Gapers

All these years I’ve mispronounced many euro ski brands and just read a great article on Skimag.com that set me straight.

To read it go HERE

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Teaching Saftey on The Mountain

A critical thing to teach guests!

As a ski or snowboard instructor, you likely spend the most time with guests who take a lesson. This video encourages you to give your guests an on-snow demonstration of the National Ski Areas Association’s Your Responsibility Code to see the code in action. Your impact can help promote safer adventures for all. Read Your Responsibility Code: http://tiny.cc/lab0vz Remember: Taking a lesson is the best way to learn how to ski and snowboard, so go with a pro! Visit the Professional Ski Instructors of America and the American Association of Snowboard Instructors (PSIA-AASI) ‘Take a Lesson’ page at https://www.thesnowpros.org/takealesson or watch more videos at http://tiny.cc/GoWithAProVideos. Have fun and see you on the slopes! Learn More: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thesnowpros Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesnowpros Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/thesnowpros YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/thesnowpros#snowprosShow less

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New On-Piste Lineup From Rossignol!

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Ski Instructors: Why Unionizing Is The Only Way Forward

Introduction

The Professional Ski Instructors of America (PSIA) is the largest and longest-standing ski and snowboard instructors’ organization in the world. PSIA represents more than 20,000 instructors in the United States and Canada.

Since its inception in 1961, PSIA has been successful in advocating for higher pay and better working conditions for instructors. However, in recent years, the organization has been facing significant challenges. The most pressing issues instructor face are low pay, the high cost of living in resort towns, and the poaching of lessons outside of the resort ski school by new companies such as LessonPro and CoachUp. I equate these poaching companies to Uber and Lyft disrupting the cab industry and yet they continue to flourish unabated.

Children with instructorSimilar images in my portfolio

PSIA is the only organization that represents ski and snowboard instructors in the United States and Canada. In order to continue to be effective, PSIA must unionize. Unionization would give instructors the power to negotiate for higher pay and better working conditions. It would also allow PSIA to better advocate for the interests of instructors at the national level.

The Benefits of Unionizing for Ski Instructors: Unionization would give ski instructors greater power to negotiate better wages and more equitable working conditions. With the collective power of a union, instructors would be in a stronger position to reach agreements with resorts that would guarantee better pay and better treatment. Unionization would also protect instructors from unfair or illegal firing practices by granting them the ability to collectively bargain for job security. In addition, a union would be in a much better position to provide the necessary resources for ski instructors. This could include training opportunities, educational initiatives, and access to the latest developments in the field. A union would also be better equipped to address issues of workplace safety and medical care.

The Challenges Facing Ski Instructors Who Don’t Unionize:

Without unionization, ski instructors are ill-equipped to negotiate better wages and working conditions with their employers. This puts them at a distinct disadvantage and leaves them vulnerable to exploitation. Employers often pay ski instructors low wages, due to the seasonal nature of the job. This means instructors are often forced to take on multiple jobs in order to make ends meet, leading to burnout. In addition, ski instructors often work in large resorts where they are effectively employed as freelancers, making it difficult to challenge employer practices. Resort owners and operators can often quickly respond to any protest or action by the instructors, leaving them no recourse if they disagree with a decision or action taken.

How Unionizing Can Help Ski Instructors Address These Challenges:

First and foremost, unionizing would give instructors the collective power to negotiate better wages and working conditions from their employers. This could include better pay, health benefits, retirement packages, job security, as well as reasonable expectations for workload and hours. With the collective power of the union, ski instructors would also be able to challenge unfair or exploitative practices by the owner or operator of the resort. This could include challenging unreasonable expectations for workload or hours, opposing discriminatory practices, or negotiating for reasonable safety precautions. The union would also be able to provide a supportive network for instructors, allowing them to share their experiences, discuss workplace issues, and come up with meaningful solutions.

The Steps Involved in Unionizing:

Forming a union is a multi-step process that requires organization, dedication, and unity from instructors. It begins with recruiting members to form the union. Once enough support is gathered, the union can then make an application to the appropriate government agency for certification. Once certified, the union can then begin negotiating with the employer to form a collective agreement that outlines the rights and responsibilities of both parties. This agreement is then submitted to the appropriate government agency for ratification.

