5 things to know before your first snowboard lesson in Val Thorens
Published on 11/12/2025 - Written by Coline
Want to swap your skis for a snowboard this winter and experience a whole new range of sensations? Or discover the pleasures of snowboarding for the first time? Val Thorens is the ideal playground!
Children, teenagers and adults alike can try their hand at this exhilarating sport with our group or private snowboard lessons. But before you get started, here are 5 things you need to know to make sure your experience on the slopes is a pleasure!
1/ Is snowboarding more difficult than skiing?
Snowboarding is reputed to be more difficult to learn than skiing, but the reality is more nuanced. It's true that, as a general rule, balance is easier to master on a pair of skis than on a snowboard.
Initially, you'll need to be patient to get the hang of the two-footed position. But once you've got the hang of it, snowboarding has the advantage of guaranteeing faster progress, and is particularly satisfying for beginners!
Initially, you'll need to be patient to get the hang of the two-footed position. But once you've got the hang of it, snowboarding has the advantage of guaranteeing faster progress, and is particularly satisfying for beginners!
2/ There is no ideal age to start snowboarding
Contrary to popular belief, snowboarding can be learned at any age! Children, teenagers and adults, whether they ski or have never tried winter sports before, can all learn this wonderful discipline.
Driven by a thirst for learning and the pleasure of discovering new sensations, you'll love getting out on the board, whatever your age. In Val Thorens, we offer snowboard lessons for children aged 7 and over.
Driven by a thirst for learning and the pleasure of discovering new sensations, you'll love getting out on the board, whatever your age. In Val Thorens, we offer snowboard lessons for children aged 7 and over.
Children and teenagers: learn to snowboard at your own pace3/ Opt for suitable snow equipment
To get the most out of your snowboard lessons, you'll also need the right equipment. So, as well as a board suited to your height, weight and ability, which is available for hire in our resort, we recommend that you bring a helmet, suitable protective gear to avoid injuring yourself in the first few falls, and clothing that is warm, breathable and waterproof.
4/ Snowboard lessons, the key to making good progress
While some people may be tempted to start snowboarding on their own, taking lessons with a qualified instructor is still the best way to progress. Whether you opt for a private or group lesson, your instructor will be able to guide you step by step, giving you sound, personalised advice on technique and the moves you need to master. In this way, you can quickly gain confidence and ensure effective progress.
5/ When snowboarding, think safety and have fun!
As with skiing, safety is paramount when snowboarding. Respecting users and the right of way, controlling speed, knowing how to fall... Starting out with an instructor will teach you the basic rules for safe riding on the slopes.
So while we recommend that you don't rush things and that you take care when you start learning to snowboard, don't forget the pleasure of riding. When you're just starting out, the key is to have fun: it's the driving force behind pushing yourself to the limit in complete safety!
So while we recommend that you don't rush things and that you take care when you start learning to snowboard, don't forget the pleasure of riding. When you're just starting out, the key is to have fun: it's the driving force behind pushing yourself to the limit in complete safety!
Our adult snowboard lessons for all levels