat. Your instructor wants to get an idea of what your life is like. Your job, your family, where you live, what you do for fun – all these things are clues that help your instructor put together a useful lesson.
“Any questions?”
This is the time to speak up if you are confused or unhappy. If the lesson isn’t heading in a direction you like, say so. Too easy? Too hard? Speak up. You have no idea what your instructor is getting at with a certain exercise? Letting on you aren’t getting it is not a failure on your part. There are lots of ways to teach the same thing, and your instructor just hasn’t yet hit on the one that works for you.
“Anyone need a break?”
OMG it’s cold and I can’t believe no one wants to go inside and get warm.
“Little is very independent”
Your child didn’t listen and didn’t want to participate in what the group was doing.
“Your equipment could be holding you back.”
Why on earth are you using 10 year old skis and boots you borrowed from your brother? While ski equipment may not change radically every year, there are enough changes over the course of several years to make it worth investigating new gear. Skis that are the right size for you, and designed for the type of skiing you do, really can make a difference – you’ll be less fatigued and less frustrated. If you only ski 10 or 12 days a season, renting makes sense. And especially if you are flying anywhere. The airlines are not generous about checking ski equipment, and it can be more cost-effective to rent stuff once you get where you’re going. Plus, you get to try out new gear every year.
"It's OK, no one gets it on the first try."
It's OK, no one gets it on the first try. The resort where I teach attracts a lot of wealthy people who tend to be very accomplished in their lives. They have achieved a high level of success, and have high expectation of themselves. They can get really frustrated when, presented with something that is new to their skiing, they can't just nail it right off the bat. You can just see them thinking "I can run a multi-million dollar corporation. Why can't I make a pair of skis do X?"
Give yourself a break. Give yourself time to understand the concept, then give yourself time for that concept to be translated to movement -- to go from your brain to your muscles. Of course the instructor makes it look easy -- she's done it thousands of times, and is getting paid to show you how to do it.
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
A Child's Day in Ski School
OK, so you’ve left your child in the (hopefully) capable hands of their ski instructor, and paid handsomely for the privilege. What happens next?
First, have confidence in your decision. Initial separation can be tough, especially for smaller children – no parent wants to feel like they’ve terrified and traumatized their little one by leaving them with a bunch of strangers. The tears will end faster, however, if you make a quick exit. Let them know that they are in good hands, and tell them what time you’ll come get them. Then go. This gives their instructor the chance to bond with them and start to establish trust, which is crucial to any child’s learning. If they don’t feel safe, they won’t learn. I’ve had only the smallest handful of instances where I couldn’t get a child to stop crying and get excited about going skiing. The parents’ lingering there only gives the child the hope of an “out” – maybe Mom/Dad will just give in and I won’t have to stay here!
Next, separate your expectation of the perfect day with the reality of a day in the mountains.
Expectation #1:
Your child’s instructor skis off with the group following in a graceful and orderly line, excited for a day of adventure.
Reality:
This almost never actually happens. Someone forgot a glove, or their goggles. Someone immediately has to go to the bathroom. Someone’s parents completely mis-judged their child’s ability, and the instructor must then scramble to make a change. This last is probably the worst. Instead of being off skiing, the group has to, at best, wait for the instructor to resolve the problem or, at worst, try to accommodate one skier who is much faster or slower than the rest. Frustration for everyone!
Expectation #2:
Little will ski as many runs today as I will.
Reality:
This never happens (caveat: unless your 7 year-old is an accomplished expert). First, they are small and get tired, especially if the conditions are other than optimal. Second, it takes longer to get a group down the hill than it does and individual or two. Ditto for loading chairlifts, getting lunch, going to the restroom … just about anything. It’s like herding cats sometimes. Third, it is a lesson, after all, and time is spent talking, demonstrating and practicing. The first time I take beginners up the “big” chairlift, it can take 45 minutes to get to the bottom. I can ski this run by myself in about 8.
Expectation #3:
Little will learn the finer intricacies and technical details of skiing.
Reality:
Little is 9 and doesn’t care. Little just wants to ski well enough to keep up with Mom, Dad, Sibling(s) or Friends. And have fun. My #1 goal is for Little to be safe, then Little can learn new things and have a good time. It is key to instill in a child an understanding of what is safe in the mountain environment and what isn’t, so they can make smart decisions for themselves. “Is it safe or not?” is the one thing that probably underpins just about every decision I make in a lesson. This applies to your child’s behavior as well as the slopes I choose and the skills I decide to teach.
