How Much Do Ski Lessons REALLY Cost? (We Checked Across The World)

by Kenny Jarvis | Updated: October 27th, 2022 |  Skiing Articles

Skiing is one of the most exciting activities that you can do! And everyone has to start somewhere, so read on to find out just how much ski lessons are likely to cost.

Ski lesson prices do vary wildly from resort to resort but on average, you’ll be paying around $20-$30 per hour for a group lesson, with most lessons running over several hours. Group lessons are much cheaper than private lessons.

Let’s look into the cost of skiing lessons in a little more detail, including a breakdown of the most popular counties for skiing.

Price of Ski Lessons in Various Countries

If you’re looking to go abroad for your next skiing vacation, then it's a good idea to find out how much you can expect to pay for ski lessons.

Bear in mind that these prices are estimates, as they'll change from one resort to the next. Most lessons are over half a day, and these prices reflect that.

USA

Resorts in the US are relatively quieter and less crowded than their European counterparts and so learning will be that much easier without as many distractions. The prices in the US are around $100 per day for a group lesson and about $500 per day for private lessons.

France

For a half-day session over six days, a kid’s group ski lesson in France can range anywhere from €170 to €400 ($165 to $392), but it's usually on the lower end of that scale. Adults’ group ski lessons are usually a very similar price to child lessons in France.

Canada

Canada is home to some of the best resorts in the world but also some of the most expensive lessons. A full one day lesson for kids is priced around $200. Full-day lessons for beginners from levels 1 to 3 are charged around $250, whereas, for levels 4 to 6, are priced at around $300.

Switzerland

Advice: Like everything else, skiing is also expensive in Switzerland. An adult group ski lesson, costs around 350 CHF ($350) per person/day for 4-5 hours of skiing. The ski lesson cost may not include ski lift passes. You may get packages that may save you money by booking multiple days.

Austria

Austria is one of the more affordable places to ski. A ski lesson for kids costs around €80 ($80) for a half-day program in Austria. You can often get a good deal if you increase the number of days of lessons, such as paying €220 ($215) for a week-long program of about 4 hours per day. Ski courses for adults are similar to that of kids’ lesson costs.

Italy

In Italy, group ski lessons for kids under 13 years cost around €250 ($245) for a 5-day program which includes 3 hours of lessons every day. For an adult ski lesson, the charge is around €200 ($195) for the 5-day session, which includes 2 hours of skiing lessons every day.

Germany

The ski lesson in Germany for kids costs around €60 ($58) a day for a 3-hour session. You can also enrol your kids at €200 ($195) for a 5-day program with 3 hours of skiing lessons each day. Ski lessons for adults are a similar cost to that of kids’ ski lesson prices. The groups are usually small with 4-7 attendees, so each person gets adequate attention from their instructor.

Andorra

Andorra is one of the smallest countries in Europe with an amazing diversity of slopes which enables you to practice skiing and other winter sports. Lesson prices start at around €120 ($118) for 3 days with 3 hours of skiing lessons each day. The private lesson is also quite affordable here, you can get a private ski instructor for two hours at around €100 ($98).

Scandinavia

Scandinavia is a northern part of Europe and it's the collective name for Denmark, Norway, and Sweden. The price of a group skiing lesson for a half-day program (4 hours) costs around €200 ($195) whereas it costs around €300 ($294) for a full-day program (7 hours).

Japan

Japan is considered one of the best countries for skiing as it receives excellent snow, making it perfect for beginners. The adult ski lesson costs around ¥6000 ($44) for a half-day program (2 hours), whereas it costs ¥8000 ($59) for a full-day program (4 hours). The private lesson costs ¥27,000 ($200) for the half-day program and ¥39,000 ($289) for a full-day program.

Factors That Influence the Cost of a Ski Lesson

As we’ve seen already, the cost of a ski lesson can vary quite a lot, but what factors go into these costs? Here we take a look at the three main reasons.

Ski Resort

Key Takeaway: There is no denying the fact that skiing is an expensive sport. When you go skiing at a resort, the costs of lodging, food, gear, and clothes quickly add up. The popularity of the resort can have a significant impact on the cost.

For example, ski resorts in Switzerland are more often more expensive than neighbouring countries. Because Switzerland has one of the highest incomes per capita, which means the cost of living and holidays is some of the highest in the world.

There are affordable ski resort options available, you just need to look for a small and underrated resort. This is why places such as Andorra can be great places to learn. It might not be as fashionable as other resorts but it has generous tax benefits, which helps to keep costs down for businesses.

