Peter McDowell

Skiing
Average Rating:

Certification Status: Snowschoolers Level 1, First Aid, CPR

Hometown: Nevada City, Ca.

About Peter McDowell

My name is Peter McDowell and I was born and raised in Nevada City California, just an hour away from Tahoe. I began skiing with my family when I was 3 years old and have continued with renewed passion every year! I raced for my varsity High school ski team all four years, and competed collegetly at UC Davis. While at UC Davis, I competed in four Regional championships, and was lucky enough to qualify for the National championships. Through my skiing career, I continually adjust my technique to fit the natural terrain and weather conditions. These unique outlooks have given me a broad overview of skiing ,allowing me to understand the joy and bliss that comes from learning to ski.


Peter McDowell's Recent Reviews

5 of 5 stars

Peter was great! Our daughters (ages 6 and 7) progressed quickly with him and had a great time. He knew how to communicate the technique while still being encouraging.

- Sarah, from (review published April 17, 2023)



5 of 5 stars

Peter is a wonderful instructor, he’s fun, energetic and kind, he offers constructive tips that helped me make progress in my skills. His instructions are very clear and he explains why things work. He helped me gain more confidence on the slope. I had the best time skiing with Peter and I look forward to book more sessions with him. Janan, March 6, 2022

- Christina, from (review published March 28, 2023)



5 of 5 stars

Peter McDowell was our instructor this year, we have been coming to granlibakken for 3 years. Peter is the best. Kids enjoyed classes with him. Granlibakken is the best place to learn to ski. We would highly recommend granlibakken. We recommended to many of our friends and they all liked granlibakken and the snowschoolers lesson very much.

- Gabe, from (review published April 04, 2023)



5 of 5 stars

He was patient and they had a great time and now love skiing. Peter is the best!!!

- Gabe, from (review published April 20, 2023)



5 of 5 stars

- Sarah, from (review published February 23, 2023)



5 of 5 stars

Peter was great and developed a rapport with the kids immediately. The only issue for us is that limits of the hill. Would be great to having something that was a little more difficult for beginners. Would love to get them to try a ski lift in a lesson, but this is a great place to learn.

- Seb, from (review published March 11, 2023)



of 5 stars

Peter’s energy really engaged our kids and he was very patient in trying to help each one improve at the different levels they’re currently at. Great attitude and lots of fun!

- Sarah, from (review published May 07, 2023)



2 of 5 stars

He didn't know how to communicate great with our young kids (ages, 3, 4 and 6), to validate their feelings in a way to encourage them to keep trying. None of our kids were able to finish the lesson because they all became discouraged or too scared. I think he could've used a little more playfulness to connect better with our little kids, and it would be great if he could learn more about validating kids feelings in order for them to feel comfortable.

- Katie, from (review published April 05, 2023)



5 of 5 stars

Wow, Peter was amazing. He handled all ages including snowboard and skiers. He had a lot of fun energy. Thanks Peter!

- Brian, from (review published March 17, 2023)



5 of 5 stars

- Katie, from (review published April 26, 2023)



5 of 5 stars

I like that Peter was super encouraging and suppportive

- Gabe, from (review published March 01, 2023)



5 of 5 stars

My son took lessons from Peter last year. He asked for Peter again. Peter is a patient and fun instructor.

- Gabe, from (review published March 08, 2023)



4 of 5 stars

He made sure to be clear about the instructions he was giving us. We don’t think he needs to improve anything he was a great teacher.

- Brian, from (review published April 10, 2023)



5 of 5 stars

Peter spoke to her clearly and without talking down to her or “cutesy.” He explained why things worked and she really responded to that. I liked that he didn’t baby her when she fell- just got her up and kept going. It was just the tone she needed. Great job for her first lesson!

- Gabe, from (review published March 20, 2023)



5 of 5 stars

Full of energy and connected great with Ryder.

