Group or private?

Self and wifey are off to Grindelwald again in January. Both of us are of similar standard and just about to venture on to the reds. Having done group lessons for the last 2 years which took up all day for 5 days we were wondering whether going private would benefit us.
By the end of our group week we were the stronger pair in the group and spent a lot of time waiting on the slope for the dare I say it weaker members to catch up. So much so that by the Thursday we binned the group and went off on our own.

We can have 5 full days with a group or 3 half days private for simialr money. My own opinion is that we will gain much more from the private option but thought I'd open it up to the forum for some experienced opinion.

Cheers,
Jim

I think given that option I would be inclined to go private. Lessons will be more tailored to your needs. I have been on the other end of the scale, group snowboard lessons of which it was hubby and I who could not keep up, we would have ended up doing ourselves an injury trying to keep up with a group of lads who were streaks ahead of us. Plus in most resorts a private lesson can be arranged at whatever time suits you.

Go private ! I found groups great for getting me started, but these days I always take a private either on my own or with 1/2 others of similar abaility - much better value for the money and it leaves plenty if time to do your own thing and work on what you'vce learned in the lesson.

Dave

I had a week of group lessons, combined with some time skiing with my friends and family whilst learning. I didnt enjoy the lessons at all, too many people, too cold (-25c), I didnt get to grips with snowplouging at all, and then all of a sudden it clicked when we learned to ski properly and stopped pointing our skis towards each other.

Since then I have skied well over 1o times, and simply gone out and improved each time by trying harder and harder and taking tips and advice from other good skiers. I dont profess to be any kind of expert, but I can ski comfortably on almost any surface now, and thoroughly enjoy myself come what may. I only ever had that first week of lessons. It has been suggested it would be good to sharpen up and have a couple of private lessons, so I can only suggest that your best option would be to do the same, and then just ski as much as you can (safely) on your own and constantly improve through experience as much as anything. I firmly believe that the short amount of time we get skiing should be used to the maximum, which is why I kind of cant understand the mentality behind taking the lift up at 11am, skiing for half an hour and then taking a 4 hour lunch break before skiing off the mountain.

Whatever you choose to do, enjoy it.

Private. Gives you a chance to learn in the morning/practise and explore in the afternoon

I've had an identical experience to you. I love group lessons, I enjoy the banter, etc but the waiting around can be cold and annoying especially if you're in a large group.

If you and your wife are the same standard it's a good idea to go private, especially if you can get 3 for the same sort of price as group lessons, bargain! You'll improve enormously :D

Must admit I love the group banter and the giggles. We've always socialised after lessons and thoroughly enjoyed ourselves.
Last year (only my second ski holiday) I was the butt of most of the laughs as I attempted the half pipe on skis!! Up and down the walls I went all the way to the bottom without incident. Stopped at the bottom to acknowledge my admiring fans, pose for the camera and then fell on my arse!! :oops:

I think there are pros and cons for both in group lessons you get the chance to meet like minded folk have a giggle and a beer. Or for the more serious a private lesson will allow for a more concentrated one on one lesson.
Certainly for the less experienced skier group lessons win hands down.