SOFA SKI CAMPS – Porters, New Zealand
COACHES: Klaus Mair + Hansjörg Rumpold LOCATION: Porters Alpine Resort
2025 information will be announced soon
The most successful ski improvement programme for recreational skiers in New Zealand will return!
We are very excited to have the opportunity to be back in New Zealand again! With Porters Alpine Resort we could find a partner that is in full support of our plans and we cannot wait to work on building a new best version of our SOFA SKI CAMPS – New Zealand.
A real NZ Ski Experience
All of our camps have certain key elements in common but are also very unique. Our new NZ camps will offer the social aspects of living at the same place, as well as being able to train in an environment that is quite different to a crowded commercial ski field.
Some of the most unique things about skiing in New Zealand are the small commercial resorts and its club fields. Although Porters Alpine Resort only has one chairlift, three T-bars and a platter we will have everything that we need for our training. From easy groomers to steeper red and black runs to a variety of different off-piste gradients. When we coach skiers we often spend our time only on a few runs and we always choose the ones that are less busy so we can really focus on the tasks and drills. Having the right terrain and uncrowded runs are a huge factor for the quality of training that we can deliver.
Result Oriented, Professional Coaching for Recreational Skiers
In our first season all skiers will be coached by Klaus (SOFASKI.COM founder) and Hansjörg (SOFA SKI CAMPS, Japan). In intense 3-day camps with max group sizes of 6 we will train hard, have fun skiing great terrain and provide you with a lot of footage and input so you have a clear plan for your training after the camp.
All participants will stay at the Oxford Village Motel (more info below), which is a 55-minute drive from the ski field and offers the standard that we are looking for. Every day after skiing we will watch the ski footage of the day and go out for dinners together. Included in the package price is your Christchurch airport and ski field transfer, so you don’t need to worry about driving or renting a car for the duration of the training. You will receive all your videos in your training diary, for download as well as on a USB stick.
For closed days we will either offer a mix of ski technique related dryland training and ski video sessions or we will drive you to one of the other ski fields for a day of free skiing. For those days you will receive a 50% refund on the coaching and a full refund on your Porters lift pass.
For season one we will run the camps at a very small scale and spots will be very limited. I hope you understand that we will only be able to accommodate a small group of skiers, as we want to start small so we can set things up to run the camps at a bigger scale in the future.
Please email or WhatsApp +43650MKLAUSM if you have any questions.
We cannot wait to ski with you again and hope that we can open a new SOFA SKI CAMPS chapter together!
About Porters Alpine Resort:
Skiable Terrain: 285 hectares Vertical: 678m
Base Elevation: 1310m Peak Elevation: 1980m
Porters Alpine Resort is located at the southern end of the Craigieburn Range in the South Island of New Zealand. Although it has only one chairlift I think that the terrain is ideal for our purposes. One wide blue run for doing drills and increasingly steeper T-bar accessed runs for the next step as well as a big variety of ungroomed off-piste. Those obviously depend on how much fresh snow there is, but with permanent snowmaking there should always be sufficient coverage to work on your skiing. Nearby ski fields are Mt Cheeseman, Broken River, Craigieburn, Temple Basin and Mt Hutt.
Oxford Village Motels:
The very friendly owners of Oxford Village Motels offer modern studios and apartments in different sizes that are rated 9.4 out of 217 reviews on booking.com. Each unit has a kitchenette or fully equipped kitchen, unlimited free Wifi, on-site parking, heat pump, electrical blanket, satellite TV,… A supermarket, restaurants and cafe’s are in walking distance. All camp participants will get a 10% discount if booked directly. To Christchurch airport it is only 40 minutes and 55 minutes to the ski field. Please don’t book a room until we have confirmed your spot in the camp.
Perfect ski improvement training course. Friendly staff, especially the manager Klaus. If you have any question, ask Klaus, he will solve your questions. Not only ski, but also everything you need.
