Does your instructor have any
customers that you can speak with?
Ask your instructor if he has any
past pupils that you are able to speak with. If he does then you will be able
to ensure that he at least has some experience, and you can ask those pupils
how they found the training that they were given. This is something that I
consider with all my pupils. I ask them if they would like to speak with any ex
pupils and give them their telephone numbers. Although most don�t bother
calling them up, it gives them a certain level of confidence in my ability.
What rates or charges will you
incur for instruction?
This is an important question and
one that should be considered as a major factor in who you choose. If an
instructor is charging more then it probably reflects on one major issue and
that is his ability. If you are being charged more than this may be reflected
in his service and experience and therefore it may be worth it. On the other
hand, if you are mainly looking for the ability to master basic skills, then
perhaps it is not worth paying extra. It is also imperative that you ask if the
rates that you are paying reflect every cost element that you will incur. What
do I mean by this? Some instructors may charge you an hourly rate, but then the
course may ask for more in order to use the facilities or rent equipment. Be
sure that you know about everything that you are paying. Another point for
consideration is that if you intend to train on a better slope then the costs
of tuition will surely be higher. I would say it is probably worth paying that
little extra to learn on snow, and on a diverse and challenging range of
slopes.
How well do you think you will
get on with your instructor?
This is something that we must
all consider before choosing an instructor, and although we cannot always tell,
meeting them in person is a great way to get a feel for their personality. Many
instructors choose to make friends with their pupils however this is something
that I refrain from doing. In my opinion students attain the best results, when
they have a relationship of mutual respect and understanding with their
instructor. When the pupil and instructor become too chatty problems arise.
However, this is just my opinion. If you feel more comfortable with a chatty
instructor then this should be your choice. Think about what is best for you,
and allow this to influence your choice of instructor.
The times the instructor is
available.
If your instructor will only be
available between the hours of 9-5 and this is when you will be working then
the chances are that this instructor is not very well suited to you. Stop and
discuss with an instructor when both of you are available and you be sure to
have a better working relationship.
Article by: Clem C. Benton, Jr.
http://www.12path.com/cb/Clem/