ASPEN
Nov 30th, 2012, 03:29 AM
#2
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Never took a lesson at Aspen (we had too much powder that week) - but assuming they are like the other Colorado ski schools - they should be very good.
BTW - did you ever see this movie - about Aspen Ski Instructors - Aspen Estreme was it? - and va va voom - am in love with Terry Polo:
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0106315/
BTW - did you ever see this movie - about Aspen Ski Instructors - Aspen Estreme was it? - and va va voom - am in love with Terry Polo:
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0106315/
Nov 30th, 2012, 03:30 AM
#3
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My Bad: Teri Polo. http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0001632/
Nov 30th, 2012, 04:13 AM
#4
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I would take them to Buttermilk or Snowmass to ski and put them in a ski school. I'm sure they have beginners classes at Ajax, but it is a more demanding mountain, and the others nearby more beginner friendly.
Nov 30th, 2012, 04:54 AM
#5
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I think that Buttermilk is an excellent idea. It doesn't usually get crowded, they're less likely to encounter fast skiers (who can be intimidating to beginners), but there's enough terrain that they won't outgrow it in four days.
Nov 30th, 2012, 06:38 AM
#6
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We are going for business trip to Aspen. This group had been skiing before but they need still instructor.
Can you recommend some good? Or maby someone is interesting in giving lessons to them?
Can you recommend some good? Or maby someone is interesting in giving lessons to them?
Nov 30th, 2012, 07:04 AM
#7
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Buttermilk is an excellent idea for beginning skiers. Again, the Colordo ski schools are all good - and they have instructors assigned/trained for beginners. (If you watch the movie - you will understand what the best/most experienced instructors are doing. 
)
)
Nov 30th, 2012, 07:45 AM
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You don't need to arrange ahead of time. Just go to the ski school and sign them up. If they have skiied before they will be put in a class (probably less than 10) that is appropriate to their level. Buttermilk is still part of the Aspen area--free shuttle to get there.
It is VERY easy--just go to the slopes and to the ski school. They will do MUCH better at Buttermilk or Snowmass.
It is VERY easy--just go to the slopes and to the ski school. They will do MUCH better at Buttermilk or Snowmass.
Nov 30th, 2012, 08:11 AM
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Yes, you will be assigned a class/instructor on the basis of age and experience once you arrive at the ski school (or once you arrange for the lessons you want):
http://www.aspensnowmass.com/ski-and-snowboard-schools
Aspen can be a difficult mountain; for example, if you decide to cruise Ruthie's Run because it's an intermediate (blue), you will find yourself on part of an international downhill World Cup run (at the top). Snowmass is the better learner's place.
http://www.aspensnowmass.com/ski-and-snowboard-schools
Aspen can be a difficult mountain; for example, if you decide to cruise Ruthie's Run because it's an intermediate (blue), you will find yourself on part of an international downhill World Cup run (at the top). Snowmass is the better learner's place.
Nov 30th, 2012, 11:33 AM
#10
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Aspen like most ski resorts will probably only allow its instructors to offer lessons, and that's who you should contact.
You can do one of two things.
1. Sign everyone up for group lessons and they will be put with different groups that will include persons other than your group based upon each person's level of experience.
2. Hire a private instructor through the Aspen ski school for your group. Note you will probably pay extra for each additional person. You might want to trade the instructor off between people during the day so the instructor can work with different persons depending on skill level.
Or you might be able to hire a ski instructor for a tour of the mountain if your group is all comfortable skiers and merely wants the lay of the land and to know the best runs for their ability. They can then spend the rest of their time skiing on their own.
I would suggest you contact the Aspen ski school directly and talk to them about options.
You can do one of two things.
1. Sign everyone up for group lessons and they will be put with different groups that will include persons other than your group based upon each person's level of experience.
2. Hire a private instructor through the Aspen ski school for your group. Note you will probably pay extra for each additional person. You might want to trade the instructor off between people during the day so the instructor can work with different persons depending on skill level.
Or you might be able to hire a ski instructor for a tour of the mountain if your group is all comfortable skiers and merely wants the lay of the land and to know the best runs for their ability. They can then spend the rest of their time skiing on their own.
I would suggest you contact the Aspen ski school directly and talk to them about options.
