This is a great article, John. Nice touch to have a non-pro speaking the language and sharing the insights. As a ten-year National Ski Patrol as well as a PSIA Level I Instructor, I've both taught and been in class quite a lot. The one thing I would add to the safety/fun tactics is line-of-sight. Discipline yourself to look three or four skier lengths in front of yourself. The temptation, especially as you initially learn, is to be focused on your ski tips and what they are doing. When you allow your vision to extend out you add a strong balancing effect as well as anticipate that evil mogul, ice patch, tree, etc.

The upper body should be 'quiet', yes. But you make much better, that is complete, turns when you face straight down the hill, or fall line.

And laugh. My last big yard sale was under the beginner chairlift in Whitefish, Montana, while demonstrating for my granddaughter. A full chair of parents and kids clapped for me as I took 50 yards to finally lose both skis and go headfirst into the foot of new snow. A great demonstration of humble pie as I picked snow from my ears and gave a grand bow of performance. My granddaughter still kids me about the effort.

Above all else-Have Fun!