Many larger resorts offer more than one ski school. Independent or private schools may employ younger or less conventional instructors, though should be fully qualified. Your ski instructor's qualification is your only guarantee of quality and safety.

Qualification is supervised by national organizations, such as the Ecole du Ski Français (ESF), British Association of Ski Instructors (BASI) or Professional Ski Instructors of America (PSIA), as well as by the International Ski Instructors' Association (ISIA). Qualification is a highly selective process, involving courses in ski technique, teaching methods and safety. If you are on an organized holiday, your tour company may have a special deal with a local school. Check it out, but don't be bullied into accepting it.

The Class System

If asked to describe your skiing, there's no point in claiming you can do what you can't, nor in being falsely modest about what you have already mastered, or you will let yourself in for a frustrating time. Don't be afraid to ask to be moved up or down after a day or so, if you feel you are not in the right class. The instructor may do it for you.