Part4

Erik Flekander Part3//

The difference between a ‘good’ snowsports instructor and a ‘great’ snowsports instructor relies on a few key things.

A great snowsports instructor would be a role model to other instructors. Their professionalism would be kept to the highest standard, around guests and other instructors alike. A great instructor would also have a thorough knowledge of teaching and the mechanics of the skills they are teaching, and be able to present this information confidently and accurately. They will also need strong interpersonal skills to achieve easy rapport to create a relationship with their guests. Lastly, a great instructor would be constantly improving upon their own professional development, as there is always more to learn to stay at your peak.

To be seen as a role model in the snowsports instructing industry, how you are perceived and your level of professionalism is key. This refers to the way you portray yourself both in and out of work, and to guests and instructors alike. As a guest meeting their instructor for the first time, their expectation is of a refined professional product. First impressions count. Common courtesy, appropriate language and a professional attentive demeanour all add up.

Knowledge of your product is a second key fundamental. It is near impossible to convey a coherent explanation if you don’t fully understand the movement or mechanic yourself. As a ‘great’ instructor you are considered an expert in the field, and your knowledge should reflect that. This is not only in terms of technical knowledge, but also in the instructor’s ability to handle different ages, learning styles, weather conditions, class handling and a thorough knowledge of the alpine responsibility code.

A great instructor should also deliver a great experience with their lessons. An instructor’s ability to achieve an easy rapport with their guest is a quick way to interact on a more friendly and personable basis. These strong interpersonal skills help to lessen the extent of the instructor being the boss and telling their guest what to do. In other words, less ‘instructing’ and more ‘conversation’. Understanding, showing empathy, and genuinely caring about your client will go a long way. Doing so will help allow the instructor to better read the guest on things such as their comfort levels, type of learner, and goals etc, and then act accordingly.

The last fundamental I’ll write about is how a great instructor responds to their own professional development. Continually developing yourself through training to maintain your current standard and to grow with any changes is a must. A great instructor is also versatile and is open to learning, both in their own main discipline and in others. As primarily a snowboarder myself I thoroughly enjoy training and improving my skiing ability. This is with the goal of improving my overall instructing versatility and ability to transfer knowledge between disciplines.

To conclude, a great instructor needs to possess many different qualities. A combination of professionalism, knowledge, people skills, and professional development allows this kind of instructor to go above and beyond, and deliver a great experience to their guest.

Part4//

Jessica Haslau

The Snow Sport Industry employs thousands of instructors across the world. These instructors come from diverse backgrounds and come with a variety of skill levels and qualifications that shape them as people and teachers.

I often hear our guests requesting or asking for “a good instructor” however I rarely hear them asking for “a great one”. What is it that makes a good instructor and how does an instructor evolve into a great one?

Safety and learning can be seen as the basis of a “good” lesson. Essentially you tick the boxes. You turned up, you provided a safe environment and they learnt something. This ‘good lesson’ would be the minimum expectation from both the snow sports school and its guests. The ability to add the element of fun would start the transformation of your standard good lesson and instructor into the start of a great one.

A great instructor’s guest relationship can be formed from the initial level of trust that is developed. Instructors who are Patient and Empathetic with guests allow this trust to build and grow, providing the guest with a sense of safety and support resulting in a more positive and successful learning experience.

Professional Instructors have the opportunity to provide exceptional customer service. Sometimes this service can include the little things that can make a client’s time and experience that much greater. Things like that little bit of wax in the pocket for those Australian sticky snow days, a spare goggle wipe, a trail map, or advice on resort services and restaurants. Taking initiative and providing more than just a ski lesson could influence the overall love and continuation within the sport. Instructors are presented with vast levels of ability and ages. Being versatile and creative provides a fun experience for all. However, often instructors are exposed to varying elements and quickly changing working conditions. There is nothing like sudden rain, fog, or high winds to throw a spanner in a lesson. Being adaptable helps the instructor respond successfully to these conditions whilst continuing to provide the guest with that fun and safe experience.

A great instructor continues to work and build on their knowledge. They utilise training opportunities, and attend workshops to better themselves as people and instructors. A great instructor is willing to share and educate others to professionally develop the industry. Having knowledge alone is good, however being able to complement this with exceptional communication and presenting skills is just as important in providing effective delivery and guest understanding.

Instructors that consistently maintain and demonstrate a high level of performance provide an exceptional visual image. This great image can ignite an inner inspiration and motivation for guests to pursue their development and snow sports training.

A great instructor goes above and beyond the expected. A good instructor might teach a guest, but a great instructor will inspire a passion that will embark them on a lifelong journey into snow sports.