Ski & Snowboard Tips by Okemo Instructors

Okemo offers ski and snowboard lessons for every level, delivered by the best instructors in the business! There are group lessons, private lessons and special programs, all of which bring people closer together as they advance their skills and snow sports knowledge. Enjoy these tips from some of Okemo's most talented instructors!

And stay tuned...as we'll add many more tips as the season progresses. Got a specific question you want answered by an Okemo instructor? Send it along - we'll post it here to share with everyone.

If you see an instructor you'd like to work with, contact the Learning Center at (802) 228-1600 to setup a private lesson - and really make some progress on your skills.

Doug Mahoney, Ski Instructor from Windham, NH
Specialties: Skiing and Riding the Ridgeline
22 year veteran, PSIA Alpine Level 2, AASI Snowboard Level 2

As the center of a trail gets scraped off we all look for that infamous powder.  Skiing or riding the Ridgeline can be a great experience and powder can usually be found.  However, care must be taken as there may be visible or hidden obstacles. Here are a few maneuvers you should be capable of performing before entering the Ridgeline:

• Sideslipping on uneven terrain
• Pivot slips (change direction of skis/board while sideslipping)
• Hop turns and leapers off bumps
• Effective use of poles (unless you are a rider)
• Maintain a proper athletic stance at ALL times
• Look where you want to go, not at possible obstacles.

Give the Ridgeline a try.  You may find it a lot of fun.  Ski and ride safe.

Rich Weiss, Ski Instructor from Ludlow, VT
Specialties: Bumps
10 year veteran, PSIA 3 (Examiner)

Where you turn is just as important as how you turn. When heading down a trail or slope, look around for convex spots (piles of snow, knolls or bumps). Time the spot of your turn with being on the top of one of these terrain features. Less of the skis will be on the snow so turning will be easier. Remember, bumps are your friends, not your enemies.

Ron Dean, Ski Instructor from Wilkes-Barre, PA
7 year veteran, PSIA 2

The key to higher level skiing is your poles - touch rather than plant. The pole swing starts bringing the body into the new turn and keeps the turn flowing. This method is also good for balance.

Bill Champion from Ludlow, VT
Specialties: Beginners
18 year veteran, PSIA 2

Your first experience on the snow will be more enjoyable if you are warm and comfortable. Dress in layers vs. one bulky jacket. Wear pants and gloves that will shed the snow. Invest in goggles for snowy days and wear only one pair of socks in your boots!

Tim Carbone, Ski Instructor
Specialties: Bumps
25 year veteran, PSIA 3

Bump skiing requires the skier to stay centered throughout the run. Every time the skis go over a bump, the skier's weight gets thrown back onto the heels and tails of the ski. So, think about each bump as the very end of a diving board. As the skier's skis and boots go over the top of a bump, the skier should pretend that (s)he is a diver and it is at this point to move like a diver by moving the weight toward the water (the skier moves down the back side of the mogul, weight forward.) Try this movement and this should make the weight return to the center - and thus the skier retains control of his/her skis.

Jim Garvey, Ski Instructor from Mahopac, NY
Specialties: Kids and Bumps (now there's an appropriate mix!) Tele too!
11 year veteran, PSIA 3

Downhill skiing? That's it! Remember you need to move downhill... move your body down the hill. Your skis will come with you. Don't brace against the skis, take them for a ride.

Carolee Ferguson, Ski Instructor from Cuttingsville, VT
Specialties: Kids
17 year veteran, PSIA 2

Parents: Check with your child's instructor on the appropriate terrain to ski with your child. Sometimes we think our child can ski steeps, bumps and trees before they are ready.

Con Connorton, Ski Instructor
Specialties: Park & Bumps

Rails: Sliding down a large 15 foot flat metal rail can sometimes be more difficult than others make it look. So why not try something smaller? I find the best way to get used to the sideways sliding motion is to (I know this sounds a bit backwards) is to take your skis off and try to slide using just your boots (use poles for stability). Keep your feet hip width apart and keep your center of gravity low with arms out to the side for balance. Get a running start and try to slide on one of the smaller rails, preferably below the Sugar House as they are close to the ground. Once you get comfortable it should be just as easy with your skis on and with a little more speed. One final tip: once you are on the rail with skis, keep your feet flat to avoid catching an edge or sliding off the rail.

Pipe: Having one of the East Coast's largest halfpipes is pretty sweet, but to some it may look like an impossible task to ride it. On the contrary, it is actually pretty easy and exhilirating. Using proper park etiquette, wait your turn and then head towards whatever wall you feel comfortable with.

Dropping In: Don't make the mistake of jumping off the first wall on the first trip down. Instead, ease your skis into the pipe - imagine your skis are sandpaper and the pipe is a curved piece of wood - keeping your skis in contact with the snow is like sanding the walls of the pipe, the more contact you have, the smoother the ride will be. Keep your speed in check and don' t go too fast. You are in control here and slowing down is as easy a using your gliding wedge to brake or turning slightly up hill in the middle of the pipe.

Your first turn: This is the big moment you've been waiting for. This part of the ride is as simple as letting gravity help you turn. Don't make the mistake of jumping out away from the wall. When you feel youself get to the apex of the turn, where there is a feeling of weightlessness, do a small jump and point your skis back down the wall. Its that simple...just don't forget the walls keep coming for about 500 more feet, but don't worry you can handle it. Just stay focused and in time, it will become automatic.

Terry Carey
Specialities: Better Bumps!
PSIA Alpine L3

Bump skiing can be intimidating but if you change your attitude it will change your bumping!!

• Every obstacle is an opportunity!
• A bump is a small hill which you can use to slow you down!
• Try to maintain ski to snow contact by absorbing and extending with the legs.
• Drive the tips of the skis down the backside of the bump.
• Keep your eyes and head focused down the hill.
• Bring your hands to where you can see them at all times.
• Mileage, mileage, mileage!!