Lessons (2008/09 prices)

All of the area’s resorts have excellent instructors who teach Alpine skiing, cross-country and snowboarding. There are more than 140 in Val Thorens. Val Thorens has four different ski schools. The French Ski School or E.S. F. (479 00 02 86), Pro-Neige (479 01 07 00), Ski Cool (479 00 04 92) and Ski School International (479 00 01 96).

At the French Ski School, ski and snowboard private lessons for one or two people are €40 per afternoon hour and €47 for a morning hour. In high season, they are €44 per afternoon hour and €60 for a morning hour.

Group lessons for skiing with lift pass (age 12 and older) cost €272.50 for six mornings, €257.50 for six afternoons and €334.50 for six full days.

Children’s lessons (age 4 to 12 ) cost €133 for six mornings, €99 for six afternoons and €271 for six full days with meals (€186 for six full days without meals).

Snowboarding lessons cost €142 for six mornings or €127 six afternoons.

For boarders looking for a guide, the ski school forms groups that ski all day Monday through Friday. The cost for the full week group of four people is €292 (€340 in high season).