Useful Information

Useful Information
Resort information, FAQs, Ts & Cs
Val d'Isère
Don't look any further

At 1,850 m, Val d’Isère is one of the world’s great ski destinations, offering terrain for every level of skier. Linked seamlessly with neighbouring Tignes (2,100 m), the two areas form an exceptional domain of over 300 km of slopes. The modern, well-connected lift system makes it easy to explore without advanced skills, while still providing plenty to inspire experts.

Beyond the superb pistes lie many activities: ice carting, paragliding, dog sledding, cross-country trails, snowshoeing, telemark and snowboard parks, and even guided off-piste or frozen-waterfall climbs. Val d’Isère also rewards food lovers, with excellent restaurants and mountain huts on the slopes and in the village—ideal for a sunny lunch or an elegant evening meal. Whether chasing powder, sampling Savoyard cuisine, or soaking up the lively Alpine atmosphere, Val d’Isère blends big-mountain adventure with the charm of a classic French ski village.

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Tignes
The twin sister of Val d'Isère

Tignes is truly amazing both winter and summer. If you start looking into what’s on offer in Tignes, you will be occupied for a while. From the top of the Grand Motte Glacier cable car at 3456 m.a.s. with stunning panoramic views to the charming village of Les Brévières at 1550 m.a.s. there is everything you can dream of in between.
If you are worried about whether there is enough snow, this is the place to be and linking up with Val d’Isère there is always something to discover with 300 kilometres between them.

The village is full of of life and the area around the lake offers fun activities for children and adults.
Tignes also has the best coffee places in the area, so take a break and visit Rocco and Delphine for an authentic Italian coffee at the Jam Bar in Rue de la Poste in Le Lac or stop by Lou and Ryan at The Corner Cafe in Val Claret near the Tufs chair lift.

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Les Boisses & Les Brévières
Two Village Jewels by the Lac du Chevril

At the gateway to the Tignes ski area, the neighbouring hamlets of Les Boisses (1,800 m) and Les Brévières (1,550 m) offer authentic Savoyard charm with direct access to the vast Espace Killy shared with Val d’Isère.  Les Brévières, with its stone-and-wood chalets and riverside setting, feels like a traditional mountain village, while Les Boisses enjoys a sunny plateau and wide mountain views.

Beyond the excellent skiing and snowboarding, there’s plenty to enjoy. Forest trails invite quiet snowshoe walks or winter hikes, while adventurous visitors can try ice diving in the frozen Tignes lake. Families can spend an afternoon sledging, and those seeking relaxation will find welcoming cafés, restaurants, and several spas for a well-earned unwind. Whether you end the day with a riverside stroll, a warm drink, or a sunset view from a terrace, Les Boisses and Les Brévières combine big-mountain access with the easy warmth of small Alpine villages.

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General FAQs
Here are some of the more common questions that people ask me when booking their lessons or trying to organise their holidays. I f you don't find an answer to your question here, do send me a message and I will help you the best I can.
  • What lift pass will I need for my lesson?

    Lift passes are not included in the ski lessons. I highly recommend getting the full access pass that covers both Val d’Isère and Tignes ski areas. For total beginners I recommend starting off with just the Val d’Isère pass which allows access to all the appropriate beginner areas.

    Lift passes can be purchased online before your arrival in Val d’Isère. If you do not already have a ski pass card, you can collect your pass from one of the ski pass collection points or vending machines in the resort when you arrive. You can then keep the card and reuse it the following seasons.
    If you need to buy the lift pass in person, I recommend allowing at least 30 minutes, especially in peak weeks. The lift pass office opens at 8.30.

    Please make sure you have your lift pass ready before the start of your lesson, as lessons cannot begin without a valid pass.

  • Where do we meet for the lesson(s)?

    Half-day lessons begin and end at the designated meeting point. Full-day sessions offer greater flexibility, and an alternative meeting location can often be arranged in advance.

    The usual meeting point is at the bottom of the metal walkway below the Olympic cable car, next to the large piste map and close to the Sun Bar Café restaurant.

    Your lesson details and meeting arrangements will always be confirmed before the start of your session.

  • Do you offer off piste skiing or touring?

