If you already do other sports, you may be a natural! For some, the movements and balance needed for skiing may come quickly, in which case you may need a few introductory lessons to get started. For others, it may take a little longer. Either way, your first lesson will be spent getting used to the sensation of standing and sliding on your skis. Then you can begin to control your speed and direction. From your very first lesson, you will start to see why being a skier is so special.

How long is a piece of string? There is always more to learn, so there is no set number. For some people having a week’s worth of lessons so they can ski from one hot chocolate stop to the next is just right. For others, a top up lesson on the first afternoon of a week’s holiday every year can be enough to get the legs going again. If you are a beginner in resort for a week, we recommend a minimum of 5 days or half days to get going on the snow.

Private lessons are all about you. People learn in different ways, at different speeds. This becomes particularly apparent when progressing away from the beginner slope. A private lesson can be tailored flexibly to you. Take the lesson in the direction you want and discuss your goals with your instructor more closely. Private lessons do not have to be one-on-one either; with European Snowsport, the cost of a private lesson doesn’t go up if you add more people!

Whether it’s the first time you’ve clipped into a ski binding or you’re looking for a way to tackle the moguls for the first time, an experienced instructor can ensure you stay safe, grow in confidence, and avoid picking up bad habits. Even if you don’t want to learn anything specific, taking an instructor to guide you around the resort and show you the best runs and restaurants will make sure that you make the most of your time on the mountain and find the best snow and best runs for your ability.

Lessons are essential for beginners, it is the only way to get going on the snow safely and with confidence. Gentle guidance through those first few steps with an instructor can save you time and money, avoid unnecessary embarrassment and prevent injury. If you can already ski to a reasonable level, a lesson could give you the little bit of help you need to escape your most recent learning plateau.