WHY I BELIEVE ONLINE COACHING IS THE SMARTEST WAY TO IMPROVE YOUR SKIING

By Tom Gellie - Founder of Big Picture Skiing


Remember that feeling? The satisfaction of skiing a tougher run with confidence, the control in your turns, and the security of knowing you’re moving better and putting less strain on your body.


It’s a great feeling — and most people assume the only way to get more of it is to take in-person lessons with a coach on the hill.


And honestly, I used to think that too.


But one of the biggest breakthroughs in my own skiing didn’t come from a private lesson. It came from watching a video.

It was a short clip of a skier doing something I couldn’t quite explain — but I felt something shift in how I saw the movement. I tried it the next day, and it changed how I skied from that point on.


That moment made me realize: learning doesn’t have to happen right beside someone. It happens when the message lands at the right time, in the right way.

That experience reshaped how I coach. I started asking: What if learning through video could be just as powerful — or even more so — than traditional instruction?


That’s why I created Big Picture Skiing. It allowed me to combine my deep knowledge of biomechanics, decades of coaching experience, and my lifelong hobby of documenting and explaining things through video. It became the perfect platform to teach skiers in a more thoughtful and effective way — especially those who are ready to keep improving but don’t always have access to in-person coaching.


Let me explain why this method works — and why so many skiers in the BPS community are now skiing with more confidence, efficiency, and enjoyment than ever before.

Coaching with decades of experience

Top-Tier Ski Coaching

When I used to teach at a ski school full-time, I saw firsthand that even experienced instructors are constantly looking for ways to refine their knowledge and improve their teaching skills. The best instructors are always seeking to expand their understanding of biomechanics, explore new teaching methods, and find better ways to communicate complex concepts to their students. But finding those resources – mentorship, advanced training, or even just fresh perspectives – can be challenging. That's one of the things that inspired Big Picture Skiing – to create a platform where everyone, from seasoned instructors to recreational skiers, can access a wealth of knowledge, refine their skills, and discover new approaches to the sport. In fact, many instructors use Big Picture Skiing as their 'secret weapon' to deliver even more effective and engaging lessons. And that’s a system that lets me specialize in online delivery.


I built Big Picture Skiing because I wanted to create a space where I could share everything I’ve learned, from biomechanics to boot setup to ski movement, in a way that actually teaches – not just shows. My focus is on helping you see real, lasting improvement in your skiing.


I film tutorials to simulate how I would coach you in person, going into uncommon detail on the nuances of biomechanics and technique. I include diagrams, slow-mo breakdowns, and even guidance on filming your own skiing for feedback.

Ask questions, share videos, get ongoing feedback

One of the biggest advantages of online coaching is that the conversation doesn’t end when the session does.


Inside Big Picture Skiing — especially on the Academy Tier — you can submit videos of your skiing and receive structured feedback, just like I’d give if we were on the mountain together. And if filming yourself sounds intimidating, don’t worry — it’s easier than you think, and the insights you’ll gain are well worth it.


But it’s not just about video breakdowns. Online coaching gives you space to reflect, then ask questions when they actually come up — whether that’s a day later or after your next ski trip. You can raise topics in the community forum, ask for clarification, or even just share what you’re experimenting with. This creates valuable conversations that lead to deeper learning and understanding — something you simply don’t get in a one-off private lesson.


We also run live movement analysis webinars, where I review real members’ skiing and answer questions in real time. You’ll see how others are improving, recognize patterns in common mistakes, and come away with new ideas for your own skiing — all within a supportive community of like-minded skiers who are just as motivated as you are.

You Learn Through Your Own Discovery

I think this one's underrated. The best learning often doesn’t come from someone constantly correcting you. It comes from you figuring something out – through trial, feel, and reflection.


In my coaching, I try to give just enough guidance so you can uncover the solution yourself. Remember learning to ride a bike? It’s the same principle. You need to feel it to truly learn it. That learning sticks. It becomes yours. BPS gives you that space to explore, with structure and guidance to keep you on track.


You Build Self-Sufficiency (a Critical Skill for Lifelong Skiers)

One of the best things I hear from members is this:

"I've learned to coach myself now."

That’s the ultimate goal. I want you to ski down a run, feeling confident in your technique, and knowing exactly what to adjust to improve even further. That's the power of self-sufficiency, and it's a skill that will enhance your enjoyment of skiing for years to come.

And when you can pair that reflection with feedback from video – either yours or others – the learning accelerates.

Learn Before You Even Get to the Mountain

I’m a big believer that time on snow should be used for feeling, not just figuring things out. That means the prep work starts before your ski trip.

Imagine arriving at the mountain already prepared, knowing exactly what you want to work on, and maximizing your valuable ski time.

At BPS, you can:

  • Watch detailed tutorials like "How to Pressure the Outside Ski"

  • Follow preseason body prep workouts

  • Learn the theory behind high-performance skiing (without the fluff)

  • Build your own plan based on the terrain you’ll be skiing

Life gets busy. But with online learning, you can fit skiing improvement into your schedule.

The result? You hit the snow with purpose.

Pivot Based On Conditions

Not every day is perfect for carving. Sometimes it's icy, or slushy, or you're just not feeling it. As experienced skiers, you know how conditions can change on a dime.

Online coaching gives you options. On BPS, you can dive into short turns, moguls, carving, stance work – whatever suits the day.

I’ve even organized the video library into categories based on the type of terrain or goal, so you’re never stuck wondering what to work on.

It’s About Value, Not Just Cost

Investing in your skiing doesn't have to break the bank. A half day private lesson now costs between $400-$700 And that's if you manage to find someone good.

With a BPS membership, you get access to a wealth of knowledge – hundreds of video tutorials, biomechanics breakdowns, live webinars, and workout plans – for a fraction of that price. Think of it as investing in years of better skiing experiences, rather than a single day of instruction. 


Final Thoughts

If you’ve got the time now to finally ski better, don’t waste it. I believe online coaching – done with clarity, purpose, and expert delivery – is a truly effective way for experienced skiers to improve their skills, boost their confidence, and rediscover the joy of skiing.

That’s why I’ve built Big


Picture Skiing the way I have. It’s not just a video library. It’s a full system to help you reflect, improve, and become your own best coach, extending how long you can ski well into the future.


Whether you're skiing for fun, chasing performance goals, or just love the process of learning – you're exactly who this platform was made for. I truly believe I can help you unlock your full potential on the slopes.

Hope to see you inside,

Tom

Your boot setup either gets in the way or makes improving your skiing easier and faster

Skiing Transformed

Needless to say, after three years of subscribing to “Big Picture Skiing” and consistently watching each video (sometimes over and over again), I have not only transformed my own skiing, but I can confidently coach my three boys on the slopes (amidst raised eyebrows and some groans)—and sometimes even give my dad a pointer or two. 😊

 

Author: Brandon Wells

There is a breakthrough tutorial to start transforming your skiing in the Big Picture Skiing Video Library. 

Take your coach with you 

The Big Picture Skiing App lets you take your learning anywhere you go. Check a video in your coffee break. Ask a question to Tom in the community. Join one of our regular live webinars. Immerse yourself and join the thousands of skiers improving their skiing.