Skiing is a wonderful sport that is both fun and challenging. If you’re just starting out, you might be asking yourself: “Should I learn from a ski instructor or should I let my friend teach me the basics?” Even if it sounds tempting to make your first turns with a friend, there are good reasons why a professional ski instructor is the better choice.
1. professional know-how and proven methods
A ski instructor has years of training and experience that go far beyond what a friend can teach. Ski instructors are specially trained to teach beginners the correct technique – according to a globally recognized curriculum. This means that you learn the correct stance and movement from the start, avoiding mistakes and frustration later on. Your friend may be a good skier, but that doesn’t make them a good teacher.
2. patience and understanding for beginners
Learning can sometimes be tedious and it takes a lot of patience to master the basics. Ski instructors are trained to guide beginners through this phase – they know how to encourage you and encourage your progress. A well-meaning friend, on the other hand, can easily become impatient or unintentionally put you under pressure, which can lead to stress and misunderstandings.
3. individual feedback
A ski instructor can respond to your individual needs and give you specific feedback to improve your technique. They recognize small mistakes that amateurs often overlook and can suggest immediate corrections. These adjustments will ensure that you learn faster and feel more confident on skis. A friend may give you some tips, but they probably won’t have the same attention and expertise to give you exactly the feedback you need.
4. avoidance of conflicts
Learning together with a friend can put your friendship to the test. Misunderstandings, different learning speeds or frustrations can quickly lead to tension. What was planned as a fun day of skiing can quickly turn into a stressful situation. A ski instructor, on the other hand, ensures a professional distance where the focus is on learning without personal feelings getting in the way.
5. more fun and safety
At the end of the day, skiing should be fun above all else. A ski instructor can help you gain confidence in your skills more quickly so that you can ski down the slopes safely and with pleasure. While your friend may be more interested in showing off their own skills, the ski instructor’s focus is entirely on you and your learning success.
Conclusion
Although it may be tempting to learn to ski from a friend, the advantages of a professional ski instructor far outweigh the disadvantages. You benefit from specialist knowledge, patience, individual feedback and a stress-free learning experience. Save the friendship for the après-ski hut and invest in a ski instructor who will give you the best start in the world of skiing. That way, nothing stands in the way of having fun together on the slopes!