Pizza to parallel

Lessons from the nation’s top ski school

By Blynn Beltran

In November, a USA Today 10Best reader’s choice contest named the Ernie Blake Snowsports School at Taos Ski Valley the best place to learn how to ski and snowboard. The article mentioned its full- and half-day lessons, themed ski weeks and childcare options for “adults who want to take a lesson without any little ones.”

But the recognition stopped short of explaining why this school stands above the rest. To find out, I — someone who had never skied or snowboarded — signed up for a three-day lesson and experienced the program first-hand.

Like Riding a Bike?

Before your first lesson, gear is essential: a weatherproof jacket, snow pants, wool socks, goggles, gloves, sunscreen and, most importantly, a helmet. Don’t be like me — I forgot mine. With the added chill of higher elevations, I would also recommend a thermal base layer to stay warm.

Skeptical and nervous, I went in assuming skiing would be both dangerous and difficult. One of those fears, I soon learned, was justified.

Day one started with rentals at Taos Sports, where boots and skis are fitted free of charge. (Tip: if you keep your boots overnight, store them near (but not on) a heat source so they don’t shrink and torture your ankles. If you forget, the techs will happily swap them out.)

I met my instructor, Orlando Torres, at the first lift along with four classmates. A Taos native who has taught here nearly two decades, Torres knows the mountain inside and out. He has worked with everyone from kids to adults, tailoring lessons to everyone’s skill level. Along with ski basics, he also wove in the history of the resort, which began in the 1950s when World War II veteran Ernie Blake transformed an old gold mine into a ski destination.

That first day focused on fundamentals: moving our feet, learning the lifts, and mastering the “pizza” wedge — the most basic way to stop on skis. My body wasn’t used to the techniques, and I fell four times. By evening, I debated quitting. But Torres encouraged us to give ourselves credit — these movements were foreign, and progress would come turn by turn. His words motivated me to come back determined to improve.

Learning the Basics

On day two, Torres pointed out a skier speeding recklessly down the bunny slope before plowing into a snowbank. Nobody was hurt, but he used it as a teachable moment: if the man had taken lessons, he wouldn’t have endangered himself or others.

In our class, Amanda Deng, a 25-year-old product manager from New York, made noticeable progress.

“I definitely improved way more than I thought I would,” Deng said. “I took a two-day lesson and started as a novice. Now I feel confident skiing the green trails and keeping up with my friends.”

Her boyfriend, Chris Hoang, a PhD student and experienced snowboarder, was equally impressed. “She’s a lot better,” he said. “Before, she didn’t have much control. Now she knows how to slow down, keep the wedge and stay in control. She’s ready for the greens.”

Pizza to Parallel

By Monday morning, I could turn left and right, stop on command and make subtle adjustments for smoother runs. Torres decided we were ready for White Feather, a beginner/intermediate trail.

Riding Lift 1 felt like facing the final boss of a video game. I’m afraid of heights, and the cliffs below unnerved me. I even crashed after unloading. But once I focused, everything came together. My skis obeyed, my turns felt deliberate, and my fear began to fade.

By the time I reached the bottom, Torres and my classmate couldn’t believe my progress — and neither could I. In three days, I had gone from reluctant novice to eager beginner, conquering falls, fear and self-doubt along the way.

Behind the Scenes

After my lesson, I spoke with Burt Skall, director of the Ernie Blake Snowsports School. A Taos resident for more than a decade, Skall has been teaching skiing since 1977.

“As far as training goes, we have a very extensive program,” Skall said. “We’ve brought in Olympic gold medalist Deb Armstrong to work with our staff, and our technical director Alain Veth — who used to be a technician for World Cup racers — teaches biomechanics and movement analysis. It’s not only about ski skills but also understanding how bodies move.”

Equally important are communication skills. “Nobody wants to feel like they’re asking a stupid question,” Skall said. “But once students get past that fear, they see we’re welcoming and focused on getting them moving with confidence.”

Torres agreed. “I love watching people make their first turn — it’s liberating,” he said. “I get as much joy from seeing that as I do from skiing my favorite powder run. Sharing that excitement with students is the best part.”

Takeaway

By the end of my three days, I realized what makes the Ernie Blake Snowsports School exceptional. It’s not just the technical training or decades of experience — it’s the patience, encouragement and genuine passion of the instructors.

Taos Ski Valley worked its magic on me, and I can’t wait to return to the mountains.

For more information, visit skitaos.com/snowsports-lessons.