Maybe Little tells you “we played games all day.” Dig deeper – what were those games? What did you learn from them? It’s a talented ski instructor who can keep your child so entertained that they don’t even know they’re learning.
Expectation #4:
Little will be perfectly matched in a group of kids who ski just like her.
Reality:
Also never happens. Even kids who can, technically, all get down the same run, will do it differently. There will always be a spectrum of skill levels in any group, as well as a spectrum of learning styles. Not every drill will work for every kid, and Little’s instructor should have a handy “bag of tricks” – a variety of methods of teaching the same skill to different people.
Expectation #5:
Little will be your most perfect angel all day.
Reality:
This does actually happen, and more often than you might think. I can count on one hand (not using my thumb) the times when I’ve had a child who was really, truly awful. Mostly, I’ve had really fun, funny, interesting, smart, nice kids. Lucky me! That said, at the resort where I work, we have a “we teach the whole child” approach. This means that yes, skiing is emphasized, but we don’t ignore other things. If Little’s manners were exceptionally good, or monstrously bad, I will tell parents. You have to know the good, the bad & the ugly. You also have to know what your child did that day – where she skiied, what skills she worked on, and what’s next for her. Mostly, though, you just want to hear that resounding “YEEAAHHHH!” when you ask Little “did you have fun?”
First, have confidence in your decision. Initial separation can be tough, especially for smaller children – no parent wants to feel like they’ve terrified and traumatized their little one by leaving them with a bunch of strangers. The tears will end faster, however, if you make a quick exit. Let them know that they are in good hands, and tell them what time you’ll come get them. Then go. This gives their instructor the chance to bond with them and start to establish trust, which is crucial to any child’s learning. If they don’t feel safe, they won’t learn. I’ve had only the smallest handful of instances where I couldn’t get a child to stop crying and get excited about going skiing. The parents’ lingering there only gives the child the hope of an “out” – maybe Mom/Dad will just give in and I won’t have to stay here!
Next, separate your expectation of the perfect day with the reality of a day in the mountains.
Expectation #1:
Your child’s instructor skis off with the group following in a graceful and orderly line, excited for a day of adventure.
Reality:
This almost never actually happens. Someone forgot a glove, or their goggles. Someone immediately has to go to the bathroom. Someone’s parents completely mis-judged their child’s ability, and the instructor must then scramble to make a change. This last is probably the worst. Instead of being off skiing, the group has to, at best, wait for the instructor to resolve the problem or, at worst, try to accommodate one skier who is much faster or slower than the rest. Frustration for everyone!
Expectation #2:
Little will ski as many runs today as I will.
Reality:
This never happens (caveat: unless your 7 year-old is an accomplished expert). First, they are small and get tired, especially if the conditions are other than optimal. Second, it takes longer to get a group down the hill than it does and individual or two. Ditto for loading chairlifts, getting lunch, going to the restroom … just about anything. It’s like herding cats sometimes. Third, it is a lesson, after all, and time is spent talking, demonstrating and practicing. The first time I take beginners up the “big” chairlift, it can take 45 minutes to get to the bottom. I can ski this run by myself in about 8.
Expectation #3:
Little will learn the finer intricacies and technical details of skiing.
Reality:
Little is 9 and doesn’t care. Little just wants to ski well enough to keep up with Mom, Dad, Sibling(s) or Friends. And have fun. My #1 goal is for Little to be safe, then Little can learn new things and have a good time. It is key to instill in a child an understanding of what is safe in the mountain environment and what isn’t, so they can make smart decisions for themselves. “Is it safe or not?” is the one thing that probably underpins just about every decision I make in a lesson. This applies to your child’s behavior as well as the slopes I choose and the skills I decide to teach.
Maybe Little tells you “we played games all day.” Dig deeper – what were those games? What did you learn from them? It’s a talented ski instructor who can keep your child so entertained that they don’t even know they’re learning.
Expectation #4:
Little will be perfectly matched in a group of kids who ski just like her.
Reality:
Also never happens. Even kids who can, technically, all get down the same run, will do it differently. There will always be a spectrum of skill levels in any group, as well as a spectrum of learning styles. Not every drill will work for every kid, and Little’s instructor should have a handy “bag of tricks” – a variety of methods of teaching the same skill to different people.
