I'm picking up what you are putting down, but I'm going to assume that most are thinking that you could be overestimating your capabilities, which is dangerous. Most people who ski at the level you are looking for instruction at are not instructors. That said, nothing magical happens when you get in the trees w/r/t skill & technique. Powder, crud, hardpack and ice all ski the same in the trees as they do out on the trails. A decent mogul line will require quicker turns than a lot of tree runs, so if you can ski bumps well, you should be fine in the woods as long you can avoid the trees.

It's tough to give a direct answer to your question, but here's the best I've got: head out to Jackson and scan the tram line for broke rippers who are fighting for scraps to be able to afford to spend the winter ski bumming and offer them $$ to let you follow them around and give you tips. Closer to home, keep an eye out for the best skiers at your home mountain. Try to catch a chair with one and chat them up. Take a couple of runs with them and get some tips.

And if you are skiing in the backcountry, definitely take the aiare avy 1 course sooner rather than later.

Hokkido's a bucket list item for me. Hope it works out for you this winter! I'm very jealous.

3-4 days a week in the winter!!! can you be my instructor? i go out like maybe 2-3 times per winter. I have been riding for a very long time only in the Icecoast. I have learned the hard way just how much trees can hurt. I literally hit the tiniest of trees going like maybe .5mph. Peed blood for weeks because of the injury to kidney. I still hit the trees, but have way more respect for what's involved.

With instructors, what everyone else already said you can find one on the slopes but would need to convince them to do private lessons which is certainly against most resort rules.

There are instructors that will take groups out to the back country and practice what you are looking for. Check out : http://www.killingtonmountainguides.com/

Apologies for appearing toxic. I read your post and the 'three years' skiing stuck with me. I was concerned for your safety.

Background: grew up skiing, became a ski instructor in my teens. Grew up skiing in the east and skied out west a number of times. Personally jealous you can get out and ski where you have. (Check out skiing in NZ when you can)

I spent my younger years stupidly racing through trees - younger body, more resilient, more bangs, fewer injuries. I can't imagine doing what I did as a kid in my thirties. I was able to work on my form and the art of skiing as an instructor (not in the trees) with high-grade pros teaching technical sessions.

For trees: there is no rhythm in turning like there is in the open except for a few glorious turns once in a while; beware of branches (one caught me in the face because it was pointing at me and I could not see it - it thankfully did not go through my eye); know the snow cover and how deep the snow is; know the terrain; know the conditions (powder vs hard pack); be ready to avoid anything at any time - be light on your skis; know how to get yourself out of a tree well; know when not to go into the trees.

For cliffs: know the landing; know the snow; know how to land in deep power (lean back and use your butt to absorb the momentum); how to land on hard pack (don't do the above).

This comes from years of experience and (thankfully) no broken bones or being stranded on a mountain overnight. When in doubt - don't do it!! I doubt lessons from someone could properly convey this... best bet, buddy-up with some ski bums and learn from them.

Again, this is no fucking joke.