Time of the Year

During the winter season, there are peak and off-peak periods to consider. The busiest times of year are around the Christmas holiday and during school vacations (February in France)

As a result, the demand for ski lessons increases, which pushes up the price. During Christmas and February especially, everything is more expensive. For the best deals, look to travel at the beginning (late November/early December) or end (March/April) of the ski season.

Competition

The ski industry is booming, but there is only a finite number of ski instructors. As with anything in life, if the demand increases, so does the price. If you're in a place where the instructors are always busy, expect them to charge higher rates.

If you're going to a popular resort, then it's worth shopping around. Don't look at the most established and biggest ski schools. Instead, look for newer schools and instructors that are just starting out.

Categories of Skiing Lessons

Of course, not all ski lessons are the same. The prices change depending on whether you are in a group or in a private lesson. These are some of the available options.

Group Lesson Prices

A group lesson is always going to be the most affordable way to learn skiing. Consider enrolling yourself in a week-long program if you are new to the sport. The lesson prices can vary a lot but they generally range from $200 to $300 for a 5-6 days program with a few hours per day.

The prices also vary according to group sizes. The price of a small group lesson can be more than a larger group, because you will be receiving more attention from the instructor in a small group. Prices in Switzerland and North America are usually more expensive than in the likes of Austria, Italy, and Germany.

Group Lesson Price for Kids

After completing a week of lessons, a child should be able to learn the basics of turning, stopping, and other simple aspects of skiing. A half-day lesson for kids can last between 2-3 hours per day, and a full-day ski lesson will last between 4-7 hours per day.

From our research, we found that there often wasn't much difference between adult and children prices for group lessons. Some schools do offer a full-day package that include lunch and lift ticket options.

Private Ski Lesson Price

Private lessons have obvious pros and cons. You'll be able to learn more quickly with a private instructor but they are also going to be more expensive. There are many other perks too, as you can often be more flexible with timings, meeting points and what you concentrate on in the lesson.

The price of a private ski lesson starts from around $100 for an hour and can range from $600-$850 for a full day. If you can afford a private instructor, this will be your fastest way to learn.

How to Save Money on Your Skiing Lessons

Below are a few tips that will save you money without compromising on your skiing experience.

1. Book in advance

Pro Tip: If you book your lessons in advance, you can often save money. Many ski resorts offer early bird discounts for those who book their lessons at least a month in advance.

Some resorts also offer package deals that include lift tickets and rentals, so it's worth checking to see what's available. By planning ahead, you can save money on your ski lessons and enjoy a great day on the slopes.

2. Go for the less famous ski resorts

When it comes to skiing, many people immediately think of heading to the most popular, and expensive resorts. However, there are a number of benefits to be found at less well-known skiing destinations.

First of all, you will likely find that lift tickets and accommodation are cheaper at these places. In addition, the slopes are often less crowded, giving you more time to practice your technique without having to worry about dodging other skiers.

And, if you do need a lesson or two, they will probably be cheaper than at busier resorts.

3. Avoid the peak time of the year

While it may be more convenient to take lessons during the busiest times of the year, you'll likely pay for the privilege.

Instead, try to schedule your lessons during the shoulder seasons or weekdays. You may not have as many options when it comes to instructors, but you'll save money in the long run.

4. Learn near home

Skiing is a great way to enjoy the winter months, but it can be expensive to take lessons at a resort. However, there is a way to save money and still get the same quality instruction, by learning in an indoor ski school or on your local hill! Often the quality of tuition is on a par with larger resorts.

Many ski schools now offer virtual lessons that are just as effective as in-person instruction. So if you’re looking to learn how to ski without breaking the bank, consider taking advantage of an indoor ski school at home.

Final Thoughts

The price of ski lessons will vary depending on a number of factors, including the instructor's experience, the length of the lesson, and the location. For six days of lessons, you can expect to be paying a few hundred dollars.

However, many people find that the investment is worth it. Whether you're looking to hit the slopes for the first time or improve your technique, make sure to factor in the cost of ski lessons when budgeting for your next trip.

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Hello, I'm Simon & I love skiing. I started skiing in 2007 and I founded this website to help new skiers learn everything there is to know about skiing. NewToSki.com has grown to be a trusted resource for over a million skiers to plan their ski trips each year and learn more about every aspect of skiing. Be sure to join my email list for the best tips and handpicked deals each week.