Expectation #5:
Little will be your most perfect angel all day.
Reality:
This does actually happen, and more often than you might think. I can count on one hand (not using my thumb) the times when I’ve had a child who was really, truly awful. Mostly, I’ve had really fun, funny, interesting, smart, nice kids. Lucky me! That said, at the resort where I work, we have a “we teach the whole child” approach. This means that yes, skiing is emphasized, but we don’t ignore other things. If Little’s manners were exceptionally good, or monstrously bad, I will tell parents. You have to know the good, the bad & the ugly. You also have to know what your child did that day – where she skiied, what skills she worked on, and what’s next for her. Mostly, though, you just want to hear that resounding “YEEAAHHHH!” when you ask Little “did you have fun?”
Friday, April 3, 2009
There are a lot of really good reasons to put your child in ski school. Sometimes separating a child out of the family dynamic gives them a chance to take risks and make discoveries they might not otherwise. There is less pressure about pleasing Mom & Dad, or keeping up with siblings. Maybe you and your spouse want a day to yourselves. Maybe your kid is such an unrelenting brat that you can’t stand to be around him (ok, just kidding). Maybe you’ve tried to teach the little one to ski, and it ended up in a tantrum – yours or theirs, I’ve seen both.
There are several key things you want to know when you are booking a lesson for Little (the generic name I’ll use for anyone’s kid):
* If it’s a group lesson, what is the maximum group size? When you hear the answer, think about it. 10 nine-year-olds? Chances are, that instructor will spend more time on crowd control than teaching. As with adults, the group setting can be really fun for kids, but think about your particular child’s needs. Especially if they are unusual.
It’s a sticky subject, but learning disabilities and personality disorders are an issue. I have had parents drop off children without saying a word about problems that made it unsafe for their child to ski in a group setting. I understand their desire for their child to share an experience with his or her peers, but safety – of your child as well as others in the class -- has to be the first and foremost consideration. If you are unsure, talk to the ski school about your child’s specific issues and they can recommend the safest option.
* What level skier is Little? Some resorts will ask you this on the phone when you book your lesson. Be honest, be conservative. If this will be Little’s first day skiing since last year, he may not start up exactly where he left off the year before. It’s also easier for Little to learn new skills if he isn’t so challenged that it’s all he can do just to stay upright. This is also something to deal with the day of Little's lesson, but that's another post.
* Is lunch included, and what is a typical menu? Set your kids’ expectations -- they may have had a really tasty grilled cheese sandwich when they had lunch with you, but ski school lunch choices may be more limited. Also, make sure you can request a special meal if your child has allergies or dietary restrictions.
* Get a grip on the logistics. This is better done early than late – you’d be amazed how hard it can be to get out of the house with all that gear. Find out how much time you’ll need to get through the rental shop and to the designated ski school drop-off place. Then add 15-20 minutes for the unexpected. At the resort where I teach, there is an early drop-off program, so parents can put their kids in ski school and still make it to their own lessons if need be.
* What time does the lesson end, and where? Sounds basic, but it’s that logistics thing again. Also be honest with yourself about how much your child can handle. Did you arrive late the night before, and wake up jet lagged and woozy from the altitude? Maybe picking your child up early that first day will make for a more enjoyable vacation overall. Just confirm with Little’s instructor when & where that can happen.
Ultimately, you want your kid to be safe, have fun, and learn something. Pretty much in that order.
There are several key things you want to know when you are booking a lesson for Little (the generic name I’ll use for anyone’s kid):
* If it’s a group lesson, what is the maximum group size? When you hear the answer, think about it. 10 nine-year-olds? Chances are, that instructor will spend more time on crowd control than teaching. As with adults, the group setting can be really fun for kids, but think about your particular child’s needs. Especially if they are unusual.
It’s a sticky subject, but learning disabilities and personality disorders are an issue. I have had parents drop off children without saying a word about problems that made it unsafe for their child to ski in a group setting. I understand their desire for their child to share an experience with his or her peers, but safety – of your child as well as others in the class -- has to be the first and foremost consideration. If you are unsure, talk to the ski school about your child’s specific issues and they can recommend the safest option.
* What level skier is Little? Some resorts will ask you this on the phone when you book your lesson. Be honest, be conservative. If this will be Little’s first day skiing since last year, he may not start up exactly where he left off the year before. It’s also easier for Little to learn new skills if he isn’t so challenged that it’s all he can do just to stay upright. This is also something to deal with the day of Little's lesson, but that's another post.
