What to look for in a great ski instructor

For someone who has never skied before, the idea can seem daunting - hurling yourself off a mountain at speed. Even if you are a confident skier, the idea of letting your children learn how to ski can be pretty terrifying - which is why you need to make sure you have a great ski instructor.

It’s easier said than done, but we’ve got some top tips for finding a great ski instructor, whether it’s for you or your little ones:

 Qualified

The bare minimum for a ski instructor is that they should be qualified - the level of qualification that they hold allows you to assess how proficient they are and reassures you that they know what they are talking about.

Earning a qualification isn’t just about being a competent skier either, it’s about learning techniques to ensure your teaching is absorbed and learning other skills like first-aid and navigation which could come in handy in an emergency.

Personality

Trust your gut when it comes to personality - if you don’t gel with your instructor, you aren’t likely to get as much out of the lesson as you could do. Look for someone who is patient and thorough and have a chat before you commit to any lessons to make sure you get on.

Local knowledge

If you’re heading onto the piste with a ski instructor, you want someone who knows the lay of the land. That might mean that you don’t queue for ages for a busy ski lift at peak time, or that they can recognise the signs of an imminent snowstorm and call off the session in time for you to get back to your chalet for a hot cocoa!

Experience

Experience counts for a lot, especially if you are a new, nervous skier. An experienced ski instructor will be able to calm your nerves and start the lesson slowly to make sure you remain comfortable with everything you’re taught.

Not only that, but an experienced ski instructor will be able to correct your posture to avoid injury, advise on brands of skiwear and protective equipment and much more besides - all things learned on the job, rather than in training.

Practise makes perfect

If you’re interested in perfecting your skiing technique, there’s no better way than with plenty of practise. And what better way to practise than with your own ski chalet, which you can visit whenever you like? Get in touch to find out more about the property we have available in the Alps and beyond.

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