THEIR LOVE OF SKIING WILL HAVE YOUR HEART BEATING FASTER - As a returnee to a Sofa Ski Camp I have to admit it can get you hooked. A 5 day program for those of us who wanna make skiing easier, but more challenging with heaps of fun. You are guaranteed to be in a small group with the one instructor who gets to know your every move. Klaus an Austrian maestro runs the show with such precision. Check out their website- google ... Sofa ski school. Their love of skiing will have your heat beating faster when you book the week of your life.
FANTASTIC SKI IMPROVEMENT CAMP - I went to Sofa Ski School last week for the third year in a row. Klaus has brought together a fantastic team of enthusiastic, patient and very inspiring coaches who deliver fantastic results. Over the last three years I have gained a lot more experience and confidence through the techniques they train us in and the positive way they encourage us to push ourselves to be better skiers. I am now a lot more confident in steeper terrain, powder and my general ability to tackle more challenging slopes and to enjoy my skiing more. The video logs are a great reminder of what I need to continue to do and I can't wait for next year! Thanks Klaus and Hansjorg - you guys are fantastic and it was another unforgettable week of fun and hard work with you. See you next...
THE BEST SKI SCHOOL ON THE PLANET - These guys get results and make it great fun. Klaus and his team of expert ski instructors have taken our skiing to another level.
After many years of having a lesson or three it wasn't until I did my first and then my second Sofa Ski Camp that I skied well, across the mountain. Thank you Klaus and the two Instructors, Mark Speiler and Juliane Sampl. I hope I can continue.
The only reason to ski in TC is this camp. Great coaches,with great set ups. Only returning to TC to ski because of sofa. This is my 3rd camp with klaus.
THE BEST SKI IMPROVEMENT CAMP EVER ! - This five day camp, run by Klaus Mair with a team of expert ski coaches from around the world, is an absolute must if you are keen to take your skiing to the next level. I had such an incredible week that I've booked to do it again next week! The coaches are fabulous, the people are all on the same wave length and Klaus runs an fabulous program. The video analysis is so helpful to help you see what is happening and to see the improvements you make over the week. I can't recommend this program highly enough!
BLUE TO BLACK RUNS - This is the best course bar none for improving your skiing. Best coaches from all over the world. Klaus is super coach, be warned!! You must be fit, to get the most out of it for the week. Suggest to do the two weeks for best results. Value for money. Been eight seasons now took me as an adult intermediate to a black double diamond run skier. Then I have now skied many world resorts in the Norther hemisphere winter. Just do it!!
Excellent program with great coaches who are a lot of fun. It is a lot of work but a lot of fun and plenty of friends are made new and old. This was our 3rd camp and we will be back again in 2018. Thanks Klaus and Benni (old) ?
THE BEST SKI IMPROVEMENT CAMP - Over the last 6 years I have spent a week in Wanaka on Klaus Mair’s Sofa ski camp. It is the best ski training I have ever experienced. The instructors are on another level, but still super fun and approachable. I always meet lovely people on this course and Klaus is great at matching the groups. If you want to improve your skiing and have a lot of fun doing it, there is nothing better.
FANTASTIC SKI INSTRUCTION - An awesome 5 day course with highly qualified ski instructors, small group sizes, video analysis and in helmet audio so your instructor can communicate with you as you ski. Very well structured course bedding in fundamental skills on piste then applying them to off piste conditions. Thanks Klaus and Hanse. I will back!
THE SOFA TEAM REALLY KNOW HOW TO TAKE YOUR SKIING TO THE NEXT LEVEL - My wife and I participated in a Sofa course at Wanaka for the past 2 seasons. No matter what your level the course really helps you focus on the most important areas that will take your skiing to the next level. I won't deny it was hard and often frustrating to change ingrained habits, but I'm a much better and more confident skier for having done the course. I can know identify when my technique slips back and I know what I need to do to correct it. The instructors are all experts and very friendly. The unexpected bonus of the courses has been the social side apres ski with other participants and instructors.