* Is lunch included, and what is a typical menu? Set your kids’ expectations -- they may have had a really tasty grilled cheese sandwich when they had lunch with you, but ski school lunch choices may be more limited. Also, make sure you can request a special meal if your child has allergies or dietary restrictions.
* Get a grip on the logistics. This is better done early than late – you’d be amazed how hard it can be to get out of the house with all that gear. Find out how much time you’ll need to get through the rental shop and to the designated ski school drop-off place. Then add 15-20 minutes for the unexpected. At the resort where I teach, there is an early drop-off program, so parents can put their kids in ski school and still make it to their own lessons if need be.
* What time does the lesson end, and where? Sounds basic, but it’s that logistics thing again. Also be honest with yourself about how much your child can handle. Did you arrive late the night before, and wake up jet lagged and woozy from the altitude? Maybe picking your child up early that first day will make for a more enjoyable vacation overall. Just confirm with Little’s instructor when & where that can happen.
Ultimately, you want your kid to be safe, have fun, and learn something. Pretty much in that order.
Friday, March 27, 2009
Buyer beware … or at least be informed
“Bob’s Ski Area reservations. How may I help you?”
“I’d like to book a ski lesson.”
“OK. Is that a full day or a half day? Is this for you, or a spouse, or a child? Group lesson or private? Do you want to book multiple days now?
“Uhhhh … I’d like to book a ski lesson.”
It should be so simple – you just call the resort, give them a credit card number and … DONE! But is anything really as simple as we’d like it to be? Before you pick up the phone, know what you’re looking for. What are your expectations?
For now, I’ll just talk about the booking process and how to figure out what you want. Later, I’ll talk about what to expect the day of your lesson, and how to get your money’s worth. Lessons for kids is another topic all together.
First, arm yourself with information. Go to the resort’s web site and find as much info as they’ll give you on lesson packages. Are there discounts for booking multiple days? Or maybe discounts for enrolling more than one person? Give yourself some time to weigh the cost difference between a group and a private lesson – sometimes, you reach a point where it’s as cost effective to book a private lesson for several people as it is to take separate group lessons.
Ahhh … the group versus private dilemma. In the best of all worlds, everyone would be able to afford one-on-one instruction and personalized attention. But $700 a day? Wow. There ARE benefits to dropping that kind of cash, though. There’s no getting around the fact that you have the opportunity to learn more when all of the instructor’s attention is focused on you and the lesson plan is tailored to your needs. You get to cut the lift lines. It’s a less pressured environment – no worries about being able to keep up with a group. In most cases, you’ll also be able to request a specific instructor, and develop an ongoing relationship with someone who sees your skiing evolve. A good instructor can even ski with your whole family, and make the lesson valuable for kids and adults. You get the best of both worlds that way – you learn more about skiing, and you get to ski with your family.
Ok – quick anecdote. I was skiing recently with a family – Mom, Dad and 3 kids. I was skiing with Mom, helping her down some new & challenging terrain. I had the kids waiting at the bottom of the run, and they started throwing snow at each other. One of them yelled out my name, followed by “he started it, make him stop.” Mom started laughing and said “Now THIS is a vacation. They’re yelling for you, not me.”
Back to groups vs. private lesson … The “pro” of the group lesson is that there is an instant camaraderie and it can be easy to make new friends, or at least find a new ski buddy for a few days, in a group setting. Be sure to find out what the resort’s maximum group size is, though, and see if you’re comfortable with it.
You'll also want to know about times and meeting places -- can you make those work based on where you'll be staying? What about rental equipment -- is it included? Do I have to buy a lift ticket in addition to my lesson, or is that included in the price?
So which is right for you? I don’t know. You will actually have to educate yourself and think about what you want before you pick up the phone. Lastly, know the resort’s cancellation policy in case you want to make changes.
“I’d like to book a ski lesson.”
“OK. Is that a full day or a half day? Is this for you, or a spouse, or a child? Group lesson or private? Do you want to book multiple days now?
“Uhhhh … I’d like to book a ski lesson.”
It should be so simple – you just call the resort, give them a credit card number and … DONE! But is anything really as simple as we’d like it to be? Before you pick up the phone, know what you’re looking for. What are your expectations?
