Work on the tele thing, too. Just don't let him teach you. You would be surprised how much cross-country skiing is involved in tele skiing. Unless, of course, we are only talking about the resort.

Learn some backcountry skills together if that is an issue. Learn whatever kind of turn you want at a resort. (But, again, don't let him teach you!) You might find common ground.

Good luck with the mtb/road dilemna.

sarah