Ski and snowboard lessons from recommended ski schools in Courchevel Le Praz and La Tania
Ski Schools
At Ski Magic we work with some excellent ski schools in Courchevel and La Tania.
We strongly advise you to book ski school early, especially in the peak weeks: don’t miss out on vital lessons for beginners or children by leaving it too late!
Intermediates and advanced skiers could benefit from specific coaching sessions a couple of times during the week in order to brush up on technique or try new things, for instance introduction to off-piste or moguls. Many ski schools also offer ski guiding – being shown around the slopes without needing to follow a map.
SKI SCHOOL FAQs
What do I need to know about booking ski school?
Ski school is for anyone who would like a qualified instructor to give them advice on their technique, whether that’s for skiing, snowboarding, sit-ski, cross country skiing, telemark or off-piste and backcountry skiing.
To begin any of these sports if you haven’t learned them before, it is much better to have a ski instructor than to try and learn on your own! You will pick up the techniques more quickly and reduce the risk of getting stuck or injured.
If you have already learned the basics, then it doesn’t mean you don’t need lessons. A ski instructor can also help you improve and build confidence after a pause or injury, or simply to move from intermediate to advanced level.
We recommend booking ski school before you arrive in the ski resort, especially for Christmas, New Year and in February school holidays.
When should I book ski lessons?
If you have booked a chalet or ski accommodation for popular weeks like Christmas, Half Term or school holidays, then you should book ski/snowboard lessons well in advance. If you leave it until the week before, it is likely that the ski schools will not have any more instructors available. We recommend booking before November in northern hemisphere ski resorts.
If you are visiting at quieter times (January, end of February, March and April) then you can probably book up to 4-6 weeks before travelling.
Is it best to get private or group lessons?
The answer comes down to budget.
Group lessons, in which you would be with other people of a similar ability that you don’t know, are less expensive than private lessons, in which you and your family/friends have an instructor to yourself. In a mixed group lesson, numbers can range from around 8-12 people, depending on the ski school.
Group lessons are more structured than private lessons: you book eg. five morning sessions from 9-11am and during that time, you ski with the instructor who uses their expertise to help you improve your technique. They will take you onto a quiet slope and ask you to do exercises to work on eg. your balance, your parallel turns or your pole planting.
If you’re travelling as a large group, ie. two or three families with children, then getting a private instructor can work out well because of the flexibility. As an example, if you had a private instructor for full days during a whole week, they could take a morning session eg. with children or beginners, then in the afternoon take the more advanced skiers on a more challenging adventure.
What is the difference between a ski instructor and a ski guide?
As a rule, a ski instructor will give you advice and lessons to help improve your technique in whichever style of snowsport you are learning (ie. skiing, snowboarding, telemark, off piste…)
A ski guide or mountain guide is also qualified to teach and give technical advice, but they are more often to be found leading groups/solo skiers of a more experienced/advanced level, showing them around the mountain, exploring off piste routes, or covering longer distances. Their mountain guide qualifications mean that they are specifically trained for high altitude and off piste terrain.
Which are the best ski schools in Courchevel, Meribel or Three Valleys?
We work with a number of top quality ski schools in the Three Valleys who we know deliver excellent service. See the summary below for more details of ski schools offering mixed group lessons or private groups in La Tania, Courchevel and Meribel.
How can I find English-speaking ski instructors in the Three Valleys?
As such an internationally-renowned destination, you will find that all the local ski schools in the Three Valleys offer lessons in English.
Oxygène Ski School
Oxygène Ski & Snowboard School is an independent school run by an Anglo-French team. They have a superb reputation for offering a personalised approach in small friendly groups. Their experienced instructors are renowned for their fun and exciting approach to teaching kids to learn to ski. They also offer adult group ski lessons, private lessons, off-piste courses, handi-ski and have snowboard specific instructors too.
Telephone: +33 (0) 479 010181
Website: www.oxygene.ski
ESF La Tania
The local French ski school offers good value group lessons for all abilities from 3 years old (younger than other ski schools). The 3-4 year olds go to the Piou Piou garden and try skiing alongside playing in the snow, then progress up to the nursery slopes and beyond.
Group lessons are 2.5 hours, or full days, and there’s also the option for childcare over lunchtime which is very useful.
Contact us for the 5% discount code for Ski Magic guests.
Telephone: +33 (0) 4 79 08 80 39
Website: www.ski-school-la-tania.co.uk
New Generation
New Generation is a community of snowsports enthusiasts delivering awesome ski and snowboard lessons, every time. With over 20 years’ experience, they match you with friendly and experienced instructors to help you get the most out of your holiday. They offer privates, groups and technical clinics for all ages and abilities.
Telephone: +44 (0) 1462 674000
Email: info@skinewgen.com
Website: www.skinewgen.com/ski-schools/la-tania
Snow Limits
SnowLimits are a small, friendly and professional British Ski School with instructors who are fully qualified and native English speakers. SnowLimits pride themselves in tailoring their lessons to suit all ages and abilities and in making learning fun.
Telephone: +44 (0)161 818 6557
Email: hello@snowlimitsskischool.com
Website: www.snowlimitsskischool.com
Supreme Ski & Snowboard School
Supreme Ski and Snowboard School was established in 1991 in Courchevel. They have a great team of instructors, all of whom carry the highest ski teaching qualification in the industry. They provide lessons in English, French and Italian in a safe and fun environment.
Telephone: +44 (0)20 3744 1655
Website: www.supremeski.com/courchevel
Email: info@supremeski.com
Bureau des Guides
For experienced intermediates and advanced skiers, why not reserve a personal ski guide for your group, even just for a day? The experienced guides help you to find the best snow in parts of the Three Valleys you wouldn’t normally explore and can also offer off-piste adventures.
Telephone:+33 (0)6 23 92 46 12
Website: www.guides-courchevel.com
Stay up to date
Join our newsletter mailing list for snow reports, exclusive offers & news from the Three Valleys…
(We promise never to share your details with anyone else)
