"It's about the guest." About a year after I received my PSIA Alpine Level III (Which was presented to me at Boyne Mt. by Deb Armstrong. How cool is that!) I was assigned a lesson with a 14 year old Boy Scout that had taken a lesson the previous day and struggled. My supervisor said he couldn't/wouldn't speak and may have a learning disability. So with that information and feeling quit full of my abilities as an instructor I introduced myself to the young man that looked more like a very young Cub Scout and was dressed like Ralphie's younger brother Randy in "A Christmas Story". The dialog was one way and when I asked him if he wanted to learn how to ski I got an affirmative nod and another nod when asked if he was ready to head up the Magic Carpet. After some pulling and pushing we eventually got on the carpet and about halfway up is when I heard the his first words: "I'm scared." A little more talking, another trip up the carpet, a serious freak out after a fall exiting the carpet on the second trip, lots of tears (his were on the outside, my were on the inside) and two trips down that required a lot of coaching and not letting go of my hands, I realized there would be no thirds lap for this Boy Scout. And it was at this moment that I learned the true meaning of being humble. We then shuffled our way over to the "Ski School Bell" area, removed our skis and sat on the edge of the bell well and started to talk. And boy do I mean talk. This kid was smart, articulate, quick witted, and a joy to hang with. But he made it clear that he was done with the skiing stuff for the day. I even suggested Snow Angels at one point but he really didn't feel like that was a good use of his time and energy. After a little while his buddies and Scout Master came by to collect him. His Scout Master and I spoke for a couple minutes after the scouts ran off for lunch and that's when I learned that my student had dwarfism and that he struggles with balance so much that he has to use training wheels on his bike. What a revelation that was. Later that day while walking through the lodge my Boy Scout buddy saw me and shouted out to me. He thanked me for the lesson and a fun time. I could tell by the look on his face that he was being sincere. Then about six months later I was on a local mountain bike/hiking trail with friends. A section of the trail bumps up against a Boy Scout camp and that's where we came upon a group of scouts out for a hike. As we slowly passed them on our bikes I heard a familiar voice shout out "Hey look, it's Marty!" Stopping dead in my tracks I turned around to see my Boy Scout buddy from the ski lesson. I was shocked to say the least that he had remembered me and that I had made that much of an impression on him that he would recognize me in such a different environment. We talked for a few minutes, smiled and laughed and finally parted ways. "It's all about the guest." is so true in so many different ways.
I teach ballet and do a lot of private lessons. As a teacher, stories like these are what make it all worth it. You reached a child because you made their time with you all about them, and they will always remember that. I have many of such stories and I always love hearing about other teachers experiencing those same moments. Thank you for sharing, and making a difference in a child's life. I bet you're an amazing ski instructor!
Hi Deb! I really appreciate you offering people instruction on learning how to ski. I'm on my third season of skiing and have learned so much from you. You are an amazing instructor. Keep it up!!!
Dear Deb, Happy anniversary of olimpic gold medal in Sarajevo. We like you spirit to teach and your videos. Today we skied on Jahorina, mountain where you won your gold medal in 1984. Wish you all the best from Sarajevo.
I took a beginner ski lesson last weekend for the first time in my life. I kept falling for two hours and my instructor didn't give any guidance. Your videos are helping me the confidence to give skiing another shot. Thank you!
I've been watching all of Kelly's lessons and have found myself cheering for her many times. Deb, I love how easily you explain the nuances of the movements. They have helped me so much in my own skiing journey. Thank you for sharing these lessons.
I teach trainees to ride motorbikes and its the same. Your insights and articulacy about teaching, and how its all about the student and how much you the instructor can introduce at any given time, are spot on. And your enthusiasm! Fantastic.
My kids and my wife said that im really good at showing how to ski for a beginner. But myself know that i cant show next level. Thank you for this video. Its pure magic! I dont want them to think about behind better, i just want they have fun with more skill
Hello Deb, Exactly true: 1. there are so many things going on, it’s confusing to keep up with all while going down hill leg, edges, weight, hands. 2. I like the thought of timeline of the student, different ppl understand and implement at different speed. Rushing through that doesn’t work. It just leads to frustration at best, injury at worst.