Nov 30th, 2012, 11:55 AM
#11
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Assuming you have some "beginning" beginners - I suggest you let the ski school sort them out first - in a group lesson format, as it's doubtful all 10 are all the same ability.
That's a also a diplomatic way to break them up.
Later - if you wanted one big "group" lesson or mountain tour with all 10 - or breaking up two or three skiers with one instructor (semi-private lesson) - with the skiers at about equal skill levels, you could do that.
That's a also a diplomatic way to break them up.
Later - if you wanted one big "group" lesson or mountain tour with all 10 - or breaking up two or three skiers with one instructor (semi-private lesson) - with the skiers at about equal skill levels, you could do that.
Nov 30th, 2012, 12:06 PM
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And on the last day or next to the last day - after they have some ski-legs - the skiers that are comfortable intermediate level might try Ruthie's run - which really is a cruising type run (fun to let 'em rip)- assuming good snow.
Meaning - if it's packed powder/mostly groomed - and not icy or real windy. When they have it set up for a competition downhill - it's almost all ice - as the pros like to have it that way - as it's more uniform and the pros will use their razor sharp edges for control - when they are screaming down the course at 70+ mph.
Even the ones who are advanced beginner/lower intermediate could probably ski Ruthie's - just realizing that when they start at the top - try to time it when not a lot of other skiers are barreling down - as the lower intermediates may have to become "Twila Traversers" for a while - skiing back and forth across the run.
Meaning - if it's packed powder/mostly groomed - and not icy or real windy. When they have it set up for a competition downhill - it's almost all ice - as the pros like to have it that way - as it's more uniform and the pros will use their razor sharp edges for control - when they are screaming down the course at 70+ mph.
Even the ones who are advanced beginner/lower intermediate could probably ski Ruthie's - just realizing that when they start at the top - try to time it when not a lot of other skiers are barreling down - as the lower intermediates may have to become "Twila Traversers" for a while - skiing back and forth across the run.
Nov 30th, 2012, 12:57 PM
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I would call the Aspen/Snowmass Ski School and discuss with them. I know you said they had skied before, so they are no never evers, but I could have sworn Aspen Mountain didn't offer beginner level lessons. I believe I read that in their printed literature last year. I don't think their website is that great for finding out information so couldn't find any info there (and I could be wrong).
I'd give them a call and explain your situation/desires and see what they say. It would be better to find out in advance if they can accomodate your group on Aspen Mountain or if they'd be better off at Buttemilk or Snowmass.
I'd give them a call and explain your situation/desires and see what they say. It would be better to find out in advance if they can accomodate your group on Aspen Mountain or if they'd be better off at Buttemilk or Snowmass.
Dec 1st, 2012, 05:09 AM
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Tom, I disagree with you. I've skied for more than 40 years, DH was a ski bum in Aspen in the olden days, and your advice re: Ruthie's Run is dangerous and ill informed.
"fun to let 'em rip"
After the first set of lessons? There? That is, frankly, no offense meant, stupid.
"fun to let 'em rip"
After the first set of lessons? There? That is, frankly, no offense meant, stupid.
Dec 1st, 2012, 05:28 AM
#15
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I have to find out ski instructor in advance because I have to organize all travel in advance. We are coming to Aspen from Poland so everything should be arranged before our arrive. This is my biggest problem. In Aspen I won't have time for looking for an instructor. I am forced to do it now.
Dec 1st, 2012, 05:45 AM
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No matter what anyone says on here, the only place to really get what you need is DIRECTLY from the Ski School.
Email them, explain your situation [that everything has to be set up ahead of time] and your needs [how many people, actual abilities etc] and let THEM provide you with accurate info.
Email them, explain your situation [that everything has to be set up ahead of time] and your needs [how many people, actual abilities etc] and let THEM provide you with accurate info.
Dec 1st, 2012, 05:46 AM
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Dec 1st, 2012, 05:56 AM
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Justyn, your need is recognized, but you should not remain fixed on getting a private ski instructor at ASPEN. The Aspen Company is a complex of 3 or 4 mountains, and the mountain at Aspen (Ajax) is an expert mountain and in my opinion, dangerous for beginning skiiers.
