What Made You?

What made you want to be a ski instructor?

Without a doubt, the big money.

If you go beyond that it was to learn how to ski better, have companionship and participate more in the sport. Once I became a ski instructor I began to change to instructing being more about people and passing on a passion and knowledge that has been so dynamite in my life.

Skiing opened doors for me, took me around the world, helped me grow as a person, and provided me with a recreational activity I'm able to enjoy for the rest of my life in some of the most breathtakingly beautiful places to be found. I had a strong desire to give back and share what I'd been given. Still do.

I think I missed my calling. I chose Patrolling instead.

I sometimes wonder if I would have been a good instructor.

For me it was a combination of wanting to improve my own skiing and sharing my passion for skiing with others. I'd worked previously in adversarial positions and I wanted to have fun with folks for a change.

I wondered what was wrong with the ski industry so I decided to try to help. O yeah - and my mom said I'd never be a teacher.

Thanks for playing rusty.

You've been a great help.

The first time, in 1982, I just wanted to teach others how to play in the snow and enjoy it as much as I did. The PSIA didn't accept me!

The second time, in 2003, I was an out-of-work executive looking for any way to pay the mortgage. I got a job teaching at Eldora (through the guidance of Rusty Guy here in Epic) and also got a job as a seating host at the Boulder Cheesecake Factory.

The week after I landed those two jobs, I got another job back in the technology industry that eventually forced me to step away from the work at Eldora, although I did pass my level I and 2/3 of my level II that year. The following year, I moved to Copper and started guiding for the Over the Hill Gang. I did that because I love being with people who love being on the mountain. Plus, I like helping them boost their skills, and it let me do both. And I passed the rest of my level II... I like having goals, so that was nice.

It was a fun run, but it was purely a hobby. I've taken a sabbatical this year due to family and business commitments that have once again limited my ability to get up into the mountains. We'll see if/when I go back... I did write a book that many people seem to enjoy, so that was nice, too...

I maintain a deep respect for those who make it a long-term career like so many here on EpicSki. I know that I cannot make it work for our family, and I'm aware how difficult the revenue is for you to generate! I didn't even make back my gas money any of the years I taught. But, that's not why I did it after that first stint. After that first year, it was purely for the joy of the mountains and those who love them.

Great story Steve. From the heart, I can tell that.

You got plenty of time later in life if you want to get back to it.