Private Lessons in Val Thorens

Private lessons in Val Thorens.

The first section answers the question 'Why take private lessons?' Then there's information about the times, prices and meeting points.

Read about private lessons in Val Thorens here.

Why Take Private Lessons in Val Thorens?

There are many reasons to choose private lessons over group lessons.

You may prefer to do just a few hours of lessons rather than a full week. Or you may be looking for more individual attention to improve your technique - perhaps to learn something specific, such as carving, bumps, or off piste.

In private lessons, you don't have to wait around for other people, or feel pressured into going faster than you're comfortable with.

Lessons can be for just one or two people, or for a small group of family or friends of about the same level. They are usually very enjoyable, and a good way to learn a lot in a short time.

These are some typical private lessons:

Beginners

You can take private lessons as a complete beginner, or someone has done just a few sessions at a dry slope or snowdome in the UK.

Private lessons can give beginners a solid foundation, help them overcome any nerves and progress quickly, and really enjoy their first skiing experience.

How fast people progress also depends a lot on their own fitness, age and confidence. Also, different people have different ambitions and expectations.

Intermediates

Some intermediates find that they have 'plateau-ed' - reached a certain level, but don't seem to progress any further.

In these cases, private lessons are ideal to take their skiing or snowboarding to the next level, by correcting any faults and giving a clear picture of the technique required for different situations and snow types.

Good skiers or snowboarders

Experienced skiers may have a particular area of technique that they want to improve, such as carving, bumps, or off piste.

Good snowboarders may wish to learn more technique, try freeride off piste, or have a go at freestyle tricks.

Another option is to explore the 3 Valleys with an expert guide.

Experts

Expert skiers or snowboarders often like to explore the 3 Valleys, or discover off piste itinerary routes. One or more full days are ideal for this.

(Doing the Three Valleys is subject to the links being open - the links can close if it's too windy, or the avalanche risk is high; off piste skiing or boarding is also subject to weather and avalanche risk).

Children

There are various reasons why you may wish to book private lessons for your children.

They may be more confident when learning with their own instructor, rather than in a group where more than one language is spoken. Several families sometimes go on holiday together, so it's possible to make a small group of children at about the same level. 

Sometimes children are at a different level to their parents or brothers and sisters, meaning it's difficult to ski together. Or a family may wish to ski together for most of the week, but the children will still benefit from learning better technique in a few private lessons.

Some children want to continue through the ESF star system, without doing group lessons.

Private Lessons in Val Thorens: Times

The times of private lessons vary, according to whether it's school holidays or not - i.e. whether it's high or low season.

Low season

Outside the school holidays, times are more flexible.

Private lessons with the ESF are available in the morning, 9-12.

(9-11 or 11-1 may be possible, too, depending on the instructor; 10-12 is not usually favoured, as the morning is generally the most popular time, and it effectively takes the instructor's whole morning for a 2 hour lesson).

Afternoons, and full days, are also options.  

High season

Private lessons may not be available in the morning, especially in the busiest weeks, as many instructors will be doing morning group lessons.

Some instructors may be able to do a private lesson on Sunday morning, and start group lessons on Monday.

With the ESF, private lessons are usually available at lunchtime (12.00-1.30, 12.30-2.00, or 12.00-2.00), or in the afternoons (2.15-4.45 in Christmas and New Year's weeks, then 2.30-5 from mid-Feburary onwards).

Private Lessons in Val Thorens: Prices

The hourly rates for private lessons vary according to whether it's high or low season, morning or afternoon, and according to the number of people.

For example, in 2026/26, the rate at the ESF is:

• €912 for 2h x 6 days, for 1-4 people, in low season and in the afternoon - €76 per hour
• €1,008 for 2h x 6 days, for 1-4 people, in high season and in the afternoon - €84 per hour

Private lessons in Val Thorens: Meeting Points

The meeting point for private lessons in Val Thorens is generally flexible, and can be outside your accommodation if the lesson starts first thing in the morning, or at a central point such as the Rond Point des Piste, if the lesson begins later in the day. 

Some of the ESF meeting points include the bottom of the Castor & Pollux magic carpets (at the Rond Point des Pistes), Montana snowgarden, and Maison de Val Thorens (in place Caron).

They can be seen, marked with a black triangle, on this resort map.

You can see some of the meeting points, and see what the central area looks like, on this annotated photo of the Rond Point des Pistes and beginners' area:

I hope you enjoy your private lessons in Val Thorens.