met a Portuguese couple at Iiyama Station today! They kindly gave me a ride to Ryuoo Ski Park.
On the way, I asked them about the typical temperatures in Portugal. They said winter is usually around 5–8°C, and summer is generally below 25°C. Then they asked me about summer in Taiwan. I told them it often goes up to 36°C, and they were both completely shocked 🤯. It was really funny 😆.
8:30 assemble at “Base Camp”, took a chair to warm up, today was more focused on “teaching”
- Today was a foggy day 😶🌫️, luckily we went sora terrace yesterday
- Every time I watched the instructor ski, the line behind him was so clean, smooth, and consistent !
9:30 started! The instructor showed us that how he teaching !
- On the lift, i asked him how long does he had been a instructor, he said 45 years!! He’s 60 years old now!!
- He always told us the important thing in ski course, is “fun” !
11:30 we had a static class, he taught us how to teach “kids”, for different ages groups, you needed to prepare different things, not the easy thing!
- The instructor said that when teaching kids aged 2–5, “If no one pees, it’s a good class.”
12:30 continues the course ！
- In the afternoon, he taught us how to run a five-step process in the lesson: Meeting → Equipment → Sliding → Stopping → Direction & Turning
- If students start to feel bored, or if they can climb higher than what you tell them to do, it means they’re ready to take the chair !
Thoughts
Exactly, “teaching” was the most difficult part of the lesson, that’s why the instructor gave us a clear five-step process, and detailed explanations, which made every step feel much easier (￣▽￣)
Today’s homework was about identifying the “five things” and modules in each process. I didn’t feel it was difficult at first—until tonight, when I actually tried to write it down…
Tomorrow is the last day, the acceptance day💀
And the portugal couple needed to take their children to another ski park, so there was no my place for me in their car… taking uber was my only option(._.)
1. Five-Step Teaching Process
Meeting → Equipment → Sliding → Stopping → Direction & Turning
This process provides a clear progression from introduction to movement, allowing students to build confidence step by step.
2. Basic Parallel Foundation – “ㄈ Shape Turns”
(Point – Move Back – Turn)
- Start with skis pointing slightly downhill
- Allow skis to move forward
- Gradually guide the turn shape
This develops direction control without rushing into full turns.
3. Allow More Time Going Downhill
Students benefit from spending more time gliding downhill to feel balance, speed, and pressure naturally.
4. Center of Mass Always Facing Downhill
Encourage students to keep their body and center of mass oriented downhill to support balance and control.
Teaching Approach & Class Management
Teaching Setup (Most Important)
- Choose a flat area with a gentle slope and enough stopping space
- Instructor removes skis to reduce height difference
- Remove goggles and maintain eye contact with students
Purpose:
Create trust, clarity, and effective communication.
Teaching Mindset
- The instructor may have the answer, but students are involved in decision-making
- Guide students to discover solutions rather than telling them directly
Class Management
- Keep the group together at all times
- Line students up or form a small circle
- Avoid students spreading out individually
Lesson Flow
1. Introductions & Background
- Get to know each other
- Ask about previous snow or skiing experience
2. Remove Poles
- Poles are removed to help students focus on balance and lower body movement
3. Putting On and Taking Off Skis
a. Clearing Snow from Boots
- Students clear snow from the soles
- Instructor assists if needed
b. Familiarization Games
- Short games such as:
- “Put-on-skis race”
- Walking and following the instructor
Purpose:
Help students feel comfortable moving with skis on their feet.
4. Moving Uphill with Skis On
- Teach basic uphill movement and positioning
- Focus on small steps and balance
5. Sliding Through a “Gate”
- Instructor uses two ski poles to create a gate
- Students slide through the gate from above
Purpose:
Encourage straight gliding and speed awareness in a controlled way.
6. Weight Transfer Without Turning
- Introduce shifting weight between both feet
- Do not introduce turning too early
Purpose:
Build balance and pressure control before adding direction changes.