Margaret Thomas, Ski Instructor

11/21/2024

It’s ski season here! Get out early to practice your skills on snow.

06/04/2024

Try this for off-season angulation!?

https://www.instagram.com/reel/C7o73AbIkFR/?igsh=MXM1YW14cTNzZWF0ag==

03/30/2024

Great tip!

https://www.instagram.com/reel/C4bLfh5i5vl/?igsh=MXJneTRjYWUxODlzZw==

02/18/2024

100% the best explanation of how to ski. Deb Armstrong is the best. Subscribe to her YouTube channel.

Deb explaining the movements associated with the phases of a medium radius parallel turn

02/01/2024

If skiing could be broken into Five Fundamentals, then here they are from the PSIA (Professional Ski Instructors of America).

In reality skiing is a blend of all of these fundamentals, resulting in a limitless combination depending on … everything!

If you want to improve your skills, take a lesson. When you are on the slopes without your instructor, work on each fundamental individually.

MY SHORT CUTS:
1. Maintain an Athletic Stance
2. Shift weight to outside ski at the begging of the turn
3. Change body angle to carve skis
4. Turn legs (femur to foot) to turn skis
5. Adjust pressure depending on the snow surface and terrain

THE OFFICIAL FUNDAMENTALS:
1. Control the relationship of the center of mass to the base of support to direct pressure along the length of the skis
2. Control pressure from ski to ski and direct pressure toward the outside ski
3. Control edge angles through a combination of inclination and angulation
4. Control the skis rotation (turning, pivoting, steering) with leg rotation, separate from the upper body
5. Regulate the magnitude of pressure created through ski/snow interaction

Thanks to the PSIA Rocky Mountain division for the list.

In the 2014/15 season PSIA released a long planned and welcome update to the National Standards. This update altered the way we look at and use the national standards and, for the first time in recent history, was the result of collaboration from key players in every division. At the heart of the sk...

01/29/2024

We call this “The 5 Ts”. Five words that start with T and one that starts with S. Whether you are in a ski lesson or free skiing, this is a great way to plan your day, or run, or even your next turn.

Thanks to Park City for the online list.

https://www.parkcityssbs.com/the-5-ts

TACTICS
* Red Flags
* Movement Patterns
* Obstacle Navigation
* Speed
* Line you ski on a run in relation to the terrain

TIMING
* Time of day
* Time of season
* On-snow time for guest (1st day vs. 20th day)
* Sequencing of Activities for Skill Development

TRAFFIC
* Flow patterns
* Choke Points and Bottlenecks
* Location issues
* Business levels
* Space for the particular task to be completed for skill development
* “Know before you go”
* What are the traffic issues you may encounter? What have your peers experienced? �
TASK
* Mechanically accurate
* Why
* What is the relevance of the task?
* Does it contribute to the learning focus?
* What is the desired outcome?
* Is it appropriate for skill level, terrain, and traffic?

TERRAIN
* Appropriate progression
* Greens into blue, blues into blacks
* Terrain restricted
* Obstacles
* Stay away or incorporate them?
* New skills on old terrain
* Old skills on new terrain
* Is it appropriate for the task and student skill level?
* Will the student be successful with turns here?
* What are the risks to be on terrain that is too steep?
* What are the skills the student will lose by using terrain too steep?
* Will this terrain choice enhance the experience and skill of my student?

SURFACE
* Snow conditions
* Grooming report
* Incorporating different aspects of the mountain
* Be aware of variable conditions
* Either stay away or incorporate them
* Be aware of changes in pitch with regards to snow conditions
* Skills needed to manage different conditions

When it comes to ski and snowboard instruction, one of the most important aspects of any pro’s job is epic decision making. The management team relies on our instructor’s good decisions to help keep our guests and instructors safe and successful. As part of this process, Park City SSBS uses .....

01/26/2024

Is there any better spot for après than a ski-in, ski-out cabin among aspens? We don’t think so, and agrees. Enter their Michelob Ultra Ski Haus sweepstakes before Feb. 4 to win your perfect vacation on the slopes. Check it out at the link: https://fs22.formsite.com/roundisnow/tgpgyzziwe/index

01/26/2024

Safety is always first. Did you know…there are 10 defined rules we all must follow?

YOUR RESPONSIBILITY CODE
1. Always stay in control. You must be able to stop or avoid people or objects.
2. People ahead or downhill of you have the right-of-way. You must avoid them.
3. Stop only where you are visible from above and do not restrict traffic.
4. Look uphill and avoid others before starting downhill or entering a trail.
5. You must prevent runaway equipment.
6. Read and obey all signs, warnings, and hazard markings.
7. Keep off closed trails and out of closed areas.
8. You must know how and be able to load, ride and unload lifts safely. If you need assistance, ask the lift attendant.
9. Do not use lifts or terrain when impaired by alcohol or drugs.
10. If you are involved in a collision or incident, share your contact information with each other and a ski area employee.

Thanks to the national ski areas association

Winter sports involve risk of serious injury or death. Your knowledge, decisions and actions contribute to your safety and that of others. If you need help understanding the Code, please ask any ski area employee.

11/04/2020

Getting excited to ski with my guests!!

09/29/2020

Beaver Creek, Home Sweet Home

09/29/2020

Countdown to opening day starting. Leaves are changing, air temps cooling. Many leg squats happening.