At Deer Valley Resort, ski instructors are not just trained to teach; they are cultivated into skilled professionals through a comprehensive and structured development program. Kurt Hammel, who arrived at the resort in 2003 expecting to stay for just a month, has seen firsthand how the ski school has evolved. Now in his 23rd season, Hammel has transitioned from a ski instructor to the director of the ski school, overseeing a significant expansion and development of instructor programs. Deer Valley’s ski instructor program is deeply rooted in a philosophy of long-term career development, emphasizing mentorship and continuous learning. Hammel, who started in the industry at Swain Mountain, New York, appreciates the sense of community among instructors and their collective dedication to providing exceptional guest experiences. The ski school has grown considerably in recent years, spurred by an increase in demand for lessons following the pandemic. Rob Sogard, the resort’s vice president of skier services, noted that the instructor staff has expanded from about 400 to over 700 this season. As the demand for ski lessons surged, so did the need for robust training and development programs. "With the expansion of our terrain and the growth in our ski school, we recognized that our training program needed to be as strong as ever," said Hammel. To facilitate this growth, Deer Valley has established a comprehensive training team rather than relying on a single manager. This team focuses on various tracks of instructor development, including certification preparation, ongoing education, and specialized training related to Deer Valley’s unique teaching standards. The goal is to ensure that every instructor not only meets the necessary certification requirements but also embodies the values and quality of training specific to the resort. The resort is poised for further expansion, particularly with the development of the East Village ski school, which could bring the total number of instructors to around 1,000 in the coming years. Hammel emphasized the importance of instructors having an intimate understanding of the terrain. “Just because it looks like a green run on the map doesn’t mean it’s the easiest green run,” he explained. Therefore, increased training clinics are being offered, allowing instructors to explore new terrain and understand the nuances of different runs. This ski season has presented unique challenges due to inconsistent snowfall, but it has also provided instructors with valuable opportunities to familiarize themselves with the new terrain. Instead of rushing to open large sections, the slower approach allows instructors to gain comfort and knowledge about their teaching environments. The new East Village beginner area, featuring covered conveyor lifts and wide learning zones, enhances the teaching experience by catering to novice skiers. Hammel pointed out that the improvements allow instructors to take beginners to the mountain more quickly, providing a more enriching experience than merely remaining on bunny hills. The Pinyon Express lift, which accesses high-elevation beginner terrain, offers new skiers an opportunity to engage with the mountain, fostering their confidence and skill levels while remaining within their ability range. To promote instructor retention, Deer Valley offers reimbursement for certification costs and wage increases based on advancement. Such incentives encourage instructors to continue their professional development and commit to long-term careers with the resort. Hammel noted that this commitment to growth fosters a culture of mentorship among instructors, where more experienced staff share insights and advice with newer members. “Every day, you see veteran instructors mentoring newcomers,” he remarked. “The camaraderie among ski instructors is unique, where learning doesn’t stop once training ends.” This culture of open communication ensures that all instructors, regardless of their experience level, can learn from one another, creating a supportive environment that enhances the overall teaching quality. As Deer Valley prepares for its next chapter, particularly in anticipation of the upcoming Olympic era, its ski school is not just expanding in numbers but is also deeply committed to maintaining high standards of instruction and guest experience. The resort’s focus on structured training, mentorship, and hands-on learning is setting a benchmark for ski instruction that other resorts may look to emulate.