The Next Steps for Ski Instructors Who Want To Unionize:

The first step for ski instructors who want to unionize is to contact their PSIA representative. The PSIA has the experience, resources, and expertise to provide support and assistance to instructors who want to unionize. The PSIA will then work with the instructors to develop a plan to recruit members and make an application for certification. Once the instructors have the support of their members, the PSIA will help them negotiate a collective agreement with the employer. When the collective agreement is ratified, the instructor will be legally recognized as a unionized workplace. The instructor and the PSIA will then have the power to negotiate better wages and working conditions for ski instructors.

Conclusion:

Ski instructors have the potential to make great strides towards improved wages and working conditions by joining together in a union. Unionizing would give instructors the collective power to negotiate for better wages, job security, health benefits, and other improved protections. The PSIA is the leading organization for ski instructors in the United States and Canada and can provide the resources and support needed to successfully unionize. By taking the necessary steps, ski instructors can use unionization to create a more equitable and rewarding work environment.

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Ski Sizing Chart

Courtesy of L9 Sports

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Ski Ring Testimonial

SkiRing can help your students successfully put into practice the sound instruction and fundamentals you are already teaching. 

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OFFICIAL SUPPLIER OF THE PSIA-AASIFREE SHIPPING IN THE CONTINENTAL USA

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Thanks for taking the time to read our newsletter! Do not hesitate to reach out if you need a hand or have any questions. I look forward to hearing from you. Think Snow, Monica + SkiRing® Team

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Welcome to Rossignol!

Stoked to represent such an iconic brand!

I am elated to announce a new partnership with Rossignol! They weren’t my first skis but they were the ones I drooled over the first few years. My Dad got me a pair of Strato 102’s with Look Nevada bindings when I started racing at the age of 12 and I had many other Rossignols over the years. I loved them and climbed up the club racing ladder rapidly on them.

Rossignol Strato 102's w/Look Nevada Bindings

So now 52 years later I have entered into an affiliate relationship to represent their full product line and couldn’t be prouder of that as a personal achievement. In the past week, I’ve brought onboard two icon brands with Rossignol and Bogner who were already legendary brands to me as kid. My site viewers and blog readers now have access to Rossignol’s complete line of 13,164 products which go way past just skis. Click here for a retrospective look back at some of their legendary skis over the decades. Both ionic brands will be featured in the “Shop” section of our site and I will be posting blog posts featuring many of their products as we progress.

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So You Want To Be Ski Racer?

For anyone who loves skiing, the idea of ski racing can be very appealing. Ski racing is a thrilling sport that combines the speed and excitement of downhill skiing with the challenge of competition. If you’re thinking about getting into ski racing, this blog post is for you. We’re going to cover everything you need to know to get started, from the benefits of ski racing to the equipment you’ll need. We’ll even give you some tips on how to train for your first race. So whether you’re a beginner or an experienced skier looking to take your racing to the next level, read on for everything you need to know about ski racing.

Why Ski Racing?

There are many reasons to ski race, but the main one is that it’s a great way to get in shape and have fun. Ski racing can help you lose weight, improve your endurance, and build muscle. It’s also a great way to meet people and make friends. Ski racing can take you places you never thought possible – from the slopes of Aspen to the slopes of Val d’Isere. So whether you’re looking for an exciting new hobby, a chance to explore new places, or just some good old-fashioned exercise, skiing is definitely worth considering.

Skiing can be a very physically and mentally challenging sport. The terrain is usually varied, with both steep slopes and wide open expanses. There are many obstacles to avoid – trees, rocks, moguls (a type of hill), and more. Skiers must maintain their balance on the skis while racing down the hill at high speeds. Ski racing is a great way to stay in shape and improve your fitness levels. It also offers an opportunity to meet new people from all around the world who share a common interest in skiing.

