WHERE TO SKI
CHOOSING THE RIGHT LESSON LOCATION
For a seamless start to your day on the slopes, let us help you find the best location to take lessons in relation to your chalet.
1
From our central Morzine chalets, you’re just a short walk from both main lift stations, giving you easy access to either side of the valley and plenty of lunch spots. For guests staying in Morzine, we recommend taking lessons on the Pleney side, which offers the best access and facilities for learners.
2
Montriond offers quick and easy access to the slopes via the Ardent lift. Chalet Meuniers guests benefit from our private chauffeur service to and from the Ardent lift which is the closest and most convenient option. The Montriond ski school operates in the Lindarets Bowl at the top of the lift, a safe, well-designed area that’s perfect for learners and our top recommendation for guests staying in Montriond.
3
Quick access to the snow-sure pistes of Avoriaz 1800, the ‘plateau’ is a great place for children staying in Chalet Atelier to learn. Quick access to the cable car and on the main bus line in case you need to pop back to Chalet Atelier.
PRIVATE vs GROUP
This is how we see it, in the context of the chalets that we run.
Private (and small group) |
Group |
|
| + Choose your instructor | – Can’t choose your instructor | |
| + Can sometimes change meeting place | – Fixed meeting places | |
| + Smaller classes resulting in quicker progression | – Larger classes, though can be more social | |
| – More expensive | + Less expensive |
Private Ski Lessons
Private lessons are the fastest and most effective way to progress on the mountain. Whether you’re a complete beginner or looking to refine your technique, a great instructor can make all the difference. We work closely with a handful of excellent owner-run ski schools in Morzine and Avoriaz — small teams who offer a truly personal, tailored experience.
Recommended Private Ski Instructors
We highly recommend the following independent schools and instructors:
Ski Beyond – Small, friendly team specialising in tailored private coaching.
Bill Ski – Expert, patient, and brilliant with confidence-building for all ages.
Pulse Snowsports – High-level technical instruction with a personal touch.
Each of these schools has 1–4 instructors, meaning you’ll receive consistent, individual attention throughout your sessions.
Off-Piste Guiding
For those wanting to explore the backcountry safely, we recommend:
Paddy Morris – Fully qualified off-piste and mountain guide offering avalanche-aware coaching and unforgettable powder experiences.
Snowboarding Lessons:
Whether you’re strapping on a board for the first time or looking to advance your freestyle, carving or off-piste skills, expert coaching makes a huge difference. Morzine and Avoriaz are home to some of the best independent snowboard schools in the Alps, and we work closely with a few trusted partners who consistently get brilliant feedback from our guests.
Recommended Snowboard Schools
Gypsy Snowboarding – Rider-focused coaching with a friendly, personal feel. Gypsy are especially strong with progression for beginners through to intermediate/advanced riders.
REAL Snowboarding – A fantastic team of highly qualified instructors with a relaxed, modern coaching style. Great for confidence building, technique progression and freestyle sessions.
MINT Snowboarding – One of the most established snowboard schools in Morzine, known for their excellent teaching standards and wide range of lesson formats.
These schools all focus on snowboard-specific instruction, ensuring you learn from true specialists rather than generalist instructors.
Faster, smoother progression
Correct technique right from the start
Coaching tailored to freestyle, carving or off-piste
Great for mixed-ability groups and returning riders
MORZINE SKI SCHOOL
LE MANOIR, COLIBRI UNO & PENTHOUSE, GRAND SAPIN, PETIT CHAM & IBEX
MORZINE SKI SCHOOL RECOMMENDATIONS
CHILDREN’S SKI SCHOOL
(4 YEARS +)
Let us introduce you to ESF Morzine, one of the most established and trusted ski schools in the resort. ESF offers an excellent programme for children and is a popular choice with many of our guests looking for a structured, confidence-building introduction to skiing.
Groups typically range from 6–10 children, depending on level and week
English-speaking instructors who are highly experienced in teaching young skiers
A well-organised weekly programme at a competitive price
Throughout the week, children work toward ESF’s recognised progress levels. At the end of their course, they may be awarded a badge and certificate if they meet the level criteria. If you would prefer for your child not to be part of the level-assessment system, we recommend choosing private lessons instead.
ESF Morzine Contact Details
T. +33 4 50 79 12 13
E. info@esf-morzine.com
W. https://www.esf-morzine.com
If you have early lessons and would like breakfast between 07:30 – 08:30, please let your host know the night before. Meal times can be adjusted by around 30 minutes if your group prefers.
GETTING TO THE MEETING POINT
Meeting Point
Lessons meet at the bottom of Le Pleney Telecabine, where the ESF office is located. This is around 300m from Grand Sapin and very easy to find. ESF will provide full directions, and your chalet hosts will also be happy to guide you on the best route.
Some ski schools, such as ESF, will meet on the first day at their office, which is located opposite the bottom of Le Pleney Telecabine. They will then provide details of where the meeting point will be for the rest of the week. Normally, this is at the top of Le Pleney telecabine.
MONTRIOND SKI SCHOOL
MEUNIERS, CHAUMINE, ALBA
MONTRIOND SKI SCHOOL RECOMMENDATIONS
CHILDREN’S SKI SCHOOL
(3.5 YEARS +)
Let us introduce you to ESF ski School in the Linderts bowl (at the top of the Ardent lift). A handy meeting location for guests in our Montriond chalets with a well-established ski school.
A huge variety of different classes for ages and abilities, including kids club
Instructors who speak English and are all very experienced at teaching children.
