How to Hire a Great Private Lesson Ski Instructor

After saving all year for your ski week at Mount Snowsalot, you've decided to bite the bullet and hire a private lesson ski instructor--your skiing requires it. But, how do you determine what to look for in a professional ski instructor? How do you know when you're getting your money's worth and when you're not? Here are a few tips from a working professional ski instructor that will make it easier for you to determine if you've hired the "real deal."

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Skis, boots and poles
• Lift ticket
• Private lesson ski school ticket

1. Before plunking down your hard-earned cash for a private lesson ski instructor, ask yourself what you're looking for. Do you want someone who will teach you conservatively or are you looking for an instructor who will work you? Be honest.

2. Accurately self-assess your own skiing ability. Be able to accurately describe your skiing ability to the person at the reservations desk. Be sure to let them know if you have special needs.

3. Decide if you want a male or female instructor or if it doesn't matter. You're not being sexist--some clients just get along better with an instructor of their own sex. Some clients purposely look for an instructor of the opposite sex.

4. Ask the reservationist about the qualifications of the instructor they've chosen for you. Are they a member of the Professional Ski Instructors of America (PSIA)? Are they fully certified? Are they qualified to teach special skills like stunts in the terrain park or working with kids?

5. Ask if you can contact the instructor ahead of time. Most professional ski instructors will be happy to chat with you before your arrival to make sure they are anticipating all of your needs.

Tips & Warnings

• Always work through a reputable ski school.
• Hire only professional ski instructors that belong to PSIA.
• Be prepared to give your instructor a tip at the end of the lesson if you're happy with they way you've been treated. Ski instructors work for very low hourly rates and depend on tips to make a living.
• Never let your ski instructor talk you into doing anything that you're not completely comfortable with.
• If you're not happy with your instructor, contact the ski school desk. If another ski instructor is available, they can often make a switch for you.