Balance in All Things
By Stephen Helfenbein, Alpine Education Manager
Creating a work/life balance is a challenge shared by many of us. It is certainly not getting easier for me. My wife, two-year old daughter, dog, career, and construction project leave little time unscheduled or idle. Winter is a time of manic desperation to work and play as much as possible and it’s knocking on the door. So buckle up and make your plans now to get the most of it. Whatever it looks like for you, enjoy the hell out of it while achieving other goals. Balance!
I just started the annual process of getting my boots fit and balanced. Seems like a never-ending process. My body changes, my equipment changes, my skiing changes, my knowledge changes, and my preferences change. That’s a lot to balance!
This fall the Intermountain Division held its first Skate to Ski event, sponsored by Rollerblade. Participants thought it was a great way to work on their balance. Accurate skating will lead to accurate skiing. Engaging with a fun and challenging activity throughout more of the year facilitates continual learning. As a new skater, I lost my balance once or twice, but I will keep skating. Got to find that balance!
We also held our first Fall Rally. Like Skate to Ski, Fall Rally is part of an effort to provide more elective educational opportunities throughout more of the year. It’s important for our division to balance a commitment to both certification and education. According to the data, most members in our division are not actively pursuing certification. However, most of the events on our calendar are geared towards certification. That is not very balanced, but we are working on it.
Look for these elective educational opportunities this season: Big Mountain Skiing, Race Clinics, the Legends Series, Guest First Teaching, Pro Instructor Seminar and the Intermountain Skills Challenge.
As professional instructors, we are familiar with the search for balance between fun and learning. Usually, it is you trying to balance these factors in an experience for your students. This season, be aware of your balance. Like I said above, have fun! Also, challenge yourself and learn. The most professional among us strike this balance.
Have a great season!
