Is it worth having lessons to improve on technique?

I class myself as a pretty compitent skiier, far from great, but can safely ski down Reds. One thing i noticed this year (first time skiing after a 6 year break) is i seem to have a very strange technique, that makes skiing more tiring! I had one weeks lessons 10 years ago, and have just skied my own way since. Will it be worth having maybe a day or 2 of lessons in 2009 to try to improve my technique at all?

Sorry for the basic question :oops:, but if the more knowledgeable skiers about don`t think it would be worthwhile, id hate to lose good piste time!

In one word - yes. :D

Since you were taught, ski equipment has changed substantially, and it's unlikely that you'll just happen to stumble across the new techniques unless someone shows you.
My suggestion, book a couple of private lessons, with some practice time between them, so the teacher can work with the skills you already have.

Many good UK skiers who want to keep on improving have tuition with folks such as Warren Smith or Snoworks, these events do tend to be quite intensive. Warren Smith is running tuition at indoor ski slopes across the UK this summer.
I don't work for either of them, and I've never been on either company's courses, but they do seem to have a good reputation, among people I've spoken to.
I have been on a number of 1-2 week intensive ski courses and consider myself passably competent, though other posters on J2ski may wish to disagree :lol:

Great, thanks for the answer. that`s really what i thought. i`ll try and sort something out in the UK before i go.

Just been looking up ski schools in Vallandry, and new generation came up. i`m sure i`ve heard decent things about this company before. has anyone had any experiences of having lessons with these? from what i can see from the site, i would be classed as a level 5 skier. Looking to book, but just after any feedback from anyone.......

Definitely YES! A private lesson for a couple of hours made such a difference for me. Instead of sort of managing to get down most runs but with a great deal of effort, little confidence and precious little style, I now feel I can tackle just about anything with confidence and a certain amount of style! Also carving is so effortless! So you can teach an old dog new tricks - I am in my fifties!!

Absolutely take a lesson or two. Also check into video lessons on DVD or tape. Just make sure they are for the new equipment and techniques and bring them on trips. :

I suggested to my husband that he have lessons even though he thought he didn't need them. he absolutely raved about it, they skied with their eyes closed, backwards, you name it. he now skis everything with unbounded confidence (and style).

Thats it then, my mind is made up! One 3 hour private lesson on the 2nd day.

Nothing like getting organised in advance, although as we don`t go until the end of Jan 2009, this maybe a bit OTT :oops: