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Should I take ski lessons? Private lessons or group lessons?

The ski lessons are now an integral part of the decor of winter sports resorts . Whether you are a beginner or a perfectionist, young or adult, alone or in a group, the ski schools and independent instructors aim to make us progress on the slopes but also to make us discover the smallest corners of the ski resort. .

Being aware of your current skills

Before choosing the right type of course it is important to properly self-assess . Overestimating yourself by choosing a lesson of too high a level can be dangerous at the risk of injuring yourself or even endangering other skiers. Conversely, you will take no pleasure in reviewing techniques already acquired that you master easily.

If you are unsure of your current level of skiing do not hesitate to ask the advice of an experienced ski instructor or skier who will be able to assess you fairly quickly.

Never without suitable equipment!

The last step before enrolling in a course, and not the least, is to choose equipment adapted to your level but also to the type of ski practiced and its morphology. There are four levels of skiing technique which will allow you to choose the right equipment:beginner, intermediate, advanced and expert.

  • Beginner: You have (almost) never descended a slope, you have little mastery of the technical basics and alternate snowplows and skids, opt for an easy, accessible and tolerant ski.
  • Intermediate: Occasional skier, you are able to embark on all types of descents and you want to improve your skills to be comfortable at higher speeds, choose a comfortable and progressive ski.
  • Advanced: You master all types of slopes, you launch yourself with your eyes closed on black slopes and some off-piste, a comfortable and efficient ski is recommended.
  • Expert: Skiing no longer has any secrets for you, you hurtle down the slopes by mastering all the turning techniques, on all surfaces, with control and fluidity, so you need a high-performance, even exclusive ski.

Also choose your range of skis depending on what type of terrain you want to venture on . To ride on all the slopes of the area with precision, the "Piste" skis are the most suitable because they are short with a narrow waist. If you want to alternate between groomed slopes and some off-piste, opt for the "All-mountain" range.

For powder enthusiasts who spend all day off the slopes in search of good “powder” “Freeride” skis are recommended (wide waist and long tip). Finally, if your playgrounds are snowparks, choose "Freestyle" skis (bi-tip, light and resistant).

The morphology of the skier is as important as their level and the type of skiing practiced. For example, for a freeride ski, it is preferable to opt for a ski close to its size, unlike a piste ski where it is necessary to count 10 to 15 cm less.

Private lessons or group lessons? Which ski instructor to choose?

If you want to improve quickly on a specific technical point it will be preferable to opt for a course with a particular instructor. The professional will thus be able to quickly realize your level and it will be all the easier for him to correct your faults throughout the sessions. In addition, this system allows you to adjust the course to your liking (morning or afternoon? half day or full week?) depending on the instructor of course.

Conversely, if you prefer a warmer and more friendly atmosphere you will opt for collective learning. These lessons are more suitable for children because they have time to learn and they will flourish more in contact with other young people of their age and with instructors who bring their good humor to the group.

In both cases, the personality of the monitor can be important . If they all have flawless professional skills, let yourself be guided by the impression of the first contact, you always progress faster with someone you find friendly!

Where can I go?

With the French Ski School, you can choose and book the instructor you need . Different types of sessions are offered and you can book directly online thanks to the availability of instructors displayed in real time. If you need advice, do not hesitate to contact them via the chat on the site or by telephone, the members of the team, instructors for some, experienced skiers for others, will be able to guide you.