We Tried Tandem Ski for You: An Afternoon in La Plagne

I tried tandem skiing for you, and spoiler alert: it's unforgettable. Experiencing the joys of skiing when you don't want to or can't ski yourself is entirely possible, and OxySki has everything covered to make it happen.

Getting Settled

Dressed warmly in my ski suit and snow boots, I take my place in the snug seat for an adventure I didn't quite expect. One of our instructors in La Plagne is my pilot for the afternoon and talks me through the chair's features. Made by Tessier, it's mounted on skis, with the instructor attached at the feet and also at the chest, in case of emergency braking.

Under blue skies in the cool winter air, we start our first turns on a green run. The first sensations are very pleasant, though you do have to let go and accept that someone else is steering. Once I felt confident, I started to relax and enjoy the ride.

Up and Down the Mountain

As with any beginner skier or snowboarder, the lifts are always a little daunting. As a tandem skier, you let yourself be guided by the instructor and the lift's technical teams: my pilot sets the chair in the best possible position, and I find myself a little further forward than usual, but very comfortable on the chairlift.

Getting off the chairlift is just as straightforward, with a couple of moves from the instructor to put the tandem ski back in its inclined position, and we're off. A gentle push sends the tandem down the snowy slope, and that's when the magic happens: the fresh air on my face and the sensation of speed take over. Best of all, you don't get tired, you just enjoy the scenery.

As If You Were There!

You glide smoothly over the snow, every turn a dance with the mountain. It's an experience where the adrenaline sits perfectly alongside the ease of it all, an effortless adventure and a unique way to enjoy the mountains without worrying about technique.

Even in the middle of skiers hurtling down the slopes, the instructor weaves through with impressive agility, between moving people, with striking precision. At times you might fear a collision, but everything is fully under control, and it's simply a brilliant experience.

It was a fantastic afternoon for me, and I have nothing but good memories of it. Whether you're an adrenaline seeker or prefer a gentle outing, tandem skiing appeals to a wide range of people: with an instructor by your side, it adapts perfectly to what you need.

If the idea of skiing has always appealed to you but felt out of reach, or you want to relive old sensations on snow, tandem skiing is exactly what you're looking for.

Try Tandem Skiing

Tandem skiing is available in Val d'Isère, Tignes, La Rosière, La Plagne, Courchevel, Méribel, Val Thorens and Les Menuires. To check the conditions at your resort, the simplest way is to get in touch with the school that will be hosting you.

Discover tandem skiing and rediscover the magic of the mountains, together.