Learning to Ski on Holiday

If you’ve never been skiing, the idea of careering down a snowy slope while on your next family holiday can seem daunting – even though it sounds like a whole lot of fun. If you’re about to take the family on a ski holiday and want to know what the options are, the best thing to do is do some pre-holiday research and perhaps even book some lessons before you go.

What Type of Ski Lessons are Available?

There are skiing lessons available for all levels of ability, and for all age groups, so there’s no need to worry about feeling out of your depth once you strap on the ski boots. It is not usually a good idea to try and teach friends and family how to ski yourself – it can be dangerous and a bit like teaching someone to drive a car, it often encourages them to follow your own bad habits!

If you’re nervous about skiing, you’ll probably find that ski school lessons are a great way to learn.. Even if you’ve been out before and feel a bit more confident, a few lessons can help you to improve your overall skiing technique and confidence

Even experts have the occasional top up lesson.

Ski Schools in most winter holiday resorts tend to offer at least three or four levels of ski lessons for adults and children. If you arrive at your resort and realise you’re probably in the wrong level, don’t worry as they usually offer you some degree of flexibility to move up or down a group.

Group Ski Lessons or Individual Tuition?

The choice between group and individual classes depends on several factors – money being one of those. Group lessons (pre-arranged groups of people you may not know) usually work out cheaper but aren’t always the best option if you’re very nervous. Groups are also a good idea if you want to meet people - and have some moral support.

Private lessons are more expensive but also more flexible. Lessons can be tailored to you, and will be more focused to your individual needs. If three or more of you book a private lesson, you can save money, too. It’s advisable for complete skiing novices, children and anyone that doesn’t have anyone on a similar ability level to ski with to book for some full day lessons, at least to start with.

When is the Best Time to Book Ski Lessons?

Most schools run week long ski classes, and these tend to start on a Sundays or Mondays. If you book a half day lesson you can expect it to take two to three hours.

It’s quite common for people to choose to take classes in the morning and then use their new found knowledge to practice in the afternoon – so you might find that morning lessons are more expensive to book, and can also become fully booked faster.

Some people choose to have lessons on a dry ski slope before they even set foot on the snow, which is a good idea. The surface is a lot harder and more difficult to ski on than snow – which actually works well because by the time you get onto the slopes you’ll have a feel for skiing and may find snow an easier prospect!

Whichever option you choose, skiing is an acquired ability, but once you’ve learned how to do it, it’s exhilarating and great fun!