When should you book ski lessons? Complete guide to the best time slots

We all know that booking ski lessons, whether for yourself, your children, or a first experience on the slopes can quickly become a real challenge. With high demand in resorts, school holidays, the different types of lessons available (group lessons, private lessons, beginner sessions, full days with an instructor…) and busy schedules, it’s not always easy to know the best moment to book and be sure you’ll get exactly what you’re looking for.

This complete guide gives you all the information you need to plan ahead, choose the best time slots, and make the most of your holiday!

Why early booking matters

Peak holiday weeks

Christmas, New Year, February → Book 8–10 weeks ahead.
Private lessons → up to 3 months ahead.

January

Quiet, great snow, better availability, often lower prices.
➡️ Book 3–4 weeks ahead.

March

Sunny days, good snow, fewer crowds outside holidays.
➡️ Book 4 weeks ahead.

Off-peak weeks

Flexible schedules & calmer slopes.

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When should you book depending on the time of the winter season?

Here are some general recommendations to help you maximise your chances of getting the time slot you’re looking for or the most ideal one!

During school holidays

School holidays are the periods when everyone is most available and therefore most eager to learn to ski, especially:

Christmas and New Year holidays
February half-term
Spring holidays

The ideal booking time is therefore as early as possible, as demand is very high, at least 8 to 10 weeks in advance. For private lessons, you can even book up to 3 months ahead. Resorts such as Tignes, Val d’Isère, La Clusaz, Morzine-Avoriaz or Les Arcs often fill up very quickly.

In January: the best balance of calm, quality and price

January is often the quietest period of the season in all resorts. It’s therefore the ideal time for:

adult beginners
children discovering skiing for the first time
anyone who wants to progress without stress
enjoying more attractive prices
securing the best time slots, even at the last minute!

Booking 3 to 4 weeks in advance is usually enough during this period, but as always: the earlier, the better!

In March: ideal conditions + good availability

In March, you’ll find sunshine, softer snow, longer days and, above all, a calmer atmosphere outside the busy holiday weeks. It’s therefore the ideal time for:

skiers who want to learn or improve at a relaxed pace, without pressure
those who prefer slightly warmer weather
beginner skiers

Booking around 4 weeks in advance is usually enough during this period.

Outside school holidays (January, March, early April)

Outside school holidays, when the slopes are usually much busier, the ideal periods are January, March and early April. These are perfect if you’re looking for quieter pistes, more homogeneous groups in your group lessons, greater schedule flexibility with most time slots still available, more attractive prices and instructors with better availability. Booking as soon as you know your dates will help you secure the best time slot.

Should you book a group lesson or a private lesson?

Group lessons are perfect for children, adult beginners, those who enjoy learning in a group, or skiers who want to progress in a friendly, social atmosphere. They are organised by levels, divided into several categories (beginner, intermediate, advanced…), so everyone can find the group that suits them. Booking early ensures:

you get a spot in the right level (there’s no point joining a level that doesn’t match yours — you’ll either get bored or struggle to keep up)
you secure a morning slot, which is the most popular one

A private lesson is recommended if you are a complete beginner, if you lack confidence, want to progress faster, have specific scheduling constraints, or are looking for an instructor for your whole group! Instructors work with fixed schedules, and their availability fills up quickly, especially in high-demand resorts. Make sure to book 6 to 10 weeks in advance, particularly if you want the same instructor over multiple days.

Discover our levels

Morning: the ‘premium’ time slot

The morning remains the number one choice for most skiers:

the snow is softer and more stable
there are fewer people on the slopes — late risers haven’t arrived yet!
progression tends to be faster
children are less tired and therefore more attentive

➡️ These time slots are the first to fill up, which is why booking early is so important.

Afternoon: calmer and sometimes cheaper

The afternoon is perfect for:

older children and teenagers
adults looking to improve their technique
enjoying a more relaxed pace
taking advantage of a sometimes more attractive price, depending on the resort and the period

➡️ Availability is generally wider, especially outside school holidays.

Pricing: why does it vary so much from one resort to another?

Ski lesson prices can vary depending on several factors:

the resort (Tignes and Val d’Isère are often more expensive than, for example, La Clusaz)
the period (school holidays vs. off-peak weeks)
the type of lesson (group lessons, private lessons, full-day engagements)
the level and structure of the lesson

What’s important to remember is:
➡️ Prices tend to be more attractive in January and March
➡️ Highly sought-after resorts naturally have higher prices
➡️ Private lesson rates vary depending on demand and duration

Why book with Evolution 2?

Evolution 2, the network of ski schools and outdoor activity specialists, stands out thanks to:

its modern teaching approach, focused on progression and enjoyment
its small groups, limited to 8 students — a real advantage for children
continuous assessment, ensuring smooth and steady progress
its presence in renowned resorts such as Tignes, Val Thorens, Val d’Isère, La Clusaz…

Evolution 2 is an excellent choice for families as well as adults looking to progress in the best possible conditions!

Practical tips for stress-free booking

✔ Book as soon as your accommodation is confirmed
✔ Check lesson availability before buying your lift pass
✔ Plan even further ahead during school holiday periods
✔ In January and March, take advantage of morning slots that are still widely available
✔ For private lessons: book as early as possible
✔ Choose the right level using the school’s level descriptions
✔ Avoid last-minute bookings once you’re already in the resort

Booking your ski lessons at the right moment is the key to a successful holiday. With highly sought-after morning slots, group lessons limited to 8 students, private lessons with a dedicated instructor, and price variations between resorts, planning ahead makes all the difference. To make the most of your holiday, January and March are ideal periods: calmer, more flexible, and often more affordable.

When should you book ski lessons to get the best time slots?