defo go see the lads at snowshack as recommended above, they are really good lads in there, they helped me buy gear a few years ago, they are honest and I am sure will do a cracking job, can't wait to get out in March and go buy me some gear off them, they just give good advice, and by all accounts are really good teachers.. Have a great time..
The instructor that we had from the snowshack (I think his name was theo), taught us what we wanted to learn, but did not let us walk before we could run. He was very very good.