Ski Lessons in Les Arcs: Everything You Need to Know

Les Arcs is one of the most versatile ski areas in the Alps, with terrain perfectly suited to beginners, progressing intermediates, and confident skiers looking for a challenge. Wide pistes, reliable snow, and excellent teaching facilities make it a fantastic destination for families and groups.

At VIP SKI, we’ve partnered with the Ecole de Ski Français (ESF) in Les Arcs to offer a truly seamless learning experience for guests staying in Bear Lodge Hotel and Suites. From small-group lessons that set off right from the ski room door to a dedicated snow garden for little ones, everything is designed to make learning easy, enjoyable, and close to home.

Whether you’re clipping into skis for the first time or aiming to improve your technique, the right lessons will transform your week in the mountains.

• Wide, confidence-building terrain ideal for learners
• A huge variety of blue and red runs for steady progression
• English-speaking instructors at all levels
• Excellent snow record and high-altitude slopes
• Dedicated children’s learning zones, including our very own snow garden
• A lively but family-friendly resort atmosphere

We are delighted to partner with ESF Les Arcs to offer small groups of up to six, led by carefully selected English-speaking instructors. Best of all, lessons meet right at the ski room door at Bear Lodge - no trekking across resort with tired children or juggling timings.

You’ll be learning alongside like-minded neighbours of similar ability, and it’s not unusual for the group to reunite later for some ski banter over afternoon tea in the lounge.

Small groups and friendly, experienced instructors create an atmosphere that is relaxed, supportive, and confidence-boosting. Whether you’re polishing your parallel turns or taking your first steps on snow, you’ll receive the personal attention you need.

Instructors often pop into the Bear Lodge bar in the evenings too, the perfect opportunity to celebrate victories or laugh off the day's funniest mishaps.

Monday to Friday
09:30–12:00
£280 per person

Groups are organised by:
Ability: Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced
Age Groups: Under 6, 6–12, or 12+

Meeting point: right outside the Bear Lodge ski room.

Group booking terms
We require a minimum of three participants for our exclusive VIP SKI groups to operate. If fewer guests enrol: 2 participants: £140 supplement per person. 1 participant: £560 supplement. Alternatively, you may switch, at no charge, to a regular ESF group of the same level, meeting in the resort centre just a short walk away. These groups are larger, but we will always do our best to maintain our own small VIP SKI groups wherever possible.

For a more personalised experience, you can secure your own ESF instructor for the week.

Private Lessons
5 Mornings (Mon–Fri)
09:30–12:00
£925

Ideal for:

• Fast-track progression
• One-to-one coaching
• Building confidence
• Family or friend groups wanting a tailored session

In addition to our bespoke ski lessons, VIP SKI can also pre-book private or group snowboard lessons with ESF. Beginners will discover the excitement of snowboarding in a supportive, friendly environment, while more experienced riders can refine their technique and take on new challenges. Whatever your level, you’ll be part of a dynamic group guided by a qualified ESF instructor, ensuring progress, confidence, and fun on every run.

For our youngest guests, we are proud to offer a dedicated Club Piou Piou snow garden, located directly outside the Bear Cub playroom. It’s a safe, enclosed, friendly space close to the loo - ideal for first-time skiers aged 3-6.

If your child is booked into full- or half-day childcare, our nannies will:

• Liaise directly with ESF instructors
• Ensure your child has gloves, goggles, sunscreen and essentials
•  Help with drop-off and pick-up
•  Bring them safely back for lunch

Beginners (3–6 yrs): First-ever experience on skis
Ourson (3–6 yrs): Beginner or a few hours’ experience
Flocon (6+ yrs): Beginner with minimal experience
Snowflake (6+ yrs): 1 week skiing, snowplough on greens
1st SKI (6+ yrs): 2–3 weeks, turning on greens & easy blues
2nd SKI (6+ yrs): 3–5 weeks, starting parallel turns
3rd SKI (6+ yrs): 5–7 weeks, confident on blues & easy reds
Bronze (8+): 6–9 weeks, strong parallel turns on reds
Silver (8+): 9–12 weeks, comfortable on reds & easy blacks
Gold (10+): 10+ weeks, confident on all terrain

Beginners: First time on skis
Class 1: 1 week skiing, snowplough & stop on greens
Class 2: Linking parallel turns with edging
Class 3: Confident parallel skiing on blues and reds

If you’re unsure which level is right, our Alpine Account Managers will gladly advise.

It’s incredibly important to arrange ski lessons well before you arrive, especially during holiday weeks. Instructor availability is limited, and the best time slots are often booked months in advance.

Please email or call us to arrange private lessons or ask us for guidance on levels or timings. We’re here to help ensure every guest gets the right class.

Our Alpine Account Managers and Concierge teams are on hand to secure your group or private lessons with ESF and answer any questions. Start organising now to guarantee your preferred options, and enjoy the most effortless start to your ski week.