It’s that time of year again: Time to hit the slopes! Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced skier, there’s always something new to learn and enjoy this time of year. But, as you might suspect, skiing isn’t cheap. Depending on the country you live in and how long you’ve been skiing, you may already know that ski lessons can cost you a decent chunk of change. But just how much is a private ski lesson – and can you get a good deal? Let’s take a look.
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Australia
In Australia, ski lessons can cost between $400 and $600 per week, plus expenses. Pretty pricey for a bit of skiing, especially if you add in the cost of your ski gear and ski pass, which can range from $150 to $250 per fortnight. That’s $600 to $750 per week, plus expenses. You can get a good deal if you contact the right company – and in some cases, you can negotiate a lower rate entirely.
Austria
Ski lessons in Austria can cost between $400 and $600 per week, plus expenses. That’s a lot of money for a hobby – especially if you’re not a professional skier. But it’s worth it! Austria is home to some of the world’s best ski resorts, including:
- Schladming
- St Anton
- Bad Gastein
- Hella
- Kitzbuhel
- Zerfass
- Rothschonheit
- Rosenheim
- Grossglogau
Not all of Austria is good for skiing, however. For the best experience, you need to travel to the Southern or Eastern Alps. The resorts in the north are mostly populated by tourists in the winter – as opposed to the smaller, more remote ones, which see fewer visitors due to low seasonal temperatures.
France
Ski lessons in France can cost between $500 and $600 per week, plus expenses. That’s a lot of money for a hobby – especially for people on a budget. But it’s worth it! France is home to some of the world’s most famous ski resorts, including:
- Courchevel
- Le Touquet
- Val d’Isère
- Chamrousse
- Drac
- Morzine
- La Plagne
- Bormes-les-Métagériées
In the French Alps, you can often save a decent chunk of change by booking a less popular time of year. Midweek, weekday, or Saturday morning lessons are usually cheaper than Sunday or Monday afternoon ones – especially in the winter. Or, if you’re a professional skier, you can get insurance coverage for ski lessons through your employer. You can get a good deal if you contact the right company – and in some cases, you can negotiate a lower rate entirely.
Italy
Ski lessons in Italy can cost between $600 and $800 per week, plus expenses. Once again, that’s a lot of money for a hobby – especially for people on a budget. But it’s worth it! Italy is home to some of the world’s best ski resorts, including:
- Aspen
- Stowe
- Marquise
- Schnepfells
- Zoi Sadowski-Synnott
- Brianza
- Monte San Salvatore
- Val Gardena
- Les Deux-Monts
If you live in an area where the snow stays on for a lot of the year, like in the Brianza region of Northern Italy, you can get a good deal by booking a few weeks or months ahead. This is also true for places like the French Alps and the Australian ski resort of Baw Baw. By booking ahead, you won’t be roped into taking a Sunday off work to go skiing, as you would if you were to go during the peak season – which can see busy days filled with lessons. Booking ahead means there’ll be fewer people around, so you’re less likely to meet someone who wants to join you for a ski lesson. Plus, if you’ve done your research and know what to look out for, you’ll be able to pick up some great deals!
Canada
Ski lessons in Canada can cost between $800 and $1000 per week, plus expenses. Pretty pricey for a bit of skiing, especially if you add in the cost of your ski gear and ski pass, which can range from $150 to $250 per week. But it’s worth it! Canada is home to some of the world’s best ski resorts, including:
- Banff
- Kootenay
- Sunshine Ski & Theme Park
- Rover
- Cranleigh
- Crystal
- Bighorn
- St. Julian
- Ski Hill
Skiing in Canada isn’t exactly cheap, but it is possible to get a decent deal if you contact the right company and know what to look out for. Like in other countries, the cost of a private lesson can vary a lot depending on when you’re travelling and whether or not you’re a professional skier. In the summer, the resorts are usually quieter and less populated – which means fewer people around, creating more seclusion. Midweek or Saturday morning lessons are also usually cheaper than Sunday or Monday afternoon ones. But if you do want to ski on a Sunday or Monday, don’t expect much in the way of discounts!
New Zealand
Ski lessons in New Zealand can cost between $1000 and $1200 per week, plus expenses. That’s a lot of money for a hobby – especially for people on a budget. But it’s worth it! New Zealand is home to some of the world’s best ski resorts, including:
- Turoa
- The Remarkables
- Holly Park
- Mountain Huts
- Treble Peaks
- Little Cotton Town
- Kiwi Ski Resort
- Coronet Peak
- Nanda Island
- Paihia
- Okaroa
It’s also worth considering that not all ski resorts are created equal. Some are better than others and can offer a better experience for beginners as well as more advanced skiers. Traveling to smaller resorts that specialize in family vacations can help you find some great deals!
Of course, you don’t have to take our word for it. Contact the right company and you may well get an excellent deal. Just remember to be on the lookout for some of the scams that exist out there. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and do some research before booking a holiday with one of these companies.