Lessons (2008/09 prices)

Here is a complete list of ski schools in the area.

The Val d’Isère French Ski School boasts Jean-Claude Killy as its technical adviser. Its ski instructors are among the most qualified in the world: three former world champions and many members of the national ski team serve on the staff. In total, there are 300 instructors including 19 mountain guides who can teach any level of skier, from the basic beginner to the Olympic caliber racer. English is spoken by many of the instructors. (If required, ask for an English-speaking instructor.)

French Ski School (ESF) offices are in the Village Center (479 06 02 34) and in La Daille shopping center (479 06 09 99).

Private lessons: A lesson lasting from 1-2:30 p.m. for one to four skiers costs €64. A lesson lasting from 1:30-2:30 p.m. for one to four skiers costs €42. Instructors or guides can be hired during high season for the full day for €320 for up to four people and €368 for five and €390 for six skiers or more.

Group lessons: Courses cost €378 for six full days of lessons, which run from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and from 2:30 p.m. to 5 p.m.; a full day is €72.50; a morning lesson is €48 and an afternoon lesson is €34.50.

La Plagne, Les Arcs and La Rosière/La Thuile for expeditions.

Snowboarding lessons: Group lessons in the Eagle Snowboard Club are from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and from 2:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. A full day is €540; a morning lesson is €34 and an afternoon lesson is €27.50.

There are several other ski schools and guide organizations. Instructors are bilingual, speaking English and French. Sign up with the English section of Snow Fun, the largest non-EFS school, at the Solaise Gallery (479 06 19 79). Altimanya Ski School special-izes in moguls, Alpine Experience focuses on powder instruction, Surf Rider Club is a snowboard school and Top Ski has instruction in extreme skiing.

Cross-country skiing and snowshoe outings cost €27.50 for an afternoon; €132 for five afternoons and €143.50 for six afternoons.

There are also powder skiing lessons for a six-day course and day trips to La Plagne, Les Arcs and La Rosière/La Thuile for expeditions. Heliskiing is also offered. The helicopter drops you into Italy for backcountry skiing.