This is my second year coming to Sofa Ski Camp so I figure the best way to review Sofa is to list the points that make this a truly great ski improvement course. 1. High level coaches (mostly Austrian) hand picked by Klaus 2. Small groups so a lot of individual attention 3. Video analysis by Klaus that you get to take home on USB 4. The techniques and drills you learn allow you to become to your own teacher 5. Friendly and fun atmosphere 6. The terrain at Treble Cone is great and the views are breathtaking Leave your ego at the door and be prepared to be challenged, frustrated and come out the other side a better skier.
TAKE YOUR SKIING TO THE NEXT LEVEL AND HAVE FUN DOING IT - This is my 5th camp and look forward to it every year. I have had many lessons over the years and now don’t bother with any other than the Sofa ski camps. Brilliant instruction and guidance helps you improve on all aspects of your skiing and building confidence in all conditions. If you are serious about ski improvement do not hesitate book it. We will be back for camp 6 next year.
AWESOME SKI TRAINING - Challenging fantastic week. Great coaches and approach As well as getting better at skiing we had lots of fun with a great bunch of people. Will be back again
IF YOU ARE SERIOUS ABOUT SKIING, THIS IS IT - Klaus and his team have built a terrific program with Sofa ski school. Every aspect of the experience is thought out, from the in depth video analysis, the goal setting for the week and the continuos work through amazingly talented ski instructors. Most of all the whole experience is a hell of a lot of fun and I got a lot out of it in terms of my progression, in just one week.
Have had an amazing week at TC with Sofa. Broke me of all my horrible self taught skiing habits and started the rebuild. Can’t recommend enough if you can handle making big changes. Can’t wait to go again!
SOFA WORKS - My husband and I have done 4 SOFA camps and improved our technique every time. We value Klaus and his team as professional, committed, highly skilled and experienced operators. It's worth every dollar. The learning models tools are fantastic. There is continuity.
LOVE SKIING? HAVE A BREAKTHROUGH! - SOFA ski camps provide a professional strategy for ski improvement using video analysis and practical learning strategies. Klaus Mair and his team of instructors show amazing attention to detail and work closely with every student to make a difference to their skiing. The team have superb interpersonal skills to make learning fun, motivational and positive. My husband and I have been skiing at Treble Cone for 20 years and we both believe our standard of skiing improved through our SOFA course this year and in 2015. In fact, we are doing another one in a few weeks to consolidate what we learnt. It is worth the investment if you trust the instructor and accept the weather conditions.
AMAZING SKI EXPERIENCE, YOU WILL NEVER LOOK BACK... Klaus has developed a ski coaching programme which offers professional ski training to recreational skiers using video analysis and a team of outstanding coaches. The five day sofa ski school is intensive, challenging and immensely rewarding. I highly recommend it to anyone who is motivated to make real improvements in their skiing.
5 Star ski camp with excellent instructors, I definitely made improvements. The video footage before and after was a little daunting but a great tool to both demonstrate areas to improve and see your progress over the course. A 5 day camp is the only way to go. I will be back @treblecone we are eager to book 2019 season! Klaus and Dominik thanks for a great 2018 ski camp. ⛷??
SOFA SKI SCHOOL - If you are passionate about skiing and keen to ski to your best potential this course will give you the tools to achieve this.Excellent tuition and superb use of technology to provide analysis of your skiing technique.
PHENOMENAL SKI SCHOOL - HAS DONE WONDERS FOR MY SKIING! FINALLY A SKI SCHOOL THAT MAKES A DIFFERENCE! - I've attended the Sofa ski school twice now and will definitely be booking in every year! Klaus' team of instructors from Australia, NZ, Austria and the US are excellent technicians and have an amazing ability to instruct on ways to improve your skiing technique and confidence. 4 days of intense skiing instruction with groups no larger than 4-5 and before/after video assessments are the key to improving any skier's skills - whether you're an intermediate skier or an advanced skier. The optional last day of heli-skiing with CMH Harris mountain ski guides and your own instructor, if lucky, is an added bonus and an experience i will never forget. This camp has given me the ability and...
