At the beginning of each winter we run a series of pre-season clinics in conjuction with Pat Zimmer (founder of Top Ski Ski School) and Peter Hardy (Britain's most infomed ski writer). Everyone no matter how good you are needs to scrape off the rust after 6 months absence from the slopes and November is the ideal time for it, instead of using your precious holiday time to tune up why not take a few days away from the city life and put in some basic training in a fun informal atmoshpere which will leave you ready and fit for the rest of the season ahead.

WHAT’S INVOLVED?

The idea is to give your technique a full  ‘service’ before the actual ski season gets underway. Instead of spending the first few days of your annual holiday getting back to where you ended the last one, you immediately move forward.

Depending on your skiing level, the “service” may take the form of a little fine tuning-or a complete engine overhaul! Precise attention is paid to each individual’s needs throughout the whole course.  The courses are very intensive, but extremely enjoyable. One client described his week as “definitely a ski course rather than a ski holiday - and as a result, I am really going to enjoy the latter far more than I would have done otherwise”

HOW GOOD SHOULD YOU BE?

The minimum level is to be able to ski parallel down a blue run with confidence and to be prepared to tackle red runs with enthusiasm. However, most participants are red run skiers who are stuck on what is aptly called the’ intermediate plateau’ - they can get down most slopes in a fashion, but they are not improving. To move forward you need expert help. We also have skiers who have reached a more advanced stage but want to refine their on- and off-piste technique.

WHAT OTHER CATEGORIES OF SKIERS COME TO THE CLINICS?

We are also contacted each year by two other categories : - nervous skiers, people who have mastered the basic skills, but lack the confidence to progress and  skiers who want to return to the sport after injury.

The instructors' many years of experience in these areas means that they understand these special requirements. The return to skiing and the enjoyment of it can involve either mental or physical adjustment – or both. With the right instruction skiers can adapt their technique to give them the confidence they need.

WHAT AGE IS EVERYBODY?

Skiing is the ultimate leveller. We have had clients aged from 16 to 75 and they come from all walks of life. Whether you come alone, with a partner, or with a group of like-minded friends, you’ll find  that the convivial atmosphere is part of what makes the whole experience of the Ski Clinics so enjoyable.

A TYPICAL DAY:

Breakfast is at 7.30am and you need to be ready to leave the chalet at 8am for the 20-minute transfer by our minibus to Tignes. The glacier is reached by underground funicular and the self-service Panoramic restaurant at the top is our daily base.

The morning – approximately 9am to midday – is spent in separate groups. After a short lunch in our private room at the Panoramic the groups join together for continued exercises and video sessions during the afternoon.  It’s not all intensive technique training – during the course of the day there’s plenty of time for free skiing.

At 3.30pm we either ski to the village or  download  by the funicular. Then return to the chalets for a welcome cup of tea at 3.45pm. During the early evening each group meets at a prearranged time for video analysis of the day’s skiing over a much-needed glass or two of wine.

FULL PACKAGE ACCOMMODATION

If you book to join us on the Pre-season clinics you'll be staying in one of LE SKI’s own complex of chalets, built around a sunny courtyard with a superb outdoor hot tub in an excellent location a few minutes’ walk from the centre of Val d’Isère. All bedrooms have full ensuite facilities (bath/shower,basin,wc) and balconies. The lounge and dining areas are very spacious and comfortable with open log fireplaces. Friendly chalet staff provide a cooked breakfast, afternoon tea and a three-course dinner with unlimited wine. 

For more information or to book call 01484 548996