From the age of about 4, children are ready to learn to ski and there are a number of options for getting them started.  The most important thing is to ensure that its fun.

In France the ESF run a children’s club aimed at 3–5 year olds, which offers a combination of indoor & outdoor play as well as ski lessons. You can book morning or afternoon sessions and they even offer a supervised lunch meaning that you can have a day to yourself to explore the ski area in the knowledge that they are being well looked after.

Increasingly other ski schools are running short, small group lessons specifically aimed at 4-5 year olds. Lessons are usually 2hr long and run for 5 or 6 mornings. 

If possible, I would always go for private lessons – not only is the tuition completely tailored to you but you will also have some flexibility with regards to timings of the lessons.  

Couple of points to bear in mind to help you get the best value from private lessons:

Morning sessions are always more expensive and more popular so maybe consider taking an instructor in the afternoons

Most instructors booked for full days, will be more than happy to divide the day up and take different groups at different times so you can divide the cost between the group.

If you have a number of people / children of similar level a private instructor can work out as cost effective as group lessons as instructors can usually take up to 6 people. 

On the other hand group lessons, particularly for beginners and children can be more fun. Children in particular enjoy the social nature of the lessons and increasingly ski schools offer courses more tailored to different age groups & individual needs.

Again morning lessons are more popular so you do need to book ahead. Some ski schools also offer supervised lunches and full day children’s lessons giving them more time on the slopes and you more chance to have an adult ski day.

Even when you’ve been skiing for years, it can be a good idea to book a private instructor at the start of your holiday.  It‘s a great way of getting your ski legs back or getting to know the ski area.  

When snow conditions are less than perfect, people often think it won’t be good use of money to have an instructor but in many ways it’s the best time to have one, as they will be able to take you to the best snow and can fast-track any lift queues.

For experienced skiers keen to progress to the next level, hire an instructor to start skiing off-piste or, if you’re up for a challenge, go ski touring.

To work in any of the European resorts, instructors have to be fully qualified and we only work with ski schools we know and trust. Do let us know if you have a particularly requirement from preferring a female instructor or a more technical approach to having someone young & fun for teenagers. The more information you can give us, the better we can find the perfect match. And don’t worry, whatever the nationality of the instructor we make sure that they are able to teach in your language!

Book as soon as possible! Many instructors will be booked up to a year in advance and in the main February holidays, children’s group lessons become like gold dust. Also bear in mind that in peak weeks you may have to book a series of 5 sessions whereas in low season you may be able to book fewer sessions. Sadly most ski schools will ask for pre-payment but at least you won’t be stressed and having sleepless nights in the lead-up to the holiday.