ABSOLUTE PROFESSIONALS AND LOTS OF FUN - Attendance at Sofa Treble Cone was simply one of the best things I've ever done on snow. The program involves an initial on-snow analysis, and is then tailored to your skiing style, with very specific target areas for improvement. The groups are small, ensuring ample individual attention each day. I can't provide enough praise for the coaches: all highly credentialed professionals in the formal sense; but just as importantly the ability to convey their knowledge clearly and with great humour. Your skiing is guaranteed to improve in this camp, and you'll have lots of fun in the process. It is superb value for money, too.
Hi Klaus, a huge thank you to you and your team for another outstanding Sofa Ski School week in Treble Cone, Wanaka. The whole concept is unique and provides recreational skiers the opportunity to experience ski analysis and coaching at the highest level. The program, be it on the piste during the day or in the evening, shows that you really care about our ski improvement, while maintaining a fun element to it! Well done, in the end it allows me to get more out of my skiing, being in control at any terrain, leaving my ski buddies wondering....... Looking forward to another Sofa Ski School camp, never stop learning!
BEST TRAINING EVER - A little apprehensive about doing this, but well worth the investment. The team were great people and my instructor was fantastic. While the pre and post video analysis was a humbling experience, I really felt like I improved, and apart from a couple of extraordinarily miserable days weather wise, I had a brilliant experience and will do it again.
THE BEST WAY TO IMPROVE YOUR SKIING (WHILE HAVING FUN) - I have done 2 SOFA ski camps, and highly recommend them as a fantastic way to improve your skiing while having fun. The coaches are top notch and great fun. They are great at analysing your skiing and giving you great coaching to make skiing easier on your legs and great fun. Doing 5 days in a row means you constantly reinforce what you're learning, and see a rapid improvement. As someone who has previously worked as a ski instructor, but got very rusty (and creaky!), I loved getting my confidence back during the camp this year.
Brilliant, rewarding and the answer to taking the next step - I signed up unsure what to expect... however from the minute I did I was in professional hands from regular updates and tips on how to train and get fit before the camp to the introductions at Treble Cone on day 1. What a line up of instructors were and Klaus the mastermind/genius/just a general wow showed he not only was running a program but cared about every skier on the course. In a moment straight from a Hollywood movie he recited everyone's names. Klaus's passion for skiing and seeing real improvement is clear. Off we went for our first few runs, being filmed and being split into groups of peers with our ski instructor for the week. Now the first thing you learn the camera doesn't lie! $#{+ Something you are reminded...
Dis_wn
SOFA SKI CAMP A WANAKA ASSET - A high standard of professional coaching for five full-on days in a beautiful part of NZ. Klaus leads a coaching team with a depth of talent and expertise - matched by their warmth and genuine commitment to their guests' skiing goals. Out with the bad habits; in with renewed confidence and 'beautiful turns'. Sofa's detailed video analysis is the kind of thing you might expect for a serious racer - but its made accessible for recreational skiers of varying abilities intermediate and up. Will be back.
OUTSTANDING INSTRUCTION - This is professional coaching aimed at recreational skiers. The coaches are all of an exceptional standard and they are enthusiastic, patient and thorough. I did two weeks and was very pleased at the improvement in my skiing. The ski camp caters for all levels. I was in a group of expert skiers who all saw an improvements in their skiing. Coupled with the excellent tuition, there are several optional social events where you get a chance to meet with like minded skiers. This camp is highly recommended.
GREAT COACHES, DEDICATED TEAM - Highly recommended for ski improvement for intermediate to advanced skiiers. I'm and experienced skiier with a loss of fitness and confidence over the years and really enjoyed the opportunity to refine my skills and challenge myself. I've only been once, but people come back year after year.