    My lessons and guiding sessions are focused on developing confident, adaptable skiing within the ski area. I do not offer off-piste skiing or ski touring.

    That said, skiing is never just about perfectly prepared pistes. Conditions change from day to day, and part of becoming a better skier is learning how to adapt to different snow, terrain and mountain environments. Depending on the conditions, we may explore different types of on-piste terrain and make the most of what the mountain offers that day.

  • When is a good time to book my lessons?

    I am set up as an independent instructor and I take most of my bookings in advance. For the busiest weeks, even a year ahead. Therefore, I advice you to make your booking as early as possible.
    You can always request to put in a provisional booking and we can confirm at a later date. Send me a message via the inquiry form for any further information.

  • Will the lesson run if the weather is bad?

    If there are lifts running then we can ski. There is always something to learn and we all must carry a good attitude and remember that we are in a high altitude environment where the weather can change from one moment to the next.
    Some of my most memorable days are snowy and far from the bluebird picture perfect days. I always do my utmost to make sure I adjust my choice of area and runs to the conditions in the best way possible. I will also make sure that the lesson content is suitable and that safety always comes first.

  • What happens if I miss a day?

    I am sorry if you cannot make the lessons that you have booked, but if you do not attend the lesson on the day, I cannot give a refund for the missed lesson or reschedule. I am happy to provide a letter for your insurance company in this instance.

  • What if I need to cancel?

    I know that life isn’t always straight forward and unexpected things happen. If a cancellation is carried forwards by you for whatever reason, reimbursement will be calculated as follows:

    more than 28 days: refunded 70% of lesson price;

    10 – 27 days: refunded 50% of lesson price;

    10 days or less: no refund.

    Please do get in touch if you have any further questions.

FAQs Kids
Kids and skiing? The to-do list is endless and the questions are many. I have heard them all I think, and there really are no stupid questions. Send me a message if you don't find your answer below. I am here to help.
  • What age can my child start skiing?

    All children are different and the appropriate age very much depends on the individual child. The ability to run and jump well are good indicators that we can have some fun time exploring together.

    I have taught children as young as 1 1/2 but many start at the age of 3. Whatever the age it is all about expectations. It’s all about having fun, getting used to the equipment, the mountain and snow environment and the sensation of sliding on skis.

  • What about equipment?

    A helmet is compulsory. These you can rent in ski hire shops. For boots and skis, the ski hire shops usually have a couple of setups for the youngest learners. Be sure to reserve them in advance. Don’t worry about ski poles, they will be introduced later.
    Only put on one pair of ski socks and make sure that they go above the cuff of the ski boot to avoid creating sore areas on the shins and around the ankles.
    Don’t forget to put their lift pass in a zip pocket on the left (arm).
    Suncream and a small bottle of water along with a little snack as well a pocket money for a potential hot chocolate stop depending on the weather conditions.

  • How do I best dress them for skiing?

    Layering is the easiest way to manage their body temperature. When I ski with children I bring a back pack in case we need to drop or put on a layer.

    It is equally important to make sure that the child has good quality goggles and/or sunglasses, quality mittens (better for warm fingers than gloves) that are high on the wrists, a good fleecy neck warmer and sun cream even on a cloudy day.

    Some pocket money for a hot chocolate with marshmallows has proven popular as well.
    An emergency snack in the pocket can add hours to the day.

    Only put on one pair of ski socks and make sure that they go above the cuff of the ski boot to avoid creating sore areas on the shins and around the ankles.

  • How do I get my child from snow plough to parallel?

    This is often a parent’s goal for their child’s lesson. Everyone is eager to make the most of the holiday and go on adventures together as a family, but a snow plough makes for very tired legs if it’s applied on runs that are too steep. Also, going on steeper runs too quickly will only reinforce the use of this technique so it becomes a vicious circle and harder to get rid of.

    Patience and low expectations are so important at this stage, in order to allow confidence to build and learn how to steer both skis in a parallel manner.
    This is the best reason to get help from a professional and avoid cutting corners by doing it yourself.

  • What language will the lesson be in?

    I am Danish but I speak English fluently.
    I also speak nearly fluent French.

