Ski School: Not Just for Beginners

Many people assume that ski school is only for beginners, but even experienced skiers and snowboarders can benefit from advanced lessons. Whether you’re looking to refine your technique, tackle more challenging terrain, or learn new skills, upper-level lessons can take your abilities to the next level.

Advanced lessons focus on refining movements to create smoother, more efficient skiing and riding. You’ll learn how to control edge pressure, adjust your stance dynamically, and use terrain to your advantage. This helps you shred a variety of conditions and terrain with control and more confidence.

Here’s what you can expect to learn in advanced ski and snowboard lessons.

Dynamic Skiing and Riding

Dynamic skiing and riding techniques are essential for navigating a variety of terrain, from wide-open groomers to glades and variable conditions. On steeper slopes, uneven terrain, or changing snow conditions, the ability to adjust movements on the fly ensures stability and more control.

Lessons will focus on:

• Edge Pressure Control - Learning how to gradually engage and release your edges for smoother, controlled turns, especially on firm snow or mixed conditions.
• Stance Adjustments - Adapting body position dynamically to terrain changes, improving balance and agility in everything from groomed runs to soft powder.
• Terrain Utilization - Using natural features like rollers and banks to generate speed and flow without excessive effort, making it easier to navigate changing terrain.

Riding Switch

For snowboarders and even some skiers, riding switch—going downhill with your non-dominant foot forward or backward on skis—adds versatility and balance. Advanced instruction will help you develop proper edge control and confidence to ride switch in different conditions, whether in the terrain park or on varying terrain.

Instructors focus on:

• Edge Transitions – Learning how to smoothly shift between edges while riding switch, crucial for maintaining control.
• Body Alignment – Adjusting weight distribution to maintain a centered, stable stance, which helps in uneven terrain, landing switch off jumps or transitioning between turns.
• Switch Carving – Developing the ability to carve turns while riding switch to maintain fluidity and speed, especially useful for park riding.

Carving

Carving is a key skill for advanced skiers and riders who want to achieve clean, precise turns. Lessons will teach you how to properly engage your edges, control speed, and maximize efficiency while maintaining stability.

Lessons emphasize:

• Edge Engagement – Properly setting edges to create deep, controlled arcs, crucial for racing or aggressive skiing and riding.
• Hip Angulation – Learning to tilt the body at the right angles to help maintain grip and reduce skidding, particularly important for maintaining control on steeper terrain.
• Speed Control – Using the shape of the turn to control speed rather than relying on skidding or braking.

Moguls and Bumps

Moguls and bumps are commonly found on black diamond runs or designated bump runs, where skiers and snowboarders need to maneuver through tightly spaced, uneven snow formations. Mastering moguls requires balance, agility, and proper turn timing to maintain control while navigating the bumps.

Advanced instruction focuses on:

• Absorbing Impact – Using ankle, knee, and hip flexion to absorb bumps and maintain smooth movement rather than getting bounced around.
• Turn Timing – Learning where to initiate turns to stay in control, which is essential for smooth, efficient mogul runs.
• Planning Your Line - Learn the importance of looking ahead and planning your turns before getting there.
• Pole Planting (for Skiers) – Using poles to help with rhythm and balance, allowing for better control in steep or tightly packed moguls.

Steeps

Skiing or riding on steep terrain demands confidence and technical precision. Lessons in skiing ot riding steeps might cover tactics like jump turns, edge control, and line selection, helping you descend with control rather than sliding downhill in survival mode.

Steeps Lessons might cover:

• Jump Turns – Quick, controlled turns that help manage speed on extremely steep slopes where carving isn't possible.
• Edge Control – Maintaining grip and stability on icy or variable terrain to avoid sliding out of control.
• Line Selection – Choosing the safest, most efficient path down technical slopes, ensuring a calculated descent.

Trees/Glades

Tree skiing and riding require quick decision-making, planning, and precise maneuvering. Lessons will help you read terrain, control speed, and navigate through dense glades safely and efficiently.

Lessons focus on:

• Speed Control – Learning how to control pace naturally rather than relying on abrupt stops, which is critical in tight spaces.
• Quick Turns – Developing fast, short-radius turns to maneuver safely through trees while maintaining control.
• Peripheral Awareness – Training the eyes to look ahead rather than directly at obstacles, which helps anticipate turns and reduce the chance of surprises while maintaining a smooth flow throught the trees.

Freestyle and Terrain Park

For those interested in freestyle skiing or snowboarding, advanced lessons can introduce you to jumps, rails, and halfpipes. You’ll learn how to approach features safely, maintain control in the air, and stomp your landings with confidence. Whether you're hitting a small jump or tackling a rail line, advanced lessons focus on building skills safely and progressively.

Instruction includes:

• Park Etiquette - Learn the rules of the park and how to be safe and respectful. Remember to call your drop.
• Approaching Jumps – Learning speed control and pop timing for stable take-offs, essential for both small and large features.
• Rail Balance – Developing stance and weight distribution for sliding rails and boxes without catching edges.
• Air Control – Practicing grabs, spins, and landing techniques to minimize impact forces and increase style.

Exploring New Terrain with an Instructor

One of the greatest benefits of taking upper-level lessons is discovering new areas of the mountain. Advanced instructors often act as guides, leading you to hidden powder stashes, challenging runs, and off-the-beaten-path terrain you might not have explored on your own. With their knowledge of the mountain, they can help you safely navigate unfamiliar zones while improving your skills in varied conditions.

If you're visiting a new resort or skiing in an unfamiliar area, taking a lesson can be a great way to explore efficiently. Instead of spending time studying maps or searching for the best runs, an instructor can lead you directly to the terrain that suits your ability and interests. Many instructors enjoy guiding experienced skiers and riders, as it allows them to showcase their mountain knowledge and introduce students to areas they might not have discovered on their own.

Their expertise doesn’t end when you step out of your bindings. Your instructor can also be an invaluable guide off the hill. They’ll likely know all the hot spots and local favorites for dinner, après-ski, and nightlife. Don’t hesitate to ask, they’re often excited to share their personal recommendations and help you make the most of your time both on and off the mountain.

Personalized Feedback and Movement Analysis

One of the most valuable aspects of upper-level lessons is the instructor’s ability to analyze your movement and body position across different types of terrain. They can pinpoint small inefficiencies in your stance, edge control, or weight distribution and provide targeted tips that can lead to major improvements. These small but effective insights—whether it’s adjusting your stance slightly for better balance or tweaking your turn initiation—can have a profound impact on your skiing or riding technique.

Why Take Advanced Lessons?

Even experienced skiers and riders can develop bad habits or plateau in their progression. Upper-level lessons provide expert coaching, personalized feedback, and the confidence to take on new challenges. Whether you’re looking to refine your technique, conquer more difficult trails, or explore new terrain, investing in professional instruction can significantly elevate your skiing or riding experience.

Benefits of Taking Upper-Level Lessons:

• Advanced lessons help refine technique and confidence in more challenging terrain.
• You can learn specialized skills like carving, moguls, steeps, and freestyle riding.
• Taking a lesson at a new resort allows you to explore more terrain with an instructor as a guide.
• Instructors provide personalized feedback and movement analysis to improve performance.
• Investing in professional instruction can boost confidence and improve your skills.

So, the next time you hit the slopes, consider signing up for an advanced lesson—you might be surprised at how much you can improve!