Ski Coaching With Ski Focus’ Stuart Bernard

Ski Focus’s philosophy is built around four key pillars:

• Mind
• Body
• Equipment
• and Technique

This comprehensive approach nurtures every aspect of a skier’s development, from technical drills and mental strategies to physical conditioning and gear optimisation. The coaching school provides exclusive discounts across all elements of its training philosophy, including strength and conditioning, physiotherapy, mindset coaching, ski equipment, and more.

Ski Focus’s offerings include private coaching, group sessions, “Ski Labs,” alpine camps in Tignes, online learning, and remote video analysis.

Personal Experience: Coaching with Stuart Bernard

If you’ve ever watched someone carve clean, rhythmic turns and thought, “Why can’t I ski like that?” you’re not alone. I’ve always loved skiing, but I knew there was room to improve. I wanted to escape the cycle of inconsistent technique and that nagging “almost there” feeling. That’s when I signed up for coaching with Stuart Bernard, lead instructor at Ski Focus.

Setting Goals: Before the First Session

Surprisingly, the coaching began before I even touched snow. Stuart led a thoughtful online goal-setting session, not just a formality, but a collaborative process to align intentions and expectations. My goals were to improve rhythm, refine pole plant timing, and gain better grip and control on both short and long turns. Ultimately, I wanted to carve with more confidence and flow.

Creating a Roadmap

Before we hit the slopes, we revisited these goals in a pre-session chat. Stuart outlined a tailored roadmap; each drill had a purpose and fit into a progression. That structure alone made me feel focused and optimistic about the journey ahead.

On the Slopes: Session One

Our first session tackled fundamentals. Stuart introduced drills to improve turn control, balance, and stance. It wasn’t about shortcuts; it was about building solid, lasting technique.

Thanks to a demo opportunity with Salomon, I tested the S/Max N°8 skis, lightweight and responsive, ideal for intermediate to advanced women skiers. This allowed me to focus on form without being overwhelmed by the gear. One small adjustment, moving to a more neutral stance, immediately improved my balance and control.

Post Session Feedback

After the session, Stuart shared personalised notes and videos via his coaching app. Side-by-side comparisons of my skiing and his demos were eye-opening. Seeing the differences, not just feeling them, made the feedback crystal clear and actionable.

Building Momentum: Session Two

The second session dove deeper into body positioning, particularly avoiding the infamous “back seat.” A deceptively simple drill, skiing one ski per turn, pushed my balance and coordination to new levels. It required core engagement, precise pressure control, and clean transitions.

This time, I used Volkl Flair 79 skis, prepped by Ski Bartlett. They were confidence boosting, agile, and stable, perfect for honing tight turns and edge control.

That one drill worked on everything: balance, flow, consistency, and brought me closer to the smooth rhythm I had long been chasing.

Final Touches: Session Three

By the third session, things started to click. The work on stance and balance paid off, and my confidence soared. Stuart shifted focus to hip placement, reinforcing new habits with dynamic drills.

This session really showcased his coaching style, clear, communicative, and highly responsive. Whether we were on snow or reviewing video after, the feedback loop kept me motivated and progressing.

Why Choose Coaching with Ski Focus?

Training with Stuart Bernard and Ski Focus has been a transformative experience. The program isn’t just about skiing better; it’s about understanding why good skiing happens. Each session builds on the last, with personalised feedback and clear, measurable improvements.

Whether you’re an intermediate skier looking to gain control or an advanced skier seeking refinement, Stuart’s approach delivers. In just a few sessions, my skiing has become more confident, technical, and joyful, and I can’t wait to bring these skills to the mountains this winter.

Find out more about Ski Focus.