So you should understand that your group will probably be directed to take lessons at a very nearby mountain (Buttermilk or Snowmass) that is served by a shuttle to get your group there.
You can contact the ski school and make reservations for your group for lessons. The ski school will sort out what lessons they can be in (as others have said). You can be assured they will be well served. You can undoubtedly opt for them to have a total package of lessons, ski rental and lift tickets.
Your travel planning to Aspen will be fine with having the lessons at these associated areas.
So you should understand that your group will probably be directed to take lessons at a very nearby mountain (Buttermilk or Snowmass) that is served by a shuttle to get your group there.
You can contact the ski school and make reservations for your group for lessons. The ski school will sort out what lessons they can be in (as others have said). You can be assured they will be well served. You can undoubtedly opt for them to have a total package of lessons, ski rental and lift tickets.
Your travel planning to Aspen will be fine with having the lessons at these associated areas.
Dec 1st, 2012, 07:43 AM
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Again - to add to what you have been advised - and from one who has been in many ski lessons at different ski schools all over the Western US (from beginning beginner level - to advanced) - you do NOT need a private instructor.
Just explain to the others in your group - that you all are going to the ski school (In Aspen - at one of these two mountains - Buttermilk or Snowmass - for beginners - see webpage below).
The ski school/head instructors will take you to an easy run - and have you ski a little ways down the easy slope - and then - the instructors (all are good - repeat - all are good) will sort your group out according to your ability/level of skiing.
The last thing you want is a rank beginner slowing down a group of advanced beginners, OK? Rozumiesz?
If you can't call from Poland - at least try to email the ski schools: see: http://www.stayaspensnowmass.com/act...aspen-snowmass
Just explain to the others in your group - that you all are going to the ski school (In Aspen - at one of these two mountains - Buttermilk or Snowmass - for beginners - see webpage below).
The ski school/head instructors will take you to an easy run - and have you ski a little ways down the easy slope - and then - the instructors (all are good - repeat - all are good) will sort your group out according to your ability/level of skiing.
The last thing you want is a rank beginner slowing down a group of advanced beginners, OK? Rozumiesz?
If you can't call from Poland - at least try to email the ski schools: see: http://www.stayaspensnowmass.com/act...aspen-snowmass
Dec 1st, 2012, 07:57 AM
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sylvia: My bad if what I wrote could be interpreted as having a beginner recklessly "let 'me rip".
Definitely don't want that and what I meant was - parts of Ruthie's Run can be a bit more challenging - and yet - there are other parts that really more of an average intermediate run - fairly wide - and there - yes, if you want to experiment a bit - you could let em go a bit, but if they are all just beginners - that might be a bit much.
And aren't there also beginner trails splitting off Ruthie's Run - so that if they don't feel comfortable - they can take one of those to get down the mountain? And here is how "Ruthie's Run" got started. http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/vau...60/7/index.htm
If after the 3 or 4 days - IF they have improved enough to being able to handle some intermediate runs - repeat IF - to be careful - than I always advise people to take a run that is the next level up in challenge (and yes, there are different levels of beginning and intermediate runs) - and if they can't handle the slightly more challenging run - then go back to the run they are comfortable with - and practice more on it. OK?
(And BTW - I have only been skiing for about 50 years - and helped a lot of friends to improve - but always recommend - TAKE LESSONS).
Definitely don't want that and what I meant was - parts of Ruthie's Run can be a bit more challenging - and yet - there are other parts that really more of an average intermediate run - fairly wide - and there - yes, if you want to experiment a bit - you could let em go a bit, but if they are all just beginners - that might be a bit much.
And aren't there also beginner trails splitting off Ruthie's Run - so that if they don't feel comfortable - they can take one of those to get down the mountain? And here is how "Ruthie's Run" got started. http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/vau...60/7/index.htm
If after the 3 or 4 days - IF they have improved enough to being able to handle some intermediate runs - repeat IF - to be careful - than I always advise people to take a run that is the next level up in challenge (and yes, there are different levels of beginning and intermediate runs) - and if they can't handle the slightly more challenging run - then go back to the run they are comfortable with - and practice more on it. OK?
(And BTW - I have only been skiing for about 50 years - and helped a lot of friends to improve - but always recommend - TAKE LESSONS).