This is one of the best lesson video I have ever watched in my life. So thrilled to see Kelly's progress and can't wait to make my progression too. Thanks for the great video... ❤
Hooked on your channel 55 years old 30 plus years skiing and teaching YOU ARE INCREDIBLE Still struggle with headwalls and small mandatory air in the steeps . Hint? Video? So cool of you that if one didn't know you had won gold they wouldn't hear it from you. Ps they are all great but the driving the inside knee vid A GAME CHANGER Thanks again keep up the great work
i just spent a week skiing northstar, and focused on your simple lesson about keeping the upper body quiet and separate from the lower body rotation. it helped i skied better turns. thanks!
Nice job Deb..Kelly is looking great! Having an instructor makes an incredible difference. I can't wait to get back out there next season. I wish I could ski every day. On an Olympics note, I would love to hear some of your commentary about the skiing going on in Beijing. Seems like a lot of falls happening out there, one of which had a really bad injury. Wish NBC would hire you.
It felt like those ski terrains was not prepared for a professional race level. They kept falling like beginners. Some of them showed that they got amazing core strength. They were sliding head first on the back and they spun around to point feet downward and use the ski edge to slow down or reduce risk of hitting something.
My new favorite channel! I feel I’m a better skier after watching (and rewatching) your videos-and I haven’t hit the slopes yet, but pumped for when I do! Thanks Deb!
Deb, what a great video, i have learned so much from watching all of your videos, you're fabulous, keep doing you!!. Thank you and I know your students are getting the best!
I am a frustrated long time beginner skier who only manages to fit in about three days skiing a year. Not really enough to progress much but I always try. What I found really interesting watching this video was seeing the difference between how you both ski at the end. You seem to be actively skiing, almost like you’re riding a bike as opposed to just sliding and turning. You are moving more like an ice skater…really helpful video. I’m off for my few days soon and can’t wait to try and improve again. Thanks
I completely see where your coming from with the arms, but old habits can die hard and the sooner you can get more body parts in the right place and heading in the right direction the better for me. Not that I’m an instructor, far from it! I’ve just skied with many people of many different levels over the years and try to give people tips from what I see they’re doing that they could be doing differently. People always say it feels unnatural when you tell them they need to lift their arms up from by their sides once they’re used to skiing that way! I’ve really enjoyed this mini series and it shows how fast 1 on 1 private tuition can improve someone’s ability.
On the subject of arms & hands: I hope everybody finds this interesting and helpful. I know I did 😊 “Imagine you are standing at the centre of a hoop which is lying on the floor. Bend down and pick it up, holding it just in front of its diameter. Notice how it influences the shape and tensions of your arms.” 1. Your arms hang from your shoulders but they are alert and away from your body. 2. Your hoop tilts slightly down at the back (because of where you are holding it), so your hands hold your ski sticks pointing slightly downwards with elbows only slightly bent. 3. The centre of your fist, your grip on the ski stick, should be in line with the big bone in your forearm. Your wrist should be neutral, neither cocked in, forwards or outwards. 4. You will notice that your arms are at a slight angle to your trunk. This is not a fixed angle. “In an attempt to encourage style you may be told to hold your arms and hands in a fixed shape whatever you are doing. If so, ignore such advice and read on. The position of your arms relative to your torso is related to the steepness of the slope and the flex ion of your body. The more your upper body is inclined from the vertical, the more your arms (hanging from your shoulders) will move away from you body. When you are skiing slowly you will only need a small hoop, but as your motion increases you will need to hold a hoop with a large diameter. As you adjust your balance, move your hoop backwards and forewords, but always keep hold of it in front of its diameter. Your sticks will diverge slightly” Extract from “Skiing - Developing Your Skills” by John Sheddon, first published in 1986
When ski instructors teach children (and some adults) they usually teach them without poles because they want all attention to be on the lower body and not the hands/arms. Sure, it's also safer but the biggest advantage is that it keeps the trainee focused on the lowerbody.
