FAQ

Where is the collection point?

The collection point for the courses is located at the end of the village near the ice-skating rink, in the vicinity of the village lifts and at the Spielboden/Plattjen valley station.

Is pre-booking required for group courses?

We recommend booking a group course via our website or by e-mail. During peak season it is possible that group courses are booked out. Online bookings are possible up to 3 days prior to course start.

 

Is it possible to book a certain instructor for a group course?

In general, you can say which instructor you would prefer. For group courses we are however not able to guarantee a certain instructor!

How early should I book a private ski instructor?

In general the earlier, the better! Some periods or weeks could be booked out quickly. Depending on availability, short-notice bookings are also possible. Courses can be booked directly in our office, by phone, by e-mail or online.

How old do children have to be to participate at a course?

We offer ski group courses for children from three years. The experience has shown that children under the age of 3 are too young to feel well in a group. For these children it is however possible to book a private instructor.
You can also take the first steps on skis with your child in the Kinderpark by alone. For children from 3-4 years we offer 1.5 hour Snowli group courses in the morning.
For children from 4 years we offer a 3-hour group course in the morning.
The minimum age for snowboard lessons is 8 years. Private lessons for younger children are possible on request.

Are parents welcome to stay with the child for the first lesson?

We do not recommend it. On the first day the parents should inform the instructor about possible allergies or health restrictions. After this conversation the parents should leave the child with the instructor and watch from the distance. Experience shows that the lessons work better if the parents are not nearby. It is also important to prepare the child for ski school and explain, what will be learned.

Is it possible for adults and children to book a course at the same time?

Yes, meeting time for everyone is at 9.45 am. Children and adults meet at the same collection point. Pick-up of the children occurs at the same place and children are always supervised until the parents pick them up!

Can our children join the same group?

Despite the age, for the grouping of children the performance level is the most important factor. Should your children or your child's friends of your child be at the same level, please inform the respective instructor on the first day during the grouping process!
If the children are not at the same skill level, the child who skis better would have to join a lower skill group to meet the requirements of the weaker child!

How does the group assignment occur?

Many of our guests are repeat guests. Children receive a certificate or a Ski School booklet. First grouping in the office occurs based on the awards received. For those who are at the Swiss Ski School Saas-Fee for the first time, grouping occurs after oral discussions and estimation of skills, age and language. Pre-selection occurs on Monday. If the assigned group doesn't seem to be appropriate, you can of course change the group any time.

How many children are in a group?

For "Snowli" courses there are 3 to 5 children per group. For the remaining courses our guideline is from 4 to 8 people per instructor.

Is it possible to join a group course for one day only?

It is possible to join a group for one day only. In order to learn as much as possible, we recommend at least 3 days. Our programme for group courses builds up throughout the whole week (5 days).

Is it possible to make a test day?

Yes, on Mondays it is possible to make a test day. For a test day you pay the daily price. The course can be extended to a full course. The price of the daily ticket will be deducted from the weekly fee. Your place in the group is secured for the whole week.

Is it possible to book lunch care for single days only?

Yes, but please purchase lunch care on the day before in our office.

Do I have to book the complete 5 course days or can I book less days?

Our programme for group courses builds up throughout 5 days with ski race and prize awarding at the end of the week. In order to achieve the level, it makes sense to participate at all 5 days. It is however also possible to book less days!

Is the price different if I book 3 course days, but at the end decide to book another 2 days?

Yes! From a course duration of 3 days, the extension days cost CHF 30.- per day and person.
If you book 5 single days of children's course you pay CHF 264.-. The weekly ticket costs CHF 249.-.

Can I join a course during the week?

In general, grouping is done on Mondays. For advanced skiers it is however possible to join a group during the week (if the maximum number of participants has not been exceeded)! For beginners this is not possible.

Do the course days have to be booked on consecutive days?

The course days should be consecutive, because the other participants continue with the programme and learn something new every day. The best thing is to speak to your instructor.

Is there an all-day group course for children?

We used to have an all-day course in our offer, but experience has shown that the demand in Saas-Fee is too small. We offer childcare for younger children in the afternoon.

Will I get my money back if the children don't like the course?

In general, money is only refunded upon presentation of a doctor's certificate (illness, injury). However we have several offers (test day ticket, extension day, ...) in order to reduce the "risk" as much as possible!

Should I not like the course, can I change into another course (for example from snowboard to ski course or to private lessons)?

If there is a place in the group, non-beginners can change the course (equipment) during the week. Depending on the availability of the instructors, it is also possible to change to a private lesson.

Which languages do the instructors speak?

Our group courses are offered in German and English. Depending on availability, French, Dutch, Italian and Spanish are also possible. For private lessons we also offer Russian and Croatian. Our childminders speak German, English and French.

Can I pay by credit card?

We accept Visa, Mastercard, Maestro, AmericanExpress, Twint, Reka-Checks, Reka-Card and cash (SFr and Euro)

What is the SaastalCard?

The SaastalCard is a guest card, which you receive from your apartment host or the hotel reception. Holders of the SaastalCard enjoy numerous reductions in different businesses in the entire Saas Valley like cable cars, indoor pool, parking garage, and more. Important: you have to present the SaastalCard in order to receive these reductions!
 Further information

Is the ski pass included in the ski course?

The ski pass is not included in the course fee. Children from 6 years do require a ski pass. The ski pass prices are available here.

Do beginners need a ski pass?

Beginners need a ski pass for the village lifts Saas-Fee. After the first day, the instructor will inform the participants about the lift tickets for the rest of the week.

Where can I purchase a ski pass?

The ski pass can be purchased at the cash desks of the cable cars. The cash desks are located at the Alpin Express valley station, the Spielboden/Plattjen valley station, and at the Kalbermatten ski lift near the ice-skating rink.

Is the equipment included in the ski course fee?

The equipment is not included in the course fee. It can be rented in the onsite sports shops.

Is there a ski rental at the Ski School or do you collaborate with a sports shop?

The Ski School does not have a ski rental shop. There are several sports shops in Saas-Fee. We have a good cooperation with all of them, but there are no special reductions for ski course guests. Ask your host for possible reductions on ski rental fees. Here you'll find the addresses of the ski rental shops.

Important information for parents

With your help it will be easier for your child to get used to the Ski School.

  • Prepare your child for Ski School, so it can start the lessons with joy.
  • Bring your child to the meeting point on time and be punctual when picking your child up.
  • Warm clothes, dry gloves and ski boots, good sun glasses or googles and sun cream are very important.
  • Wearing a helmet is compulsory for children and teens.
  • On the first day, give your child the ticket with your mobile number.
  • Please report possible allergies or health restrictions to the instructor.
  • Trust the ski instructor, and your child will enjoy the games to get acquainted to material and the snow.
  • Leave your child alone with the ski instructor during the course time. You are welcome to watch from the distance.  
  • It is the responsibility of course participants to avail of accident and liability insurance.

Information, reservation and ticket sales in the Ski School Office on the village square.

Please read our T&Cs and notes about rates and courses.