For now, I’ll just talk about the booking process and how to figure out what you want. Later, I’ll talk about what to expect the day of your lesson, and how to get your money’s worth. Lessons for kids is another topic all together.
First, arm yourself with information. Go to the resort’s web site and find as much info as they’ll give you on lesson packages. Are there discounts for booking multiple days? Or maybe discounts for enrolling more than one person? Give yourself some time to weigh the cost difference between a group and a private lesson – sometimes, you reach a point where it’s as cost effective to book a private lesson for several people as it is to take separate group lessons.
Ahhh … the group versus private dilemma. In the best of all worlds, everyone would be able to afford one-on-one instruction and personalized attention. But $700 a day? Wow. There ARE benefits to dropping that kind of cash, though. There’s no getting around the fact that you have the opportunity to learn more when all of the instructor’s attention is focused on you and the lesson plan is tailored to your needs. You get to cut the lift lines. It’s a less pressured environment – no worries about being able to keep up with a group. In most cases, you’ll also be able to request a specific instructor, and develop an ongoing relationship with someone who sees your skiing evolve. A good instructor can even ski with your whole family, and make the lesson valuable for kids and adults. You get the best of both worlds that way – you learn more about skiing, and you get to ski with your family.
Ok – quick anecdote. I was skiing recently with a family – Mom, Dad and 3 kids. I was skiing with Mom, helping her down some new & challenging terrain. I had the kids waiting at the bottom of the run, and they started throwing snow at each other. One of them yelled out my name, followed by “he started it, make him stop.” Mom started laughing and said “Now THIS is a vacation. They’re yelling for you, not me.”
Back to groups vs. private lesson … The “pro” of the group lesson is that there is an instant camaraderie and it can be easy to make new friends, or at least find a new ski buddy for a few days, in a group setting. Be sure to find out what the resort’s maximum group size is, though, and see if you’re comfortable with it.
You'll also want to know about times and meeting places -- can you make those work based on where you'll be staying? What about rental equipment -- is it included? Do I have to buy a lift ticket in addition to my lesson, or is that included in the price?
So which is right for you? I don’t know. You will actually have to educate yourself and think about what you want before you pick up the phone. Lastly, know the resort’s cancellation policy in case you want to make changes.
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
I Don’t Think About Skiing When There’s No Snow
I confess – I am as guilty as anyone. When ski season is over, I want to sit on a beach and collect those little paper umbrellas that decorate tropical drinks. Over the years, however, I learned a few things. One, those little paper umbrellas are pretty much useless once you get home. Two, getting out of shape is easy, getting back in shape is grueling and painful. Don’t spend your summer thinking “I’ll start my ski fitness program in September … or October … no, immediately after Thanksgiving.” Chances are, you are in better shape at the end of the season than you were at the beginning, so capitalize on that.
You can’t ski yourself into shape, and starting your season in less-than-optimal condition can leave you, at best, OD’ing on Advil or, at worst, getting a free ride down the hill in the ski patrol’s sled. There are other benefits to being in shape for skiing:
1. You’ll get your money’s worth. With lift tickets headed toward triple digits, do you really want to poop out after 2 hours? Or be so sore and tired on day 3 of your week ski vacation that all you can do is sip a latte and go shopping? (Actually, that sounds pretty nice … )
2. You’ll get bragging rights when you leave your friend/spouse/brother/whoever eating your crud and begging for mercy before lunch. Hell – you get lunch. AND dessert. No, TWO desserts.
3. You will become a better skier technically. You will have laid a foundation of strength, balance, and stamina that will translate to your skiing. If you participate in some sort of ski-specific program, you will already have learned movements that are directly applicable to your skiing, and you will also better understand how your body moves, what movements are efficient, and what your limitations might be.
This is important for kids, too. I had a little boy in my ski class, and, on our chairlift ride, I asked him what sports he liked to play. He named three different video games. Yikes. Your kids don’t have to be star athletes to enjoy skiing, but it helps if they aren’t couch potatoes. Again – injury prevention. Do you want to see your name on that whiteboard next to the lift line, followed by “Please contact ski patrol immediately?”
Use your off-season to broaden your idea of what ski conditioning can be – hike with your dog, bike with your friends. Pilates and yoga are great for core strength, balance and proprioception (how does my body move in space?). Start trying out some of those exercises you see in the ski magazines – it may take some trial and error, but you should be able to put together a pretty good program for yourself. Just make sure you include cardio (intervals – fun!) and strength training that includes lots of core stabilization exercises as well as plyometrics (jumping/explosive movements). Look for a ski conditioning class at a local gym.
