Extra Options

Some schools offer extras, such as races on the last day, or a video lesson followed by a session in the bar later on to replay and criticize. Races can be good fun, and stretch your abilities. Video can be useful to point out major stylistic flaws, especially for intermediates or advanced skiers who may have unsuspected, ingrained faults.

Private Lessons

Although daily lessons are essential for beginners, their necessity decreases with subsequent holidays. After the second or third holiday, it may make more sense to take the occasional private lesson, instead of signing up for a full week at ski school. The advantage of private lessons is that the instructor can concentrate on your individual needs, taking the time to diagnose where you need help and to make sure that you understand any new concepts. You don't spend any time waiting for the rest of the class.

Even an hour or two of private tuition can give you lots of ideas on how to improve, which you can then practise on your own. This is particularly useful for those who have reached a plateau and don't quite know how to progress. Gather a small group of friends or family who are at the same level to cut the cost of a private lesson, and it could be one of your best skiing investments.

International Differences

In the 1950s, there were marked differences between national ski schools, when French and Austrian ski instructors taught their own particular styles. Now, however, techniques have largely converged, and teaching methods are fairly uniform, especially for beginners.

Advanced skiers will still notice some national differences. The French tend to emphasize competition, rather than recreational skiing; slalom racing is compulsory for instructors and usual for advanced pupils. The Austrians still concentrate on style, the Americans enjoyment. However, in the final analysis, it is the teaching ability of your individual instructor that counts.

Ski Tests

Most national ski organizations run a series of formal tests in which you may like to participate, either to evaluate your skiing progress, or simply for fun. The Ski Club of Great Britain, for instance, was one of the earliest to introduce tests in the 1920s. The Ecole du Ski Français system starts with the flocon (snowflake) for toddlers, and leads through the étoile (star) system on to the chamois (mountain goat) and lèche (arrow) awards for children and equivalent grades for adults.