The Benefits Of Ski Racing

If you’re looking for a physically challenging sport that also offers mental and social benefits, look no further than skiing. Ski racing is an intense activity that can challenge your strength, stamina and balance. Here are three of the many health benefits of ski racing.

1) Ski racing can boost your immune system. When you are vigorously moving through cold air, your body produces natural killer cells (NK cells), which help to fight off infections.

2) Ski racing can improve blood flow to your brain. This increased blood flow helps to protect brain cells from damage and supports cognitive function.

3) Ski Racing has been shown to lower cholesterol levels in people who don’t have healthy cholesterol profiles to start with. In fact, one study showed that people who regularly participate in ski races had lower total cholesterol levels after four years than those who didn’t race! So whether or not you win a race, skiing is definitely good for your heart!

How To Get Started In Ski Racing

If you’re looking for a challenging and rewarding sport, ski racing is definitely worth considering. Ski racing is a great way to get exercise and compete with friends. It’s also a great way to travel and explore new parts of the world. Ski racing can be physically demanding, but it’s also mentally challenging. You’ll need to have strong focus and concentration in order to win races. If you’re ready to give ski racing a try, here are some tips on how to get started.

1) Make sure you’re in excellent physical shape – skiing at high speeds requires incredible stamina and strength. If you don’t already have this level of fitness, start by working out regularly at your local gym or track.

2) Have strong mental focus – one of the most important factors in ski racing is your mental preparation. You need to be completely focused on the race ahead so that you can make the best decisions for yourself. This means practicing regularly and staying positive no matter what happens during a race.

3) Be patient – it takes time and practice to become an expert skier racer. Don’t expect everything to happen overnight; take your time learning the ropes before taking on any major competitions.

Ski Racing Equipment

If you’re interested in skiing, or even just want to try it out, there are a few necessary pieces of equipment that you’ll need. In this article, we’re going to cover the different types of ski racing equipment and how to choose the right size and fit for your body. We’ll also discuss specific bindings and poles that you might want to consider using. So if you’re ready to get started on the slopes, be sure to read on!

Ski racing equipment can be broken down into a few different categories: skis, poles, bindings, and clothing. Each of these pieces of gear plays an important role in the sport. Skis are the main vehicle that you use to ski down the mountain. They come in many shapes and sizes, but most importantly, they need to fit your body properly in order for you to have an enjoyable skiing experience. There are three main types of ski touring skis: alpine touring skis, cross-country touring skis, and freestyle skiing/snowboarding skis.

Alpine touring skis are designed for downhill skiing with extended travel distances on hard snow conditions. They’re usually wider at the waist and taper towards the tips to provide good control when descending steep slopes. Cross-country touring skis are designed for cruising around the course on soft snow or packed powder surfaces. They typically have a narrower waist and more gradual taper towards the tips than alpine touring skis. Freestyle skiing/snowboarding is a hybrid style that combines aspects of both alpine and cross-country skiing styles.

Poles help support your weight as you ski down the mountain by providing stability and balance while you’re moving forward or turning corners. The most common type of poles used in ski racing are trekking poles. These elongated poles have a telescoping handle that allows you to adjust them to different lengths depending on your needs. Two other common types of poles used in ski racing are quads (four-pole set) or hexagonal (six-pole set). It’s important to choose the right pole size based on your height, weight, arm length, etcetera. For example, if you’re shorter than average stature, then it might be advantageous to choose a mini quad instead of a standard quad pole set.

Bindings play an important role when it comes to skiing as well. When choosing bindings, it’s important to consider how often you plan on using them – Inferno has several binding options specifically designed for Nordic skiing which include Ski & Snowboard Bindings Guide.

Walking boots may not be necessary if all you’re looking for is basic protection from slips and falls during indoor activities like walking around houses; however, they will provide better grip when hiking up snowy trails outside, so it’s worth considering investing in some type of footwear, especially if trying out winter sports for the first time.

Ski Racing Training

If you’re interested in ski racing, here are five essential tips for getting started:

1. Start slowly. Ski racing is a tough sport that can be physically and mentally challenging. If you start out too fast, you may not have the stamina to finish the race. Take it easy at first and build up your endurance gradually over time.

