Learning to Snowboard - Made Easy

If you're feeling a bit daunted about the prospect of organising a snowboarding holiday for the first time here's some information that might help you, along with details of our complete learn to snowboard packages.

Is it the Right Resort for me?

Learning to snowboard with the last resort - Grand BornandGrand 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

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 lesson.
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 (and you will fall!) 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.

Fitness

Relaxing after a learn to snowboard courseAnyone with an average level of fitness can learn to snowboard, but you will have to be prepared to fall over and at first you may get a few bruises.
Of course the fitter you are the better. So if you can get a little exercise before hand you'll progress much more easily. See our Ski and Snowboard fitness page.

Clothing

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

  • Learning to snowboard in Grand BornandSki gloves or mittens
  • Warm hat
  • Ski/snowboard jacket or wind and waterproof jacket.
  • Ski pants or waterproof over trousers. If you can afford specialist snowboard pants they're better as they have reinforced waterproof knees and bum (you'll do a lot of sitting on it!)
  • Good quality sun glasses preferably UV Category 4
  • High factor sun screen. At least SPF 20 (we use SPF 60).
  • Ski socks - non cotton and thin. Modern 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 as 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.

Last Resort Learn to Snowboard Holidays

If you go for our "learn to snowboard" 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 snowboard holiday' isn't cheap. You need to take into account - lessons, equipment hire and lift passes - but we will make sure you don't spend more than you have to.
Prices below include lessons, lift passes and board and boot hire for 6 days.
 

  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€

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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