>tips from 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.

From: Vicky Prouty, Ski Instructor from Weathersfield, VT
Specialties: adults and children levels 1-5

On cold days be sure to purchase and use hand and foot warmers.  Even if you don't think you'll need them, it's a good idea to purchase warmers, open the packages and put the opened packages in your pocket.  That way they'll be warm if you or someone else needs them.  Remember when your hands or feet get cold, if you haven't pre-opened the packages exposing the warmers to air, it will take about 10-20 minutes for the warmers to heat up, which seems like an eternity when your cold and will probably keep you in the lodge and off the great trails at Okemo. 

From Rolf Meyer, Ski Instructor from Madison, WI
Specialties: Bumps and racing
17 year veteran, PSIA Alpine Level 3, USSA Club Coach

Ever have a day when your thighs are killing you after only a couple of runs?
You've been to the gym, done all of your exercises, what gives? Well, you might be in the "back seat" with your feet in front of your hips instead of under them. Try flexing and extending your ankles, knees and hips evenly and appropriately together. No one joint more than another. This will keep those feet under your hips and save the thighs for turning the skis instead of keeping your butt off the snow.

From Berny Cooper, Ski Instructor from Alstead, NH
Specialties: Beginner Skiing and Riding; older learners; positive and patient teacher
8 year veteran, PSIA Alpine Level 1, AASI Snowboard Level 1

For the new skier, a short ski will make learning much easier.  How short?  I have had great success with folks learning on snow blades, which are only 99 centimeters long!  A ski of 120 to 160 centimeters will also work for most, with shorter being easier.  I also recommend wearing only one pair of light-weight socks in the ski-boots.  Modern boots are insulated and are usually warm.  Boots may feel a bit clunky and awkward at first, but should fit with no pain!  If they are hurting, try adjusting them or change them for a different pair!  

Skiing and riding use the same balance and control skills which we use in our normal walking and movement patterns, but in a more dynamic way, which can be a fun and rewarding experience to learn.  It is a thrill to be effortlessly gliding over the snow, totally in control.  Fun to the max!

From Matt Langan
Specialties: Beginner Skiing, PSIA Alpine Level I

A ski turn is one of the levels of the "skiing coolness ladder" every new skier wants to achieve, and later show off. When first attempting a turn, you should try to apply pressure to the inside edge of the ski that is the opposite of the direction you are turning. One approach, which works well with kids, is to push down on your big toe of the ski that is opposite to the direction you want to turn in. Another approach is to point your knees in the direction you are turning. Remember when turning, to keep your body in an athletic stance, with your hands forward, and look up.

From "Dive" Bowyer, Instructor; Staff Trainer at Jackson Gore

Well the snow is here and its all systems go for the new ski year. Question- how can I get ready???? Well the perfect answer would be to start training six months ago BUT we all know that's not happening, so my recommendation is- when you're in line for that first chair ride, or better yet before you get there. TRY THIS...On a flat snow surface shuffle your feet and skis back and forward... if you are moving forward or backwards your balance is off. If you can shuffle your feet/skis back and forward and not move you're in balance. TIP... to achieve this you will need to engage the core muscles you now those ones you've been working no for the past 6 months. A stable core is the one of the pieces in the better skiing puzzle.
Good luck.

From Damian Vacca, Ski Instructor

Here's a tip on how to fall and avoid injury. First make sure that your bindings are set to your skill level. If they are higher than your level the skis will not pop off when you need them. Second when falling try to relax your muscles. I have found that if I tighten up and try to prevent an inevitable fall I will invariably hurt myself. Staying relaxed and loose on the way down will help prevent muscle tears and pulls.