First turns, big smiles.

The snow garden, three children at most around the instructor, no lift and no lift pass. We play first, we ski after.

We start by playing.

Between 3 and 5, a child discovers the snow before discovering skiing. The lesson takes place in the snow garden, a fenced area with its own magic carpet, next to the slopes. The instructor plays before teaching: the snowplough turns up on its own, halfway round a course.

There is no lift and no lift pass at this stage. On the last day the child leaves with a medal and a progress book, just like the older ones.

Three children at most.
Petit Ours takes three pupils maximum. At this age, that is the number that lets the instructor look after each of them.
No lift, no pass.
Everything happens in the snow garden, on the magic carpet. You have no lift pass to buy for this level.
Bilingual instructors.
French and English in every resort, often a third language. A child who understands what is being asked will try it.

Five or six days, mornings or afternoons: the shape of the week is chosen when you book, depending on the resort and the season.

Choosing the lesson.

At this age there is one level in ski and one in snowboard. If your child has skied before, the instructor says so at the first session and suggests the level above. Not sure? Take the level test.

Ski group lessons

Petit Ours, in the snow garden, three children at most.

Snow Bear

3 to 5 years old

Who for. Never skied

Goal. Slide in balance, move around on skis and discover the snowplough. Use the magic carpet.

Snowboard group lessons

Mini Rider, from 3 to 5, in the resorts that offer it.

Mini Rider

from 3 years old

Who for. From 3 years old. Never snowboarded

Goal. Snowboard basics: one-foot, falling leaf and side-slipping.

Private lesson

Ski or snowboard, from age 2.

An instructor just for them.

An hour is often enough at an age when attention is short. It is also the only way to start before 3, and the easiest option when a child would rather keep a parent in sight.

All about the private lesson

Add-ons

So the day lasts longer than the lesson.

Kids ClubChildcare and snow games around the children's group lessons.

Lunch ClubThe perfect midday break for hungry little skiers, so mum and dad can enjoy a full day on the slopes.

Beyond the piste.

Adaptive skiing welcomes the youngest too.

Adaptive skiingMaking snowsports accessible to everyone.

Good to know.

What is included
The lesson, the medal and the progress book on the last day. The instructor's insurance.
What to bring
A helmet, gloves, goggles and sun cream. No lift pass for Petit Ours, and warm clothes: they are outside even when they are not moving.
The meeting point
At the snow garden of your resort, ten minutes before the lesson. The exact spot is on the resort page and in your confirmation.
If you have to cancel
Free of charge up to seven days before the first lesson, then under our terms and conditions.

From what age?

From 3 in a group lesson, from 2 in a private lesson. Some resorts start at 4.

Do I have to stay with them?

No. You drop them off at the meeting point and pick them up in the same place. The first few minutes are easier when the parent is not in sight.

What if they cry?

The instructor handles it, it is common on the first morning. If a child really does not want to, the instructor says so and we look for another format, usually a private lesson.

Is a lift pass needed?

Not for Petit Ours: the snow garden has no ski lift. A pass becomes necessary at the next level.

What equipment is needed?

Skis and boots in their size, plus a helmet. You can rent all of it at Rentals in your resort, fitted on the spot.

What language is the lesson in?

French and English in every resort. Depending on the resort, also Dutch, Italian or Spanish. Tell us which one when you book.

A question before you book?Email the school in your resort