Skiing at Cypress What to Know
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Clarence Chiu
Cell: 647-534-2030 (this is a Canadian / Ontario number that you can text me at)
I primarily teach private ski lessons at Cypress Mountain Resort as part of the Cypress Snow School. I have written this document for students and friends as a collection of opinions, advice, and information that I've accumulated over 10+ years of skiing. I originally trained in Mont-Tremblant, Quebec as part of the Summit Club, the snow school there, the CSIA and CASI; On some seasons, I would have taken over 50 lessons each season, as a student.
Safer (much less likely to have injuries / sprains that come from overuse, straining, or falling)
More enjoyable and relaxing. Less tiring and less pain.
Increase your confidence and bring it to other parts of your life!
Improve your athleticism
Not feeling pressured to keep up with your normal ski group
More social than skiing by yourself
Explore the hidden portions of the mountain safely
A great perk during busy weekends and holidays: Lessons get priority loading on ski lifts at Cypress. Spend more of your weekend skiing instead of waiting.
Lesson rates & packages for private lessons at Cypress Ski School
When booking a private lesson, it is advantageous to request a specific instructor (that you like) by name. Message me to find out when I am open / available as I may already be booked weeks ahead. You can possibly even get a flexible start / end time on case-by-case basis.
How early should I get to Cypress? It generally takes 45 minutes to 1 hour, from Vancouver, to get to the mountain and find parking. Allot an extra half hour if it's your first time going to the mountain. I would estimate that at least 40% of people are late for their lessons because it takes more time to get everything ready than they expected with equipment, rentals, lift tickets, traffic, poor weather, parking. It's advantageous not to feel stressed out before your lesson. Most instructors are also ready to teach 5 - 10 minutes before your lesson begins so get there early!
I recommend getting rentals if you've only skied a handful of times and you want to know more about it before splurging on your own equipment. Getting rentals at the mountain is advantageous in case you need to change sizes or there is something wrong with your rental equipment. Allot extra time (30 to 45 minutes) to get your rental equipment.
Temperature & snow forecast:
Snow tires or tires that are not bald are recommended when going up on bad weather.
Long socks that go up to your shins. Ski socks are ideal; doesn't have to be expensive ones. Hiking socks may work but these generally don't have padding in strategic places that make it more comfortable for skiing.
Base layers appropriate for weather (you want to be warm enough as if you are going for a light jog)
Snow pants or something water resistant or something easy to move in (ideally not jeans)
Jacket (ideally not a parka - they are too long)
Baklava / face covering (if it is less than 0 centrigrade)
Gloves. 2 sets if you are skiing all day in the rain.
Helmet (It's warmer than a hat and it's also required for lessons).
Goggles if it's raining or snowing. If it's your first time ever skiing and in a ski lesson, you can get away with not having goggles 98% of the time since the bunny hill (learning area) at Cypress is fairly protected from the elements.
How to put on ski boots properly: Check out instructions here.
Size: You should feel like your toes almost touch (but not touching) the end of the boot.
Fit: When buckled in, boot should feel fairly snug all-around. There should be no pressure points in any specific spot in your foot, ankle, or leg when you balance on the left edge or right edge for each boot. There should not be a lot of space on the bottom of your heel when you lift each boot or if you lean forward on the cuff of the boot. Places where you buy ski boots from will usually do a better job of finding you proper fitting boots or fitting the boots to you compared to rental places. Rental boots will also often have cushioning packed in already and, in general, feel too loose. There are boot fitters out there that do a much better job than others. The best boots you can buy are the ones that fit the best and it has nothing to do with the price of the boot.
Stiffness: Do not get boots that are too stiff. Beginners should be looking for a stiffness of 100 or below. 90 to 110 for intermediate skiers. 120 to 140 for expert skiers. Getting boots that are too stiff will make it more difficult to properly learn skiing. Stiffer boots are better for skiers who are going very, very fast. Stiffer boots are also better if you are a heavier than average. Women are lighter and will want softer boots.
Pain / Numbness: When a boot fits well, there should be no pain. Numbness is a result usually of the lower buckles being too tight or a poor fitting boot. There may be pain in the arch of your feet the first time you use your boot. This is normal and is the arch not used to pronating. If this persists, it may be that your arch is not uniformly hugging the side of your boot when pronated.
Length: In general, ski length should be between nose and chin height. If your legs are longer than torso (compared to the average person), go one size longer. Likewise, if legs are shorter than torso (compared to the average person), go one size shorter.
Stiffness: Softer than average.
Camber / Rocker: Camber is better for learning as you get a better feel for the shape of the edges.
Width: For beginners, you will want skis that have a smaller width (not fat skis). For adults, this is usually between 65mm to 80mm.
You don't need them as a beginner and they can be distracting during learning.
https://www.northshoreskiandboard.com/
Private lessons at Cypress can (normally) have up to 5 people if you wish to spread the cost around.
If buying a season pass, buy in March of this year for the next season.
Buy boots and skis around September to October for prior season equipment or March to April for end of season equipment. Ski equipment usually have very little changes from year to year except for the decal / graphics / look.
Skiers are a lot more likely to injure themselves when they start to feel tired. This can be from either overuse or the result of an accident due to poorer skiing ability. End your day on easier runs. Other people on the mountain are also more likely to lose control towards the end of the day and possibly cause an accident.
Skiing well requires you to "feel": On your first run, acclimatize your senses, joints and muscles with a warm up on an easy run.
For beginners, it's advisable not to ski too many days in a row (unless you are athletic / young) to give your body a chance to rest.
Send me a message and I'll answer.