Why should you learn to ski with a instructor

The winter is well underway; skiers are back on the mountains, as are their ski instructors. New arrivals and old-hands share the pistes and they all ask themselves the same question: ‘Is it really necessary to book ski or snowboard lessons with a ski school?’ The answer remains the same – a resounding ‘Yes!’

Skiing is rather like driving. Some people learn without formal instruction and, despite progressing in the right direction, they develop potentially dangerous habits. Fortunately, bad habits can be corrected through lessons. These will allow you to become a better skier and avoid accidents.

You may think that you can learn or improve on your skis/snowboard through videos or advice from friends or family – but nothing is more valuable than a lesson with a ski school. Why? And with which school? And what sort of lesson? We’ll try to answer all the questions that you ask about ski school lessons.

FIRST OF ALL, WHY ARE YOU BETTER OFF LEARNING AND IMPROVING WITH A PROFESSIONAL?

The winter is well underway; skiers are back on the mountains, as are their ski instructors. New arrivals and old-hands share the pistes and they all ask themselves the same question: ‘Is it really necessary to book ski or snowboard lessons with a ski school?’ The answer remains the same – a resounding ‘Yes!’

Skiing is rather like driving. Some people learn without formal instruction and, despite progressing in the right direction, they develop potentially dangerous habits. Fortunately, bad habits can be corrected through lessons. These will allow you to become a better skier and avoid accidents.

You may think that you can learn or improve on your skis/snowboard through videos or advice from friends or family – but nothing is more valuable than a lesson with a ski school. Why? And with which school? And what sort of lesson? We’ll try to answer all the questions that you ask about ski school lessons.

Finally, you are in safe hands with an instructor. He will look after beginners and intermediates, and knows which pistes will suit their level. If you want to experience more thrills, such as trying off-piste, an instructor will choose suitable spots. He is knowledgeable about the snow and the winter mountain environment and won’t take you into areas where the avalanche risk is high.

WHO ARE THESE LESSONS AIMED AT?

Lessons are suitable for everybody; whether group or private, there is something for every level! For children, there is a ski kindergarten for little ones of 3 and over, where they will familiarise themselves with skiing in a safe environment.

For older children and adults, ski schools offer lessons ranging from beginner to advanced, through competitions such as the children’s snowflake badge and the star system, and slalom and giant slalom races.

For anybody who wants to go off-piste, as shown below, going with an instructor is strongly recommended.

Private lessons are entirely designed to suit your level, your wishes and your needs. Therefore you are likely to progress even faster. Children tend to keep their concentration better when alone with an instructor than when in a group of children their own age. The atmosphere in private lessons is certainly different, but often very pleasant as instructor and student learn to get to know each other better and develop confidence in each other, which encourages learning.

WHICH MÉRIBEL SKI SCHOOL?

You are probably asking yourself this question and that’s not surprising because there are numerous ski schools in Méribel. What’s the difference between them? Which would suit you best? What you should know is that each ski school is different: they may offer private or group lessons for children and adults, they may have their own kindergarten for the littlest ones, perhaps offer freeride or telemark lessons, or even organise snowshoe outings and cross-country skiing…. There is a wide range on offer, so do whatever takes your fancy knowing that you will be safely guided by these professionals! It’s worth dropping into the ski schools to find out more – they will be pleased to welcome you and answer any questions you may have. And now it’s up to you: put on your ski outfit, boots and skis and enrol in ski school!