    At home we speak three languages on a daily basis as mum is Danish, dad is French and the language between us has always been English. We want to pass this on to our two children, so we keep them all going.

    Therefore, I am used to switching from one to the other all the time.

    On a side note I would say that I get by in German but it’s fairly basic.

  • What if my child gets unwell?

    Make sure to inform about any allergies or medical requirements that the child might have. If  the child or I feel that it is unable to continue with the lesson I will contact you and ask you to come meet us. This is why I always require a mobile contact for all parents whose children are taking ski lessons with me. It is important that I can get through at all times.

Terms and Conditions
Covid-19 'Peace of mind' Policy
  • Terms and Conditions

    Booking Terms & Conditions

    My goal is always to go the extra mile to ensure that you have an enjoyable, safe and rewarding experience on the mountain, and that you feel well supported throughout your booking process and Lessons. If you have any questions regarding your booking or these Terms & Conditions, please do not hesitate to contact me.

    1. GENERAL

    1.1 These Terms & Conditions apply to all bookings made with Lena Nielsen (“Lena”), whether made directly or through an intermediary, travel agent, concierge, tour operator or other booking service, for ski lessons, coaching, guiding or any other services provided by Lena (collectively referred to as the “Lessons”).

    1.2 By making a booking or payment, you confirm that you have read, understood and accepted these Terms & Conditions.

    1.3 If you are making a booking on behalf of other participants, you confirm that you have the authority to accept these Terms & Conditions on behalf of every member of your party.

    1.4 When booking a group session, you acknowledge that participants may have different levels of ability, confidence and individual objectives. To help create the most suitable session, Lena will endeavour to understand the experience, expectations, goals and comfort levels of all participants at the time of booking. It is therefore important that accurate and honest information is provided regarding the abilities, confidence levels and objectives of everyone in the group. A group session is designed around the needs of the group as a whole. Differences in technical ability, preferred pace, confidence or psychological comfort may influence the terrain choices, progression and structure of the session. In order to provide a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone, the session will be adapted to the needs of the participant requiring the greatest level of support, whether due to technical ability, physical considerations, confidence or psychological comfort. Lena reserves the right to modify the planned content, terrain, pace or focus of the session where reasonably necessary to ensure safety, suitability and the best possible experience for the group.

    1.4.1 Should you wish to proceed with a group session where participants have differing levels of ability, confidence, objectives or expectations, Lena may agree to accept the booking following discussion with the client. In such circumstances, the client acknowledges that the session will be adapted to the needs of the group as a whole and that it may not be possible to meet the individual objectives of every participant during the same session. Lena reserves the right to determine the appropriate terrain, pace, activities and focus of the session based on her professional judgement, with safety and the overall experience of the group being the priority.

    1.5 Lesson participation and conduct

    Lena reserves the right to refuse, suspend or discontinue tuition, coaching, instruction or participation in a lesson, course or service where a client:

    a) behaves in a manner that Lena considers inappropriate, unsafe, disruptive or detrimental to the experience, safety or wellbeing of other participants, instructors or other mountain users;

    b) is under the influence of alcohol, drugs or any other substance that may impair their ability to participate safely during lesson or course time;

    c) is not appropriately equipped or dressed for the conditions, is unwell, or is not at an appropriate level for the group or service booked.

    Any decision made by Lena under these circumstances will be based on safety, suitability and the overall experience of those involved. Where tuition is refused, suspended or discontinued due to any of the circumstances above, no refund will be provided.

    1.6     CHILDRENS LESSONS     When booking a lesson for a child, the parent, guardian, carer or responsible adult must provide accurate and complete information regarding the child’s skiing ability, previous experience, health, medical conditions, disabilities, behavioural needs or any other relevant information that may affect their ability to safely participate in the lesson.

    1.6.1 This information is required so that Lena can adapt the lesson appropriately and ensure the safety and enjoyment of the child and other participants. Failure to provide relevant information at the time of booking may affect Lena’s ability to provide the lesson safely and appropriately.

    1.6.2 Lena reserves the right to ask a parent, guardian, carer or responsible adult to collect a child from a lesson if the child is not suitably dressed for the conditions, is unwell, or is not at an appropriate level for the group. This is to ensure the safety, comfort and overall experience of the child and other participants. In these circumstances, no refund will be provided.

