Why book a ski instructor in the Espace Killy?

Powder, pipe, park or piste whatever you aim towards the quickest way to get there is to learn from a professional ski or snowboard school.

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Thankfully there are plenty to choose from in Val d’Isere and Tignes, from the well-known franchises to small, independent specialists who will take you out for group or private lessons.

The first thing to decide is what you want to learn and what your current level is. The first decision is very much up to you but it is best to let the instructors work out what sort of lesson you require. You may well be able to score the highest points on your Wii snowboarding in your living room but this does not necessarily mean you will be able to pull a switch double cork on your first day.

“Ski lessons can do so much for different people, but like any service, it really depends on the quality of the professional.” Says Giles Lewis; Coach at The Development Centre in Val d’Isere and Tignes. A good instructor will ask the goals of the client and try to meet those goals if possible, or suggest a more realistic goal if necessary. It should really be about fun, but imagine how much more fun you could have if your legs didn't ache so much, you didn't get scared like you used to and you could ski the same run just slightly faster. All this is possible with a good instructor.”

These day’s instructors are very highly trained, especially in France and have spent at least four years learning their trade part of which involves a language course. Gone are the days of French ski instructors knowing only three words; “Bend zee neeez!” and booking with a ski school you will almost always be guaranteed an instructor who is fluent in your native language. In recent years the British ski and snowboard association (BASI) has been recognised by the French authorities meaning more and more Brits are now working on the hill in France.

“At TDC we see ourselves as having the strongest team on the mountain. All our coaches are fully qualified and love skiing and teaching. We are the only ski school in town which has a training program for their coaches. And all of our coaches are native English speakers.” Says Giles.

Once you have decided to take lessons and found your understanding, patient and English speaking instructor you need to decide if you want group or private lessons and how many.

“Group lessons give you the benefits of an instructor but without the intensity of a one to one session. You can learn as part of a group and feel the support of your peers, the delivery can be more varied and you will likely meet similar level skiers and maybe even make some long term friends. In a private session the benefits are that you are able to specify exactly what it is you wish to learn. The whole session can be centred around your needs. There is no chance of either waiting for others who ski too slowly, or feeling like the one who holds the others up. A more intense experience, maybe, but one that puts you at the centre of things.”

Being able to ski or snowboard is not the same as being able to teach skiing or snowboarding. A qualified instructor will have spent years learning about the best ways to make the most of your time on the hill whilst making sure that you are safe and having fun. You will learn quicker with an instructor and you will progress faster without picking up bad habits and these days you can do it all in English.

To find out about more ski Schools in Val d'Isere look at our Ski and Snowboard Schools or Private Instructors page.