Awesome ski school in beautiful Schruns, Austria. Klaus makes top level professional instruction fun and accessible. Will definitely be back!
INCREDIBLY PROFESSIONAL SKI CAMP - This was my second year in a row completing the Sofa Ski Camp and I was even more impressed this time around. What’s so satisfying is the improvement I feel in my skiing after each camp. Klaus is a professor when it comes to recognising an individuals weaknesses when skiing and has the tools (video analysis) and team (all the highest level Austrian and International coaches) to make gradual adjustments that lead to overall improvement. I’ve done plenty of ski camps before, nothing comes close to Sofa!!!
A GREAT INVESTMENT IN YOUR SKIING ENJOYMENT AND SAFETY - I have recently completed my second 5 day ski school with Sofa at beautiful Treble Cone. I note there are no negative reviews and I am not surprised. The school is the invention of Klaus Mair who has successfully built upon exceptional skiing ability and Austrian heritage to turn ski coaching into a full-time profession. The professional and friendly teaching approach instilled through his well-developed teaching methods, supporting videos and elite ski coaches is impressive and effective. Each coach is usually assigned a group of 4 students of relatively equal ability and background, as assessed by Klaus, so you won’t feel embarrassed or out of depth. The atmosphere in my groups has been friendly and always positive; the...
IT'S NEVER TOO LATE TO LEARN NEW THINGS - Hello, my name Is Sasha and I used to be at sofa ski school august 2017. I was a bit skeptical at the beginning. While have been skiing for more than 20 years and being quite confident and aggressive skier on and out of slopes, I had worried if this program will bring me really something new. AND it did! Together with Klaus and my trainer Nadja, we managed to fix some issues with my technique and logic of skiing. After this 5 days I had felt way more confident on off piste and bums, and started to love again short turns! good experience and looking feather to build up my skills with this guys again in the next season
Gregor, Graz/Austria
Hi Klaus! I just want to thank you for the skiing lessons, the drills, the analysis and last but not least the fun we all had in our camp in Schruns/AT from February 8 to 10, 2019. This is coaching at its best! What helped me most were your commands via the wireless communication system. Timing is key: when to be neutral, when to find the outside ski or when to be patient. No video, no book can ever match personal coaching like this. Can’t believe the improvements I made. GREAT!!! Gregor, Graz/Austria
EPIC WEEK - I spent a week with these guys in August 2019. This was the best ski school I've ever attended - the coaches are exceptional skiers, the video analysis is extremely helpful
WOW! - Back after a week Sofa Ski Camp in Treble Cone (Wanaka) left me with this "wow feeling", was this real? Any (recreational) skier, having an open mind and willing to learn, will come back from a Sofa Ski Camp in Treble Cone, wondering how Klaus has put such an outstanding package together. Let's look at the facts: (1) Ski Camp - I can only refer to all the other 5* reviews and say hands down, this is a unique and highly recommended opportunity to improve your skiing, while having a whole lot of fun, before, during and after the camp. Why wait for next season, this is your chance. (2) Location - Wanaka (village) and Treble Cone (ski area) are some of the most beautiful parts of our globe, just stunning and you be left regularly in awe. (3) Climate - NZ weather can be changeable,...
CAN'T RECOMMEND THIS SKI CAMP ENOUGH - SOFA ski school improved my skiing and enjoyment of it greatly. I have had loads of other ski lessons which never really got me to where I wanted to be. SOFA got me where I wanted to be and then some more. The instructors are of an extremely high standard & the small group sizes mean you get a lot of personal attention and direction. I feel I now know the absolute fundamentals of alpine skiing enabling me to ski any terrain. The Treble Cone ski fields are breathtakingly gorgeous. Thanks, Klaus and your team for two brilliant fun weeks of skiing.