2. Get fitted for gear. Ski racers need special equipment to stay safe on the slopes skis, boots, poles, jackets, etc. Make sure to get fitted for these items before starting training so you don’t injure yourself while trying to adapt to new gear later on in your journey!

3. Be prepared for weather conditions. Weather conditions can change quickly on the slopes, so make sure you’re well-prepared for any potential scenarios by learning about local weather patterns and preparing accordingly (e.g. bringing an extra jacket or hat).

4. Train hard but train smart. Skipping workouts or training too intensely will only wear down your body and hurt your progress; find a balance that works best for you and stick with it!

5. Never give up! Even if things seem impossible at first – keep working hard and eventually success will come!

Ski Race Tactics

Ski race tactics can be important in order to improve your chances of winning. When it comes to skiing, there are a few key things that you need to keep in mind. The first is picking the right line. Make sure that you stay close to the skiers in front of you, and don’t try to go too fast. Be patient and allow yourself time to make corrections if necessary.

Another key aspect of ski racing is keeping your skis parallel. This means that your skis should be at the same angle from the ground, as this will help you move more quickly through the snow. It’s also important to have a grip on those poles – don’t let them go flying out of your hands! Finally, relax and breathe – these tips will help you stay focused during the race.

If you follow these tips, you should have a good chance of winning your next ski race. However, there are certain things that you can’t do control, and no matter how well you prepare, some things will always go wrong. That’s why it’s important to have a strategy for when things don’t go as planned.

Some skiers refer to this as “peaking.” When peaks happen in a ski race, it usually means that one or more skiers is ahead of the rest by a substantial margin. In order to catch up, most competitors try to attack early on in the race – before they’ve had time to build up too much speed. This can be risky though, and if the other skier is faster than you are able to handle it may end with disaster.

Instead of attacking prematurely, many successful racers find it more advantageous to wait until their opponent has made several mistakes. By then, they’ll likely be tired and vulnerable – giving you the opportunity to overtake them without risk!

Common Ski Race Mistakes

There are a few common ski race mistakes that you should avoid if you want to have a successful race. Picking the wrong events can be a big mistake, as it limits your opportunity to improve your skiing. Not being prepared can also lead to disaster, as you won’t be able to train effectively if you don’t have the right equipment or knowledge. Failing to find the right coach is another big mistake, as they can help you reach your racing goals. Finally, overtraining and undereating are two other issues that will prevent you from having a successful race. Make sure to take rest and recovery seriously, and tapering gradually instead of abruptly will help you stay in shape for your next race.

How To Overcome Pre-Race Nerves

Pre-race nerves are a common sensation before any race. However, if you’re feeling nervous, there are some things that you can do to overcome these nerves and have a successful race.

First of all, recognize that you’re feeling nervous because you care about the outcome of the race. This is important because it allows you to focus on what’s important: the race itself. It’s also important to acknowledge your pre-race nerves to yourself. This will help to reduce the amount of stress that you feel and will allow you to better prepare for the race.

Next, use positive self-talk to calm yourself down. This means telling yourself things like “I can do this,” or “I’m prepared for this.” Visualize success in the race in as much detail as possible. This will help increase your confidence and decrease your anxiety levels. Finally, don’t dwell on past races where you felt nervous – instead, focus on how you’ll be able to improve upon those performances in order to have a successful race this time around.

In Conclusion

Ski racing is an intense and demanding sport, but it is also an incredibly rewarding experience. If you’re looking for a way to challenge yourself both physically and mentally, then ski racing is definitely worth considering. With the proper equipment and training, you can become a successful ski racer. So what are you waiting for? Get out there and start racing!

