It’s Never Too Late to Learn to Ski
Photo: Groupe Rossingol
Many people believe skiing must be learned in childhood. After more than forty years as a certified ESF ski instructor in Val Thorens, I have discovered exactly the opposite.
Every winter, I teach adults in their fifties, sixties, seventies and even eighties. Again and again, they prove that age is not the real challenge. Confidence is.
Older beginners often learn differently from children. They listen carefully, stay patient and appreciate understanding each step before moving on. With lessons adapted to their pace, and progress can be remarkably quick. The right environment also makes a huge difference.
Gentle slopes, modern lifts and reliable snow help adults feel comfortable from the very first day at Val Thorens. At 2,300 metres (7,550 ft.) it offers excellent beginner areas and consistent snow conditions throughout the season.
Modern ski equipment has transformed the learning experience. Today’s skis are lighter, easier to turn and much more forgiving than those used a generation ago. Comfortable boots and a properly fitted helmet add to both safety and enjoyment. Bring your own, or rent at one of the many ski shops in Val Thorens
The greatest reward for any instructor is watching confidence grow. A nervous beginner on Monday can often ski relaxed blue runs by the end of the week. Many tell me they had dreamed of learning for years but believed they were simply too old. Not so.
Skiing is much more than a sport. It is a way to enjoy spectacular mountain scenery, stay active, improve balance and coordination, and create unforgettable memories with family and friends.
If there is one message I hope every reader takes away, it is this: it is never too late to learn. With the right instruction, the right environment and a little confidence, skiing can become one of life’s greatest pleasures at any age. – Michel Cachia
Editor’s Note –
- With more than 17,000 instructors, École du Ski Français (ESF) is the largest ski school system in France and the world, famous for its instructors wearing bright red uniforms.
- Val Thorens is one of the destinations within Les 3 Vallees, the largest ski area in Europe, which also includes Courcheval and Meribel on a single ski pass, either the Epic Pass or the specific Les 3 Vallees pass.
- ESF is the French equivalent to PSIA in the USA – certified instructors, including those who specialize in teaching children or seniors or first-timers. ESF will match you with an English-speaking instructor, who doubles as a mountain guide.
- Most hotels are ski/in-ski/out, for immediate access to runs and lifts.
- The 70+ Ski Club is returning to Les 3 Vallees this season. Check the website for more information.
- See this article by Seniors Skiing Editor Evelyn Kanter about her experience skiing with the 70+Ski Club and an ESF guide at Les 3 Vallees, including at Val Thorens.
Lots of snow and sunshine days, gorgeous views, varied terrain, modern lifts and multiple choices for dinner, nightlife and shopping. All are the hallmarks of what makes a winter resort great anywhere in the world, including in Europe. These are the top-rated resorts in France, Italy, Switzerland elsewhere in Europe are based on a mix of all those things, plus transfer time from and back to the nearest airport. Plus the low cost of weekly ski passes – as low as $50/day – adds to the appeal.