Val Thorens ski schools

Hi and Help!

We are heading to Val Thorens for Easter ski-ing with 3 kids bound for ski school.

I could really do with some advice on 2 queries please….

Best school?
I've been looking at ESF, Prosneige & Oxygene

Half day or full day?
We normally ski in Austria where a full day ski school is 10-12 then Lunch then 1-3pm

Val Thorens full day is 9-11:30 then lunch then 2-5. That seems like a very long day for kids. Anyone have experience of this?

Please & Thanks

My kids went through all-day programs . I'm a ski instructor, as well as volunteer with adaptive programs ( some participants are Kids) so I say with some experience that if the kids are into it and having fun , that day is not too long ...

So, the real question is: are the kids motivated?

That said , if these kids are under 6 yrs old , that day might be too long.

I'm stuck on "We normally ski in Austria". That must be awesome !

Thank you

As our Canadian friend says, a lot will depend on the age and attitude of the kids. If they're young and unsure then that's a long day...

You mention there are 3, so it's probably worth considering private instruction if they ski to more or less the same level. They'll probably get a similar amount of (more focussed) instruction in half a day, or even a couple of hours, private lessons - so the cost difference may not be too huge.

I've not been to VT for many years so can't help on the local schools, but Prosneige and Oxygene both have good reputations.

Thanks for that. They are 12,10 & 8. The older 2 are of a similar level but I think the 8 year old would hold the other 2 back if they were in a private lesson??

When I teach kids in the same group at different levels , I usually give them different exercises to perform at the same location. You can't pick tour terrain based on the best or worst. That usually works . So , I would not get hung up on one holding that others back , the instructor will work it out . Also, nothing brings up youngest like having to compete with an older sibling. The 8 yr old might end up the superstar ! There always exceptions , if the 12yr old is a ripper , then you may have to make other arrangements... again , let the ski school work it out , that's what they do .

Thanks all