Tobi
Hey Klaus, I wanted to say that the camp in Schruns was a fantastic experience for me, to ski with people on the same skill level and same enthusiasm to improve gave me a lot of hype. And most importantly, I finally made the breakthrough in skiing that I was missing all this time. I have constantly been improving, yes, but there was just something that has evaded me thus far, which is the shin pressure and a very active lower body (which I understand would not have been possible to achieve without fixing hip position first). The control it gives is so empowering I have no idea how I was even able to ski without it. I see slopes in an entirely new perspective, they suddenly became 85% easier to tackle. Thanks a lot for everything and we definitely stay in touch! Kindest regards, Tobi
GUARANTEED IMPROVEMENT - I have now completed 6 Sofa ski camps. The quality of the instruction is outstanding with very experienced coaches who are patient, caring and highly competent. If you want to dramatically improve your skiing, then there is no better way to do it. Highly recommended
SOFA SKI SCHOOL HIGHLY RECOMMENDED - Sofa ski school exceeded my expectations! I was a confident skier able to tackle most terrain, but opted to try them to improve my technique and uncover blind spots. The combination of precise and quality daily instruction and recurring video analysis throughout the week was incredibly insightful and after a week with Coach Hans and various touch points with Klaus, I have seen a tangible and significant improvement to my skiing technique with improved control on off-piste steeps and moguls. I was impressed by the quality of coaches selected by Klaus with many of them running ski schools of their own; and the thoughtful way the camp had been organised and delivered. They not only reveal your blind spots and areas of improvement, but also give you...
SUPERB SOFA SKIING - I thoroughly enjoyed my week at Sofa Ski School this year. The instructors were knowledgeable and actually spent their time 'instructing' and refining technique, not just babysitting/guiding. Although we did spend one enjoyable hour playing on some off-piste in order to see a magnificent view point! Our group was small (only 3 skiers) which made for very personalised teaching. The key thing for me was breaking down some bad habits of 30-years and making some new ones, which the 5-day programme gives you time to achieve. The refinements in balance and stance and weight-placement on each ski during turns has made an incredible difference to my skiing. I am more confident, my knees are coping better, and I am less tired at the end of a skiing day. On to Colorado this...
Anthony Merlo
Klaus Thanks to you and Paul for your expert tuition in the recent Sofa Ski School l attended in your home town Schruns Austria. Had a fantastic time and feel my skiing improved dramatically. Looking forward to putting what l learnt into action on my home slopes this July/August. Would be with you in NZ this year if not going to Africa trip. See you next year. Cheers
PHENOMENAL - Just finished the 5 day camp which was the last camp of the season. Thank you Klaus for your video reviews! Callum worked with my group for the week and was an incredible coach, enthusiastic and dedicated in teaching us how to improve our ski technique. Sofa Ski School was the perfect blend of instruction and challenging skiing and Klaus seems to have a knack for pairing groups. I had never skied Treble Cone and left feeling like a knew the mountain well. They also leave you with the tools to continue to work on the correct skills. Thank you Klaus and Callum for an incredible week!
SOFA SKI SCHOOL SPECTACULAR - SKI WITH CONTROL AND POWER - NOW INTERNATIONAL! - My 3rd year in a row now and this year I booked in for 2 weeks back to back at Treble Cone, NZ. 2 different instructors enabled different insight and techniques that helped me to really work on perfecting my ski turns. Klaus' hand picked instructors really do get results - there's no other ski school like it. Forget 1-2 hour private lessons with variable quality of instructors - SOFA ski school offers a 5 day intensive approach that uses drills and video analysis to really give you an understanding of what your skiing needs to achieve confidence on any terrain. Now all I have to do is mentally train myself to confidently tackle all terrain! The heliski day at the end of each week was unforgettable - fresh...
IT GETS BETTER EVERY YEAR - This is an excellent way to learn skiing in a group setting that is both fun and challenging and very different from other ski lessons given that the focus is on progressive training over a 5 day period. The coaches are really committed to seeing you make progress and that's why I come back every year as there is always something new to learn.
