![](templates/subSilver/images/full_size.gif) Poster: A snowHead
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The US ski area Snowshoe Mountain, in West Virginia, reckons it's found the solution to high drop-out rates among beginners - give them rolling terrain that naturally reduces fear of losing control.
http://www.heraldonline.com/2013/09/30/5257258/the-new-ski-revolution-snowshoe.html
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“The first time I put my own daughter into ski lessons (at a Resort to remain nameless), they pointed her down-hill, told her to ‘make a slice of pizza’, and let her go…she spent the whole day terrified that she’d lose control and slide off into the trees,” explains Frank DeBerry, President and COO, Snowshoe. “With Terrain Based Learning™, we’re going to change that.” |
I agree that it's absurd for American ski instructors to treat their pupils as apprentice pizza chefs.
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![](templates/subSilver/images/full_size.gif) Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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Proving you really can sell anything.
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![](templates/subSilver/images/full_size.gif) Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
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Yes! In my days as a beginner ski instructor we pioneered and trademarked a concept called RunOut™ - a gentle slope transitioning to a ZeroGradient™ zone, generating AutoBraking™ for all students. Then we'd move them to a CruiseControl™ run.
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![](templates/subSilver/images/full_size.gif) You need to Login to know who's really who.
You need to Login to know who's really who.
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I used patented AimAtAFatGuyTechnology™ when I learned, though I believe this has been widely surpassed by ABS airbags now.
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![](templates/subSilver/images/full_size.gif) Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
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Comedy Goldsmith wrote: |
Yes! In my days as a beginner ski instructor we pioneered and trademarked a concept called RunOut™ - a gentle slope transitioning to a ZeroGradient™ zone, generating AutoBraking™ for all students. Then we'd move them to a CruiseControl™ run. |
Ha! Quite!
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![](templates/subSilver/images/full_size.gif) You'll need to Register first of course.
You'll need to Register first of course.
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I favour the "StrayyyytDarrrn" approach and when teaching first timers I slip one of the 'snowplough training clips both on the tips and the tails of the ski. The student is then encouraged (alternate non basi term is 'pushed') down a blue (though with my colour blindness I oftern mistake blue for black) graded run. If the student can get to the bottom alive and is prepared to continue their instruction then I consider they have enough ability.
It tends to sort out those who can and can't ski.
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Shame I thought terrain based learning might have been a coaching on the fly philosophy for intermediates and above rather then the tedious thing it actually is. Is it possible to teach people without actually appearing to teach them through drills etc?
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Agree that this press release is a bit weak. They've built a nursery slope.
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![](templates/subSilver/images/full_size.gif) You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
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OK, here's a more comprehensive explanation of Terrain Based Learning™ ...
http://www.broadwayworld.com/bwwtravel/article/The-New-Ski-Revolution-Snowshoe-Mountain-is-Changing-the-Landscape-for-First-Time-Skiers-and-Boarders-20130930
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"We have done years of research finding the key sensations that are memorable for first time skiers and boarders," states Joseph Hession, CEO, Snow Operating. "We design our features for the Terrain Based Learning to give high level sensations to beginner level guests. |
Hopefully we'll get some photos soon. I personally think that beginners are much more likely to quit because of poor teaching than 'imperfect ski terrain'. However, Snowshoe Mountain is clearly masterful at designing the 'perfect guest sensation' ...
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The Snowshoe Village offers a similarly unique sensory experience, with its ski-in/ski-out condo properties, retail, specialty shopping and dining all being located at the top rather than the base of the ski mountain. |
This is intriguing. Does this mean there are open roads to the top of the mountain in mid-winter? Anyone been to this place?
... or are guests and supplies delivered by snowshoes?
Last edited by You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net. on Mon 30-09-13 16:38; edited 1 time in total
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![](templates/subSilver/images/full_size.gif) snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
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Pretty sure I learned to ski on terrain™. BASS™ Les Gets™ have prior art
Oh... except the time i got massive air off a mogul on my first red run. That bit wasn't terrain™ based™ learning™.
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![](templates/subSilver/images/full_size.gif) And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
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Comedy Goldsmith wrote: |
Then we'd move them to a CruiseControl™ run. |
I thought you were longer in the tooth than that.
I reckon you took them to a black run for an attempted CrankStart™ with ManualChoke™.
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laundryman wrote: |
Comedy Goldsmith wrote: |
Then we'd move them to a CruiseControl™ run. |
I thought you were longer in the tooth than that.
I reckon you took them to a black run for an attempted CrankStart™ with ManualChoke™. |
Not BumpStart™, then?
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![](templates/subSilver/images/full_size.gif) You know it makes sense.
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That bit wasn't terrain™ based™ learning™
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bet the landing was !
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![](templates/subSilver/images/full_size.gif) Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
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andy wrote: |
Oh... except the time i got massive air off a mogul on my first red run. That bit wasn't terrain™ based™ learning™. |
Sure it was - you learnt to control your speed/line better next time
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