Private ski tuition?

Last Year I went to Kranska Gora and booked into a ski school for intermediates. I last skiied about 30 years ago so wasn't sure about my abilities. I also went on a dry slope here for a couple of hours before we went. I was placed in their 'advanced intermediate' group but found the pace so mind-numbingly slow (they were still learning to snow plough turn), that I (and another person) managed to get the ski school to provide an instructor to give us individual (well one to two) instruction for a couple of hours for the next 2 days.

This was fantastic and I learnt so much. I'm now wondering whether I should have booked a ski school (in Niederau) for next month (Feb)or whether I'll be able to organise something when I get to the village such as a small gorup of invidiual coaching. My partner who is a complete beginner has enrolled in the school. My question is whether anyone knows approximate costs for tuition in Austria or more specifically in Niederau?

Alternatively Austrian ski schools may be better prepared for a variety of skill levels and that may be the best route...........Oh...I don't know what to do!!

I used to be indecisive etc..

Our very own Mr Stenmark should be along shortly to give you the lowdown on his local stomping ground of Niederau... although I think he's out being taught how to ski "old school" at the moment... did I get that right? :lol:

(pictures, Jan, pictures!)

Personally, I don't think group lessons are very cost-effective once you're out of the beginner stage of falling over and crossing skis.

If (and it sounds like this is the case) you're already comfortable on skis, then private lessons will be far more effective for you. A good instructor will quickly isolate what you need to work on, given your level of competence and general physical ability. They'll give you exercises specific to you, and take you to places on the mountain that are right for you - not the least able in the group.

There's no substitute for one-on-one instruction really; you'll learn and do more in 2 hours than you will in 2 days in a big group. You'll find the whole experience more enjoyable too - it's much easier to build an understanding with your instructor.

As it's going to be February when you're there, you may find instructors in short supply so should try to book one now if you can.

Hi Lurcher, (174?)

Ok the easy bit first:
• A one hour private lesson is €40 (each additional person is €15).
• A 4 Hr private lesson (known here as private tuition) is €175 (each additional person €40)
• Compare this with 6 full days of group instruction @ €138 and you will see that you pay for the attention!

I won’t mention which ski school that’s with because the “Blues” won’t be happy )

And now the harder part: Here’s a thought, if you have 1-2-1 instruction there’s no place to hide. You are on stage continually (and if you’re not you should be asking why!) So are you comfortable with this? In a class you get to blend into the background now and again and if you don’t “get it” you get some time to practice without the relentless glare of the spotlight on you 100% of the time.

Ultimately you will choose what suits your learning style best.

As for pictures (thanks for that Mr Admin!) I will have to think about how this can be achieved.

Anyway enjoy your time in Niederau and let us know what worked best for you when you get back!

Happy choosing,

Jan

3rd time lucky system keeps thrpwing me out each time I try and submit.

Many Thanks for your replies, really helpful advice. I'll need to get some cycling in before my holiday to get some strength back in my legs!

I like the sound of private tuition as my experience in Slovenia showed that I learnt more in half an hour than I did from a whole day in class (although this may be down to the ski-school).

One quick query.......would it be advisable to pre-book tuition or organise on arrival (23rd January)

I would suggest that unless you wish to turn up, pay and get going with your Private lessons immediately you will do fine booking on arrival. The office is very helpful and at that time of the season you should have no problems at all.

Jan

i dont know about niderau but i have found from private lessons in other countries (france and canada) that i learnt alot when i had them as you aren't waiting around for people slower or you aren't holding people up. Also you get more friendly with the instructor and get to know them better so the instruction is more personal!

I would have said two private lessons would be better than a weeks ski school!

chris

Since I no longer live in Niederau, I can be a little more open than Jan, C,mon you reds!

My daughter-in-law made superb progress after having a one hour lesson with the R.. school.

However, there are other considerations. When you have had your one hour lesson, what are you going to do then? There are a number of advantages to group lessons, providing that the group is right for you.

If you can state that your emphasis is on a fast running group, you get the lesson, practice and feedback. You also get to ski a lot with and behind fast skiers.

You will meet other skiers of a similar ability, and gain an opportunity to ski with them outside of ski school hours.

I am not too sure if Jan is right about the dates, given that Fasching falls early this year. But he is correct that the office is well organised, and does have wide resources to call upon.

Tried to add an image, picture of the mountain, but failed

Will look out for you!

Many Thanks for all your advice. The die has been cast and the decision made!

I quite like the idea of the fast running group particularly as you point out, once the 1 hour lesson is over I'm then on my own for the rest of the day.

As we're due to arrive just after lunch on the first day(schedules permitting) I'll make my first stop the ski school office. My partner is already booked up for a full set of lessons (as she's almost a complete beginner 0 just a few dry slope outings). Can't wait to get there - 3 weeks on Saturday. Not sure what the weather's doing , its been unseasonably mild here recently I'm just hoping that the Alps haven't been affected by the weather systems pulling in warm air from the Atlantic.

Again thanks your help and now I'm intrigued by the tribal references to Blues and Reds

Chris