Adult Ski & Snowboard School at Beaver Creek, Colorado
Vacation Insurance
To Beaver Creek's renowned instructors, teaching skiing and snowboarding is not merely a job, but a lifestyle and philosophy. They love to ski and ride and live to teach. But, teaching is not merely the act of delivering a technical lesson. It is that of creating wonderful and memorable experiences for each guest. In fact, unique from other ski and snowboard schools, Beaver Creek's instructors are trained in the school's own contemporary learning system . . . a system that insures a memorable vacation for the guest.
The Skinny On The Instructors
Beaver Creek combines top instruction with specially sculpted terrain to teach students how to ski and ride. The objective: Keep the learning curve short and the experience enjoyable and memorable. Following are several facts about the instructors who contribute to the school's world-class reputation.
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Four teams of Beaver Creek instructors participated in the 2001 World Synchronized Skiing Championships, competing against teams from Italy, France, Switzerland, Austria, Canada, Lichtenstein, and U.S. resorts. One team took top honors, with another placing third. Beaver Creek Ski School has won this competition for three years running.
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Many instructors participate on the national demo teams for individual countries, including the U.S., Sweden, Argentina and Australia.
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The Beaver Creek team of Catherine Fortier and Nina Oqvist placed first in the women's division of the 2001 World Powder 8 Championships (the duo won the competition the previous year as well).
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Many instructors are elite athletes in their own right. Karen Gallagher was selected "Colorado Athlete of the Year" in 2000 for tennis, while Aussie-born snowboard instructor and three-time Olympic speed skater Phil Tahmindjis carried the torch for Sydney's 2000 Olympic Games.
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A number of the supervisors and top instructors help train other instructors around the country. One instructor even assists with coaching the U.S. Ski Team.
And The Terrain
The resort dedicates a significant portion of its terrain to teaching beginner skiers and snowboarders. In fact, Beaver Creek Mountain is virtually laid out upside down with most of the prime beginner runs located at the top. This layout gives beginner skiers a true "ski-down-the-mountain" experience, not to mention spectacular views of the nearby Gore Range.
Following are a few more facts about how the Beaver Creek Ski and Snowboard School has helped design terrain conducive to teaching:
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The Beginner's Center is a living room environment at the base of the beginner area in which students preview their ski or snowboard experience, watch video presentations on aspects such as loading and unloading a chairlift, and ask questions before they move onto the snow.
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A surface lift transports students up to the bottom of the Highlands lift (#2), so there's no need to struggle with new equipment at altitude. A second beginner chairlift is located nearby.
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The Buckaroo Bowl introductory terrain park in the beginner area is used by instructors to enhance and quicken the learning process, helping skiers and riders learn to use their edges. A snow-made "spine" allows students to practice shifting weight from edge to edge before they tackle the slopes
Whether students are learning to ski or ride for the first time, brushing up on their carving skills or tackling the bump runs of Grouse Mountain, there's a group lesson or signature program to meet every need.
Private Lessons
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Skiers and riders of all ages and abilities
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Overnight ski storage, priority status in lift lines, video analysis
Beginner
Full-day and half-day lift/lesson packages are available. The Adult Beginner Series, described on the following page, is an excellent option for beginning adults.
Intermediate
Students learn the specifics of parallel skiing or riding techniques and break through to the next level. Full-day lift/lesson packages are available.
Advanced
Instructors reveal the secret spots, attractions and powder stashes on the mountain to advanced skiers and snowboarders. Full-day lift/lesson packages are available.
First Timer Series
The First-Timer Series program for adults, which debuted during the 00-01winter season at Beaver Creek and Vail, proved immensely popular with beginning skiers and snowboarders. Largely due to this program, the resort saw the number of beginner adults on the mountain more than double, AGAIN, from the previous year!
Taught by some of Beaver Creek's finest instructors, the program uses the latest in teaching technique and equipment. Beginner skiers take advantage of the latest shaped skis by top manufacturers like Salomon, Rossignol, K2, Volkl and Volant. Beginner snowboarders are outfitted with special "Learn To Ride" boards made by top manufacturers like Burton and Rossignol. Our instructors swear by these boards, linking their special design to fewer falls, a steeper learning curve and more fun for guests.
Again this year, guests ages 15 and over can experience the thrill of skiing or riding down the mountain at an unbeatable price. The First Timer Series program encompasses three days and includes three adult beginner lessons, beginner lift tickets and equipment rental for $145 from Nov. 23 - Dec. 21, 2002 and from April 6 - April 13, 2003. Price is $165 from Jan. 5 - Feb. 13, 2003. Days must be used consecutively.
