Lessons for Kids

[SkiSox]

So I'm finally coming up for the first time the weekend of Feb 26-27. Pretty excited to be driving up with friends and their kids to the place that SUX. We plan to put all three of the "big" kids (ages 3, 3 and 5) in lessons for both days, or maybe one in the case of my daughter. If they take a lesson together, what are the chances that they are the only ones in it? I suspect, based solely on what I've seen/read here, that the chances are higher that you would typically expect at most ski areas on a weekend. Anyone care to confirm or refute that?

Also, does anyone have direct experience with the instructors/program for young kids who are just starting out? Our friends kids are never evers. Mine skied twice last year and four times so far this year, so she's got experience with balance and is comfortable with the speed. Not so much with the wedging and control. I keep her on a ski harness and just try to slow her down - her entire vocabulary on the hill is "To infinty and beyond!" and "Faster Daddy!". She's been on chairlifts with me a bunch of times too, so I don't know if she'll get bored being in a class with first timers. What are the chances the kids would get split up based on different experience?

[Sierra Lady]

Hard to say being that weekend will be the bookend to the President's ski week. But since you're talking about June's Sport School, chances are pretty good it could be just your kids or maybe just a couple of others.

[SkiSox]

Thanks SL.

Speaking of that weekend, anyone care to show a June noob around? My wife and friends are pretty much beginners/low intermediates whereas I cut my teeth in the woods of Vermont for 20 years. I'm looking to go wherever the untracked may be, so long as it doesn't require skins.

[ShiftyRider]

If it's a powder day get there way early -- June's lifts spin earlier than Mammoth's. Then just lap Chair 1. If a prohibitive line develops, go to Chair 7 between say 9:20 and 10:40 so you can see how flat it is. Then return to laps on Chair 1 for the rest of the day.

[gowithapro2009]

Please make sure your instructor is a (Professional Ski Instructors of America) PSIA [color=#FF00FF]Certified Instructor[/color]. We are specifically trained and examined to instruct and ski/ride at various levels of proficiency. Many resorts are now hiring what some refer to as "corporate/walmart instructors". This is a cheap hire for the resorts. Corporate Instructors are people who may or may not be good with kids, they can ski a little, are not professionally trained, and there is a huge difference beween their level of expertise and ours. You pay the same, so why not go with the pros who have put their time and money on the table to teach efficiently and to an industry standard. You can google PSIA-WESTERN DIV to gain some insight into our standards. Thanks

[Sierra Lady]

Thanks SL.

Speaking of that weekend, anyone care to show a June noob around? My wife and friends are pretty much beginners/low intermediates whereas I cut my teeth in the woods of Vermont for 20 years. I'm looking to go wherever the untracked may be, so long as it doesn't require skins.

You're very welcome.

Don't listen to Shifty. (At least not for your wife and her friends.)

Send a Private Message to onegoodturn. He lives in June Lake and rides nearly every day. He is the honorary Mayor of JL and I'll bet he'd be happy to show you around!

[onegoodturn]

go to Chair 7 between say 9:20 and 10:40 so you can see how flat it is.

Kind of reminds me of a bumper sticker I once saw. I'll take the flat ones at the top.

[ShiftyRider]

Well I stand by my recommendation. In my opinion June is basically three different ski areas.

A nice terrain park: go whenever the park's open if you ride park which I don't.

Better than nothing: go when the weather (especially wind) is brutal at Mammoth.

World Class: only if the face runs served by Chair 1 are open. When that happens, I've rarely bothered to ride any lift except Chair 1 (or the QMC when it served the same terrain).

[onegoodturn]

I'd say it's 4 different ski areas. And I'm not talking about the corn dogs. Maybe even 5 different ski areas.

[Dropn N]

Please make sure your instructor is a (Professional Ski Instructors of America) PSIA [color=#FF00FF]Certified Instructor[/color]. We are specifically trained and examined to instruct and ski/ride at various levels of proficiency. Many resorts are now hiring what some refer to as "corporate/walmart instructors". This is a cheap hire for the resorts. Corporate Instructors are people who may or may not be good with kids, they can ski a little, are not professionally trained, and there is a huge difference beween their level of expertise and ours. You pay the same, so why not go with the pros who have put their time and money on the table to teach efficiently and to an industry standard. You can google PSIA-WESTERN DIV to gain some insight into our standards. Thanks

I have seen many PSIA instructors that are not good with kids or even adults for that matter.Are they trained, yes. Are they capable, yes. They just dont know how to deal with people and that cant be taught.

Specifically which resorts are hiring Wal-Mart instructors...if this is fact stand up for PSIA and your colleagues and call them out. Or hide behind the name GoWithPro2009.

[Snowave]

Bring a few Fat Tires, and give OGT a call... the ladies will be in good hands..

wait a sec....

[mspamelablythe]

Bring a few Fat Tires, and give OGT a call... the ladies will be in good hands..

wait a sec....

Self edit..... self edit........

[gowithapro2009]

It is not my job or my inclination to call anyone out. I am making a general recommendation, in reference to this post, to be helpful and hopefully give some insight. Do you have names and specifics you would like to call out,...it is your choice. I don't think too many knowlegable people in the industry would argue about my specific post.

[Calkiwi]

I would say that if you are skiing midweek then your chances of having a group lesson all to yourself are pretty good. My kids have experienced that a few times recently. Probably not going to happen on the weekend.

The kids (now 8 and 10) have been skiing at June for 5 years now. Their first and always favorite ski instructor is a guy named Keith. He's fantastic with children. So, if you get a private ask for him.

Steve