If you get out and actively enjoy your summer, you’re off to a good start. I found inspiration in the beautiful red cruiser bike my husband built me for Christmas last year. It has a rack in front where I can put my gym bag, and, instead of water bottle cages, a holder for my coffee go-cup. The 10-minute ride to the gym on a Summer morning was the perfect warm-up, and it made me smile, too. Get moving – it’ll be worth it.
You can’t ski yourself into shape, and starting your season in less-than-optimal condition can leave you, at best, OD’ing on Advil or, at worst, getting a free ride down the hill in the ski patrol’s sled. There are other benefits to being in shape for skiing:
1. You’ll get your money’s worth. With lift tickets headed toward triple digits, do you really want to poop out after 2 hours? Or be so sore and tired on day 3 of your week ski vacation that all you can do is sip a latte and go shopping? (Actually, that sounds pretty nice … )
2. You’ll get bragging rights when you leave your friend/spouse/brother/whoever eating your crud and begging for mercy before lunch. Hell – you get lunch. AND dessert. No, TWO desserts.
3. You will become a better skier technically. You will have laid a foundation of strength, balance, and stamina that will translate to your skiing. If you participate in some sort of ski-specific program, you will already have learned movements that are directly applicable to your skiing, and you will also better understand how your body moves, what movements are efficient, and what your limitations might be.
This is important for kids, too. I had a little boy in my ski class, and, on our chairlift ride, I asked him what sports he liked to play. He named three different video games. Yikes. Your kids don’t have to be star athletes to enjoy skiing, but it helps if they aren’t couch potatoes. Again – injury prevention. Do you want to see your name on that whiteboard next to the lift line, followed by “Please contact ski patrol immediately?”
Use your off-season to broaden your idea of what ski conditioning can be – hike with your dog, bike with your friends. Pilates and yoga are great for core strength, balance and proprioception (how does my body move in space?). Start trying out some of those exercises you see in the ski magazines – it may take some trial and error, but you should be able to put together a pretty good program for yourself. Just make sure you include cardio (intervals – fun!) and strength training that includes lots of core stabilization exercises as well as plyometrics (jumping/explosive movements). Look for a ski conditioning class at a local gym.
If you get out and actively enjoy your summer, you’re off to a good start. I found inspiration in the beautiful red cruiser bike my husband built me for Christmas last year. It has a rack in front where I can put my gym bag, and, instead of water bottle cages, a holder for my coffee go-cup. The 10-minute ride to the gym on a Summer morning was the perfect warm-up, and it made me smile, too. Get moving – it’ll be worth it.
Monday, November 3, 2008
The Bunny Hill
I've started this blog for several reasons. First, I love to ski and hope to inspire others to do the same. I have skied since I could walk, and was able to turn my hobby into a real job -- I get paid to ski. More specifically, I get paid to teach other people to ski. I want the sport to be fun, approachable and challenging.
Second, I want a place to debunk common misconceptions about skiing, ski resorts, ski instructors, and whatever else might need debunking on any given day (I will try to stick to my area of expertise, but you just never know what might come up).
Last, there are a lot of funny things that happen out on the mountain. Names are changed, of course, so that no one suffers undue embarrassment or gets in trouble.
Second, I want a place to debunk common misconceptions about skiing, ski resorts, ski instructors, and whatever else might need debunking on any given day (I will try to stick to my area of expertise, but you just never know what might come up).
Last, there are a lot of funny things that happen out on the mountain. Names are changed, of course, so that no one suffers undue embarrassment or gets in trouble.
Why call it "skiing like a girl?" Women have a unique approach to sports. I hope that a lot of what I talk about is universal, though.
Things you won't find here:
* an in-depth discussion of what I had for lunch, my mood or what color shoes I'm wearing
* blatant shilling for any product or service. The gear I talk about here is what I use, have used, or want to use. I do get pro discounts on gear, but I don't get anything free nor do I promote anything here for my own gain.
* A ski lesson. I don't know you, I haven't seen you ski, and there is no one-size-fits-all approach. There are basic techniques and skills that are universal, but their application is as individual as you are.
Thanks for reading. Pray for snow.
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