Why take private ski lessons?
Why not!

Whatever your level — beginner to expert — private ski lessons have big advantages.

Expensive? Yes. But they can work out to be more economical than group lessons. Check out our cost section below for details.

And private ski lessons have benefits over group lessons:

• Personal choice
• Control
• Flexibility
• Continuity
• Generally more experienced ski instructors

You can usually request what kind of instructor you want — male, female, older, younger.

You can even request a specific instructor — one who's been recommended or one you've had before.

And, you can explain your needs so you get an instructor who best fits you or your group.

Control

You get to decide when you want the lesson. And you have control during it. If you are not happy with how the lesson is going, you can talk to the instructor — one-to-one.

If you need a break, you can take one. Want more or less challenge — you can say so. Don't understand something, you can ask, as much as you want.

Flexibility

With private ski lessons, you control the time you have the lesson. This means it fits in with your day.

You can decide how much time you need with an instructor — 1 hour, 2, 6? Up to you.

You decide whether you want a lesson or simply a guide. You can chose where to ski or ask your instructor for recommendations.

Continuity

If you find an instructor that you like, you can have them again. Or you can ask for a different instructor if you were not happy with your lesson.

And most instructors are happy for you to contact them after the lesson if you have any questions!

More Experienced Instructors

Resorts often assign private lessons to more experienced instructors. This makes sense. You pay more for private lessons, so you should get the best available.


Cost

Ah, the cost. But get this, private ski lessons can actually be an economical way to learn to ski or improve.

The whole lesson is focused on you. You can ask questions quickly and easily. You're not wasting time waiting for other students. Or spending the lesson keeping up or learning very little.

The cost up front looks expensive. But in the long run you may need to take fewer lessons. Check out the Ski Lessons page for more on Private vs. Group Lessons.

Many resorts offer discounted private lessons at certain time slots, such as first thing in the morning, or late in the day. Choose one of these if you want personal instruction, but need to keep the price down.

Plus, some resorts price private lessons for a group of up to 5. So, if it's just you, the lesson is a pricey one. But if it's you and your spouse or a couple of friends, it can be a great value. The more, the merrier and cheaper.


What to Expect

You've booked a private lesson, what's next? Find out from the ski school desk where you meet for private lessons. Head out and and your instructor will be waiting for you. They should ask questions like:

• What you want out of the lesson
• Where you normally ski
• What you want to improve
• What kind of lesson you would like