We know a ski lesson is expensive, and you may wonder if a ski lesson is worth it, whichever your ski level.
Of course, private lessons are the most expensive; group lessons are cheaper and they work by the half day. But when comparing budget, you should know that you can sign up to 6 persons in a single private ski lesson at Park City Vail Resorts; then it is up to you how you split the day.
So, why should you take a private ski lesson? Here are a few questions people often ask us.
Can a friend or spouse teach me how to ski, or help me improve my skiing?
No, a friend or spouse is not likely to be the best person to teach you how to ski. Although well intentioned, a friend / spouse if not professionally trained, and there are common pitfalls in taking ski advice from a friend or spouse.
- A private ski lesson by a professional ski instructor will be tailored to your goals but also to your learning style. There are many types of lessons a great ski instructor can deliver. A great ski instructor will ask you about your goals before starting any lesson, and will build a lesson plan just for you. Not only will you gain technical improvements and advice, but you will gain confidence as you progress in your skiing ability.
- A very specific case are children learning how to ski or improving their skiing technique: many parents think that they can teach their kids themselves. While some parents are great skiers, they are not instructors and they often apply methods that are not adequate for a child. This usually creates bad habits that are difficult to overcome, and can prevents the child from progressing as quickly as they would have with a certified ski instructor.
- Another common pitfall of learning to ski by yourself or with a friend or spouse is about the terrain you choose for the day. How many times have we seen spouses / friends / who were told “let’s go there! you will see! it is sooo easy!” The “student” is dragged onto terrain that is too difficult for their ability, and not only no progress is made, but bad habits are formed to compensate for the lack of control. A good certified ski instructor will never do that, they will choose the right terrain for you so you can progress confidently.
So prevent a planned fun day of skiing to turn into a stressful situation by hiring a ski instructor for a private ski lesson.
That being said, there are also a few tips on how to choose a ski instructor. Read here.
Is a private ski lesson worth it?
There are many benefits to scheduling a private ski lesson:
- You will make faster progress through personalized attention: The lesson is tailored to your pace and needs, so you won’t feel held back or rushed by a group. You get one-on-one instruction and feed back, which helps you progress more quickly and build confidence.
- A certified ski instructor will work with you to prevent or corrects bad habitsfrom the start. He / she has been specifically trained to design a lesson for your style and abilities, and help you develop the right habits unlike well-meaning but unqualified friends.
- You will progress at your own pace. A good instructor will set up goals with you and build a custom lesson plan to achieve these goals, then listen to your feed back as the day goes and adjust the lesson plan during the day as needed.
- Instructors know the terrain and can assess the terrain most appropriate for your skills.
How do I choose a ski instructor?
You can absolutely request a specific person when booking through the ski school. Read here.