Ski Forums
Skiing Through Cyberspace: Online Ski Message Forums
So how do you find these opinions? Check out ski message forums such as http://www.forums.epicksi.com /. EpicSki recently added a separate beginner forum, which is a great place to get updated details about special programs for beginning skiers. EpicSki also sponsors a variety of fantastic ski camps. If you grow to love the sport, you might consider taking one of these camps.
Participating in a ski message forum is also an excellent way to find a suitable ski instructor. This is crucial to your enjoyment of the sport. Let's be clear about one thing. If you want to bring your skiing to the next level, lessons are essential! Unfortunately, many people do not believe this. They think that if they simply spend more time on the slopes, they will improve. While increasing your ski days will definitely increase your confidence, it will only have a minimal influence on your skill level. The problem is, there are no mirrors when you ski, so you have no way of knowing if you are performing the skills correctly. Please keep in mind that merely surviving a challenging slope does not indicate an enhanced level of skill. I often cringe when I hear someone say that they “do” Black Diamonds. I can almost visualize them forcing their way down the slope while wiping out at three-minute intervals. Our goal is to ski the hills, not “do them.”
Movement scientists tell us that it takes 1,000 repetitions of a correctly performed movement to change a faulty movement pattern. “Correctly performed” is the operative phrase. Did you ever hear the quote “Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results?” It's far too easy to fall into faulty movement patterns when you first begin to ski. Believe me, once these patterns become habitual, they are almost impossible to break. A good ski instructor can identify these patterns and teach you more efficient ways of moving.
A number of factors should be considered when choosing an instructor.
• Private or group lessons.
• Gender of instructor.
• Age of instructor.
• Price of lesson.
All of these factors are a matter of personal preference. You should also consider your own unique learning style.
• Are you a visual, physical or auditory learner?
• Are you looking for challenge or nurturing?
Many instructors post on these forums as a means of sharing their knowledge. As you read their posts, try to determine whether or not their explanations make sense. Everyone has their own style of communication. Communication styles can be compared to keys that are designed to open specific doors. The trick to finding the right instructor is finding the one that has the key to your personal door. Most message forums have a private message system. Some, such as Epicski, actually have a ski instructor list: http://www.epicski.com/training/instructors.php
You can contact the instructor and arrange a lesson. Important! Never, ever ask an instructor to teach “off the books.” It is illegal!
Photo: Ski Class at Epicski Academy, Brighton, Utah with Instructor Randy Jennings
In Europe, http://www.snowheads.com is the best place for ski information. Female skiers will find supportive discussions on http://www.theskidiva.com.
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