Ski schools in Samoëns with English-speaking instructors

Which Samoëns ski schools teach in English?

The Samoëns tourist office lists the languages spoken for each activity. For ESF private lessons, it lists English alongside German, Spanish and French; for 2SkiFly, English and French. The two ESI schools in the village, 360 and ZigZag, sell their lessons through English-language websites.

A school that speaks English does not guarantee an English-speaking instructor in every group. Put the request in writing when you book, and ask for confirmation.

• ESF private lessons: languages listed: English, German, Spanish, French
• 2SkiFly: languages listed: English and French, ages 5 to 80
• 360 Ski School group size (mornings outside holidays): 6 people maximum

ESF private lessons and 2SkiFly

The ESF meets for private alpine, snowboard and telemark lessons at Samoëns 1600, at the top of the Grand Massif Express gondola, according to the tourist office; its listing shows private lessons from €62. Private lessons are the surest way to get an English-speaking instructor for a nervous beginner.

2SkiFly, based in Samoëns, teaches tailored ski and snowboard lessons for ages 5 to 80 on the Grand Massif and can take you to other resorts. Its listing gives a season from mid-December to the end of April.

360 and ZigZag: the ESI schools

360 Ski School, at 25 avenue Cognacq-Jay, takes children in ski groups from age four and in snowboard groups from age ten. Outside school holidays, its morning groups from 9.30am to noon have six people at most. Group lessons meet on the plateau at Samoëns 1600 and private lessons at its office; lift passes are not included.

ZigZag is the other ESI school in Samoëns, bookable through the ESI network’s English-language site. Compare meeting points and lesson times before choosing: they decide how your morning starts.

Good to know: write your request plainly in the booking notes: "English-speaking instructor required, child aged 6, first week on skis".

What to ask before you pay

Ask four questions: is an English-speaking instructor confirmed for this group, where exactly is the meeting point, are lift passes included, and what happens if lifts close because of the weather. 360 Ski School states that lessons go ahead as long as the lifts are running and open to the public.

Quick answers

Does the ESF in Samoëns teach in English? For private lessons, the tourist office lists English, German, Spanish and French among the languages spoken.

From what age can children join group ski lessons at 360 Ski School? From age four for skiing and from age ten for snowboarding, according to the school.

Are lift passes included in Samoëns ski lessons? Not at 360 Ski School: lift passes are bought separately. Check with each school when you book.