I read an article today about why lessons don’t work, and interestingly, the case was actually made that lessons do work, provided that expectations are reasonable. It’s was good writing, and the title was obviously designed to create a buzz. I think it works.
That said, lessons do work, provided customers understand what they can expect in the time frame they’ve chosen to buy.
A level 1 or 2 beginner will often advance a full level during a two hour group lesson. A level 6 or 7 skier will rarely advance a level until they’ve had multiple lessons, especially if they’ve been at that level for a few seasons. This is where multiple consecutive lessons become advisable, and of course at Taos, there is the famous “ski week.”
But the key for an instructor is to effectively set up expectations.
What about the DVD?
The same holds true. You can get a lot out of the DVD if you watch it with someone else, or even a group, and then analyze and talk about what each other are doing on the hill. Instructors always do this in a lesson. This kind of activity can also make it really fun, and get everyone to really analyze what they’re doing (if you think that’s fun).
But, if you’re on your own and watch the DVD closely, you can always take one or two pointers out for the day, and just practice those ideas. Don’t get too bogged down because the primary reason to be skiing is to have a blast!
