Learning to Ski as an Adult in Crans-Montana

Many of the adults who book with us have never skied, or stopped as teenagers and want to join their children on the slopes. Almost all of them say the same thing on the phone: "I am probably too old for this." You are not. Adults learn differently from children, but they learn well – with the right terrain and an instructor who takes their worries seriously.

Why adults find it harder, and why it still works

Children fall and get up without thinking. Adults think a lot: about speed, about falling, about looking silly in front of others. Fear makes the body stiff, and a stiff body turns badly. That is why the first job of an instructor with adult beginners is not technique, but making you feel safe enough to relax.

The good news: adults understand explanations, notice their own progress and can practise with a clear goal. Once the fear is under control, progress is often quick.

Private lesson or group?

• Private lesson: the lesson follows your pace, and nobody watches you fall. For nervous beginners, this is the fastest way to confidence. Two hours cost CHF 160 in low season and CHF 190 in high season for one or two people.
• Semi-private lesson: when other beginners of a similar level are in the resort, we form a small group with a lower price per person, for example CHF 120 / 140 per person for two hours with up to two people.
• First Timer Package: for groups of three or more complete beginners, with gear rental included in the price.

Where you start

Adult beginners start on gentle, wide terrain, where there is space to practise stopping and turning without pressure. The beginner area at the Golf in Crans is one of our meeting points, and your instructor confirms the best spot for you the day before the lesson.

A typical first lesson

• Getting used to the gear: walking in boots, clicking in and out of the skis, sliding on flat ground.
• Stopping first: before speed, you learn to stop. That single skill removes most of the fear.
• First turns: gentle turns on an easy slope, with the instructor close by.
• Using the lifts: how to get on and off a beginner lift calmly.

Two or three hours is a good length for a first lesson. Many adults book a few lessons over consecutive days, which helps the body remember what it learned.

What to wear

Waterproof jacket and trousers, thin warm layers underneath, one pair of ski socks, gloves, goggles or sunglasses, and sunscreen – at 1,500 m the sun is strong. Skis, boots and a helmet can be rented locally. Your instructor goes through it all with you when they call before the lesson.

When to come

Low season is quieter and cheaper, with more space on the beginner slopes. In high season, from December 20 to January 6 and from February 7 to March 7, private morning lessons are booked as at least three consecutive mornings; afternoon lessons can always be booked individually.

Learning alongside your children

A lot of our adult beginners are parents. Some take their own lessons while the children have theirs; others share a private lesson with the kids once everyone can stop and turn. Either way, the goal is the same: skiing together as a family.

Ready to try?

Send Rox a message with your dates and a word about how you feel about it – excited, nervous, or both. She matches you with a calm, patient instructor. We teach in English, French, German, Italian, Spanish and Portuguese.