After learning the PMTS teaching method for first time skiers from the video and instructor manual it will be hard to teach our new Terrain Based teaching method (station teaching) at our ski school here is the lesson plan we are going to teach this year I know I will not be teaching this in my private lessons
• Focus on the experience: Create an environment where you don’t just learn to slide, you learn to become a slider. Use words from our culture. Avoid lesson-like words.
• Instructors are facilitators. Encourage them to “Try this” then allow them to explore.
• Don’t say too much, use positive feedback.
• Use appropriate terrain to control speed and minimize fear.
• Avoid words like: Drill, Task, Lesson, etc… Instead, use: Trick, Move, Skill, etc…
The lesson can be divided into 3 stages, which we call “zones”:
Zone 1: Stance, Balance, Stop in straight line
Coach/Guide to:
- Maintain a stance that would keep them standing if skis were not on
- Equal balance on both feet
- Equal steering of both legs
- Equal edge on both skis
If needed:
- Sidestep, herringbone, hop, turn toes in, walk through “S” turns with both skis on
- Walk or scooter with only one foot in
- Walk, hop or make bowties with skis off
Making terrain choices:
- Pitch
- Snow speed/Condition
- Shape and size of terrain features
- Availability/Crowd volume
Graduation Criteria: guest has the ability to control speed and stop in a straight line on the terrain of the day.
Zone 2: Turn Left and Right to a stop
Coach/Guide to:
- Have more balance on turning ski
- Turn the ski with the leg
- Tip turning ski with ankle and knee
If needed teach surface lift safety
Graduation Criteria: Guest can turn left and right to a stop
Zone 3: Link Turns and control speed with turn shape
Coach/Guide to:
- Have a deliberate transfer of balance from outside ski to outside ski
- Use different amounts of leg steering and tipping the outside ski to create and control turn shape
Graduation Criteria: Guest can link turns and control speed with turn shape