    1.6.3 When dropping off a child for a lesson, the parent, guardian, carer or responsible adult must introduce themselves to Lena and ensure that Lena is aware of who is responsible for the child.

    The parent, guardian, carer or responsible adult is responsible for being present at the agreed meeting point at the end of the lesson to collect the child. To allow for unforeseen delays, it is requested that parents, guardians, carers or responsible adults arrive at the agreed meeting point approximately 10 minutes before the scheduled end of the lesson.

    A valid contact telephone number for the parent, guardian, carer or responsible adult responsible for the child must be provided at the time of booking and must be available throughout the lesson.

    In the event that a child is not collected at the agreed time, additional waiting time may be charged at the current private lesson hourly rate.

    2. BOOKINGS AND PAYMENT

    2.1 The agreed lesson fee and payment instructions will be confirmed at the time of booking.

    2.2 Full payment is due no later than four (4) weeks prior to the first Lesson unless otherwise agreed in writing.

    2.3 For bookings made within four (4) weeks of the first Lesson, full payment must be made immediately upon confirmation of the booking.

    2.4 For bookings made within seven (7) days of the first Lesson, or on the same day as the Lesson, payment must be received in full prior to the commencement of the Lesson. Payment may be made by bank transfer, payment link, Revolut or cash where agreed in advance.

    2.5 A booking is considered confirmed once Lena has provided written confirmation of the requested Lessons, including by email or text message. By accepting the booking confirmation, you agree to these Terms & Conditions. Payment will be requested no later than four (4) weeks prior to the first Lesson, unless the booking is made within four (4) weeks of the Lesson start date, in which case payment will be required upon confirmation of the booking.

    2.6 All invoices are issued in Euros and must be paid in Euros. Any bank charges or currency conversion fees are the responsibility of the client.

    2.7 Lesson places are reserved for the named participant(s) and may not be transferred without prior written agreement.

    2.8 Payment information and card details are processed securely through the relevant payment provider. Lena does not collect, store or have access to clients’ full payment card details.

    2.9 Lesson prices are based on a maximum of four (4) participants per group unless otherwise agreed in writing.

    2.10 At the time of booking, you must provide the maximum number of participants who may take part in the Lesson. If the number of participants exceeds four (4), this must be agreed in advance and an additional fee may apply.

    2.11 Where the number of participants increases after booking confirmation, Lena reserves the right to adjust the price accordingly or to decline additional participants where this is not compatible with the agreed lesson structure, safety considerations or availability.

    3. CANCELLATIONS

    3.1 Cancellation periods are calculated from the date of the first Lesson, regardless of the date on which payment is made.

    3.2 If you cancel your booking more than twenty-one (21) days before the first Lesson, you will receive a refund of 80% of the amount paid, less any bank charges incurred in processing the refund.

    3.3 If you cancel your booking between ten (10) and twenty-one (21) days before the first Lesson, you will receive a refund of 60% of the amount paid, less any applicable bank charges.

    3.4 If you cancel your booking ten (10) days or fewer before the first Lesson, or fail to attend your Lesson, no refund will be payable.

    3.5 If your booking is cancelled or curtailed due to circumstances outside Lena’s control, including but not limited to adverse weather, lift or resort closure, road closure, snow conditions, illness, injury or your inability to attend, no refund will be due. Where appropriate, Lena will gladly provide supporting documentation for your insurance provider.

    3.6 Third-party services

    Lena is not responsible for services provided by independent third parties, including but not limited to ski lifts, lift operators, local transport services, mountain infrastructure, or other external service providers. Lena cannot accept liability for any loss, injury, delay, inconvenience, financial cost or inability to attend a lesson resulting from the actions, decisions, failures or circumstances of these third parties.

    This includes situations where access to a lesson or course is affected by the operation, availability or interruption of third-party services. While participating in a lesson, clients remain subject to the terms, conditions and safety responsibilities of the third-party providers involved.

    4. CANCELLATION BY LENA

    4.1 If Lena is unable to provide the booked Lesson, every reasonable effort will be made to arrange an alternative instructor of an equivalent standard, subject to your agreement.

