U. program trains many of the top ski instructors

Over the years, the Deseret Morning News/KSL Radio Ski School has had a close working relationships with the University of Utah. It is here that many of the top instructors have been trained.

It was back in the 1950s that the late Harold Goodro, a major figure in outdoor recreation in Utah, started a program at the U. that, in many cases, led students into careers in ski teaching and resort management.

It is, said John Cederquist, director of the Parks, Recreation and Tourism department at the U., "a perfect program for us. It has made it possible for many students, many who have never taught before, to learn to offer useful ski and snowboard instruction and, at the same time, gain an education."

During the semester, student instructors meet two afternoons a week for two months, skiers under the direction of Scott Mathers, a Professional Ski Instructors official and Alta training coordinator, and Lane Clegg, a snowboard coach and instructor.

Students then join the corps of professional instructors from Alta in teaching the News' ski school over three Saturdays in late November and early December.

In January, they return to campus as part of their studies to teach recreational skiing and snowboarding classes through the university.

Changing from the three-quarter to a two-semester program at the U., and going to online registrations, has resulted in a drop in the number of instructors going through the program, said Cederquist.

Many students, he noted, are simply not aware of the instructional program available to them through the university.

Through online registration under PRT division, the ski program is No. 1450 and the snowboard program is No. 1455. The class is worth three credits.

He also pointed out that there are noncredit versions of both the ski and snowboard classes. Noncredit classes are PRT 450 and PRT 455.

For information call 585-3204.