What to expect on your first ski (or snowboard) lesson
Learning to ski can seem intimidating and it’s hard to know where to start or what you are going to need. Here is our guide to help you get ready for your first ski lesson.
What you will need:
1. Equipment
2. Ski pass
3. Lesson
Where should I rent equipment and what do I need?
Ski equipment can be rented at many sports shops in town.
We work with Bayard Sport and they offer Summit clients a 20% discount on equipment rental. Bayard have 2 locations, there is a small shop right next ot the entrance to the Sunnegga Express… this shop is great if you just need to rent skis, boots and poles. If you need snowboard equipment or clothing (ski jackets and trousers) then you should rent from the large Bayard Sport that is located opposite the train station.
The Basics
The basic hardware you are going to need are skis, ski boots and poles.
CLOTHING
You are also going to need suitable weatherproof clothing, you can rent a ski jacket and trousers if you don’t have them already. You should also rent a helmet.
Other Equipment
You will also need either sunglasses or goggles and some good gloves.
How do I get my Bayard discount?
Once you make your booking with us, you will recieve a discount code for Bayard in your email confirmation, as well as a link to book online.
DO I NEED A SKI PASS?
Yes, you will need a ski pass to go up the mountain. You can buy a beginner pass online here.
How many days should I get a beginner pass?
The beginner pass covers, the Sunnegga Express funicular, the Leisee shuttle, the Wolli park beginner area and 3 chairlifts that access blue runs. It means there are a few good slopes to ski covered by the beginner pass even when you are ready to leave the beginner area. Usually 3 days of beginner pass works well and then after that you might be ready and like to ski some of the other blue runs the ski area has to offer (like the blue runs up on Gornergrat).
Where will I meet my instructor?
Our beginner lessons take place in the Wolli beginner area up at Sunnegga.
Take the Sunnegga funiuclar from town to Sunnegga. The funicular runs every 10 minutes and takes 7 mins to reach the top. We usually meet for lessons in front of the large piste map that is opposite the Sunnegga restaurant.
Are you joining a beginner group?
If you are joining a group lesson, then the meeting point is up at Sunnegga at 9am.
Once you meet your teacher, they will bring you down the Leisee shuttle to the Wolli park beginner area.
Beginner private lessons
Private lessons can meet where you like, but the lesson starts when you meet the instructor… so we usually recommend meeting up to Sunnegga (so you get most of your lesson time learning to ski rather than getting to the lift), however if you prefer to meet at your hotel, a rental shop or the bottom of the ski lift.
Google maps
Directions to the top of the Sunnegga Express using Google Maps, Apple Maps or what3words
Your Summit instructor will be at the pre arranged meeting point in a bright blue uniform.
They are a friendly bunch so just ask one of them to point out who you are looking for.
What will I learn in my first lesson?
1. Understanding the equipment – from how to carry and put on your skis, what poles are for and how to do up your boots properly
2. Sliding and staying in blalance, and then how to control your speed, slow down and stop.
3. An introduction to turning.
