Scot McGee, ski pro posing in the sunshine under the Grand Tetons
One of the best ways to enjoy skiing is to go on a guided outing – no thinking, just following and listening to tips and tales from an experienced professional. And it doesn’t matter if you are alpine skiing or Nordic skiing, a pro is a great way to go!
According to “Basic Illustrated Cross-Country Skiing” author Scott McGee, “The idea of hiring a ski pro is similar to hiring a CPA, stockbroker or hair stylist.” You want a ski pro who can show you the ropes from technique tips to revealing in-bounds or out-of-bounds terrain at ski areas, or experiences in the backcountry tailored for entry-level to advance skier ability.
McGee characterizes his services as the authentic local experience. As an experienced and certified ski pro, he can provide technique lessons at any level for people learning how to skate ski on the groomed ski trails to skills necessary for safe backcountry skiing. He serves skiers through his affiliations in Jackson Hole, Wyoming with Eco Tours and Exum Mountain Guides. He advises skiers ranging from cross country skiers, AT (alpine touring) skiers, alpine and telemark skiers to enjoy the outdoors in and around Jackson Hole and in the Grand Teton National Park.
Telemark guru, Scott McGee on the slopes at Jackson Hole Resort. Jonathan Selkowitz photo
Alpine and telemark skiers can follow McGee on or off trails at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort and while his services don’t include rental equipment and lift passes, he can facilitate whatever is needed. His backcountry ski tours in the national park or surrounding areas are provided via Exum Mountain Guides. McGee says, “The guide can demystify avalanche awareness, snow pack assessment and forecasting, route finding, technique efficiency, best snow and terrain locations and of course, safety.
Avalanche awareness in the backcountry is important
On his Eco Tour Adventures, skiers can learn about natural history, winter ecology, snow science, plant/animal adaptations, and safe interaction with the environment. McGee also offers Jackson Hole trip planning tips at https://tinyurl.com/TripPlanningTips
Taking advice from a ski pro removes all the guesswork in your ski outings, so give it a try. A great example of a ski pro is Scott McGee, who has been a PSIA Nordic Team Coach, Senior Manager for Nordic, Guides and Training at Jackson Hole Mountain Sports School and Ski School Director at Snow King Resort. He's been deeply involved in skiing and outdoor education since his college days, when he first instructed XC skiing and supervised the telemark programs for the Dartmouth Outing Club. He's a PSIA certified Level 3 instructor and taught skiing and guided in the Wasatch and Teton ranges for resorts, colleges, private outfitters, and his own business. For more info or trip planning tips, contact Scott McGee at scottmcgee@wyom.net