It's so hard to fight that urge to accelerate your student's growth. I been teaching my gf in the past 2 years and it's so much harder than teaching my brother when he was 7. I started to question my drills and the order of things that I am feeding her. All the mechanics helps one another and I feel like I keep telling her new things. So I focused on try to teach the arm position a lot because she is not separating the body and sitting back, which I thought is the biggest evil in skiing. I feel like although you ski with your feet, but putting up the arms can act as a reminder to not sit back and a little assistant to get out of it when you are thrown to the back. Am I doing it wrong?
I just can’t seem to get out of the backseat. I am having such a tough time putting my weight forward, shin to boot especially in steeper terrain. I’d same I’m on the same level as Kelly. I am a very petite so maybe that has something to do with it
Hi DeB, Unfortunately I hurt my knee last weekend as a beginner and wait for the MRI next week. My guess is my ACL is torn. Do you have an advice for me?I‘d love to get back to ski later, i just got my first ski boots:( The slop was too icy and couldnt control myself properly when I was turning to the right side and i fell down and I heard a pop in my knee and couldn’t walk anymore. I am now just left with regret after being 5times in slope:(
Love your content, love from Mongolia. I have a quick question, to everyone please, I used to weigh 170-180 lbs before and now around 240 lbs. I am 180 cm tall (5.9 feet) I ride Fisher ski with 165 length. since gaining more weight, should I change my ski with bit longer one because I noticed I lose balance easily with my current ski.
Hi ScottSarah. So after 2 minutes all the student could say was "yes " 12 times,"OK" 10 times , "right"1 time,Get a grip ,this should not be a BOOTCAMP.Would you know what the teacher should do after being introduced to the student?There is a missing link.
Wow, I can’t believe this comment. I see someone who has tremendous passion for her work, is enthusiastic and supportive, is encouraging and able to provide instruction that meets the needs of the student no matter the level of skier. Deb is always seeking feedback from the student and adapts the lessons accordingly. As a former CSIA instructor I benefit from these lessons not only for my own ski improvement but to help me provide instruction to others. Deb is a wonderful example to all of us.
Never seen a better instructor The very best never ever lesson should be copied by everyone, all the way up to stuff that is so advanced (headwall video please) it serves as inspiration for double black and above skiers
"It's about the guest."
About a year after I received my PSIA Alpine Level III (Which was presented to me at Boyne Mt. by Deb Armstrong. How cool is that!) I was assigned a lesson with a 14 year old Boy Scout that had taken a lesson the previous day and struggled. My supervisor said he couldn't/wouldn't speak and may have a learning disability. So with that information and feeling quit full of my abilities as an instructor I introduced myself to the young man that looked more like a very young Cub Scout and was dressed like Ralphie's younger brother Randy in "A Christmas Story".
The dialog was one way and when I asked him if he wanted to learn how to ski I got an affirmative nod and another nod when asked if he was ready to head up the Magic Carpet. After some pulling and pushing we eventually got on the carpet and about halfway up is when I heard the his first words: "I'm scared."
A little more talking, another trip up the carpet, a serious freak out after a fall exiting the carpet on the second trip, lots of tears (his were on the outside, my were on the inside) and two trips down that required a lot of coaching and not letting go of my hands, I realized there would be no thirds lap for this Boy Scout. And it was at this moment that I learned the true meaning of being humble.
We then shuffled our way over to the "Ski School Bell" area, removed our skis and sat on the edge of the bell well and started to talk. And boy do I mean talk. This kid was smart, articulate, quick witted, and a joy to hang with. But he made it clear that he was done with the skiing stuff for the day. I even suggested Snow Angels at one point but he really didn't feel like that was a good use of his time and energy.
After a little while his buddies and Scout Master came by to collect him. His Scout Master and I spoke for a couple minutes after the scouts ran off for lunch and that's when I learned that my student had dwarfism and that he struggles with balance so much that he has to use training wheels on his bike. What a revelation that was.
