Welcome to Progression Ski and Snowboard School

Ken - Progression Ski "It can be cold but it's quiet so, if you don't mind the cold, its great. There is always a bit of excitement when the World Cup is in town which is always at this time of the season."

Lucy from Le Chardon Mountain Lodges says "This depends on your personal preferences. Basically if you come in December or January then it will probably be colder but the snow will be better. February is busy with half terms whilst March and April are warmer but the snow can be slushier particularly later in the day on the lower runs. If you want to ski during early or late season pick a higher resort where there will be more snow."

Many people find that they are stuck on a plateau. What many people forget is that there is more to skiing than technique. By using tactical, psychological and technical input I am sure that we can make a difference to your ski-ing.

With a slightly wider stance we adopt a more natural position that is more comfortable and balanced. If you stand with your feet together and I try and push you over it will be a much easier than if you have your feet apart. Modern skis are designed to turn rather than previously when we used to have to force the turn. If we set the ski up correctly we let the ski do the work for us.

Many people like yourself don't want the restrictions of group lessons. What might be good are our clinics for stronger skiers. They run for two or three afternoons with a maximum of six people in the group. The clinics are great fun and a really good way to gain some great experience and to move up to the next level.

Anders- Black Cats Snowboard Shop "As a beginner snowboarder wrist guards are a must. In a recent study wrist guards were shown to reduce the likelihood of fractures by 50%. Wrist guards can rarely be rented so purchase them when you arrive in resort."

Ken- Progression "With the advent of highly supportive plastic boots and the use of traditional alpine skis telemarking is significantly easier than it used to be. A reasonable parallel skier, who takes a telemark lesson or clinic, should be making reasonable tele turns within one lesson."

The equipment is lighter, the sensation of speed is greater, it only takes a small amount of powder to make every turn a head shot and, very importantly, it looks great.

Henry - Henrys Avalanche Talks "Quite simply it is as dangerous as you want to make it. Simple pitches are just as safe as the piste whilst steeper snow laden pitches can be very dangerous. The greatest danger of all is ignorance so we would always recommend going with an instructor or guide who can provide you with the appropriate equipment and educate you as to how they work. The instructor can take you to appropriate safe pitches educating you in off piste etiquette as well as the conditions. My Avalanche Talks are both informative and fun if you are intrigued or interested."

No. Skiing off piste does throw more challenges at you but with modern equipment, making off piste significantly easier, parallel skiers can all enjoy off piste. Be warned that just because you can ski parallel doesn't mean that you should ski off piste. You should always initially ski off piste with instructors or guides.

For people who skateboard or wakeboard snowboarding is probably a bit easier than skiing initially. Be warned that in the first couple of days snowboarders will undoubtedly fall more often but will then link a few turns and be up and away. Skiing is significantly easier than it used to be but the learning curve is probably more constant and steady rather than initially tricky followed by a steep improvement curve.

There are many reasons why a four hour lesson works better than other time periods. Most kids are fitter and stronger than you might think so a four hour session is never really a problem. During the holiday periods the lessons will start a few minutes late because of late arrivals, there are often queues, there will undoubtedly be a hot chocolate and/or toilet break so quickly the actual ski time is significantly cut down.  By starting earlier and finishing later we often ski during the quietest times. It also gives  parents enough time to get a good ski for themselves.