“Half day or full day?” is usually the first question we are asked after “are you free?”. There is no single answer, but there is a clear way to decide.
What a half day is good for
A half day is a morning or an afternoon. It works best when:
- The skier is very young. Small children learn best in shorter sessions, before they get tired or cold.
- It is your first time on skis. A focused half day gives you the basics without exhausting your legs on day one.
- You have one clear goal. For example, more confidence on red runs, or starting to carve.
- You want the rest of the day free to ski with family or friends.
What a full day is good for
A full day runs from the first lifts to the afternoon, with a lunch break. It is the right choice when:
- You want real, lasting progress. Learning a skill is quick; keeping it takes practice on different runs and snow. A full day gives time for both.
- You want to see more of the mountain. We follow the best snow and the quietest runs, sometimes across valleys.
- You are an intermediate or advanced skier. This is where the second half of the day pays off most.
- You want a guide as well as a coach. Lunch at a mountain restaurant we know, and runs you would not find on your own.
Planning your days on the snow? Send us your dates and we reply with availability and a price.
Request a lessonWhy we usually recommend the full day
Most progress happens in the afternoon. In the morning we watch you ski, find what to change and practise it. After lunch, your body has had time to absorb it, and that is when it starts to feel natural. In a half day we often stop just as things click.
A simple rule
| Who | Our suggestion |
|---|---|
| Young children, first-timers | Half day, usually the morning |
| Intermediate skiers who want to improve | Full day |
| Advanced skiers, carving, off-piste | Full day |
| Three Valleys tour | Full day |
| A week of lessons | A mix: full days early in the week, a half day to rest the legs |
If you are not sure, tell us your level and your plans when you ask for availability. We will suggest what makes sense, and you can always change it. More about how we teach: private lessons in Courchevel and lessons for children.