Later that day while walking through the lodge my Boy Scout buddy saw me and shouted out to me. He thanked me for the lesson and a fun time. I could tell by the look on his face that he was being sincere.
Then about six months later I was on a local mountain bike/hiking trail with friends. A section of the trail bumps up against a Boy Scout camp and that's where we came upon a group of scouts out for a hike. As we slowly passed them on our bikes I heard a familiar voice shout out "Hey look, it's Marty!" Stopping dead in my tracks I turned around to see my Boy Scout buddy from the ski lesson. I was shocked to say the least that he had remembered me and that I had made that much of an impression on him that he would recognize me in such a different environment.
We talked for a few minutes, smiled and laughed and finally parted ways.
"It's all about the guest." is so true in so many different ways.
Beautiful story, thanks for sharing.
I teach ballet and do a lot of private lessons. As a teacher, stories like these are what make it all worth it. You reached a child because you made their time with you all about them, and they will always remember that. I have many of such stories and I always love hearing about other teachers experiencing those same moments. Thank you for sharing, and making a difference in a child's life. I bet you're an amazing ski instructor!
Beautiful Story Mathew
I am 57 and started skiing this year! It’s my biggest wish to be Kelly for a week!! Love these video’s.
I just started last year at 41! High five!
Meee Toooooooooooo!
Hi Deb! I really appreciate you offering people instruction on learning how to ski. I'm on my third season of skiing and have learned so much from you. You are an amazing instructor. Keep it up!!!
Dear Deb,
Happy anniversary of olimpic gold medal in Sarajevo. We like you spirit to teach and your videos.
Today we skied on Jahorina, mountain where you won your gold medal in 1984.
Wish you all the best from Sarajevo.
Wow. Thank you very much. Thank yiu for thinking of me today up on Mt Jahorina❤❤❤❤
I fell in love with skiing in my 12, at sarajova Olympics, and now watching an olimpyian who raced in that event.:)
I took a beginner ski lesson last weekend for the first time in my life. I kept falling for two hours and my instructor didn't give any guidance. Your videos are helping me the confidence to give skiing another shot. Thank you!
Recently converted 45yo skier / ex-snowboarder. You’re content is amazing and has been so helpful. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Appreciate you!
I've been watching all of Kelly's lessons and have found myself cheering for her many times. Deb, I love how easily you explain the nuances of the movements. They have helped me so much in my own skiing journey. Thank you for sharing these lessons.
I teach trainees to ride motorbikes and its the same. Your insights and articulacy about teaching, and how its all about the student and how much you the instructor can introduce at any given time, are spot on. And your enthusiasm! Fantastic.
Wow, I wish we had more coaches/teachers like Deb!
I just picture so many happy and well-rounded people.
Great work, Deb (and Kelly)!
My kids and my wife said that im really good at showing how to ski for a beginner. But myself know that i cant show next level. Thank you for this video. Its pure magic! I dont want them to think about behind better, i just want they have fun with more skill
Hello Deb,
Exactly true:
1. there are so many things going on, it’s confusing to keep up with all while going down hill leg, edges, weight, hands.
2. I like the thought of timeline of the student, different ppl understand and implement at different speed. Rushing through that doesn’t work. It just leads to frustration at best, injury at worst.
This is one of the best lesson video I have ever watched in my life. So thrilled to see Kelly's progress and can't wait to make my progression too. Thanks for the great video... ❤
Great!
It was great seeing you in Taos on Saturday! We were so excited seeing you in person. Thank you for all of the great videos!
Love it. Thank you!!!!
Even on my worst day, I have never had a bad day skiing. That scout had a good ski day, that he will always remember.
This is why you're the instructor for me.
Deb, your coaching is brilliant. Your clinics have been the most influential for me. Awesome.
Hooked on your channel 55 years old 30 plus years skiing and teaching YOU ARE INCREDIBLE
Still struggle with headwalls and small mandatory air in the steeps . Hint? Video?
