[HOW TO] Turn up Prepared for your Ski or Snowboard Lesson

In this blog, Sega Fairweather from Alpinemojo Ski School explains why it is so important to turn up prepared for your ski or snowboard lessons.

An Instructor uses many tools when they are teaching in order for you to be able to enjoy your lesson, and ultimately to improve. The factors that they will look at are: Technical, Tactical, Equipment, Environment, Physical, and Psychology.

The instructor can control 4 of these factors throughout the lesson. Technically, they will try to improve your technique through tips, or drills as you ski / board. They may talk to you about the line you ski / board to adjust direction and speed, and this comes under the ‘tactical’ category.

They will always create an enjoyable and safe learning environment where they will select which runs will be best for you; flatter and easier if you are learning something new, steeper if you need to be challenged, through the trees if the visibility is poor, or a covered lift if the weather is terrible. The environment factor includes setting the mood for a lesson, as we don’t teach a nervous beginner in the same way as a group of strong skiers / boarders on a stag weekend!

The other important factor is psychology, as well as setting a positive learning environment as above, we teach everyone differently dependent on his or her ability and personality.

However, in order to make the most out of your ski lesson, you can arrive prepared for the other 2 factors by turning up with the correct equipment and being ready for your lesson- it is a lot more physically demanding (especially in a high resort like Verbier) than you may realise!

In terms of equipment, it is best to speak to a knowledgeable ski and snowboard shop about your needs. This is not just about the set of skis or the board, having the wrong poles or boots can hinder your improvement, and sometimes make your day less enjoyable. Be honest with the shop about your level and plans for your trip- your needs will differ if you are venturing off piste, or if you are a strong skier versus a beginner.