Beginner/Intermediate Ski Lesson, Progress with Kelly

Kelly is working on mileage and and comfort as she enters season #2. This video has a couple tips for the beginning/intermediate skier as well as a couple teaching tips for instructors.

[mmcollins]

"It's about the guest."

About a year after I received my PSIA Alpine Level III (Which was presented to me at Boyne Mt. by Deb Armstrong. How cool is that!) I was assigned a lesson with a 14 year old Boy Scout that had taken a lesson the previous day and struggled. My supervisor said he couldn't/wouldn't speak and may have a learning disability. So with that information and feeling quit full of my abilities as an instructor I introduced myself to the young man that looked more like a very young Cub Scout and was dressed like Ralphie's younger brother Randy in "A Christmas Story".

The dialog was one way and when I asked him if he wanted to learn how to ski I got an affirmative nod and another nod when asked if he was ready to head up the Magic Carpet. After some pulling and pushing we eventually got on the carpet and about halfway up is when I heard the his first words: "I'm scared."

A little more talking, another trip up the carpet, a serious freak out after a fall exiting the carpet on the second trip, lots of tears (his were on the outside, my were on the inside) and two trips down that required a lot of coaching and not letting go of my hands, I realized there would be no thirds lap for this Boy Scout. And it was at this moment that I learned the true meaning of being humble.

We then shuffled our way over to the "Ski School Bell" area, removed our skis and sat on the edge of the bell well and started to talk. And boy do I mean talk. This kid was smart, articulate, quick witted, and a joy to hang with. But he made it clear that he was done with the skiing stuff for the day. I even suggested Snow Angels at one point but he really didn't feel like that was a good use of his time and energy.

After a little while his buddies and Scout Master came by to collect him. His Scout Master and I spoke for a couple minutes after the scouts ran off for lunch and that's when I learned that my student had dwarfism and that he struggles with balance so much that he has to use training wheels on his bike. What a revelation that was.

Later that day while walking through the lodge my Boy Scout buddy saw me and shouted out to me. He thanked me for the lesson and a fun time. I could tell by the look on his face that he was being sincere.

Then about six months later I was on a local mountain bike/hiking trail with friends. A section of the trail bumps up against a Boy Scout camp and that's where we came upon a group of scouts out for a hike. As we slowly passed them on our bikes I heard a familiar voice shout out "Hey look, it's Marty!" Stopping dead in my tracks I turned around to see my Boy Scout buddy from the ski lesson. I was shocked to say the least that he had remembered me and that I had made that much of an impression on him that he would recognize me in such a different environment.

We talked for a few minutes, smiled and laughed and finally parted ways.

"It's all about the guest." is so true in so many different ways.

[redeagle]

I am 57 and started skiing this year! It’s my biggest wish to be Kelly for a week!! Love these video’s.

[vedadramovic]

Dear Deb,
Happy anniversary of olimpic gold medal in Sarajevo. We like you spirit to teach and your videos.
Today we skied on Jahorina, mountain where you won your gold medal in 1984.
Wish you all the best from Sarajevo.

[adventureswithrocket]

Hi Deb! I really appreciate you offering people instruction on learning how to ski. I'm on my third season of skiing and have learned so much from you. You are an amazing instructor. Keep it up!!!

[Pinktan]

I took a beginner ski lesson last weekend for the first time in my life. I kept falling for two hours and my instructor didn't give any guidance. Your videos are helping me the confidence to give skiing another shot. Thank you!

[erictoddmiller]

Recently converted 45yo skier / ex-snowboarder. You’re content is amazing and has been so helpful. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Appreciate you!

[yanlizkurt]

I fell in love with skiing in my 12, at sarajova Olympics, and now watching an olimpyian who raced in that event.:)

[zurihan]

This is one of the best lesson video I have ever watched in my life. So thrilled to see Kelly's progress and can't wait to make my progression too. Thanks for the great video... ❤

[garrettcooper]

Wow, I wish we had more coaches/teachers like Deb!

I just picture so many happy and well-rounded people.

Great work, Deb (and Kelly)!

[jonathangrimm]

It was great seeing you in Taos on Saturday! We were so excited seeing you in person. Thank you for all of the great videos!

[scottsarahfreemansmith]

Hooked on your channel 55 years old 30 plus years skiing and teaching YOU ARE INCREDIBLE
Still struggle with headwalls and small mandatory air in the steeps . Hint? Video?
So cool of you that if one didn't know you had won gold they wouldn't hear it from you.
Ps they are all great but the driving the inside knee vid A GAME CHANGER
Thanks again keep up the great work

[Rebecca-zwpm]

I've been watching all of Kelly's lessons and have found myself cheering for her many times. Deb, I love how easily you explain the nuances of the movements. They have helped me so much in my own skiing journey. Thank you for sharing these lessons.

[scottrunde]

Deb, your coaching is brilliant. Your clinics have been the most influential for me. Awesome.

[jasongriffiths]

I teach trainees to ride motorbikes and its the same. Your insights and articulacy about teaching, and how its all about the student and how much you the instructor can introduce at any given time, are spot on. And your enthusiasm! Fantastic.

[jeanphilippelandry]

My kids and my wife said that im really good at showing how to ski for a beginner. But myself know that i cant show next level. Thank you for this video. Its pure magic! I dont want them to think about behind better, i just want they have fun with more skill

[jimadkins]

My new favorite channel! I feel I’m a better skier after watching (and rewatching) your videos-and I haven’t hit the slopes yet, but pumped for when I do! Thanks Deb!

[yuurishibuya]

Hello Deb,
Exactly true:
1. there are so many things going on, it’s confusing to keep up with all while going down hill leg, edges, weight, hands.
2. I like the thought of timeline of the student, different ppl understand and implement at different speed. Rushing through that doesn’t work. It just leads to frustration at best, injury at worst.

[pooh-bunny]

Enjoyed watching Deb and Kellys leg movements towards the end. I could compare and contrast how a beginner vs expert move their legs. !

[huntspoint]

Even on my worst day, I have never had a bad day skiing. That scout had a good ski day, that he will always remember.

[christophercolby]

Deb, what a great video, i have learned so much from watching all of your videos, you're fabulous, keep doing you!!. Thank you and I know your students are getting the best!