Turn Initiation

Term from Ski Instruction industry explained for recruiters

Turn Initiation is a fundamental skill in skiing that refers to the way a skier starts or begins their turns. It's a crucial teaching concept that ski instructors use to help students learn how to change direction while skiing. This skill includes understanding how to properly shift weight, use body position, and control speed when starting a turn. When reading resumes from ski instructors, this term indicates they have experience teaching one of the most important basic movements in skiing. Similar terms might include "turn entry," "turn starting," or "directional change initiation."

Examples in Resumes

Taught beginner and intermediate skiers proper Turn Initiation techniques

Specialized in correcting Turn Initiation problems for adult learners

Created lesson plans focusing on Turn Initiation and weight transfer skills

Typical job title: "Ski Instructors"

Also try searching for:

Ski Teacher Snow Sports Instructor Alpine Ski Coach Winter Sports Instructor Skiing Trainer Mountain Sports Instructor

Example Interview Questions

Senior Level Questions

Q: How would you design a training program to help other instructors teach turn initiation?

Expected Answer: A senior instructor should discuss creating progressive learning steps, different teaching approaches for various student types, and methods to train other instructors on identifying and correcting common turn initiation problems.

Q: How do you adapt turn initiation teaching methods for different snow conditions and terrain?

Expected Answer: Should explain how to modify teaching approaches for varying conditions like powder, ice, or groomed runs, and how to help students adjust their turn initiation technique accordingly.

Mid Level Questions

Q: What are the most common turn initiation problems you encounter with intermediate students?

Expected Answer: Should discuss typical issues like weight distribution, timing, and body position, along with specific solutions and teaching progressions they use to address these problems.

Q: How do you teach turn initiation differently to children versus adults?

Expected Answer: Should explain different teaching approaches, including use of games and imagery for children, and more technical explanations for adults, while maintaining safety and progression.

Junior Level Questions

Q: Can you explain the basic components of turn initiation?

Expected Answer: Should be able to describe the fundamental movements involved in starting a turn, including weight shift, edge control, and body position in simple, clear terms.

Q: What safety considerations do you keep in mind when teaching turn initiation to beginners?

Expected Answer: Should discuss slope selection, speed control, student positioning, and maintaining a safe learning environment while teaching basic turning skills.

Experience Level Indicators

Junior (0-2 years)

  • Teaching basic turn initiation to beginners
  • Understanding fundamental skiing movements
  • Basic class management and safety
  • Simple problem-solving with student challenges

Mid (2-5 years)

  • Teaching advanced turn initiation techniques
  • Adapting methods for different student needs
  • Handling various snow conditions and terrain
  • Group lesson management

Senior (5+ years)

  • Training other instructors
  • Creating teaching progressions
  • Advanced technical knowledge
  • Program development and leadership

Red Flags to Watch For

  • No formal ski instruction certification
  • Limited experience teaching different skill levels
  • Poor understanding of safety protocols
  • Inability to demonstrate proper technique