Posted in downhill, Giant Slalom, Masters, Racing, Speed Skiing, Super G, US Ski Team, USSA | Tagged | Leave a comment

2022-2023 Season Ski Jobs in Colorado

    27 new ski school supervisor jobs in Colorado

    These job ads match your saved job alert ¹

     
    Youth Ski and Ride School Supervisor
    Copper Mountain Resort 3.9 3.9/5 rating – Copper Mountain, CO
    $3,846 – $4,100 a month
    Develops a rapport with fellow supervisors quickly, establishing a connection with the supervisor(s) almost immediately. Daily check-out for payroll.
    Just posted
    Nordic Ski School Supervisor
    Eldora Mountain Resort 4 4/5 rating – Nederland, CO
    $21 an hour
    The Nordic Ski school supervisor will also instruct Nordic ski lessons and assist with operations of indoor and outdoor facilities/teaching areas as needed.
    Just posted
    Wildland Assistant Engine Module Leader
    Town of Vail – Vail, CO
    $32.11 – $41.75 an hour
     Easily apply
    High school or GED required. This includes health and dental coverage, town-funded retirement, 457 pre-tax savings plan, life/survivor insurance, tennis pass,…
    3 days ago
    Ski & Ride School Un-Certified Instructor – Winter Season
    Winter Park Resort 3.9 3.9/5 rating – Winter Park, CO

