Unlocking The Slopes With Ski Lessons

When it comes to enjoying a ski holiday to the fullest, ski or snowboarding lessons can be your secret weapon. Whether you're a first-time skier or snowboarder, or a seasoned pro, you should consider giving them a go.

Beginner ski lessons are a great way to learn the ropes (and slopes) but that’s not where the learning ends. When taking lessons with our qualified ski instructors, you can take your skills to the next level, regardless of your experience.

Skiing and snowboarding can be a challenging sport and even those who've skied for many years can always improve. A few ski lessons with an experienced instructor will help you master the essential techniques, build confidence or conquer those famous black runs you’ve heard about from your friends. Qualified ski instructors spend years learning how to build up a beginner’s confidence from day one.

A quick word of advice... If your partner offers to teach you, we recommend politely declining their offer if you want to remain in a relationship with them and enjoy your precious holiday!

A slope that may seem very easy to them can be incredibly daunting to a nervous beginner and qualified ski instructors spend years learning how to build up a beginner’s confidence from day one.

We often get asked what age children should start skiing. Ski schools provide lessons for children from as young as 4 years to introduce them to the weather, clothing & equipment. Introducing children to skiing from a young age has many benefits. Their fearless nature and lower centre of gravity make it an ideal time to start. Skiing promotes physical development, enhances balance and coordination and builds muscle strength. However, while skiing with children is great, little skiers get tired quickly so the main emphasis should be on having fun in the snow with regular ski breaks to build snowmen, make snow angels and drink hot chocolate.

We recommend morning ski lessons followed by a tasty lunch back at the chalet and an afternoon of fun with our childcare team. Remember that the goal here is for your children to love being in the mountains and if they can come to a stop and do a few snowplough turns by the end of the week, then that’s a bonus!

If you just want to give your little one a taste of skiing without booking them in for ski lessons, our advice would be to hire a pair of plastic skis that strap onto their snow boots and take them for a little slide on the nursery slopes and a ride in the gondola to see the views.

Our flexible childcare and private nanny service is available in all our resorts and can include collecting your child from their ski lessons so that you can make the most of the ski area (or enjoy a long lunch on the slopes) and not have to rush back.

For those on the hunt for fresh tracks, then why not book an off-piste session with a ski or snowboard instructor or guide? Having monitored the conditions throughout the season, they will provide you with the essential safety equipment and take you to their favourite untracked spots away from the crowds.

The choice between private and group lessons depends on your preferences and budget. Private lessons offer personalised tuition tailored to your level, making them ideal for focused improvement or building confidence in nervous skiers. If you want to learn to carve like a pro or master the moguls, try booking a dedicated private lesson where your instructor will give you personalised tips to help improve your technique and confidence on carefully chosen terrain.

Group lessons are fantastic for social skiers and those looking to share the experience with others. Whichever you choose, you’re sure to make progress and have fun.

Why not try cross-country skiing or ski touring? These activities offer a different perspective on the mountains, taking you off the busy downhill slopes and into serene, snow-covered landscapes. Cross-country skiing, which involves gliding on flat or gently rolling terrain using lightweight skis and poles, provides an excellent cardiovascular workout while allowing you to connect with nature and enjoy the tranquillity of the snowy wilderness.

On the other hand, ski touring takes you on an adventure, where you'll earn your turns by walking up the slopes using specialised equipment such as climbing skins and alpine touring bindings before skiing down. Both experiences are physically rewarding and mentally rejuvenating, making them a great addition to your winter holiday if you fancy a change.

Ski & snowboard lessons during peak weeks are in high demand, especially morning lessons. That's why it's crucial to book your lessons early. Don’t be disheartened though if you end up with a lesson over lunch time. It’s often the quietest time on the slopes so the lift queues are shorter. Enjoy a late lunch once the crowds have left the mountain restaurants and head back out onto the slopes for the last lifts or ski back to your chalet for a soak in the hot tub or a relaxing massage.

So, don't miss out on the chance to improve your skiing skills. Book your ski lessons early and get ready to hit the slopes with confidence!

We understand it can be overwhelming with several companies in each resort offering ski lessons, all describing them in different ways. At VIP SKI, we do the research, so you don’t have to, and work with a variety of the best ski school providers in each of our resorts.

We’re more than happy to help check availability and can pre-book lessons on your behalf. We’re confident you will get the very best instruction from our ski school partners.