Learning to Ski - Made Easy

If you're feeling a bit daunted about the prospect of organising a ski holiday for the first time here's some information that might help you.

Is it the Right Resort for me?

Grand Bornand is an ideal beginners resort with perfect nursery slopes and plenty of well groomed greens and confidence building blue runs. If you're with a mixed ability group there's also plenty for the experts to go at both in Grand Bornand and La Clusaz.

Lessons - Private or Group

learn to ski in the Aravis A difficult choice - group lessons are ideal if you want to meet people and have someone else around for moral support. They tend to be cheaper as well!
Private lessons on the other hand are more flexible and better focused to individual needs. And if there are 3 or 4 of you they don't work out that much more expensive than group lessons.

Some people like to get a head start and have a few lessons on a dry slope at home. This can be a good idea but plastic slopes can be painful to fall on so try to get to a Snowdome with real snow if you can - it's much more lifelike!

Try the Tamworth indoor ski dome or the Xscape snow dome in Milton Keynes and Castleford near Leeds.

Ski Fitness

learning to ski in Grand Bornand Anyone with an average level of fitness can learn to ski, we've even had a 70 year old lady learn to ski and she's coming back for more. Of course the fitter you are the better. So if you can get a little exercise before hand you'll progress much more easily. Check out our "Get fit to Ski" page.

Ski Clothing

If your not sure about clothing you can talk to us on the phone for advice but here is a list of essentials -

Ski gloves or mittens
Warm hat
Ski jacket or wind and waterproof jacket.
Ski pants or waterproof over trousers
Good quality sun glasses preferably UV Category 4
High factor sun screen. At least SPF 20 (we use SPF 60 so we don't become handbags).
Ski socks - non cotton and thin. Modern ski boots are very warm and comfortable - thin socks allow you to get a better fit. "Tube" socks are a definite no no as they create ridges around the ankles.
Goggles - wait and buy them here. You probably won't need them and they're cheaper here anyway.

It's best to use the multi layered approach with a thermal under layer and a couple of fleece layers which can be stripped off if you get too warm and a wind/waterproof outer shell. For more information see our "what to wear for skiing" page.

Last Resort Learn to Ski Holidays

If you go for our "learn to ski" package we'll organise everything for you including:

Booking lessons
Equipment hire
Lift passes
We'll even take you to your first lesson

"We had a wonderful time and thought your apartment, organisation and general care of us was fantastic. We will certainly be back!" - Julliet Clibborn

All you need to do is get to Geneva and we'll take over. We meet your flight, and bring you direct to the resort (the transfer is normally less than 1 hour).

On arrival your lift passes will be waiting for you and after you have settled in to your accommodation, you will be taken to the ski shop where we will help you select boots and skis. Normally we try to get your equipment organised on the day of arrival, if this isn't possible we'll collect you in the morning help you select your equipment and take you to meet your instructor

What's it going to cost?

OK let's be honest a 'learn to ski holiday' isn't cheap. You need to take into account - ski lessons, equipment hire and lift passes - but we will make sure you don't spend more than you have to.

	Private Lessons (2 sharing)		Group Lessons
	High Season	Low Season	High Season	Low Season
Learn to ski adult	435€	423€	365€	353€
Learn to Snowboard	455€	443€	395€	383€

This is a 6 day package including 6 lessons, liftpass, ski and boot hire plus our "hand holding" service.

What Type of Accommodation Should I choose?

It all depends on your budget and the make up of the group. If you're happy to cook and look after yourselves then either a self catered apartment of chalet would work for you. If on the other hand you want to sit back relax and be looked after the catered chalet option is a must.

Catered Ski Chalet

Stay in the Pre Fleuri our own luxury chalet ideal for groups, couple and singles alike - visit the Catered Ski Chalet page for details.

Self Catered Chalets

We have access to a small group of top quality chalets which are ideal for groups and family holidays. See the Self Catered Ski Chalet page.

Self Catered Apartments

Great for couples, small groups and families, we have our own spacious, fully equipped apartments for 2 to 11 people. Have a look at the Self Catered Ski Apartments page.

What if I don't like it?

We're sure you'll love it but if not there are plenty of other things to do. Have a look at the other things to do page.

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