SNOWBOARD LESSONS: GROUP VS PRIVATE LESSONS

You’ve booked your snowboard holiday, maybe even got a new board, but what’s next?

Progressing your snowboarding skills!

Whether you are learning to snowboard as a total beginner, progressing your skills, or just needing a confidence boost, snowboard lessons are beneficial for everyone. There is always something to learn and to perfect at every level. Snowboard coaching can completely change the dynamic of your holiday. Some time with a professional instructor can quickly turn it from a frustrating week on the slopes to complete snowboard addiction and a passion to be enjoyed for the rest of your life. Getting home from a day on the mountain where you might have confidently ridden your first blue run without falling, landed your first 360 or ridden your first couloir, you really can’t beat that exhilarating feeling of progressing!

Ok so you’ve decided to take some snowboard lessons, but which is right for you – Group or Private Lessons?

GROUP LESSONS

Starting with group snowboard lessons, what are they all about and what are their pros & cons? 

• Learning in a group is a fun way to progress and allow you to meet new people who are at the same stage with their snowboarding. The feeling of learning within a team creates a super fun atmosphere. 
• Group lessons are a more affordable way of learning. 
• Look out for a school offering small group sizes. At MINT Snowboard School we offer small groups of up to 6 people so there’s still a very personal approach to our group courses. 
• Not all schools offer group lessons at intermediate and advanced levels (MINT does with our intermediate / advanced Technical Performance & Off Piste courses).

PRIVATE LESSONS

What is there to know about private snowboard lessons? 

• When you choose private lessons the lessons are tailored to your individual requirements, allowing you to focus your coaching time on the skills you are wanting to progress. 
• You will have the instructors full attention and the lessons can be adapted to suit your learning style.
• Generally progression is quicker in private lessons.
• You can develop your skills at your own pace, so no being held back by others nor struggling to keep up with the group.
• They allow for total flexibility with lessons times / days. 
• They are the more expensive option. However private lessons can be shared, and the cost split, between a group of friends.

A MIX?!

A mix of both private and group lessons might suit you best? If you’ve had a break from snowboarding, why not book a private lesson on your first day. Being with an instructor on your first day back on the slopes will allow you to regain confidence and find your legs much quicker. Starting a group the following day will be much easier with some new-found confidence!

Alternatively, a private lesson at the end of your group course can allow you to focus more time and attention on whichever skills you are wanting to continue strengthening. After a week of group lessons where you have grown your balance and board skills you might want to book a private and have your first run through the Avoriaz snowpark!

WHERE TO TAKE YOUR LESSONS?

Here in the Portes du Soleil we are spoiled for choice, we really do have a slope which is perfect for everyone. If you’re undecided on which resort is for you, here’s a brief guide:

Leaning in Morzine

• Great slopes for beginners and intermediates
• A magic carpet on the beginners area
• Family friendly and easily accessed from Morzine town centre
• Lots of beautiful gentle tree runs 
• Fantastic on slope restaurants
• A piste back to Morzine town
• Plenty of steeper red and black runs for those who like the challenge
• Lower in altitude so can get soft at certain times of the season

⇨ For beginner lessons, families and learner levels, Morzine is definitely for you!

Learning in Les Gets

• Great slopes for beginners and intermediates
• A magic carpet on the beginners area and a fantastic green run with chairlift to progress on to
• Very family friendly with a kids specific adventure run called Le Grand Cry
• Home to one of Europe’s few permanent boardercross courses
• Slopes are easily accessed from Les Gets town centre
• Lots of beautiful gentle tree runs 
• A piste back to Les Gets town
• Steeper red and black runs on the Mt Chery side

⇨ Les Gets is a great family resort but also with something to give everyone a great weeks boarding.

Learning in Avoriaz

• Huge amount of pistes can be accessed from Avoriaz, including Chatel & the Swiss side of the Portes du Soleil
• Higher in altitude – better conditions at certain times of the season
• Awesome snow parks + The Burton Stash
• Lots of lift accessed off piste for more advanced riders
• The Lil’ Stash Avoriaz – a great kids snowpark in the trees (also fun for adults too!). Take your kids here and they wont want to go anywhere else all week!
• Fun apres-ski scene 
• If you are staying in Morzine it is further to travel to get to the slopes

⇨ For freestyle and off piste coaching, Avoriaz is definitely the place!!

WHAT IS BEST FOR YOU?

There are some plenty things to think about when booking snowboard lessons: What do you want to get from the coaching, although no need to have specific goals? What location suits you best regarding where you are staying? What is your confidence level? Would you be better suited to 1-on-1 coaching or do you learn better with others in a team environment? What is your budget? Make sure you choose a reputable ski school who will take time to discuss all these options with you upon booking. At MINT Snowboard School we can help you choose the lessons that are best suited for you and tailor these so you get the most out of your time on the slopes!