Snowbizz Ski School
Snowbizz Ski School
When Snowbizz directors, Michel and Wendy, put Elodie, their daughter, into ski school it started well but at 4 years of age she had a bad experience and dramatically refused to ever ski again!
Not wishing to see other children put off skiing at such a tender age they looked at how they could turn this around and the Snowbizz Ski School was born.
Michel personally picks the team of qualified instrcutors that we use throughout the season.
Our A team is who we use every week and our B team is comprised of additional instructors
we add into the mix on our busier weeks.
Our team of fully qualified ski instructors ensure that whatever your ski level, your progression is rapid but smooth, in the friendly atmosphere of small classes maximum 8 people. All the instructors speak fluent English and are regulary tested. We understand that the right childcare staff and instructor can make the difference between a good or exceptional ski school experience which is why Michel personally oversees everything every day.
At the time of your booking Sarah and Jo will ask for any information on ski abilities which
is then fed to resort to help Michel and the technical director of the ESF to place them in the
correct classes. All our instrctors carry radios in each lesson, this means there is easy
movement between the classes, we don’t wait until the end of the class to make changes, it’s
done during the class. We want to make sure every child is treated as an individual and that
they get the most out of their ski lessons.
Snowbizz directors, Michel and Elodie, are always available before and after any lessons to answer any questions or reassure you about you or your child’s progress. Being so hands on is why we have so many repeat bookings and receive so many recommendations – we guarantee you won’t be disappointed!
Children’s Ski School
All the children are assessed on the first morning and re-assessed on an on-going basis. At the end of the week we celebrate all their hard work in our ‘Awards Ceremony’.
All skiing children start their day with Elodie and the childcare team in either the crèche
or our Snowbizz lounge which is located on piste at snow level of the apartment building. We make learning fun and ensure that every child has a really positive experience, especially so if it’s their first time.
All the children are assessed on the first morning and re-assessed on an on-going basis. At the
end of the week we celebrate all their hard work in our ‘Awards Ceremony’ where every
child who has been in lessons will receive a badge and badgebook.
Toton Ski School 3-4 years
9am – 1pm x 6 Days
Totons are our youngest skiers aged 3 to 4 years. They start their day in our crèche from 9am where they’ll have 30 minutes to play before getting ready for their lesson.
One of our qualified nannies will then walk them up to the Toton garden and stay with them
for the one hour lesson with their instructor. With our youngest skiers, our ratio is 5 children
to 1 instructor and nanny, if we have more than 5 then we’ll have 2 instructors to ensure they
get the most out of their lesson.
This is where we work our magic and by the end of the week even the most reluctant three year old is enjoying learning to ski for the first time. After their lesson they’ll be walked back down to have a snack and then enjoy playtime in the creche. The Totons will be ready to be collected at 1pm or afternoon creche can be booked if required.
Junior Ski School 5-13 years
9:30am – 1pm x 6 Days
Junior Ski School classes are for ages 5 to 13 years, beginners through to Gold *. Juniors can
be dropped off in the Snowbizz lounge from 9.30am with our Junior Kids Reps. We have an
indoor area with different games and activities as well as a large outdoor area where we play
big team games and on snowy days, it’s where we hold snowball fights. In the hour and a half
before their lesson we’ll have a range of activities planned, we’ll make sure they have some
water and go to the loo. When they’re ready our Junior Kids Reps will walk them up to
outside the ESF Office to meet their instructors at 11am to go to their lesson. Pick up is 1pm
back outside the ESF Office, Michel will be there and instructors will stick around too to
speak to parents and make sure everyone is happy. Instructors will happily give guidance on
what each child needs to work on as well as suggesting ski runs to try or avoid for the
afternoon.
Why is our Junior Ski School so successful? Firstly our class sizes are small with no more
than 8 children per class. Our instructors have the perfect mix of making sure lessons are fun
alongside learning new technique to progress in their skiing abilities. The lessons are for two
hours, 6 days a week and are constantly monitored by Michel who is in radio contact
throughout the lesson checking everyone is happy. We never hold anyone back – movement
between classes is a normal part of our process, we never wait until the end of the lesson to
move someone.
Gold Star level and above
When children have reached their Gold Star but would still like to take part in lessons the ESF do have a range of competition classes available, typically these run during the school holidays.
At the time of booking if this is something you’d like for your child please speak to Sarah and Jo and
they will try and arrange this with Michel in France. If we have enough children who would
like to take part we’ll run this alongside our normal Junior Ski School. If it’s only for one
child, we’ll get them booked into a class with French children BUT we’ll make sure it’s an
instructor we work with and who speaks fluent English.