Private lessons are the perfect option for individuals wanting a one to one session where you have my full attention and the lesson is based solely around you.
These sessions can be booked for either the more inexperienced skier who longs for being able to make their first powder turns, or the more experienced Off-Piste skier who wants to take it to another level.
Private Lessons
Private lessons are the perfect option for individuals wanting a one to one session with your own ski instructor, so you have my full attention and the lesson is based solely around you.
Alternatively if you have family or friends who want to join in and split the cost then this is also possible.
I would recommend trying to keep the groups smaller and levels very similar so that you all get the most out of each session.
I will tailor the lesson to suit your needs and goals and we can discuss this before we set off.
Whether you’re a complete beginner, intermediate wishing to tackle the steeper pistes with more confidence, or take your first tracks Off Piste, then I will design the lesson around you and maximise the time we have on the mountain.
All the while keeping the sessions as relaxed and enjoyable as possible to help you conquer your goals….
I also offer video analysis during the lesson, which some skiers can find a major help in understanding where they are going wrong and make the technical changes required to being able to ski more affectively. This has always proven invaluable for the intermediates and above to progress quickly and once you get over the shock of seeing yourself ski, you’ll be grateful for the help this gives you to understand the areas you need to focus on.
Lesson Share
If you are happy to share your private lesson with another skier and split the cost, then please be sure to tell me this when booking and if someone else enquires then you save 50%. After all, the extra saving you’ll make can only be a good thing as it can either be used towards another lesson or better still, the celebratory drinks once you’ve achieved your goals!
Lessons with an English ski instructor here in VAL D’ISERE means clear and concise communication to help with your ongoing development to become a better skier.
“It was well worth having private lessons and was money well spent. We will be back for sure. A highly recommend Ski Instructor!"
Off Piste
Here in the Espace Killy we are lucky enough to have some of the best Off-Piste available in any ski resort the world over.
This ranges from some easier runs that are just off the side of the Piste to some very steep, long runs that have a vertical drop of a 1000mts or more.
Most of this is easily accessible from the lifts but sometimes requires a little bit of hiking either at the start or finish of the run.
The most important aspect of any Off Piste lesson is safety and I regard this as paramount.
Therefore the minimum requirement for any Off Piste lesson or guiding is, Transceiver, shovel and probe. All of which can be hired from a number of shops in town if you need to do so.
I also give a brief instruction on how to use the equipment if you are unfamiliar.
Also I offer more in depth training for those wishing to become more confident and efficient should they ever find themselves in an avalanche situation.
This can be booked as a separate short session that can be carried out even of an evening (or built into the lesson).
Off piste equipment (transceiver, shovel, probe, backpack) is included as part of an off-piste lesson. (Subject to availability).
Spring Skiing Off Piste
I offer a Spring Deal for Off-Piste which is a 6hr session whereby we ski from 9am-1pm and then stop for lunch. This way you get to make the most of the conditions whilst they are safe and I’ll aim to get you to the restaurant of your choice when finished.
I find this better as it gives us enough time to get to the higher aspects which have the better snow and make the most of the better snow conditions without constantly looking at the clock!
It also means you’re not paying for a full day in order to get to these better conditions further away from the centre of town.
Ski Touring
There are numerous shops in town that hire touring equipment should you need to hire some.
Obviously ski touring is a strenuous day out so please be sure you are feeling fit and well before taking this on. That said I’m happy to go at your comfortable pace and work the day around this.
“James knows Tignes and Val D'isere ski areas intimately which made exploring the terrain so much more fun!”
“James knows Tignes and Val D'isere ski areas intimately which made exploring the terrain so much more fun!”
Group Clinics
Group lessons are a great way to learn in a more relaxed, fun and social atmosphere as well as a more cost effective option.
This can sometimes work better for some clients as having a more fun group dynamic can work better for them rather than the one to one style of teaching in a private lesson. It’s also a great way to meet other skiers of your level and maybe some drinking buddies!
The aim will be to set the groups up so that you are all at a very similar level so please be sure to give me a good evaluation of your skiing level and experience when booking.
The group lessons are split into one of the following categories:
Complete Beginners
Doesn’t really need any explanation!
I’ll do my best to make sure you’re having fun learning and most importantly safe and keeping things within your ability. Within no time we’ll be up there mixing it up with the rest of them!!
Novices
Those with only a week or twos prior experience having skied on green and blue runs only.
Intermediates
Skiers who’ve skied numerous times and can confidently tackle blue and red runs pistes. I’ll aim to have you skiing these with even more confidence, finesse and style as well as starting to tackle some black runs!
Piste Performance
For those who are looking to take their skiing to a more advanced level.
Learn to use the equipment correctly and carve clean turns on Piste. Usually suited to those who can tackle all runs but want to learn to ski more advanced.
Moguls
Always wanted to learn to ski those awful bumps that throw you around or simply have the fear of them! Well fear not, I can help you learn the different techniques required to do so and help get those legs moving better.
Race Training
If you wish to ski some slalom or giant slalom then this can be arranged but usually needs some prior notice.
Group sizes will be limited to 6 maximum and run with a minimum of 3 skiers.
Should only 2 people book onto the group then there is the option to split the cost of the 3rd place or reduce to 2 x 3hrs sessions.
Courses can be altered to run from 3-5 days.
