Kids ski lessons in Crans-Montana: from what age, which lesson?

First glides, first turns, first chairlift… A child’s first days on skis matter a lot: if they go well, they make them want to come back every winter. In Crans-Montana, our instructors welcome children in private lessons, in small groups or with the whole family. Here is how to choose the right lesson for your child’s age, personality and level.

1. At what age can a child start skiing?

In Switzerland, most children put on their first skis between the ages of 2 and 4. More than age, a few signs show that a child is ready:

• they walk and stand steadily;
• they are comfortable for a few hours without their parents;
• above all, they want to: a child who is forced rarely makes progress.

Snowboarding needs a little more balance and coordination: children usually start around 5 or 6. Our snowboard lessons are open from age 5, in 1 h 30 sessions for 5 to 6-year-olds and sessions of at least 2 hours from age 7.

2. Which lesson for your child?

Private lesson: ideal for a first experience

For a very first lesson, or for a shy child, a private lesson is the most reassuring option. The instructor focuses on your child alone and introduces skiing in a fun way. Your child moves at their own pace, without the pressure of a group. For the youngest, it is best not to go beyond 2 hours of lessons before the age of 8, as tiredness can quickly spoil the fun. That is the length of our shortest private lesson, at CHF 195.

A private lesson can also be shared between brothers, sisters or cousins of a similar level: each extra child costs only CHF 20 for a 2- or 3-hour lesson.

Group lesson: learning while having fun with others

Children also learn a lot by watching others. Our group lessons bring together 2 to 5 people with a certified instructor, for CHF 135 per person for 3 hours. The small group keeps the teaching personal. It is a good option for a sociable child who has already had a first go on skis.

Family Group: the whole family with one instructor

Would you rather ski with your children than drop them off? The Family Group brings together up to 8 people, children from age 5, with one instructor for the whole group. They assess everyone’s level and adapt the session. Beginners work on balance, braking and first turns, while the more confident improve their technique. Between exercises, there are shared moments: group runs, ski games, a small family challenge. The price is CHF 320 for a half day and CHF 580 for a full day, for the whole group.

3. What does it actually cost?

• One child, 2-hour private lesson: CHF 195.
• Two children together, 2-hour private lesson: CHF 215, i.e. CHF 107.50 each.
• Three children, 3 hours: CHF 330 for a shared private lesson, compared with CHF 405 for a group lesson (3 × CHF 135).
• Two parents and two children, half a day: CHF 320 in a Family Group, i.e. CHF 80 per person.

To compare all the formats, adults included, also read our article Private or group ski lessons: which should you choose?

The price includes a certified instructor, a tailored programme, and technical and safety advice. It does not include the lift pass, equipment rental (skis, boots, helmet) or insurance. Rental is available on request, on +41 79 855 45 45.

4. How a first lesson works

1. Welcome: the instructor meets your child at the meeting point agreed when you book, gets to know them and checks their equipment.
2. Getting started: a few simple exercises to get used to the skis and find their balance.
3. Learning: gliding, braking, turning, through games. The programme adapts to the snow and weather conditions on the day.
4. Debrief: at the end of the lesson, the instructor talks to you and suggests exercises to keep skiing together.

5. Preparing your child

• Boots that fit now, not “for next year”: if they are too big, they hold the foot badly and cause falls.
• Warm, waterproof clothing, gloves and sunglasses or goggles, plus a helmet.
• No poles at first: young children usually learn without them.
• Sunscreen and a small snack in a pocket.
• Not too much, not too long: for a young child, around 2 hours on the snow is enough, ideally in good weather. Better to stop while they still want more than when they are exhausted.

6. Why Crans-Montana is a great place to learn

The ski area has 141 km of runs across 58 pistes, from the resort (1,500 m) up to the Plaine Morte glacier, at around 3,000 m. It also has a specially secured area for children’s first glides. For the 2026-2027 winter, the season is scheduled from 19 December 2026 to 4 April 2027.

And once children have caught the skiing bug, our instructors will take them further: improving, freestyle, then guided freeride for confident teenagers.

7. Book early

Private lessons are often the first to be fully booked, especially during school holidays. Book online your private lesson (2 hours, half day or full day), your group lesson or your Family Group. You can also call us on +41 79 855 45 45, every day from 9 am to 6 pm: we will help you choose.