       You may have matching qualifications

    Ability to ski on all green and groomed blue terrain. High School Diploma or GED (high school equivalency) is required. Be aware of area cleanliness.
    1 day ago
    Ski and Snowboard School Product Manager
    Beaver Creek Ski Resort 3.9 3.9/5 rating – Vail, CO
    $58,000 – $70,000 a year
     Easily apply
    Free ski passes for dependents. Minimum three years as a full time instructor for a recognized ski and snowboard school – required.
    9 days ago
    Ski School Administrative Specialist
    Beaver Creek Ski Resort 3.9 3.9/5 rating – Vail, CO
    $23 an hour
     Easily apply
    Free ski passes for dependents. Train supervisors and administrative team on payroll functions and systems. Free passes for employees, employee discounted lift…
    5 days ago
    Ski & Ride School Special Programs Product Manager
    Keystone Resort 3.9 3.9/5 rating – Keystone, CO
    $52,000 – $68,175 a year
     Easily apply
    Free ski passes for dependents. Creating, organizing, staffing, and managing any special events relevant to our programs including competitions, special camp…
    2 days ago
    Retail Supervisor
    Beaver Creek Ski Resort 3.9 3.9/5 rating – Vail, CO
    $20 an hour
     Easily apply
    Free ski passes for dependents. High school diploma or equivalent. Free passes for employees, employee discounted lift tickets for friends and family AND free…
    Just posted
    Supervisor of Competition Services
    Breckenridge Ski Resort 3.9 3.9/5 rating – Breckenridge, CO
    $25.00 – $28.48 an hour
     Easily apply
    Free ski passes for dependents. Free passes for employees, employee discounted lift tickets for friends and family AND free ski lessons.
    8 days ago
    Assistant Store Manager
    Beaver Creek Ski Resort 3.9 3.9/5 rating – Vail, CO
    $25 an hour
     Easily apply
    1-3 years of retail supervisor experience; ski industry preferred. Free ski passes for dependents. Free passes for employees, employee discounted lift tickets…
    9 days ago
    Guest Services Center Supervisor
    Beaver Creek Ski Resort 3.9 3.9/5 rating – Vail, CO
    $25 an hour
     Easily apply
    Free ski passes for dependents. High school diploma or equivalent – required. Free passes for employees, employee discounted lift tickets for friends and family…
    9 days ago
    SnowSports School Supervisor – Winter Seasonal – Full Time
    Steamboat Ski Resort 3.9 3.9/5 rating – Steamboat Springs, CO
    $52,000 – $60,000 a year
    Administrate daily and weekly supervisor meetings and prepare preliminary on-snow operational budgets. Must ski or snowboard on varying terrain and in harsh…
    Just posted
    Nordic Center Manager
    Eldora Mountain Resort 4 4/5 rating – Nederland, CO
    $50,000 – $55,000 a year
    Nordic ski instruction experience desired. Must be proficient Nordic skier in classic and skate disciplines & be able to comfortably ski all Eldora Nordic ski…
    Just posted
    Ski & Ride School – Indoor Facility Attendant – Seasonal PT
    Loveland Ski Area 3.9 3.9/5 rating – Georgetown, CO
    $20 an hour
    Free or discounted skiing & riding at over 30 other ski areas (restrictions may apply). Carry out other tasks as directed by the 4-5-6-year-old program…
    Just posted
    Hesperus Ski Instructor- Certified (Winter Seasonal Position)
    Ski Hesperus – Durango, CO
    $17 an hour
    Communicate any existing or potential safety hazards to supervisor immediately. Uniform must be clean with accessories appropriate for ski and snowboard…
    Just posted
    Alpine Lead Ski Coach – Winter Season
    Winter Park Resort 3.9 3.9/5 rating – Winter Park, CO
    $18 – $27 an hour
    High school graduate or GED is required. Experience in ski tuning, boot modification, and related equipment experience desirable.
    Just posted
    Competition Center Content & Film Team Coordinator- Year-Round
    Winter Park Resort 3.9 3.9/5 rating – Winter Park, CO
    $20 – $24 an hour
    Advanced/Expert ski/snowboard/mountain bike experience required. Day-to-day activities include going on-mountain to obtain and edit action photography and…
    Just posted
    Alpine Ski Coach – Winter Season
    Winter Park Resort 3.9 3.9/5 rating – Winter Park, CO
    $18 – $27 an hour
    High school graduate or GED is required. Experience in ski tuning, boot modification, and related equipment experience desirable.
    Just posted
    Freestyle Ski Coach – Winter Season
    Winter Park Resort 3.9 3.9/5 rating – Winter Park, CO
    $18 – $20 an hour
    High school graduate or GED is required. Assist athletes and their families in obtaining equipment from ski manufacturers’ representatives.
    Just posted
    Alpine Head Ski Coach – Winter Season
    Winter Park Resort 3.9 3.9/5 rating – Winter Park, CO
    $18 – $27 an hour
    High school graduate or GED is required. Experience in ski tuning, boot modification, and related equipment experience desirable.
    Just posted
    Risk and Safety Manager – Year Round
    Winter Park Resort 3.9 3.9/5 rating – Winter Park, CO
    $62,000 – $73,000 a year
    Talking and hearing occur continuously in the process of communicating with guests, supervisors and other employees. Review reserves with claims managers;
    Just posted
    Welder – Year Round
    Winter Park Resort 3.9 3.9/5 rating – Winter Park, CO
    $27.78 an hour
    Prepare and submit material requests to supervisor. High school diploma or GED – required. Talking and hearing occur continuously in the process of…
    Just posted
    Grooming Manager – Year Round
    Winter Park Resort 3.9 3.9/5 rating – Winter Park, CO
    $64,000 – $73,000 a year
    High school diploma or GED. Possess strong knowledge of Winter Park trails and ski runs for optimal grooming –. Discounted tickets for your friends & family.
    Just posted
    Ticketing Supervisor – Flex Year Round – Full Time
    Steamboat Ski Resort 3.9 3.9/5 rating – Steamboat Springs, CO
    $26 – $29 an hour
    College Degree preferred or equivalent in experience within ski industry or service based business. Requirements include: college degree or equivalent…
    Just posted
    Executive Housekeeping Manager – Year Round
    Winter Park Resort 3.9 3.9/5 rating – Winter Park, CO
    $62,000 – $70,000 a year
    Experience as a supervisor and/or manager required . Talking and hearing occur continuously in the process of communicating with guests, supervisors and other…
    Just posted
    Employee Housing Property Assistant – Winter Season
    Winter Park Resort 3.9 3.9/5 rating – Winter Park, CO
    $18 – $21 an hour
    Talking and hearing occur continuously in the process of communicating with guests, supervisors and other employees. Minor maintenance of all equipment.
    Just posted
    Graphic Designer – Year Round
    Winter Park Resort 3.9 3.9/5 rating – Winter Park, CO
    $22 – $26 an hour
    Talking and hearing occur continuously in the process of communicating with guests, supervisors, and other employees.
    Just posted
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    Available Nationwide for Season

    Posted in Instructor | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment