There are several ski schools in Meribel and you can arrange everything from group lessons to private instruction and off-piste guiding. Group lessons usually start on Sunday or Monday and will typically run for 5 or 6 days on either morning, afternoon, or whole-day basis. In the busy weeks, it is advisable to book well in advance for both group lessons (particularly for children). All the ski schools have their main meeting point in either the central Chaudanne lift in Meribel or on the snow front in Mottaret so it is advisable to get there a little early on the first day. There are English-speaking instructors in all the main ski schools and most also offer to teach in other languages but be aware that in group lessons tuition will be given predominantly in French or English.
The French Ski School (ESF) do run a children’s nursery and a kindergarten open to children from 18 months to 5 years. This can be booked for the morning, afternoon or for the whole day, with lunch provided. They offer a combination of play and for the older children, an introduction to skiing. The staff are multi-lingual although there is naturally a predominance of French spoken.
Below is a list of the ski school & instructors available
• Ecole du Ski Francais (ESF) – the largest of the ski schools in the resort offering group and private instruction for all levels and all ski disciplines (downhill, snowboarding, cross-country & telemark).
• Oxygene Ski School – an international school offering both group and private tuition
• Parallel Lines – a predominantly British ski school offering group lessons
• Marmalade Ski School – predominantly British instructors who specialize in private instruction in both ski and snowboarding
• New Generation – a predominantly British ski school offering group lessons
• Prosneige – an international ski school offering both group and private instruction in all disciplines and all levels
• Cab9 – a specialist snowboard school offering group and private lessons
Although heli-skiing is not permitted in France, there are plenty of opportunities to explore the off-piste and to get off the beaten track. Most of the ski schools above will be able to offer guides or instructors who can take you out to explore further.