Chamonix Ski Lessons

Chamonix is well-known as an advanced skiers and mountaineer’s paradise, but it is also actually a very good resort in which to learn to ski.

On the first day of your lessons, after you’ve learnt to conquer the equipment, you’ll need a nice gentle slope to practise those first turns. The Planards chairlift in the centre of town is a perfect destination for this, and also has the benefit of being free. Alternatively, your instructor may take you to the Savoie area, at the base of the Brevent (draglifts), or perhaps the Vormaine, at the base of Le Tour. You need to pay a reduced price to use these lifts, but the Vormaine in particular is in a stunning setting and is perfect for progression, with one short green run, one longer green run and a gentle blue around the back of the trees.

The ski school – Evolution 2 – is justifiably popular amongst UK clientele. Their instructors are patient and many are actually English or Scottish themselves. With expert tuition, you’ll quickly progress, and when you are looking to venture onto the “big” mountain away from the nursery slopes, the best ski areas to head for are Le Tour (above the Vormaine at the Swiss end of the Chamonix Valley, regular buses from town) or Les Houches, which both have wide, fairly gentle blue runs to boost confidence.