Get the Most Out of Your Ski Lessons and Improve Your SkillsYou want to learn to ski or you're thinking about ski lessons. Are they worth the money? Should you take a class? Yes. Simple as that. Instructors can explain the details. Or know the best way to start out. Or tell you about muscle contractions and feeling pressure with your toes. So, a ski lesson can be key. Ski resorts have ski schools that provide private one-to-one tuition, group lessons and ski clinics. The choice depends on how you like to learn, how frequent you want a class and how deep your pockets are. There are even courses for those wanting to become certified instructors. If you like to read first and then do, check out some online ski lessons or a book on ski techniques before having a lesson at a resort. (NB Prices below are approximate and quoted in US dollars.)
You can share your mistakes as you learn to ski. And you don't have the instructor's attention on you all the time. Ski classes in groups are always the cheaper choice — usually by almost 65%. A private 2-hour lesson could easily cost $200, whereas a group 2-hour lesson, at the same resort, would be around $75. (more info)
If costs were not a factor, I would opt for private lessons every time. Not because we sometimes get paid a little more as instructors (it's true!), but because I think you learn more quickly and they can be better value for money. E.g. In a private lesson, you pay $100 for 1 hour focused entirely on you. In a group class with 4 students, you pay $75 for 2 hours. But you get a quarter of the instructor's attention, i.e. only half an hour. And that's a class of 4, what if it was 10? (more info)
Or perhaps you want to ski with the same instructor and same group of skiers every Sunday morning in a 10-week program. Chances are there is a clinic for you. (more info)
With the right instructor, every kid can enjoy learning to ski. Check here for more info about kid's lessons.
And there are ski books out there for those who learn best by reading first.
Want some serious improvement on the slopes without exams? Independent operators offer a range of full-time ski courses for 1 to 12 weeks...as long as you have a little nest egg. (more info) However you choose to learn, ask questions. With online ski lessons, ask the person writing the website. In group or private lessons at a resort, ask the instructor questions and try to make notes. At the end of the lesson, the instructor should give you a recap of what you have worked on. If they don't, ask for one. Or contact me and I'll try to help.
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