- Sarah, from (review published March 29, 2023)



5 of 5 stars

Peter allowed Alton to have choices i.e where do you want to stop when referring to the slope. Peter praised often and offered constructive tips. Every comment from the instructor was positive. We will definitely be back and hope for have the same instructor. Thank you!

- Christina, from (review published February 28, 2023)



5 of 5 stars

Peter made the whole experience worth. I could not get my 8 year old to snowboard at all. Peter came in and as an instructor he made the experience extremely fun. My 8 year old, loved it. Peter was kind, patient, present and completely understood my daughters needs and worries related to snowboarding. My daughter immediately felt in love with the sports and felt empowered by Peter to stand, turn, get up, put the equipment on, and most important he made sure that she was having fun. We will be returning soon for more lessons with Peter. Thank you a thousand times for the fun experience.

- Brian, from (review published March 03, 2023)



5 of 5 stars

Great instructor

- Christina, from (review published March 02, 2023)



5 of 5 stars

Peter was a great instructor who was able to clearly explain and demonstrate skiing basics to three different skill levels, and ages (38, 36, and 6). I would definitely recommend snowschoolers and Peter to others learning how to ski, or to those who would like to improve thier skills.

- Seb, from (review published March 29, 2023)



5 of 5 stars

Peter was a great teacher with a sense of ease about him. He was super pro in assessing my abilities and gave me enough guidance and instruction to help me understand the me wind of weight transfer, body movement, side sliding and stopping and different approaches for turns in different terrains. He is Intuitive, friendly and most importantly improved my skill set and grew my Confidence enough to follow him done a black diamond!!!!! I would recommend him to all my Friends.

- Christina, from (review published April 23, 2023)



5 of 5 stars

He cheered her on and got her excited to stay and keep boarding long after her lesson.

- Katie, from (review published May 02, 2023)



5 of 5 stars

Peter was very focused while instructing my son. He taught my son the skills that I had not expected my son to pick up so quickly. Peter goes above and beyond to teach lessons to students. He takes it personally and does a great job in succeeding his students. He is also good at handling kids and uses various tricks and techniques to keep kids interested while they learn Skiing.

- Sarah, from (review published May 07, 2023)



5 of 5 stars

Peter was wonderful with Eli, very kind and motivating. He made today so fun for him. Today was Eli’s first real lesson and he made Eli excited about skiing. He wanted to keep going after the lesson was over which says a lot since he had a full day in the snow. We will do sure request Peter for future lessons. Thanks so much! Eli said: “He was a really nice Ski instructor, he helped me learn to ski, I had a lot of fun with him and I want to see him again!”

- Gabe, from (review published May 11, 2023)



5 of 5 stars

I liked how he listened to what mika had to say and helped guide her at her level. He was easy going, helped build confidence, and she enjoyed how he was playful and helped make skiing fun. Thanks!

- Gabe, from (review published February 26, 2023)



5 of 5 stars

Peter was awesome and super patient with my son. It was his first time out and he was scared but Peter adjusted his lesson to accommodate my kid’s apprehension about skiing and in the end, my son said he had fun and really liked Peter. Thank you Peter!

- Katie, from (review published April 01, 2023)



5 of 5 stars

It was great working with Peter again! We are so very fortunate to have him as an instructor. He gives good, specific advice. Each lesson progressed nicely into the next. All of us including the little guy were able to follow Peter’s clear direction. My main goal was to foster a love and enjoyment of skiing for my family and we succeeded!!! I sincerely want to thank Snowschoolers for this opportunity of a lifetime. My sons are at a great age to learn to ski and I truly believe that they succeeded because of Peter’s help.

- Seb, from (review published May 12, 2023)



5 of 5 stars

Peter was patient with all of us! We are all at different levels of learning and Peter was able to manage each of our individual abilities. Also, Peter had a great attitude especially when my sons started getting tired and a bit hangry. Highly recommend snow schoolers and especially Peter!!!

