FAQ First Tracks Ski Coaching Courchevel

-

• What is the difference between private lessons and group lessons?arrow_downward

  There are several major differences between private lessons and group lessons.

  • The number of participants in group lessons is generally between 5 and 12, however during peak weeks, some ski schools (generally ESF) have been seen to put up to 20 children with one instructor. At First Tracks we allow up to a maximum of 8 participants to ski or snowboard with one instructor during a private lesson.
  • In group lessons the participants often do not know each other at the start of the week. In private lessons, the instructor is booked by you and then YOU can decide how many of your friends or family will ski or snowboard with the instructor. We allow up to a maximum of 8 children or adults with one private instructor.
  • Group lessons will work out to be more economical for individuals, whereas private lessons can work out to be cost effective when there are several participants, such as friends and families. First Tracks does not charge any supplements depending on the group size, the price to rent the instructor is the same whether there is one person or 8 people.     Cela dépend d’abord de votre budget. D’une manière générale l’on apprend plus vite en cours privé puisse que le moniteur adapte l’enseignement et le cours à vos besoins spécifiques. Souvent les enfants aiment être ensemble pour faire des choses, c’est plus amusant! Nos groupes proposent un bon compromis avec jamais plus de 6 enfants (ou 6 adultes) par groupe.
  • Group lessons have a fixed start / finish point and time whereas our private sessions can be adapted to start and even end wherever suits you best. This could be for example to start at your chalet or hotel and to end at a place convenient to you, such as a mountain restaurant.
• What is the difference between morning classes and afternoon classes?arrow_downward

  This is mostly down to what you prefer. Are you more of a morning person? If so you would probably be best with a morning session. If you like to party during your holidays and enjoy a lie-in, we recommend you take lessons in the afternoon. Since the majority of people prefer to take classes in the morning, the prices for afternoon classes are more attractive. 

  In terms of snow, the slopes are groomed overnight and therefore if you like pristine corduroy slopes then you'll want to get out early.

  The slopes tend to quieten down between 1pm and 2.30pm whilst people stop for lunch, so this is a great time to ski!

• Do the snow conditions change during the day?arrow_downward

  Depending on the altitude, the orientation of the slope and the time of the year, the snow can remain almost unchanged (north & north west facing) or it can also change completely (east & south facing) during the day. In general, the more we advance towards spring, the more the snow changes (transforms) during the day. Once of the nice things about skiing with a First Tracks instructor is that we know the mountain well, where and when the good snow can be found.

• Should I take out insurance?arrow_downward

  Travel insurance which covers you for winter sports is recommended, our prices do not include the ski pass or winter sport insurance.

• Are there quiet moments on the slopes?arrow_downward

  Yes, outside of school holidays, the slopes and ski lifts are quieter. On the other hand our instructors know good slopes which are less well known and therefore less frequented even during the holidays. Between 12:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. since many people are having lunch, it's a great opportunity to enjoy quiet slopes.

• If I don't get along with my instructor, what happens?arrow_downward

  We carefully recruit our Team but sometimes characters just don't gel. There is always a solution! If you are not happy with the instructor or guide whom we allocate, we will do our best to replace him or her. Our overall aim is to ensure that you have a fabulous holiday and that you thoroughly enjoy your time on the slopes.

• From what age can you learn to ski?arrow_downward

  For private lessons around 3 years old is the minimum age but it depends on the child. A dynamic active child may be happy to ski at two and a half years old while a more reserved child will not really be ready for skiing before the age of 3 and a half years. You can always try one or two sessions to see if they like it. The main thing is that they see skiing as a game, it has to be fun and varied. Our instructors are trained to work in a safe and fun way with children. On the whole kids love skiing with us!

• Is there a minimum number of lessons?arrow_downward

  Not really but during peak periods we only offer series of lessons (minimum 5 mornings, 5 full days or 3 afternoons). At the last minute we will propose whatever availability we have with perhaps single sessions courses. With several sessions you will improve gradually and much more.