A 3-Day Private Clinic For Skiers Who Prefer Groomed Runs

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Ski For Life FAQs

What level skier do I have to be to participate in the 3-day SKI FOR LIFE private clinic?

Note for the 2022-2023 season, SKI FOR LIFE is only offered as a 2-day private clinic on Snowmass Mountain, or Buttermilk Mountain,  for up to two participants. Both clinic participants need to be adult intermediate skiers, levels 5-7. You should be able to ski most groomed blue runs with parallel turns. This program is not appropriate for beginner skiers.

Do I have to be a Baby Boomer to ski with SKI FOR LIFE?

No, you do not have to be a Baby Boomer to take a SKI FOR LIFE private clinic. It is appropriate for intermediate skiers of all adult ages. The average age of our clients ranges from the 40’s to the 70’s.

SKI FOR LIFE approach is based around building a foundation of better balance, more control, greater efficiency and less fatigue using smart tactics that don’t require a high degree of athleticism, are low impact, easy on your knees and back with no need for fast reflexes. At a higher level, the lesson introduces life-long skills that enable you to break out of the intermediate-rut, and gain enjoyment from being able to ski any groomed terrain on mountain. You learn some skills to deal with ‘yikes’ terrain like icy spots, flat light, double fall lines, clumps of loose snow and crowded runs.

Where is the Ski for Life Private Clinic Taught?

On Snowmass Mountain

 

What time does the SFL private clinic start and end each day?

We will meet at 8:45. This is two full days of lessons from 9-3. Specific meeting logistics will be sent prior to the lesson start date.

 

Will we ski any mogul runs or only groomed runs during the 3-day SKI FOR LIFE private clinic?

The goal of the lesson is for every participant to become a competent groomed run skier. You will learn the same Foundational Skiing Skills we teach in our BUMPS FOR BOOMERS private clinic. These skills are the building blocks of great skiing. Staying on groomed runs allows us to do more drills and skill building exercises to ensure you have mastered these skills. Mogul skiing is not a part of this private clinic.

Will we ski powder during the 2-day private clinic?

No. Sometimes after grooming a run, it will snow overnight and leave a few inches on top of the groomed run. Or, it might be snowing during the private clinic. Have you ever been lucky enough to ski a groomed run with a couple inches of impossibly light ‘freshies’ on it? It is a memorable experience and if the snow gods offer it, we will find it! The private clinic will not be seeking out powder runs, i.e., ungroomed or off-piste runs.

Are lift tickets included in the price of the 2-day private clinic?

Lift tickets are not included in the price of the private clinic.  

Stay Aspen Snowmass offers discounted lift tickets in combination with purchase of lodging or airline reservations. Call them at 1-800-456-0897 for more information.

I've never been to Aspen before, what hotels do you recommend?

Aspen is a town of ever changing accommodations and we decided years ago to focus on mogul skiing lessons not lodging. We always recommend that our clients call Stay Aspen/Snowmass (SAS) for assistance with lodging, lift tickets and even airline reservations. The Aspen Skiing Company work with SAS to offer great package deals. SAS has access to the vast majority of properties in Aspen. They offer discounted lift tickets when purchased with lodging and/or airline reservations. Please contact them directly at 1-800-456-0897.

What are my airport choices to get to Aspen/Snowmass?

There are three airports primarily used for travel to Aspen/Snowmass.

1) Aspen airport is a quick 5-10 minute ride from downtown Aspen and 20-30 minutes from Snowmass. Many lodges offer transportation from the Aspen airport to their property. If not, taxis are readily available. United Airlines is the primary carrier into Aspen and offers direct flights from Denver, Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles and San Francisco. American Airlines offers direct flights to Aspen from Dallas/Ft. Worth, Los Angeles, Chicago and Phoenix. Delta offers direct flights to Aspen from Atlanta, Los Angeles, Salt Lake City and Minneapolis/St. Paul. Please visit the Aspen Airport website for current airline information as services change each season and not all airlines fly these routes daily.

2) Eagle Vail (EGE) airport is approximately a 1.5 hour drive to Aspen/Snowmass. Eagle Vail airport is at a lower elevation than Aspen airport and can accommodate larger airplanes. Several carriers offer non-stop flights from the U.S. East Coast into Eagle Vail. Commercial transportation is available for hire from Eagle Vail airport to Aspen. Stay Aspen/Snowmass can assist with booking transportation. Please see http://www.eaglevailairport.com/ for more information.

3) Denver International Airport. Denver’s airport is the closest major international airport to Aspen. If there are no weather or traffic delays, it is approximately a 4-hour drive from Denver to Aspen. Once in Denver, you can rent a car or take commercial transportation to Aspen. Please keep in mind that the drive on I-70 from Denver to Aspen travels over two high mountain passes and can be highly impacted by winter weather driving conditions. Again, SAS can assist with booking commercial transportation from Denver to Aspen. See www.flydenver.com for more information. Visit www.cotrip.org for road conditions.

What else should I know about traveling to Aspen/Snowmass?

Please keep in mind that Aspen and Aspen’s airport (ASE) is at 7,980 feet elevation and can be subject to weather delays. We recommend that you plan to arrive 1-2 days prior to the private clinic to allow for travel delays and adjustment to our high altitude. We also strongly recommend that you carry your ski boots on-board your flight(s) to Aspen along with necessary medications and personal items just in case you encounter a delay with luggage arrival. Should your checked bags not arrive with you in Aspen, ski clothing is readily available for purchase or rental.

What has changed due to COVID 19 for the 2022-2023 season?

We will follow all guidelines required by Aspen/Snowmass and/or the State and local governments.

What equipment is needed for the 2-day private clinic?

You will need to provide your own ski equipment for the SKI FOR LIFE lesson. We will send specific ski rental options prior to your lesson. Overnight ski rental is provided at the base of the mountain so no need to transport your skis back to your lodging while in the clinic. 

We recommend all participants wear a helmet while skiing.

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