- Gabe, from (review published May 07, 2023)



5 of 5 stars

Peter was concise, precise, very clear with his explanation, great at teaching techniques, was fantastic with our non cooperative/ cranky/ challenging little kids, was patient and taught us at our pace of learning, most importantly amazing strength to pick us all up when we fell multiple times! :)

- Gabe, from (review published April 07, 2023)



5 of 5 stars

Had a great positive attitude and worked well with the kids. Also made instructions very clear and easy to understand.

- Sarah, from (review published February 26, 2023)



5 of 5 stars

Peter was great with 2 older skiers with no experience who were very anxious. They made great progress with Peter and they came away with great confidence and a great skill set by the end of the lesson. Claire and Natalia say he was very good at step by step instruction and gradually progressing their skill set. Thank you Peter!

- Brian, from (review published March 10, 2023)



5 of 5 stars

Peter was patient with Tyson, who was quite nervous and has trouble listening at times. I'm happy we ended up working with him.

- Katie, from (review published May 04, 2023)



5 of 5 stars

We were very impressed with how Peter was able to push through Savi’s tears at the start of her lesson. She really had a blast and was excited to ride again today. Thank you.

- Seb, from (review published May 03, 2023)



5 of 5 stars

Peter was actively engaged the entire time and really helped our daughter learn and have fun.

- Brian, from (review published April 27, 2023)



5 of 5 stars

- Brian, from (review published March 04, 2023)



5 of 5 stars

Peter was very positive and encouraging with our daughter. She loved his high fives and she felt very comfortable with him.

- Seb, from (review published April 15, 2023)



5 of 5 stars

- Gabe, from (review published April 29, 2023)



5 of 5 stars

He was very patient he had a lot of experience and he was very encouraging throughout the lesson even when my little ones wanted to give up. He was very positive and he taught us very well.

- Sarah, from (review published March 04, 2023)



5 of 5 stars

Very friendly and outgoing. Made sure our kids were having fun while learning technique. They had a blast with Peter.

- Gabe, from (review published March 31, 2023)



5 of 5 stars

If you get a chance to choose an instructor choose Peter My son begged for extra lessons with Peter. He will send you a summary of the lesson so that you know what your child needs to work on in subsequent lessons.

- Katie, from (review published March 10, 2023)



5 of 5 stars

- Sarah, from (review published April 17, 2023)



5 of 5 stars

Peter was amazing ! My kids went from knowing nothing about skiing to be able to ski down all by themselves & navigate in just couple lessons. He was friendly & kids had a great time with him ! They said it was the best part of their trip. Thank you Peter

- Sarah, from (review published April 01, 2023)



5 of 5 stars

Peter was excellent! He managed my 3 kids very well & they had an awesome time

- Katie, from (review published March 29, 2023)



5 of 5 stars

Before my 12 year old son’s first ski lesson, he hated sports. He refuses to ride a bike, despises soccer, could careless about football. Now he is begging for another ski lesson specifically with Peter. My 14 year old daughter and niece enjoyed their lesson too. Peter somehow made a lesson with 3 very different children work and still dedicated enough time with my son to ignite his first athletic spark. Thank you Peter!

- Brian, from (review published April 02, 2023)



5 of 5 stars

Peter was friendly and provided clear instructions and demonstrations. He adapted quickly to the power outage and figured out some creative ways to help Maeve up the hill while keeping the experience engaging. Peter’s energy and positive reinforcement made the ski lesson fun, built confidence in a beginner skier, and helped Maeve learn a lot in her first lesson. Thank you, Peter!

- Brian, from (review published May 01, 2023)



5 of 5 stars

Peter was great with my 2 young daughters. I could not believe that they were skiing down the hill on their own by the end of the lesson! I was fully prepared for them to wimp out half-way through. The fact that they didn’t tells me Peter knows how to work with kids. My daughter told me Peter should get the highest grade because “he’s the best!”

- Brian, from (review published May 09, 2023)



5 of 5 stars

Peter was amazing!!! Such a sweet guy , total professional . Very patient and skilled ! We will request him again .