Small group sizes of up to 8 children.
Great value for money!
The meeting point for the ESF private lessons, Ski School and daycare is at ‘The Linderts Bowl’ at the top of the Ardent lift. There is more information on how to get to the location from your chalet in the next drop-down box below.
If you have booked ski school and therefore would like a 07:30 – 08:30 breakfast please let your host know the night before? All meals are flexible by 30 mins either way if the group wishes.
ESF MONTRIOND ››
If you choose ski school and are staying in one of our Sunday – Sunday chalets please be sure to make sure that lessons start on a Monday since Monday will be your first day on the mountain.
GETTING TO THE MEETING POINT
ESF Montriond is located in the Liderets Bowel, directly accessed via the Ardent lift.
Upon arriving in the Linderts bowl, you will see immediately to your right-hand side a cluster of chalets within which are:
Club Piou Piou: For the little ones and ski school
ESF chalet: For all other adult and private lessons
PRODAINS/AVORIAZ SKI SCHOOL
CHALET ATELIER
AVORIAZ SKI SCHOOL RECOMMENDATIONS
CHILDREN’S SKI SCHOOL
(4 YEARS +)
Let us introduce you to NewGen Ski School. Highly recommended by previous guests, this is a dynamic ski school, well-equipped to accommodate children of all ages and abilities.
A huge variety of different classes for ages and abilities.
Instructors who speak English and are all very experienced at teaching children.
Small group sizes of 2-8 children.
All children receive a certificate and badge at the end of week ceremony.
A great price too!
The meeting point for the NewGen Ski School is at ‘The Plateau’ in Avoriaz. There is more information on how to get to the plateau from your chalet in the next drop-down box below.
T.+44 1462 674 000
E. info@skinewgen.co.uk
NEW GENERATION ››
If you have booked ski school and therefore would like a 07:30 – 08:30 breakfast, please let your host know the night before. All meals are flexible by 30 mins either way if the group wishes.
If you choose ski school and are staying in one of our Sunday – Sunday chalets please be sure to make sure that lessons start on a Monday since Monday will be your first day on the mountain.
GETTING TO THE MEETING POINT
Avoriaz Alpine ski school start on Monday so are great as your holiday runs from Sunday to Sunday.
ESF starts on Sunday and meet at the top of the cable car.
Avoriaz Alpine Ski School and Evolution 2 ski schools meet at the Plateau. To get to the Plateau, one simply takes the chair lift up next to the cable car. Avoriaz Alpine Ski School have a video showing the way here!
If it is your time on the snow and the chair lift does not look like your cup of tea then we recommend taking a horse-drawn cart! This was recommended to us by our guests. One simply arrives at the top of the cable car, picks up the free-to-use phone in the phone box and just like calling a cab, one appears; the cost is around €10.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
When should I book lessons?
We recommend booking your ski lessons as soon as you’ve confirmed your chalet — especially if you’re travelling during peak weeks (Christmas, New Year, February half-term or Easter).
These weeks book up very quickly, and availability can become limited for both group and private lessons.
You’re welcome to book directly with the ski school, or if you’d like us to arrange lessons on your behalf, simply let us know well in advance of your stay so we can secure the best options for your group.
Booking early means:
Better choice of lesson times
More flexibility with instructors
Availability for children’s groups (which sell out first)
Less stress closer to your holiday
If you’re unsure which lessons are right for you, we’re always happy to offer advice before you book.
What do I need to bring to my lessons?
For Children
Children should arrive with everything adults need, plus a few kid-specific essentials:
Helmet (mandatory for all children’s lessons)
Warm, waterproof gloves (consider sending a spare pair on colder weeks)
Goggles fitted properly for their face
Layers: thermals, fleece, waterproof outerwear
Lift pass (unless the ski school has confirmed they don’t need one for beginner areas)
Snack for mid-lesson breaks if the ski school allows it
Name label inside jackets/helmets for younger children
Contact number for parent/guardian (given to the instructor if required)
For very young skiers (4–6 years), it’s a good idea to bring:
Tissues
Hand warmers (optional)
A small treat for the end of the lesson
For Adults
Make sure you arrive at your lesson with:
Lift pass (essential — you won’t be able to access the slopes without it)
Skis, boots, poles / snowboard & boots
Helmet (strongly recommended, required for snowboard lessons)
Your ski school confirmation (on your phone is fine)
Weather-appropriate clothing: waterproof jacket & trousers, thermal layers, ski socks
Gloves, goggles, and neck warmer
Sunscreen (even on cloudy days)
A small bottle of water
Your ski school confirmation (on your phone is fine)
If you’re renting equipment, allow extra time before your first lesson to get fitted properly.
What if my stay is only 3-4 nights
Children’s group ski school runs as a set weekly programme, so it isn’t available for short breaks. If you’re staying for just 3 or 4 nights, the best options are:
Private lessons (1:1 or shared with family/friends)
Private group lessons tailored to your ability and schedule
These options offer maximum flexibility, can be booked for any day of your stay, and often provide faster progression — ideal for short trips.
If you’re unsure what to book, just let us know your dates and goals and we’ll recommend the best format for you.
What if snow conditions change?
Ski schools in Morzine and Avoriaz handle changing snow conditions extremely well. In the rare event that lessons need to move to a different area for better snow, the ski school will organise everything, including confirming the new meeting point and providing any logistical guidance you need.
You don’t need to worry — they manage this smoothly and will keep you fully informed of any changes. Just follow their instructions and arrive at the updated meeting point, and your lesson will run as normal.
