DO I need a ski or board lesson?

It’s a common question we all ask ourselves when we start planning a snow trip.

For some, the obvious answer is yes.

Whether you’re a beginner or just new to the mountain, a lesson is a great place to start.

For others, even the seasoned professionals amongst us, it’s a question worthy of consideration.

“As an instructor we are continually training and learning,” says Falls Creek senior ski instructor Charlie Evans.

“Whether I’m doing professional development courses or skiing in a new area, or with new people, I always find myself learning something new about the terrain or my technique.”

Growing up in the ski resorts around Scotland, Charlie began instructing when he was 17 years old.

“I was in and around the snow and snow sports industry my whole childhood,” he said.

“I’ve skied all my life and I love it!

"Sharing my passion is one of the reasons that drove me to start instructing.”

If learning from someone like Charlie, who has over 17 years of experience, has encouraged you to consider a lesson, the next question we usually find ourselves asking is what type of lesson do I need?

When weighing the pros and cons of group vs private lessons, Charlie advises you consider what you’d like most out of your lesson.

"If you’re happy to learn in a group environment and from your peers, group lessons are great," he said.

"If you’d prefer one–on–one tuition, then a private lesson might be better for you.

“A private lesson is tailored toward whatever aspect of snow sports you would like to achieve.

"Most of the explaining is done on chairlifts, which means when you’re on the slopes it's focused on the practical”.

Finally, the third question we’re all asking ourselves is what exactly happens on a private lesson?

“Firstly, your instructor will greet you and find out exactly what you want out of your lesson," Charlie explained.

"They’ll quickly be able to see where they can help you, and where you don’t need instruction.

"Once they see your abilities then let the coaching begin.”

Private lessons at Falls Creek kick off at the top of the mountain.

Once you move away from the top you’ll find the one–on–one tuition become even more valuable.

“When I’m instructing a private lesson, the student has 100 per cent of my focus,” Charlie said.

“The progression you can get from a private lesson is amazing because of the more personalised time you get with an instructor who really knows skiing, and the area well.”

This personalisation and ability to tailor a private lesson is what Charlie enjoys best.

“When I go on private lessons I make sure my guests really get a feel for the resort and the mountain,” he explained.

“I want to help make the whole mountain more accessible for them by showing them terrain appropriate for their ability that they didn’t know existed”.

By the end of your lesson you’ll find conversation naturally drifts to where to get the best lunch or hot chocolate.

With instructors usually being experts in the local area, as well as their snow sport, they’re the right people to ask.

“One of the main reasons I love private lessons is because you can really interact with your guests,” exclaimed Charlie.

"You’re able to talk about things outside of skiing.

"The person can get to know me, and I can get to know them and recommend different things for them to try in the area”.

At the end of the lesson your instructor will take you back to where your lesson began and will leave you to enjoy the rest of your day on the slopes.

Some may like to rebook a lesson with the same instructor to build on their abilities with someone familiar.

Others will enjoy the new areas of the mountain they've been introduced to.

“I’ve had guests that I’ve skied with year–on–year for nearly nine years,” said Charlie.

"It becomes a really nice experience for the guest to catch up on what’s been going on in Falls Creek and to progress their abilities”.

For more information on Snowsport School at Fall Creek head to https://www.skifalls.com.au/lessons–rentals