So cool of you that if one didn't know you had won gold they wouldn't hear it from you.
Ps they are all great but the driving the inside knee vid A GAME CHANGER
Thanks again keep up the great work
i just spent a week skiing northstar, and focused on your simple lesson about keeping the upper body quiet and separate from the lower body rotation. it helped i skied better turns. thanks!
Nice job Deb..Kelly is looking great! Having an instructor makes an incredible difference. I can't wait to get back out there next season. I wish I could ski every day.
On an Olympics note, I would love to hear some of your commentary about the skiing going on in Beijing. Seems like a lot of falls happening out there, one of which had a really bad injury. Wish NBC would hire you.
It felt like those ski terrains was not prepared for a professional race level. They kept falling like beginners.
Some of them showed that they got amazing core strength. They were sliding head first on the back and they spun around to point feet downward and use the ski edge to slow down or reduce risk of hitting something.
Artificial snow is totally different to the real thing for us, let alone a high processing athlete, Tragic it really was
My new favorite channel! I feel I’m a better skier after watching (and rewatching) your videos-and I haven’t hit the slopes yet, but pumped for when I do! Thanks Deb!
Enjoyed watching Deb and Kellys leg movements towards the end. I could compare and contrast how a beginner vs expert move their legs. !
So refreshing to have an instructor that understands howbeginners learn.
Que instructora impresionante es Deb . Ojalá viniera por Argentina alguna vez.
It’s amazing to see how Kelly is keeping her skis parallel, compared to 3rd video in this one, it looks so effortless and fluent.
She does have her hands down, but her posture is really good 👍
Deb, what a great video, i have learned so much from watching all of your videos, you're fabulous, keep doing you!!. Thank you and I know your students are getting the best!
I am a frustrated long time beginner skier who only manages to fit in about three days skiing a year. Not really enough to progress much but I always try.
What I found really interesting watching this video was seeing the difference between how you both ski at the end. You seem to be actively skiing, almost like you’re riding a bike as opposed to just sliding and turning. You are moving more like an ice skater…really helpful video. I’m off for my few days soon and can’t wait to try and improve again. Thanks
Great observation
Hi Deb, thanks very much for another great video!
You got it!!!
Thanks a lot. you could not imaging how much I take from you to the mountains
"What do you think everybody?"
Well, I think Kelly has come a long way as a skier; and has a good teacher.
I think that's the right approach for beginners!
I completely see where your coming from with the arms, but old habits can die hard and the sooner you can get more body parts in the right place and heading in the right direction the better for me.
Not that I’m an instructor, far from it! I’ve just skied with many people of many different levels over the years and try to give people tips from what I see they’re doing that they could be doing differently.
People always say it feels unnatural when you tell them they need to lift their arms up from by their sides once they’re used to skiing that way!
I’ve really enjoyed this mini series and it shows how fast 1 on 1 private tuition can improve someone’s ability.
Agreed but folks can not think of everything at once and legs are far more important. Thanks for the comment.
Deb , love your passion here .
Can do a bit more explanation on the fore/aft or that hip orientation please.
Kelly's stance is literally me!
On the subject of arms & hands: I hope everybody finds this interesting and helpful. I know I did 😊
“Imagine you are standing at the centre of a hoop which is lying on the floor. Bend down and pick it up, holding it just in front of its diameter. Notice how it influences the shape and tensions of your arms.”
1. Your arms hang from your shoulders but they are alert and away from your body.
2. Your hoop tilts slightly down at the back (because of where you are holding it), so your hands hold your ski sticks pointing slightly downwards with elbows only slightly bent.
3. The centre of your fist, your grip on the ski stick, should be in line with the big bone in your forearm. Your wrist should be neutral, neither cocked in, forwards or outwards.
4. You will notice that your arms are at a slight angle to your trunk. This is not a fixed angle.
“In an attempt to encourage style you may be told to hold your arms and hands in a fixed shape whatever you are doing. If so, ignore such advice and read on.
