Lessons (2008/09 prices)

There are three excellent ski schools in Cervinia – Scuola Di Sci Del Breuil (phone/fax 0166-940960); Scuola Di Sci Matterhorn Cervinia (phone/fax 0166-949523); and Scuola Di Sci Cervino (0166-949034, fax 0166-949885). There's also a school in Valtournenche (0166-92515 and 339-4699126.fax 0166-92430). Make arrangements at any hotel reception desk, or visit one of the schools. Ask for an English-speaking instructor.

The main ski school, and most convenient for most, is the Scuola di Sci del Cervino. Regular season prices follow.

Private lessons (low/high season) cost €34/€37 an hour for one; €44/€48 for two persons; €52/€56 an hour for three, and €57/€62 for four. (From 9 a.m. to 10 a.m.: one hour one person €31/€33 with each additional person costing €3 each extra person.)

Group lessons for skiing are from 10 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. every Monday with about five to nine skiers per group. Five days cost €150/€175 (low/high). Six days cost €155/€180. Group snowboarding lessons are 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. every Monday from four to eight people. Three days cost €110/€125. Five days cost €150/€175.

Lessons are available for cross-country, racing (six-day course), off-piste skiing and summer skiing. Groups require a minimum of five participants.