- Katie, from (review published April 17, 2023)



5 of 5 stars

Peter was positive and helpful throughout our private lesson for our family. He was patient and knowledgeable about working with our children. By the end of the lesson, my son was effortlessly skiing down the beginner hill. We appreciate our fun experience and look forward to returning to Granlibakken next time we visit the Lake Tahoe area.

- Gabe, from (review published March 16, 2023)



5 of 5 stars

Our instructor was Peter and he is absolutely fun to work with. His communication and his teaching is very good we like how he carefully explained everything to us. We learn so quick in one day. Thank you Peter.

- Katie, from (review published April 28, 2023)



5 of 5 stars

He was very enthusiastic in teaching me how to better traverse the mountain, which has made me learn a lot today with only an hour of skiing with him. He is very helpful, he only wants to make you better by the end of the lesson and if you are not comfortable in doing something he won’t force you anything you don’t want to do. If you have Peter just know you’ll have a good time.

- Gabe, from (review published March 04, 2023)



5 of 5 stars

Peter was very kind and patient with myself and two young children , ages 4 and 7. We had a great time and would highly recommend him!

- Christina, from (review published March 18, 2023)



5 of 5 stars

Peter was Very patient and instilled confidence and a love of skiing in our youngsters.. couldn’t ask for more!

- Christina, from (review published May 04, 2023)



5 of 5 stars

Very laid back. Worked great with beginners who had no prior ski experience. Patient and willing to explain techniques different ways. Everyone felt comfortable and had fun! Would definitely take a future lesson next time we are in Tahoe.

- Christina, from (review published April 29, 2023)



5 of 5 stars

Our coach Peter was very nice guy. He explained everything from scratch...how to put on the skis, pizza position and much more. My son is 6 years old and he loved it. Peter paid very much 1-1 attention to him throughout. I was kind a tired after 1hr, but my son continued full two hrs with him. Highly recommended.

- Katie, from (review published April 04, 2023)



5 of 5 stars

Peter was very enthusiastic and was able to connect well with my two young boys so that their lesson was fun but allowed them to really improve their skiing ability over the course of the lesson. The kids enjoyed being "Team Ice" and earning points by going around the whiskers. They have had lessons over the last couple years at other ski resorts and said that Peter was the best ski instructor they have ever had! Thank you for a wonderful experience and we hope to be back soon for another lesson with Peter.

- Brian, from (review published February 27, 2023)



5 of 5 stars

He was very good with our daughter, and she was able to come down the learning hill on her own after a few tries. He was also very good with my wife and was able to teach her how to come down the larger hill which she did not expect to ski down when she first saw it.

- Brian, from (review published April 19, 2023)



5 of 5 stars

Peter has great energy and was able to challenge my kids by taking them to the top of the mountain and increase their confidence on steeper terrain.

- Gabe, from (review published April 15, 2023)



5 of 5 stars

Very friendly, provided very clear instructions to my son to help home make progress on his turns. my son said he had a great time with Peter and learned a lot ! Thanks

- Gabe, from (review published April 24, 2023)



5 of 5 stars

Peter did a great job getting our kids excited about the first time skiing

- Katie, from (review published April 28, 2023)



5 of 5 stars

My kids like him, said it’s fun and they would like to learn more skills. Thank you Peter.

- Brian, from (review published March 17, 2023)



5 of 5 stars

He was super patient with our toddler who needed some time to get back in the groove. Didn't count the minutes and rather make us feel like it was all.aboit getting that last run in. We're stoked by how comfortable our kid was on his second hour ever on skis.

- Gabe, from (review published April 29, 2023)



5 of 5 stars

He was very enthusiastic, attentive, and sweet. My daughter said she’d want lessons again with Peter. She was impressed that he even knew about Frozen.

- Seb, from (review published May 06, 2023)



5 of 5 stars

Our 3.5yo was stoked. He's pretty solid at getting distracted but it seems like peter was able to keep him focused and growing his skills!

- Seb, from (review published March 27, 2023)