The position of your arms relative to your torso is related to the steepness of the slope and the flex ion of your body. The more your upper body is inclined from the vertical, the more your arms (hanging from your shoulders) will move away from you body. When you are skiing slowly you will only need a small hoop, but as your motion increases you will need to hold a hoop with a large diameter. As you adjust your balance, move your hoop backwards and forewords, but always keep hold of it in front of its diameter. Your sticks will diverge slightly”
Extract from “Skiing - Developing Your Skills” by John Sheddon, first published in 1986
Love your videos Deb
When ski instructors teach children (and some adults) they usually teach them without poles because they want all attention to be on the lower body and not the hands/arms. Sure, it's also safer but the biggest advantage is that it keeps the trainee focused on the lowerbody.
Thank you for these amazing videos. I learnt so many things...May I know in which resort are you teaching?
It's so hard to fight that urge to accelerate your student's growth. I been teaching my gf in the past 2 years and it's so much harder than teaching my brother when he was 7. I started to question my drills and the order of things that I am feeding her. All the mechanics helps one another and I feel like I keep telling her new things. So I focused on try to teach the arm position a lot because she is not separating the body and sitting back, which I thought is the biggest evil in skiing. I feel like although you ski with your feet, but putting up the arms can act as a reminder to not sit back and a little assistant to get out of it when you are thrown to the back. Am I doing it wrong?
When you start working with pole plants the arms will take care of themselves.
I just can’t seem to get out of the backseat. I am having such a tough time putting my weight forward, shin to boot especially in steeper terrain. I’d same I’m on the same level as Kelly. I am a very petite so maybe that has something to do with it
Hi DeB,
Unfortunately I hurt my knee last weekend as a beginner and wait for the MRI next week. My guess is my ACL is torn. Do you have an advice for me?I‘d love to get back to ski later, i just got my first ski boots:(
The slop was too icy and couldnt control myself properly when I was turning to the right side and i fell down and I heard a pop in my knee and couldn’t walk anymore. I am now just left with regret after being 5times in slope:(
Love your content, love from Mongolia.
I have a quick question, to everyone please,
I used to weigh 170-180 lbs before and now around 240 lbs. I am 180 cm tall (5.9 feet)
I ride Fisher ski with 165 length. since gaining more weight, should I change my ski with bit longer one because I noticed I lose balance easily with my current ski.
My two cents worth, try either a stiffer ski if available and/or longer. Experiment to see what works best for you.
Where is Deb teaching and how much?
Hi ScottSarah. So after 2 minutes all the student could say was "yes " 12 times,"OK" 10 times , "right"1 time,Get a grip ,this should not
be a BOOTCAMP.Would you know what the teacher should do after being introduced to the student?There is a missing link.
This video is not the entire equation. Have yiu seen the other Kelly videos. Watch the beginner series with Kelly.
Deb Strong!
Escape from the backseat 😉 That's what it's all about. Unless you're in the slalom competition 😏
Is it possible to sign up for lessons with you?
I also want know!
Ski with your legs? That’s instructional?
Sure as opposed to your thumbs. Why not😉
Stop saying OK
Ok
😂😂 you are the best lady!❤@@DebArmstrongSkiStrong
There is just to much talk about what not to do.To much information about the negative part ,confuses the learning process.
Start working on the positive stuff and quit bringing up all the negative parts.And try to lower your commands.
Interesting. You are the first person to tell me I'm not positive.
Wow, I can’t believe this comment. I see someone who has tremendous passion for her work, is enthusiastic and supportive, is encouraging and able to provide instruction that meets the needs of the student no matter the level of skier. Deb is always seeking feedback from the student and adapts the lessons accordingly. As a former CSIA instructor I benefit from these lessons not only for my own ski improvement but to help me provide instruction to others. Deb is a wonderful example to all of us.
Never seen a better instructor The very best never ever lesson should be copied by everyone, all the way up to stuff that is so advanced (headwall video please) it serves as inspiration for double black and above skiers
Does this clown know he's shading a gold medalist? Doubtit
Super cool trainer, would like to know how much she charges for a one on one training for a few hours.