Various Questions

• My ski level ?
• Number of people per group ?
• How to book your instructor ?
• Meeting point ?
• What about access to the priority lane reserved for ski schools?
• Do I choose an independent ski instructor or an instructor from a ski school ?

My ski level

Beginners Level – I have never skied before ; it is really my first time on skis.

Level 1 – I can control my speed on green runs, I can turn using snowplough and I can cross the slope with my skis parallel ; I have a few notions on sidesliping.

Level 2 – I can turn with parallel skis on blue runs ; I control sidesliping but I don’t feel confident on narrow slopes and hard snow. I enjoy the sensation of speed.

Level 3 – I ski on red slopes and easy black and turn with my skis parallel ; I can do carving turns on easy slopes. I am not confident off-piste or on steep and mogul runs.

Expert Level – I enjoy skiing on any slope and I can adapt my technique to any situation. I know how to ski quickly and safely.

Number of people per group

The number of people per group is limited to 5 (adults or children). On request, it is however possible to add 1 to 3 more people.

How to book your instructor ?

I can be contacted by phone all year round : +33 672 480 830

Out of respect for my pupils, my answer phone is switched on during lesson time. Do not hesitate to leave me a message with your details and I will call you back as soon as possible.

You can also email me at the following address : info@snowarea.net

I highly recommend you booking your lessons in advance, as soon as your holiday dates are confirmed.

When you arrive in the resort, telephone me so we can arrange for me to meet you in your hotel or holiday residence or chalet.

Meeting point

We will agree on a meeting point for your lessons ; for beginners lessons during the day it will likely be in function of my arrival point from my previous lesson. This also applies to the arrival point at the end of the lesson. This is for practical reasons and to save time for everyone's lesson.

What about access to the priority lane reserved for ski schools?

During your lessons with me, individual and small group lessons, you have access to the priority lane; this is a right to use the lifts and is the same right for an independent ski instructor and a large ski school.

Do I choose an independent ski instructor or an instructor from a ski school?

Some will say “to find a decent ski instructor” is like playing the lottery!!!

All French qualified ski instructors have the same national qualification, which is awarded by the one and only ski instructor training centre: l'École Nationale de Ski et d'Alpinisme (ENSA) based in Chamonix Mont-Blanc.

Whether you choose an independent ski instructor or an instructor belonging to a ski school, they will have the same qualification, as long, of course, as they are completely qualified and not just gaining experience “stagiaires” (modules).

There are two main syndicates in France: the École du Ski Français (ESF) and the Ski École International (ESI), it is not however obligatory to belong to a syndicate in order to work as a ski instructor.

The “carte professionnelle”, on the other hand, is compulsory and is delivered by the Ministère de la Jeunesse et des Sports.

Each instructor has a teaching past, his own personality, and social qualities ; he can be passionate, enthusiastic and cheerful, and share these qualities with you.