Beginner skiing: a successful apprenticeship in Val Thorens!
Published on 31/12/2025 - Written by Nadège
Val Thorens ski resort has 85 runs for all levels, 32 lifts and an uninterrupted view over the Tarentaise valley in Savoie. It's a playground that many people have been dreaming of for years!
While expert skiers indulge their passion at high altitude, beginners generally take their time learning to ski at the foot of the resort. The best way to progress smoothly and gain confidence?
While expert skiers indulge their passion at high altitude, beginners generally take their time learning to ski at the foot of the resort. The best way to progress smoothly and gain confidence?
Book ski lessons with an ESF instructor. This way, students of all ages can discover new techniques at their own pace and with complete peace of mind.
Beginner skiing: the specific needs of apprentice skiers
For the first few days, learning to ski can seem rather daunting. Skiing is anything but natural for beginners. You first have to familiarise yourself with your equipment, then find out how to handle it properly on the snow. So getting to grips with the basics inevitably starts with learning about the equipment.
Secondly, beginners learn a few basic techniques, such as snowploughing, edging and pivoting.
Secondly, beginners learn a few basic techniques, such as snowploughing, edging and pivoting.
At this stage, the personalised advice of an ESF instructor is essential, as this professional is best placed to correct mistakes before they become bad habits for the pupils. Safety instructions are also given to help avoid accidents on the slopes.
It's never too late to startSki lessons for all levels in Val Thorens
Children are usually the first to benefit from dedicated beginners' ski lessons, but more and more adults are daring to start skiing at 20, 30, 60 or more. To meet this demand, the ESF Val Thorens offers a range of courses for all beginners, whether children, teenagers or adults. This way, everyone can discover the joys of skiing in the mountains, whatever their age!
If you're interested in learning to ski, but have never had the chance to try this winter sport before, then you're very welcome. Our ski school offers a range of group and private lessons for beginners.
If you're interested in learning to ski, but have never had the chance to try this winter sport before, then you're very welcome. Our ski school offers a range of group and private lessons for beginners.
Adults in particular can opt for a "beginner morning", "beginner afternoon" or "beginner day" formula, according to their preferences. Your ESF instructor will be able to adapt to your level, whatever your difficulties.
Children, teenagers, adults: all skiers benefit with the ESF
While adults discover what they're capable of with their ESF instructor, teenagers and children also have the right to beginners' lessons. Group and private ski lessons are organised for youngsters up to the age of 17.
So, if you're planning to come to Val Thorens with your family, you can now tailor your programme to suit everyone's level. To do this, we invite you to book your ski lessons in advance of your stay, directly from our website or by telephone. Peace of mind guaranteed!
So, if you're planning to come to Val Thorens with your family, you can now tailor your programme to suit everyone's level. To do this, we invite you to book your ski lessons in advance of your stay, directly from our website or by telephone. Peace of mind guaranteed!
Courses for children and teenagers!