FAQ's
Q: Where do the lessons begin?
A: Group lessons begin at Pré la Joux, next to the bottom of the Pierre Longue chairlift. Private lessons will, during peak season, begin at the same place. Out of peak season it may be possible to have private lessons at Super Châtel.
Q: How should I make a booking?
A: Please make a booking via the online booking system or by email.
Q: What happens after I have made a booking?
A: We will invoice you for a 20%/50% deposit. The remainder can be paid at the ski school office when you arrive.
Q: When should I pay the balance?
A: Please come to the ski school office in the centre of town (address on 'contact' page) before the lessons begin to pay the balance.
Q: Which cards do you accept at the ski school office?
A: We accept only Visa, Mastercard and Maestro.
Q: I do not have a credit card. How can I pay?
A: You can also make a deposit payment by bank transfer. When in the resort you can pay with cash at the ski school office.
Q: Will my group lesson go ahead if there are only a couple of people in the group?
A: To run the full 5/6 sessions we require a minimum of 4 people (3 for the 4/5 year old group). If this minimum number is not achieved, the number of sessions will be reduced to 3 (with 2 pers) or 4 (with 3 pers). We will not open a group lesson for one person.
Q: Is insurance included in the lesson price?
A: No, please purchase insurance with the lift pass.
Q: Are lift passes and ski/snowboard hire included in the lesson price?
A: No
Q: From what age must I buy a lift pass for my child?
A: Lift passes are free of charge for children under 5 years old (please purchase insurance though.)
Q: Do I need a full Portes du Soleil ski pass for the lessons?
A: A Châtel ski pass is required for all but the Diamond, RUN and Freeride lessons. Please purchase a Portes du Soleil ski pass for these levels.
Q: It's raining/sleeting/snowing/foggy/windy/stormy etc. Will my lesson take place?
A: Yes! We will not cancel lessons due to inclement weather.
Q: Can I get a refund if I don't take my lesson?
A: No refunds will be given in the event of bad weather, lift closure, injury, illness or lateness.
Q: Can I transfer my private lesson to another time?
A: In the majority of cases this is not possible as our instructors have busy daily schedules. Certainly during school holiday weeks this is not possible. During other periods it is the instructor's decision as to whether he/she is able to do this.
Q: I have paid for group lessons. If I decide not to attend some sessions can I have a refund for those sessions?
A: This is not possible. You can however use the session(s) for someone else (even in another level of group if we have space.)
Q: Is it possible to transfer to private lessons after my group lessons have begun?
A: Group lessons are not transferable to private lessons. The only case where this may happen is if a client in a beginners' group cannot keep up with the rest. In this case we may offer a gesture of a private lesson in place of the group lessons
Q: Can you guarantee that my lesson will be in English?
A: Yes. English and French are guaranteed languages at ESI. For group lessons we cannot guarantee languages other than French and English. For private lessons we also offer German, Dutch, Romanian, Russian, Italian and Spanish.
Q: My child is 3 or nearly 4 years old, can he/she join a group lesson?
A: No, our minimum age is 4 for group lessons. We can however offer private lessons.
Q: How do I book snowshoe walks?
A: Please come to the ski school office to book these activities. We do not take advance telephone or email bookings for snowshoe walks.