Why book an instructor in Meribel?
Learning to ski or snowboard opens up a whole new world of possibilities and means that you can enjoy one of the most exciting sports in some of the most beautiful locations. Powder, pipe, park or piste, whatever you aim towards the quickest way to get there is to learn from a professional ski or snowboard school. Thankfully there are plenty to choose from in Courchevel and Meribel from the well-known franchises like ESF to British run schools like New Generation.
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The first thing to decide is what you want to learn and what your current level is. The first decision is very much up to you but it is best to let the instructors work out what sort of lesson you require. You may well be able to score the highest points on your Wii snowboarding in your living room but this does not necessarily mean you will be able to pull a switch double cork on your first day.
Not only will an instructor be able to assess your current level but they will be able to help you set realistic goals for your time on the hill and they will also make sure you are always safe which is essential when learning something in a new environment.
“It’s always possible to teach yourself to ski or snowboard and a lot of people will be able to get down the hill on their own but it’s more a case of survival rather than skiing or snowboarding", says Ewan Mackie of New Generation “and there is definitely a limit to what you can teach yourself.”
These day’s instructors are very highly trained, especially in France and have spent at least four years learning their trade, part of which involves a language course. Gone are the days of French ski instructors knowing only three words; “Bend zee neeez!” and booking with a ski school you will almost always be guaranteed an instructor who is fluent in your native language. In recent years the British ski and snowboard association (BASI) has been recognised by the French authorities meaning more and more Brits are now working on the hill in France.
“We offer fully qualified and experienced instructors” says Ewan. “Not just skiers but instructors and they are not just for beginners. People often think of ski schools as being for beginners but there is always more to learn and new skills to develop and new experiences like off-piste skiing.”
Once you have decided to take lessons and found your understanding, patient and English speaking instructor you need to decide if you want group or private lessons and how many.
“One or two focused sessions can add a huge amount of enjoyment to your holiday and a private lesson is a great way to do that. For a more social, though less focused experience try a group lesson.”
Being able to ski or snowboard is not the same as being able to teach skiing or snowboarding. A qualified instructor will have spent years learning about the best ways to make the most of your time on the hill whilst making sure that you are safe and having fun. You will learn quicker with an instructor and you will progress faster without picking up bad habits and these days you can do it all in English.
To contact Ewan directly at New Gen call or to book with ESF visit our Ski and Snowboard Schools page.