Neil Gregory
Amazing few days coaching where after 30years I finally worked out what a good technique looks like! Will be back next year for more
GUARANTEED SATISFACTION, WELL WORTH THE INVESTMENT OF MONEY AND TIME - We didn’t know this existed till now and had high hopes for this ski Improvement program. We have finished our 5 day Sofa Ski Camp and go home with 100% satisfaction. We have found the answer to improving our skiing, by being educated and trained to perform the right movements, with simple and consistent language and drills. This program works so well because it is targeted to the individual needs of each person. Klaus’s knowledge of skiing technically is amazing and he uses this to analyse your form right down to the micro movements of your body, through video analysis at the beginning and end of of the program. You end up armed with a technical knowledge of skiing and an honest analysis of your technique, which is...
GREAT COACHING, AWESOME FUN - Not only do you get great coaching and see a huge improvement in your skiing but you have an awesome time doing it. Definitely back for more next year
TAKE YOUR SEAT AT SOFA SKI SCHOOL! - If you are keen skier from the Northern Hemisphere and pining for snow in August, then fly to New Zealand to attend Sofa Ski School at Treble Cone. You will not regret it. Klaus Mair and his band of Austrian ski pros will give you the tools to advance your skiing to the next level. They will analyze your skiing, expose your weaknesses but more importantly, give you the tools and feedback to improve. This feedback is given in form of skilled video analysis by Klaus (the camera does not lie!) and on the hill instruction, correction and practice. My wife and I spent two enjoyably intense weeks at Treble Cone with Daniel Salner and Benni Walch as our instructors. Super pros who obviously enjoy what they do. Treble Cone itself is a great place to ski...
Mark
I am writing to thank you for a great three days at your latest Sofa Ski Camp over last weekend. Everything from the hotel recommendation to putting a group of equally matched skiers together was spot on . The analysis of our skiing coupled with video feedback was great, this was reinforced with a consistent message and drills all delivered with a great sense of humour and fun. You even took the time to buy us a beer after a full day on the mountain. I could not think of any other camp that would give such time and encouragement. I would have no hesitation in recommending Sofa Ski School to anyone who is serious about taking their skiing to the next level and having FUN !
GUARANTEED PROGRESSION - Klaus and his coaches will critically analyse your technique and will give clear instruction to improve. There is strong emphasis on getting the proper “feel” for your skis that you can take away with you, so that after the course you have an idea when you are doing things right or wrong. You can “self-coach”, and can continue to work on improving. That being said, it was also brilliant fun! Klaus does the initial “sorting” and we had a friendly, well balanced group. Our coach Tom made sure that the learning occurred with some challenging and entertaining skiing. This was my second Camp and my only regret was I didn’t do it sooner! Thanks again Klaus ( and Tom & Gunther)
RESULTS ORIENTED SKI COACHING - Klaus has made professional ski coaching available to recreational skiers like myself; using a tried and proven method this has helped me to improve my technical skill and confidence to push boundaries, and is why I come back year after year.
I SHOULD HAVE DONE THIS EARLIER... - I do regret it, but now I enjoy skiing even more and better after the 5 day training with Sofa Camp. It was never too late, and I am only going to get better. Everything they told me just made sense to me. They saw our problems and what triggered them. They understood our frustrations and knew the most suitable way to fix them for each of us. During the camp and after the camp, things kept clicking with dots becoming a line and the improvements happened in a very natural way. I was not sure which would be better, to participate in a 5 day camp or take a private lesson from them over one or two days. The response from Klaus was to ski in consecutive days would benefit you. So true. Klaus and all of the other instructors were totally professional...