    4.2 Where no suitable replacement can be arranged, you will receive a full refund for any Lessons that cannot be provided.

    5. INSURANCE

    5.1 You are responsible for ensuring that you and all members of your party have appropriate winter sports insurance covering the activities you intend to undertake.

    5.2 Your insurance should include, where appropriate, medical expenses, mountain rescue, helicopter evacuation, third-party liability, cancellation and curtailment cover.

    5.3 Lena accepts no responsibility for losses or expenses that would normally be covered by your insurance policy.

    6. SAFETY AND RESPONSIBILITY

    6.1 You agree to follow all reasonable instructions given during the Lessons and to ski within your own level of ability.

    6.2 You are responsible for ensuring that you are medically fit to participate and for informing Lena before the Lesson of any medical condition, injury or circumstance that may affect your participation.

    6.3 You remain responsible for providing suitable ski equipment, clothing and lift passes where required.

    7. LIABILITY

    7.1 Lena holds appropriate professional qualifications and professional liability insurance for the services provided.

    7.2 While every reasonable care is taken to provide a safe and enjoyable experience, skiing and mountain activities involve inherent risks which cannot be entirely eliminated.

    7.3 Lena shall not be liable for any loss, damage, injury, delay or additional expense arising from circumstances beyond her reasonable control or from risks inherent in skiing and mountain activities, except where liability cannot legally be excluded.

    8. MEDICAL TREATMENT

    8.1 In the event of an accident or medical emergency, you authorise Lena to obtain appropriate emergency medical assistance on your behalf where it is reasonable and necessary to do so. Any associated costs remain your responsibility.

    9. PHOTOGRAPHY

    9.1 Unless you notify Lena in writing before the commencement of your Lessons, you consent to photographs or video footage taken during the Lessons being used by Lena for promotional purposes, including on websites and social media.

    9.2 Such material will never be sold or provided to unrelated third parties for their own marketing purposes.

    10. MISCELLANEOUS

    10.1 Lesson start times or meeting locations may occasionally need to be adjusted for operational or safety reasons. Lena reserves the right to amend the start time by up to one hour after prior consultation where reasonably possible.

    10.2 Late arrival and attendance

    10.2.1 Late arrivals for private lessons, Lena will wait up to 15 minutes after the agreed lesson start time at the arranged meeting point. If you expect to be delayed, please inform Lena as soon as possible. Where no prior notice has been provided, the lesson will start or continue as scheduled, and the lesson time may be reduced accordingly.

    10.2.2 Late arrivals for group lessons or courses, Lena will wait up to 5 minutes after the agreed lesson start time at the arranged meeting point. If you expect to be delayed, please inform Lena as soon as possible. Where no prior notice has been provided, the group lesson will start as scheduled and late arrival may result in the participant missing part of the session.

    10.2 If any provision of these Terms & Conditions is found to be invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions shall continue to apply.

    10.3 These Terms & Conditions are governed by French law.

    If you have any questions regarding these Terms & Conditions, please contact: info@skilena.com.

  • Professional Information & Credentials

    Professional Information & Credentials

    For your peace of mind, I maintain the professional qualifications, registrations and insurance necessary to work as an independent ski instructor in France.

    I am fully qualified to teach in France and hold the required professional licences and registrations for my activities. I hold comprehensive professional liability insurance (Responsabilité Civile Professionnelle) covering my ski instruction activities and have completed up to date additional first aid training relevant to outdoor and mountain environments.

    Professional details

    SIRET: 51826166400040
    Carte Professionnelle number: 07309ED0264
    Professional liability insurance (Responsabilité Civile Professionnelle): AXA/GBC Montagne

    Qualifications and professional background

    Ski instructor qualifications:
    BASI (British Association of Snowsports Instructors) Level 4
    Full French equivalence authorisation to teach in France (See ‘Carte professionelle’ number above)
    Full Danish equivalence/certification

    Outdoor Pursuits 16 Hour First Aid L3 (VTQ) – advanced first aid training for outdoor environments

    Additional training and experience:
    Sports massage therapy background, providing additional knowledge of biomechanics, movement and injury prevention

  • Legal notice / Website terms of use

    Legal Notice / Mentions légales

    This website is operated by:

    SkiLena
    Legal form:Lena Haurits Nielsen SAS / Micro-entreprise depending on the website owner]
    Registered address: 3 Rue du Pomeray, 73700 Séez, France
    SIRET: 51826166400040
    Professional activity: Ski instructor / ski coaching services

    Professional authorisation and qualifications: BASI Level 4 (2009)
    French Carte Professionel number: 07309ED0264

    Lena is a fully qualified ski instructor authorised to provide professional ski instruction in France.

