OCR Text |
Show B Religion F4 E5 The Daily Herald Sunday, February 16, 1992 w 5 IIMjSWJ" "'" 'i'"V".'.ti.," F, Opinions F6 Prime Time F8 lJw',la'lallu'llfl.ltJm'', wl!wB'WiiiiW'Uiapii ml tsttrt I TORurai" iMif Jitter 1 12 tettra imitl33Si I fit imtritLMiftrTHiiiirv-- By ROBB HICKEN Herald Staff Writer SUNDANCE This school is unlike any other children attend. Its an asserted effort to get more children into skiing, to perpetuate the industry. Industry officials agree skiers' average age has gradually risen, while the number of participants have flattened out. An article in Ski magazine's January issue, reported that skiers are getting older and an infusion of new, younger skiers is needed in the industry. For that reason, ski schools are making an attempt to prepare more skiers at a young age to enjoy the sport. Sundance Ski School director Scott Nyman said the ski school at Sundance is more than just a day care where par - ents drop children off and go skiing. Based on the principles of fun, safety and learning, the Sundance Ski School gets children excited about skiing. Sund Nyman, a dance resident, said the initial premonition was to not call it a ski school, since many children turn off at the mere mention of school. Once they get involved in the program, the fact that it's school dissolves. The program is designed for children ages 3 to 12. The age groups are divided so that y same-age- d and skiers are in the same groups. There are 54 ski instructors used in the teaching. The year-roun- same-abilit- largest number of lessons being taught on the weekends. Nyman said there were as many as 20,000 students taught to ski last year alone on Sundance's slopes. "We have a good variety of terrain groomed terrain a good selection of excellent beginner terrain," he said. School begins with an indoor pre-ssession which includes games and activities aimed at education and safety. "Getting the kids on skis, and having them work with them indoors, puts them in the ki right perspective," Nyman r - said. "We're not here just to educate them, but we're here to teach them to ski." Mrv. (W'VSS The orientation also gives instructors a chance to cure any fears the children may have. Nyman said skiing is one of the safest winter-tim- e ' sports. "Skiing has a dangerous rep- utation, but its reputation is much worse that it deserves," he said. "One of the safest places on the mountain is in the ski school. "' Herald staff photo by Jason Olson The hardest part about learning to ski is getting on and off the lift. Here a Noelle Olpin load her two students safely on board Sundance's Navajo lift. 4 lift operator helps ski school teacher i F ."V , . t V Herald staff photo by Jajion Olson Ski instructor Olpin coaxes her students, Brian and Ryan, down the beginner slopes of picturesque Sundance Ski Resort located In Provo Canyon. iu' 4 av in vmmimmmr, ' . a Hi, j i ' ' Jf - " " f Lt I Hra!d staff photo by Jason Olson Olpin goes "head over heels" as she teaches Ryan the fundamentals of the snowplow In Sundance Ski Resorts Ski School. Ryan appears to appreciate Olpin's support. Photo by Mart Haddock Grinning and schusslng, Cadi Nicholson fine tunes her ski racing skills In Park City Retort's "Learn to Race" program. The program capitalizes on children's natural lack of fear. |