rocket wrote:As a skilled black diamond skier working at Mammoth back in the day, lift crew to a ski in to chair4 off of dragons back...

TR wrote:

Zzz wrote:

rocket wrote:Cheapest safest smartest ski plane training is a pair of cross country skis and daily trips around the lake you plan on operating from.

I think this is the best advice yet. Go explore on snowshoes or skis and see the workings of ice and snow up close.

Someone else mentioned plow ridges. When you plow snow, it agitated and settles. If there's any temp upswing and it softens, then refreezes, you get this refrozen nasty hard ridge that can be a big surprise to an airplane. Or anyone or anything on skis. Imagine hitting a big speed bump.

That's what's so neat, and maybe risky, about the winter environment. It's dynamic and variable and requires the experience to read it, or enough knowledge to know when to not stick your toe in.

Wow, seriously? What words do not belong in that statement? (CHEAPEST, SAFEST, SMARTEST) Can't wait to hear the advice for float instruction, waterski around the lake? Tailwheel instruction, go ride your kids tricycle backwards? Perception is reality until proven otherwise...The OP asks for availability of obtaining instruction in a specific skill set. What he gets in return is input not asked for on why he doesn't need said instruction to begin with. The perception I obtain from this dialog is Joe BOD (bag o donuts) leaning against his steed of choice and spitting his chaw on the hangar floor after stating said opinion. Personally, I commend the OP for reaching out to gain knowledge before striking out on his own. I could go into a long-winded diatribe on the merits of obtaining quality ski instruction from a highly experienced operator, however, it is not my objective to lure the naysayers over to my camp, I prefer to spend my time with the folks already there. Nor will I slip in my resume' as so many posters do as if that validates their opinions. I believe what you state should stand on its merit as opposed to having to prop up your statement with the fact you are a (aerial applicator/airline capt/commercial float operator, etc.). This is called good old ass-shining or chest thumping. Your statements should bring credibility to your profession, as opposed to using your profession to boost your credibility. Check the ego at the door, if your statement is not value added, nor can it stand on its own merit, its better left unsaid. DENNY stated one of my most commonly used expressions in instructing; "You don't know what you don't know". The responses to this post reenforce my decision to PM the OP for suggestions to his question. TR
For those that believe they "don't need no stinkin' instruction"..."Learn of the skillful; he that teaches himself, has a fool for his master" ~ Benjamin Franklin