Discover Zermatt's ski schools
Enhance your skills and conquer the slopes!
Zermatt is a world-renowned ski destination. With its picturesque landscapes and excellent skiing conditions, it’s no wonder that ski enthusiasts flock here every season.
Whether you are a beginner looking to learn the basics or an experienced skier seeking to improve your technique, Zermatt has a range of ski schools to cater to your needs.
... even the best skiers know there's always more to learn
Why book an instructor?
There are a multitude of reasons people book a ski instructor, whether it’s your first time learning a new sport or you want to make the most of a new resort.
Learning to ski
If you are totally new to the sport then the chances are you are going to need an instructor. You may have a friend to show you the ropes, or want to give it a go yourself. But in terms of making progress, not starting your career with a load of bad habits and generally having fun and staying safe then it’s probably a good idea to find a professional to help.
Stuck in a rut
The dreaded ‘intermediate plateau’ is a thing and spending a little time with an instructor and breaking down what you are doing and working on a plan to develop can be really helpful. It might just be a half day at the start of your holiday to get some pointers or maybe the right group lesson that you can dive in and out of.
Fear
Whatever your level you can find a way of scaring yourself in the mountains! It’s not what most people choose to do, in face we largely try to avoid it. If there is something that is scaring you and creating a block in your skiing, or maybe you are coming back after an injury then a lesson with the right person can really help.
Social
Group lessons can be a great way of meeting people and having friends to ski with. This is helpful if you are travelling alone or are the only skier in your group, or are a different level to everyone else. Find a school where you can do the group lesson in the morning and meet up with friends and family for lunch and the afternoon and it doesn’t need to take over the whole holiday.
New goals and challenges
Foundations sorted, happy skiing everything? Then maybe it’s time to start on the next part of the journey. It might be time to master carving, learn to ski bumps, perfect your 360 or dip your toes into off piste. Finding an instructor or the right mountain guide to help learn is always valuable.
A guide for the day
Maybe you want someone who knows the area to show you around at the start of the week. Especially somewhere like Zermatt where when you first look at the piste map it’s a little overwhelming!
Don’t want to think!
This could even be for the whole week! If you don’t want to have to think about where the good snow is, how to avoid the crowds, which restaurant to book (yes, you definitely need to book) and how to get the most skiing in before it’s time to head for lunch then having an instructor as your guide & concierge for the week is a way to properly relax and indulge in the ski holiday experience!
Are all instructors/schools the same?
When deciding who to ski with, there are a few factors to consider:
Cost
There is something available for most budgets. You may want to book into a group lesson or just choose the odd half day. Also check what each school offers, some charge for extra people in private lessons which can add up if there are lots of you.
Language
Do you have a preference as to what language you are taught in? If you want to be taught in your native language then make sure you ask for that and keep looking around the options to find the right person.
Experience
Like in all jobs some people have been doing it longer than others! It doesn’t alway make them better (see post on the right instructor) but is worth bearing in mind when it comes to looking for someone
Availability
The winter is relatively short, Zermatt is one of those places people come back to year on year and they may book the same instructor each year, so people get booked. If you know you are headed out to the Alps and know you want a lesson then we’d recommend you look into it in good time and get something booked up.
One thing is certain – you’re in for an unforgettable experience on the slopes of Zermatt. So, pack your gear, book your lessons, and get ready to embark on a skiing adventure in this Alpine paradise!