    Professional liability insurance: AXA / GBC Montagne

    SkiLena holds professional liability insurance covering the activities provided within the scope of its professional services.

    Contact details:

    Email: info@skilena.com
    Telephone: +33(0)619234362

    Website hosting: www.one.com

    Hosting provider: one.com
    Address: 57 Rue d’Amsterdam, Paris 75008, France
    Website: www.one.com

    Publication responsibility:

    Website content is managed and published by SkiLena.

    Personal data protection:

    Personal information collected through this website is processed in accordance with applicable data protection legislation. For further information, please refer to the SkiLena Privacy Policy.

    Website Terms of Use

    Please read these Website Terms of Use carefully before using the SkiLena website.

    These Website Terms of Use apply to the website operated by SkiLena (“we”, “us”, “our” or “SkiLena”). By accessing and using this website, you agree to these terms. If you do not agree with any part of these terms, please do not use this website.

    1. Purpose of the website

    The SkiLena website provides information about ski lessons, ski coaching, services, availability, prices and other activities offered by Lena.

    The information provided on this website is intended for general information purposes only. While every effort is made to ensure that information is accurate and up to date, SkiLena cannot guarantee that all information will remain current, complete or free from errors.

    Information relating to lesson availability, prices, meeting arrangements, services offered, mountain conditions and external providers may change over time.

    Any booking made through SkiLena is subject to the SkiLena Terms & Conditions, which form the basis of the agreement between SkiLena and the client.

    1. Use of website content

    All content on this website, including but not limited to text, photographs, images, videos, graphics, logos and other materials, is owned by or licensed to SkiLena unless otherwise stated.

    This content may not be copied, reproduced, modified, distributed, published or used for commercial purposes without prior written permission from SkiLena.

    Unauthorised use of content from this website may result in legal action.

    1. Accuracy of information

    SkiLena makes reasonable efforts to provide accurate and up-to-date information on this website. However, information relating to ski conditions, mountain operations, availability, prices, services and external providers may change without notice.

    SkiLena accepts no responsibility for loss, inconvenience or disappointment arising from reliance on information that has changed or is no longer current.

    1. Third-party websites and services

    This website may contain links to websites or services operated by third parties.

    SkiLena does not control and accepts no responsibility for the content, availability, security, privacy practices or services provided by these external websites.

    The inclusion of any link to a third-party website does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by SkiLena.

    1. Photographs and media

    Photographs, videos, testimonials and other media displayed on this website are used with appropriate permission where required.

    If you have any concerns regarding content appearing on this website, please contact SkiLena.

    1. Personal information and cookies

    This website may use cookies or similar technologies to improve website functionality and understand how visitors use the site.

    Any personal information collected through this website will be handled in accordance with applicable data protection legislation and SkiLena’s Privacy Policy.

    1. Website availability and liability

    SkiLena makes reasonable efforts to maintain the availability and functionality of this website. However, SkiLena cannot guarantee that the website will always be available, uninterrupted or free from technical issues.

    SkiLena accepts no responsibility for loss or damage arising from technical problems, interruptions, security issues or events outside of reasonable control affecting access to the website.

    Information provided on this website does not constitute individual ski instruction, coaching advice or a personal assessment. Skiing and mountain activities involve inherent risks, and clients should refer to the SkiLena Terms & Conditions before booking services.

    1. Changes to these Website Terms of Use

    SkiLena reserves the right to update or modify these Website Terms of Use at any time. Changes will take effect once published on this website.

    1. Contact

    If you have any questions regarding these Website Terms of Use, please contact SkiLena.

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