And the fun doesn't end there! Skiers and snowboarders who complete the program will be given a coupon good for three more lessons for the price of one at the next ability level. The price for Level II is the same as Level I.
Three-Peat Lesson Deal
To celebrate its third consecutive World Championship title in the annual international "Battle of the Ski Schools" competition, Beaver Creek is offering the "Three-Peat Lesson Deal." The lesson package includes three consecutive days of adult beginner, intermediate, or advanced ski or snowboard group lessons for $159 per person. For more information visit www.beavercreek.com. This offer is valid from Nov. 23 to Dec. 21, 2002 and Jan. 5 to Feb. 13, 2003 and does not include lift ticket or rentals. This package is subject to availability, valid for adults ages 15 and older; other restrictions apply.
Jeannie Thoren's Women's Ski Clinic, March 7-9, 2003
Calling all women: Had enough of painful boots, skis that don’t like to turn and frustrating ski lessons? Not to worry. Jeannie Thoren has come to the rescue. Jeannie, head of the annual SKI Magazine boot test for women, leads this women-only, fun-filled, two-day workshop plus orientation evening. Taught by women and designed specifically FOR women, this clinic is a must for any girl who wants to update her equipment and learn specific tools to improve her skiing.
Participants can expect to make friends and become more ski savvy while learning in a relaxed and fun environment. Participants can test the latest boots and skis during the clinic in order to find the perfect fit. Jeannie’s Women’s Ski Clinic takes place March 7-9, 2003. Price is $475 for clinic-only or $560 for clinic plus two days of lift tickets.
Hyatt Techniques Weeks
Based at the Park Hyatt Beaver Creek Resort and Spa, this clinic combines the ultimate technical skiing experience with the social aspects of a mountain resort vacation. Participants of all skiing abilities discover some of the best snow and terrain, ski with pros on the latest equipment, and enjoy the camaraderie of new friendships. Cory Carlson, TV skiing commentator and former World Cup and World Professional Ski Tour competitor, directs the clinic. Special packages are available. For more information, call 970/827.6656.
Hyatt Technique Weeks has branched out to include snowboard instruction. Guests can enjoy all of the amenities of the original ski technique weeks, but receive instruction on special "Learn to Ride" snowboards.
Racing Clinics
Clinics are designed for novice to expert racers who wish to learn how to run gates, improve their racing skills or strengthen the fundamentals of skiing. For more information, call the Beaver Creek Race Department at 970/845.6201.
Complimentary Mountain Welcome Tours
Who: Skiers and snowboarders, level five or better (intermediate). Tours are tailored to the type of terrain guests are interested in exploring. Groups of up to 15 persons can be accommodated.
What: A complimentary tour of Beaver Creek led by experienced ski guides who know the mountain like an old friend
When: Each Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday during the winter season.
Where: Tours meet at the electronic welcome sign at the bottom of the Centennial Express lift (#6) at 10 a.m. Tour length is approximately two hours.
Why: Tours provide guests with insight into the locals' favorite areas and some of the best powder stashes on the mountain. Guides offer perspectives on both the history and ecology of the area.
Rental Equipment
Guests can select from among the latest skis, snowboards and boots available at Beaver Creek Snowell. From beginner-friendly equipment to technologically advanced demo gear, Snowell provides guests with both variety and excellent service.
The shop is a Burton Method Center offering special "Learn to Ride" snowboards for beginners, which feature a more forgiving shape and beveled edges for fewer falls and more fun.
Equipment rented from Beaver Creek Snowell includes complimentary storage at the rental shop.
Mountain Demo Centers
Beaver Creek offers guests the chance to try out the latest in alpine and Nordic skiing equipment without having to leave the slopes.
The Alpine Demo Center is located mid-mountain at Spruce Saddle™ Lodge. The newest models from more than 15 manufacturers are available, including Dynastar, K2, Rossignol, Volant and Volkl. Guests can test skis for one run or the entire day.
The Nordic Demo Center, located at the base of the Strawberry Park Express lift (#12), is one of only two Nordic Demo Centers in the country. For one package price, guests can try any combination of skis and boots for an hour or the entire day. Available skis include models from Atomic, Fischer, K2, Karhu, Rossignol and Tua. This winter, the Demo Center will offer a brand new line-up of the latest telemark skis.