Ski School

Why Ski Lessons? | Ski School Timings | Group Lessons | What Level?

Ski school and snowboard lessons can book up fast - especially in high season. Book online in advance with us and be sure of getting your space! We offer lessons for all ages and abilities from 5 years upwards.

Why have ski lessons?

For beginners, ski school lessons are the quickest way to learn to ski or snowboard. Lessons can also improve the technique and confidence of competent skiers and snowboarders who have reached a plateau. Even experts can learn more - an off-piste guide or instructor can help you explore the mountains safely. It is not advisable to teach your friends and relatives yourself as this can be dangerous to both you and other slope users and often encourages bad habits.

Ski Schools in all resorts offer three or four levels of classes for both adults and children. Below is a rough guide to how the categories are split up. If you arrive in resort and find you are in the wrong class there is usually flexibility to shuffle up or down a group.

Book Ski School Lessons now or browse availabilty and prices in our online shop

If you want general information about options for ski and snowboard lessons read on.

Ski School Times

Ski school timetables vary depending on the resort. Most schools run week long ski classes starting on Sundays or Mondays. Half day lessons range from 2-3hours in length depending on the resort and the season.

Many people prefer to take ski or snowboard classes in the morning and use the free time in the afternoon to practice what they have learnt (or vice versa). Please be aware that this means morning lessons are often more expensive than afternoon lessons and also book up quicker. It may be that we can only offer you a space in afternoon lessons if the morning lessons are already full. Beginners, children or those that don't have anyone of a similar ability to ski with should take full day lessons.

Group Ski Classes

All ski school options on our site are for a place in group lessons - you will share a class with around 8 people. Group ski lessons work out cheaper than private ski lessons and the team spirit will help build confidence and takes the sting out of your falls.

What Level?

It is pointless to over or underestimate your ability. If after the first day you feel you are not in the right class there will normally be the option to move up or down. The classification system used to grade ability is fairly consistent between different schools.

Classification for adult skiers:

Adult ski lessons: Beginner - Ski classes for people who have never skied before or have limited dry ski slope experience. These classes will teach you the basics and will have you going down green slopes, snowplough turning and in control by the end of the week! Not all resorts require beginners to have lift passes on day 1, this will depend on the time of year and snow conditions, check with the ski school before you start your classes.
Adult ski lessons: Level 1 - For those who already have some skiing experience i.e. you have skied one week and you can ski down green runs in a basic snowplough. At the end of these classes you will be linking your turns with confidence and moving towards parallel turns.
Adult ski lessons: Level 2 - Intermediate ski classes for people who can ski down blue runs and manage parallel turns and link basic swings, but aren't yet comfortable on reds. At the end of a week's classes you should be able to ski down blues and reds confidently having perfected your parallel turns, skiing with better style and increased speed.
Adult ski lessons: Level 3 - You ski parallel, but blacks still pose problems. These ski classes will help you to learn to love moghuls and those steeper pistes. At the end of a week you should have improved upper-lower body separation, refined pressure control, improved steering techniques, and you should have mastered short swing and race turns.
Adult ski lessons: Level 4/Expert - Advanced ski classes for people who ski with ease even on black runs. So, now you'll be taken around the resort and shown some of the best runs in resort and the best off-piste, according to your wishes and the snow conditions.

Classification for childrens ski lessons
For children there is a star system as added incentive to progress through to the next grade:

Child ski lessons: Beginner - Lessons for children under 3½ who have never skied before. They will learn to ski through play, learn to use a drag lift and will make their first descents on green runs. Children will not need a lift pass on their first day.
Child ski lessons: Level 1 Your child has already used drag lifts. They will work towards their First star (Première Etoile). At the end of the week they should have perfected their snowplough and can finish their turns with skis parallel. They will need their own lift pass from day one.
Child ski lessons: Level 2 - Your child has their 1st Star and can ski all over on easy runs. Now they will learn to make their turns parallel.
Child ski lessons: Level 3 Intermediate classes for children who already have their 2nd Star and can ski blue and red pistes. Now they can refine their technique & improve their coordination.
Child ski lessons: Level 4 Advanced classes for children who have their third star. This week he or she will be taught how to ski moghuls and will perhaps ski in powder. Being taught to ski on various terrains will help them to become true skiers.

Classification for snowboarders

Snowboard lessons: Beginner - Instruction for people who have never been on a board before. You will learn how to balance, the best way to fall and how to link turns on green runs.
Snowboard lessons: Level 1 - This is for people who are managing to link turns on blue and green runs, but lack that refined technique and cutting edge.
Snowboard lessons: Level 2 - Classes for those wishing to gain more slope style and learn how to do jumps and tricks.
Snowboard lessons: Level 3 - Advanced instruction for experienced snowboarders (adults only) who want to improve their off-piste riding, under the supervision of a guide or instructor who knows the mountains well. The structure of these lessons depends on the weather and snow

Ski Schools may have other classes on offer such as instruction for particular skiing or snowboarding styles (e.g. carve, surf, twin tip and blade, etc.) There are sometimes programmes designed to allow you to try out several styles if you are not sure of your preferred style.