From First Turns to Black Slopes: Watching Young Skiers Thrive
As a ski instructor, one of the most rewarding experiences is seeing young students progress, gaining confidence and skill on the slopes. Over the years, I’ve had the pleasure of teaching many children, guiding them from their very first moments on skis to the point where they can tackle even the most challenging runs. This season, I had the incredible experience of skiing with two returning young skiers, and it was a truly proud moment to see how far they had come.
A Year of Progress: From Courmayeur to Cervinia
One of my students, G., first skied with me last year in Courmayeur. She arrived as a beginner, taking her first steps on the snow with excitement but also a little hesitation. Throughout the week, she built confidence, learning how to balance, turn, and control her speed. By the end of the trip, she was gliding down blue slopes with ease.
This year, G. returned for another ski adventure, this time in Cervinia, and the transformation was incredible. She had retained everything she had learned and was eager to push herself further. Within a couple of days, we progressed to red slopes, and soon after, she was confidently skiing black runs—something that seemed almost impossible just a year ago!
The Joy of Teaching Returning Students
As an instructor, working with returning students is always special. There’s a sense of continuity and trust that makes learning even more effective. Since I already knew G.’s strengths and areas for improvement, we could skip the basics and dive straight into refining her technique.
It was amazing to see how quickly she adapted to the slopes of Cervinia, which offer a different kind of challenge compared to Courmayeur. We worked on carving techniques, edge control, and handling steeper terrain—skills that are essential for mastering black slopes. And despite the increasing difficulty, G. tackled every challenge with determination and a big smile.
Conquering Black Slopes: A Milestone Moment
There’s something magical about the moment a young skier conquers their first black slope. The steep gradient, the challenging conditions, and the psychological barrier can be intimidating. But when G. successfully completed her first black run in Cervinia, it was pure joy.
She started cautiously, listening carefully to my instructions and focusing on her turns. Halfway down, she realized that she could do it, and from that moment on, her skiing became even more confident. Reaching the bottom, she turned to me with an enormous grin and shouted, “Let’s do it again!” That’s the moment I knew she had truly fallen in love with skiing.
The Importance of Encouragement and Patience
Teaching kids to ski is not just about technique; it’s about building their confidence and helping them develop a love for the sport. Every child learns at their own pace, and the key is to create an environment where they feel safe, encouraged, and excited to improve.
For G., the combination of last year’s foundation and this year’s challenge helped her progress naturally. She was no longer just following instructions—she was making independent decisions on the slopes, adjusting her movements based on the snow conditions, and embracing the adventure.
Looking Ahead to the Next Ski Season
One of the most rewarding parts of this journey is knowing that my students are eager to return. G. and her family are already talking about next season, and I can’t wait to see where her skiing will take her next. Maybe next year, we’ll be exploring even steeper and more technical terrain!
Every time I teach a child to ski, I am reminded why I love this job. Watching them grow in confidence, overcome challenges, and experience the pure joy of skiing is an unforgettable experience.
For any parents considering ski lessons for their children, my advice is simple: start them young, encourage them to return each season, and most importantly, make sure they have fun. The mountains are an incredible place to learn, and with patience and practice, there are no limits to what they can achieve!
