LEVEL FINDER
Not sure which level to choose? Start by checking our Level Finder below.
If you’re hesitating between two levels, it’s usually best to pick the lower one. Moving up on the day feels great; being moved down, less so. Our priority is simple! To create well-balanced groups so everyone can make the most of their time on the slopes – and have maximum fun!
Please note: Levels are provided as a guide and may vary slightly depending on the resort. Groups are always adjusted at the beginning of the week to ensure everyone is in the right place – and remember, ability matters more than age.
Still unsure? Give us a call and we’ll help you find the perfect group for you.
BEGINNER
Our children’s beginner ski levels focus on discovering skiing and moving on snow, introducing green runs, learning to use equipment correctly and becoming familiar with the mountain environment.
Please note: Teenagers aged 13 and over will join an adult beginners group, where they can learn and progress at their own pace in a friendly, supportive environment.
From 3 to 4 years old
My first introduction to the fun of skiing. No need for poles.
Snowbears
Objective:
I use a magic carpet or drag lift, find my balance on skis, walk with skis on. I enjoy skiing and want to come back.
From 5 years old
I am a beginner. I will learn the side-stepping, getting back up unassisted, performing a snowplough stop, starting a snowplough turn, and using both the magic carpet and drag lift.
Brown Bear
Objective:
I can ski on easy green runs.
From 5 years old
I am going to side-stepping and duck-stepping, use a chairlift, snowplough turn, having a good balance during slide and a good basic posture.
Polar Bear
Objective:
I can do snowplough turns on green and easy blue runs.
INTERMEDIATE
At the intermediate level, skiers work on developing confident, controlled turns, becoming more independent on the slopes, improving their technique on green and blue runs and taking their first steps onto red runs.
From 5 to 12 years old
I will learn snowplough turns, traversing with skis parallel, beginning side-slipping, performing uphill step turns, and gaining confidence on the chairlift.
1st Ski
Objective:
I can do snowplough turns and bringing skis together in parallel on blue runs.
From 5 to 12 years old
I am going to begin making parallel turns, link short turns, navigate easy bumpy terrain, skate on flat terrain and use poles.
2nd Ski
Objective:
I can do blue runs and easy red runs.
From 5 to 12 years old
I will practice parallel turns, vary the rhythm of my turns, use side slipping during turns, perform side slipping stops, and start skiing backward.
3rd Ski
Objective:
I can do easy red runs.
CONFIRMED
At the confirmed level, skiers will work on advanced techniques, confidently ski red and black runs, adapt to all types of terrain and begin exploring off-piste areas.
For your information, the recommended maximum age for the Bronze, Silver, Gold and Pro Rider levels is 16. Our team will always aim to place your teenager in a group that suits them best – whether that’s Pro Rider or an adult group – so they can progress at the right level and enjoy a positive, motivating environment.
From 8 years old
At this level, I’ll link short turns at good speed, start carving turns, begin skiing bumps, explore freestyle skiing with 360° spins on flat terrain, and have knowledge of the 10 skiing rules.
Bronze Ski
Objective:
I can do red runs and easy snowpark.
From 8 years old
I will master carving turns, link short turns on moguls, effectively use the pole plant, adopt the tuck position, and navigate an intermediate snowpark.
Silver Ski
Objective:
I do red runs and easy blacks.
From 10 years old
I’ll ski all types of terrain, perform downhill step turns, begin learning racing techniques, get an introduction to off-piste skiing, and experience the snowpark.
Gold Ski
Objective:
I can ski the entirety of the ski area.
PRO-RIDER
At the Pro Rider level, skiers build on their advanced skills, mastering black runs, adapting smoothly to every type of snow and terrain and developing the technique and confidence needed to perform in challenging off-piste conditions.
From 12 to 16 years old
I will focus on controlling my balance with skills like skiing on one foot, jumping turns, and switch skiing, receive an introduction to boardercross, tackle intermediate-level jumps and boxes, and begin learning off-piste skiing techniques.
Bronze Pro-Rider
Objective:
I am perfecting my technique throughout the ski area.
From 12 to 16 years old
I will adjust my speed and trajectory based on my surroundings, receive an introduction to tricks in the park and on flat terrain, discover off-piste equipment, and explore freeride skiing.
Silver Pro-Rider
Objective:
I can ski on all types of terrain in the ski area.
From 12 to 16 years old
I will improve advanced ski techniques, ski on all types of terrain and snow, enhance my skills in the snowpark, and use safety equipment independently.
Golden Pro-Rider
Objective:
I am independent on all types of terrain within the ski area.
Please note: We offer private lessons for children aged 2 years and over.
