Choosing the Lesson

Don't even think of not taking a lesson, or worse, letting your friend, spouse or cousin teach you. Search for Learn-to-Ski/Snowboard packages. Each package usually includes a two or three-hour lesson, rental equipment for the day, and if appropriate, a lift ticket. Save time by booking your lesson and downloading release forms online.

Go with a Pro! Learn what it’s all about from The Professional Ski Instructors of America and The American Association of Snowboard Instructors. Read tips, watch videos and learn how to have fun out there!

Choose Your Instructor To Meet Your Goals

When choosing a ski or snowboard instructor, there's more involved than eeny-meeny-miney-mo. You're paying for the lesson, so you'll want to maximize lesson time and the minimize expense and effort. No matter what skill level you're at, ask a few questions before signing up for a lesson session. Schools try their best to fill special requests.

First, consider your own personality

• Private or group lesson - Does a group dynamic enhance or hinder your learning? Do you learn better in a one-on-one situation?

• Gender - Do you prefer same-sex classes?

• Age - Seniors may not be comfortable in a class with much younger skiers or riders and vice versa.

• Language - Do you need a bi-lingual instructor?

Ask to speak to the supervisor who assigns instructors to ensure you get a personality match. Resorts are in the guest service business, after all. Chances for reserving a specific type of instructor are better with a private lesson booked well in advance.

Next, consider your learning style

• Are you a visual, kinesthetic or listener type of learner?

• Do you like to express yourself, or do you prefer structure?

• Are you seeking a challenging experience, or a nurturing atmosphere?

In this case, always request a fully certified instructor. "Full-cert instructors are well versed in recognizing and using different learning styles," said veteran Breckenridge Instructor, Alison Hagan. In fact, "Identifying learning styles is one of the major subjects taught in certification training. If you prefer a certain learning style, tell your instructor. They appreciate any information that makes the lesson better for you."

If you are unsure as to your learning style, review the criteria with the teacher. For example, if video replays help you to get the picture, you are a visual learner.

Finally, consider your goals and limitations

1. Specific goals - Bumps, blacks, steeps, speed, or are you just trying to venture off the greens?
2. Time limitations - Can you devote a full day or just two hours?
3. Health limitations - Consider your physical condition and if you are affected by altitude.
4. Desire intensity - How passionately do you want to improve?
5. Practice - Will you have time between lessons to practice?
6. Price - Private lessons are more expensive than groups and some groups are more expensive than others.

Here again, the supervisor is a good judge and can make excellent choices based on your goals. If your goal is to calm your fears, the supervisor will try to assign someone with infinite patience. If you want to ski faster in the gates, you'll get someone with a racing background. If having a good time while learning ranks high, you'll get someone who knows how to turn up the fun meter. Lessons should be student-centered, not instructor-based.

Although ski school desk people (sellers) are limited in their knowledge about individual instructors, they can advise you about specialty group clinics, such as senior seminars, women's programs, telemark or extreme skiing and snowboarding clinics. They can also explain refund policies and replacement lessons, which can be different at every resort.

Content courtesy of SnowSports Industries America | SIA and Snowlink.com