One of the top tips from our pre-arrival Concierge Team is to book ski lessons. Whether you are a novice, a carving expert or a snowboarding powder hound, you will always take away at least one tip from your ski instructor. We work with the best suppliers in Verbier, who can offer children’s ski school, adult group lessons and private lessons for skiers and snowboarders. If you are a confident skier, why not book a guide to show you the best slopes and hidden secrets around the 4 Vallees? For the pros, why not take advantage of the infamous off-piste in Verbier and book an off-piste lesson? We interviewed our partners at Altitude Ski School and Performance Verbier to learn more about the services they offer….
What lessons does Altitude Ski School offer?
The beauty of Altitude Ski and Snowboard School is that we have something for everyone. Our school offers private and group lessons in both skiing and snowboarding for all ages and abilities, starting from just two years of age. Our clients can benefit from private lessons for children and adults, children or adult group lessons, and our weekend club for local children. We have instructors who specialise in racing, freestyle, and mogul skiing and have adaptive qualifications, teaching in over ten languages. All of our instructors know the mountain like the back of their hand and can help you find the best restaurants, snow, and slopes for your ability level.
Why are ski lessons important for both beginners and intermediate skiers?
Learning the fundamentals of winter sports in a safe environment is very important, especially for those for whom this is a brand-new experience. At Altitude, we prioritise the safety and enjoyment of all mountain users. Taking lessons will enhance your holiday experience by helping you improve in your chosen winter sport with confidence, make the most of the terrain appropriate to your level, and provide you with the tools you need to continue to build on your ski or snowboarding skills.
What can more experienced skiers gain from having ski lessons?
The continued development of alpine sports is very addictive. It’s also very easy to find yourself in a ‘rut’ or on the infamous ‘intermediate plateau’ if you stop taking lessons, questioning why you spend most of the time on the same runs or if your confidence and technique aren’t improving. Bad habits can also creep in, which you may not even know. Training with an instructor and developing your technique can open up more of the mountain and help you make the most of your time in the snow. Experienced skiers often want different things from lessons, maybe to work on a specific area of their skiing or a particular terrain type. At Altitude, our instructors learn about students' expectations and needs, adapting to their goals during their lesson time.
What are your top tips for ski lessons?
My top tips for ski lessons are to relax and enjoy it! Before you arrive, think about what you want to achieve so you can discuss this with your instructor at the start of the session. Remember, you are around an industry professional, so ask them any questions you may have and take full advantage of your time together. Lastly, don’t panic if you do not feel prepared. The instructor will go at your pace and work to make you feel as comfortable as possible.
What can we expect during a full day's lesson with Performance Ski School?
The concept of our full-day lesson is more of a concierge service. We want to provide a bespoke experience for the clients, so we will initially determine their requirements. We’ll ensure they see as much of the mountain as possible and help organise a special lunch and apres ski if required. We want the clients to think of us as their personal assistants so they can focus on enjoying everything the mountain and the resort offers.
How do guests decide between full-day or half-day lessons?
This is a tough one as it very much depends on the requirements, for example, the number of people involved and the budget. Usually, full-day lessons are taken in conjunction with a bit of guiding as well as teaching and will give you more freedom to venture out of Verbier and explore the 4 Vallees. Half days are much more likely for children during the holiday season or people who expressly desire to improve. If you just need a few hours of guidance to get your ski legs back – a half day will suit you! Or perhaps you would like a relaxing morning in your chalet and to ski in the afternoons?
What if our guests want to go off-piste? Is that something you offer?
Our instructors at Powder Extreme are full-certified Swiss instructors who can teach off-piste. Once our clients are ready for more challenges, our instructors can help them transition from the piste to powder. We endeavour to help clients make the most of the conditions in a safe environment.
What would you advise our guests to bring with them for a ski lesson?
Bring your smile, and we’ll do the rest.
Once you have booked your chalet, speak with your Concierge Manager about your skiing ability. They will advise you on the best ski/snowboard lesson option for you!