From 13 years old
I have never skied or have done a few hours.
Discovery
Objective:
my goal is to master snowplough turns green runs and easy blues.
From 13 years old
I have at least 1 week’s skiing experience and can snowplough confidently.
Level 1
Objective:
I am going to bring skis together in parallel and practice blue runs
From 13 years old
I have 2-4 weeks of skiing experience. I am skiing with simple parallel turns.
Level 2
Objective:
I will be able to do parallel turns on all blue runs and easy red runs
From 13 years old
I have more than 5 weeks of skiing experience. I am confident parallel turning on blue slopes.
Level 3
Objective:
my goal is to be comfortable on red runs and try my first black runs
From 13 years old
I have over 8 weeks of skiing experience. I am confident parallel skiing on all runs already, including bumps.
Level 4
Objective:
I will be confident to ski on all terrains and in all snow conditions
From 13 years old
I am a level 4 skier and would like to discover off piste skiing.
Expert
Objective:
my goal is to build my confidence and skills off-piste.
SNOWBOARD
Whether you’re discovering snowboarding for the first time or looking to level up your skills, our instructors will guide you through the techniques you need to ride on-piste and off-piste, enjoy freeride terrain, have fun in the snowpark, and feel confident on all types of snow and terrain.
From 8 years old
The right choice to discover the sensation of snowboard for the first time. Try it and you’ll love it!
Learn to ride
Objective:
to be confident on green runs.
From 8 years old
I will master round linked turns with shoulder rotation, perform elementary switch turns, keep my board flat at low speed, and execute tricks like a 360 slide on-piste and nose & tail press.
Bronze
Objective:
to be confident in my new skills to ride on blue runs.
From 8 years old
I will learn semi-carving turns with vertical movement, basic on-piste tricks like ollies and 180° spins, snowpark skills including small jumps and 50-50s on boxes, and an introduction to off-piste safety equipment and rules.
Silver
Objective:
to be confident performing the above on red runs and in the snowpark.
From 8 years old
I aim to develop the ability to link short, medium, and wide carving turns, ride switch on most slopes, understand off-piste techniques and safety, and perform snowpark tricks like grabs, rotations, and rails on small features.
Gold
Objective:
to be comfortable on all types of terrain, in various snow conditions, and on black pistes.
From 8 years old
I will learn to master techniques for banked slalom, boardercross, and slalom; different types of turns in powder; safety equipment; performing tricks on-piste; riding on boxes, rails, and quarter pipes in the snowpark; and chaining tricks on-piste.
Expert
Objective:
I will perfect my skills in the air at different speeds.
In Le Grand Bornand, we offer specialised Baby Snow group snowboard lessons for children aged 3 and up.
EXPERIENCE REQUIRED
OXYSKI
ESF
EVOLUTION2
ESI
Ages 3–4 – Beginner level, has never skied before.
Snowbears
Piou Piou
Panda Club
Snowman
From age 5 – Beginner level or just a few hours on skis and/or has completed the Petit Ours level.
Brown Bear
Ourson
Yetison
White Mouse
From age 5 – One week of skiing. Can snowplough and is starting to turn. Able to use a magic carpet or small drag lift independently.
Polar Bear
Flocon
Petit Yeti
Blue Mouse
2 to 3 weeks of skiing. Confident snowplough turns on easy green and blue runs, with good speed control and balance on skis.
1st Ski
1st Star Level
Yeti 1
International Cristal
3 to 5 weeks of skiing. Confident basic turns without poles on blue runs. Starting to bring skis parallel at the end of turns. Introduction to side-slipping.
2nd Ski
2nd Star Level
Yeti 2
Bronze Cristal
5 to 7 weeks of experience. Confident with basic parallel turns on blue and easy red runs. Controlled side-slipping.
3rd Ski
3rd Star Level
Yeti 3
Silver Cristal
Minimum age 8 and 6 to 9 weeks of experience. Confident with refined parallel turns on red runs. Able to alternate between short and long turns.
Bronze Ski
Bronze Star
Yeti 3
Vermilion Cristal
9 to 12 weeks of skiing, excellent technique on red runs and easy black runs. Able to link short turns, introduction to carving.
Silver Ski
Silver Star
Super Yeti
Gold Cristal
Minimum age 10 and 10 weeks of skiing. Able to link varied turns on red and easy black runs. Good progress in moguls. Introduction to freestyle in the intermediate snowpark.
Gold Ski
Gold Star
Yeti Rider
Diamond Cristal
Minimum age 12, confident skier on all types of terrain. Comfortable skiing on black runs.
Pro Rider
Performance/ Freeride/ Freestyle
Junior Academy
Le Run