Elmar Harbecke
This Ski School is a must! Check out the videos and DVDs on your sofa at home - but book a camp in Austria or NZ. Excellent explanations and exercises for your individual problems on ski. You will get a lot of input matching your ski level to improve your skills. Quite a lot of fun learning new moving patterns on ski, especially when you want to switch from old-school to new-school skiing. Like the clear and easy explanations - and it works. Happy to meet Klaus and the other coaches next winter.
WHAT A BLAST I AM NOW SKIING WITH SO MUCH MORE CONFIDENCE AND PLEASSURE - i was well overdue for lessons, having skied for many years and could `get down` most places, but with some very simple adjustments reinforced over 5 days , i am skiing with so much more confidence, less energy and more pleasure, so thanks for a great experience
WORLD CLASS INSTRUCTION - This is my second year coming to Sofa Ski Camp so I figure the best way to review Sofa is to list the points that make this a truly great ski improvement course. 1. High level coaches (mostly Austrian) hand picked by Klaus 2. Small groups so a lot of individual attention 3. Video analysis by Klaus that you get to take home on USB 4. The techniques and drills you learn allow you to become to your own teacher 5. Friendly and fun atmosphere 6. The terrain at Treble Cone is great and the views are breathtaking Leave your ego at the door and be prepared to be challenged, frustrated and come out the other side a better skier.
FANTASTIC WAY OF LEARNING TO IMPROVE YOUR SKIING AND FINDING ALL THE RUNS - As a relative newcommer to skiing and at a more senior age, I had progressed to intermediate level but still had a lot of difficulty on steeper and narrower runs. All the instructors were top class and able to see what everyone is doing even though you are in a group. Going through the drills daily & being constantly reminded of what I needed to do to correct my faults, I now ski with a lot more ease. I now get to the edge of a steep slope and know I have the ability to get down with relative ease as long as I remember the things I have been taught. I will be back again next year!
I have just finished my first Sofa Ski Camp and it was absolutely fantastic. I have skied for a very long time, but never have I had my technique so well analysed, broken down and then put back together again with the excellent teaching methods of my Sofa coach. I have taken away so much to work on and think about and can't wait to come back next year for another dose! Thank you so much Klaus - for your dedication to developing a training methodology that makes so much sense! Loved every minute of it!
PERFECT BLEND OF EXPERTISE AND FUN - Sofa works so well because: (a) Every instructor is a Level 3 Austrian instructor (ok there's one Canadian:), several of whom run entire ski schools during the Northern season. The depth of expertise is immense. (b) Five consecutive days with the same instructor and small group, who are all at your level. Your instructor is focused on you and every exercise is relevant. This is just not possible with smaller programs or ad hoc lessons. Sofa is approachable for less confident skiers, while strong skiers will still be challenged and improve their skiing. (c) Well-structured but approachable program. There are no miracles but you will make real progress and achievements are celebrated. Video analysis is a powerful tool and interactive ski diaries allow...
GREAT INSTRUCTION, TRAINING TECHNIQUES AND TIPS - Klaus and the team were fantastic, their approach and dedication to helping our group to improve their skiing and enjoyment of skiing was outstanding. So you enjoy skiing but sometimes it's hard to progress. You might be stuck in a rut or have some bad habits or just not pushing yourself. Sofa really provides a great platform to improve and enjoy your skiing.
IF SKIING IS YOUR PASSION, YOU SHOULD DO A SOFA SKI CAMP (NO MATTER HOW GOOD YOU THINK YOU ARE) - I had previously done a number of lessons with different instructors in different countries. Now I ONLY get instruction through Klaus and his ski camp staff. To do otherwise would be wasting my time and money. I first became aware of Sofa Ski School through youtube videos which explained skiing basics simply and effectively. I then purchased the DVD and was stoked to finally have someone explain things in a way that just made sense to me.... including what to do and what not to do. Shortly thereafter I came across sofa ski camp at Treble Cone and had to sign up .... I have now been going back every year for 5 years. For me, the following are the key reasons that keep me coming back: Klaus...