frequently asked questions
Below are some of the questions we get asked regularly. They are split up into categories, click on one of them to take you straight to that section:
• Booking lessons
• Our instructors
• Private lessons
• Group lessons
• Kids Lessons
Booking lessons
Can I book online?
Simply fill out the online booking form (here) and we will email you an offer with our availability. Then we just need some credit card details to confirm your booking. Simple!
Should I book in advance?
Yes, particularly if you are interested in kids groups or private lessons over the school holiday periods.
What is your cancellation policy?
You can cancel lessons up to a week in advance without any charge. If you cancel lessons within a week of them starting, we have to charge 50% and within 24 hours we charge 100%.
Why do you take my credit card details?
We take your details to confirm the booking, but we do not charge the card in advance. We ask you to pop into the office before your lessons to pay and find out about meeting points etc.
Our instructors
Are your instructors qualified?
Yes, all Summit instructors are qualified. They have each done a minimum of 6 weeks of training and exams. However a qualification alone is not enough to get a job teaching with Summit. They are all friendly, positive and enthusiastic, and look forward to sharing their passions of skiing and the mountains with you.
Can I choose my instructor?
Yes, you can check out the Summit team here and request a specific instructor if you like.
Can my instructor take me off piste?
Summit instructors can take you down 'yellow runs', which are basically marked off piste runs. They offer great powder after a new snowfall but quickly get tracked out and turn into mogul fields. If you want to go further afield or onto Zermatt’s amazing glacial off piste terrain, you will need a UIAGM mountain guide rather than a ski teacher.
Do you have lift queue priority?
There is no lift queue priority system in Zermatt. Thankfully we rarely have to contend with big queues for lifts here. Even during the busiest times, there are normally quieter areas to ski and your Summit instructor will help minimize the time spent waiting for lifts.
Private lessons
Where do I meet my instructor for private lessons?
For morning and full day lessons, the choice is yours. The instructor will be happy to meet you somewhere in the ski area or to pick you up at your hotel or chalet (this obviously eats into your lesson time though). If we meet on the mountain, we normally choose Furi. From here, we have several options where we can ski depending on the weather, snow conditions and the terrain that your instructor feels would be best for you. Private lessons for beginners take place in the Leisee beginner area at Sunnegga.
How many lessons will I need as a beginner?
It is generally your level of fitness and confidence that play a big role in how quickly you pick up skiing. We would recommend at least 3 or 4 half-day lessons to get you started. We think our Starter Pack beginner group is the perfect introduction to skiing, with just the right balance of lesson time and time off. Learning the basics as part of a group is often more fun than in a one on one lesson.
Can I share a private lesson with someone who is a different level?
Yes, you are welcome to share your private lesson. The instructor can either split the time between you, or you can take the lesson together but bare in mind the pace of the lesson and the terrain will be targeted to the weaker skier.
You have a maximum of 6 in a group. Can I have more in a private lesson?
Yes. If the group would like to make real technical improvements then we recommend a maximum of 6, but if you are looking to be guided around the resort with hints and tips along the way then more than 6 would be fine.
Can my instructor take me to Italy?
Yes, as long as you have a lift pass that includes Cervinia (the daily extension to the Zermatt pass costs 39chf) your instructor would be more than happy to ski over there. This is best done in a full day lesson. Remember, children under 16 must wear a helmet if they want to ski on the Italian side (it is a legal requirement).
What languages are private lessons taught in?
Although the Summit team is entirely British, we have instructors who can teach in German, French and Spanish.
Can I take a private lesson for my kids?
No problem, the instructor will take the kids off and make sure they have a blast while they improve their skiing and learn about the mountain. The instructors will also look after the kids through lunchtime if you book a full day lesson.
Group lessons
What languages are Summit groups taught in?
English. We teach entirely in English so the instructor won't waste time explaining things in more than one language.
Where do Summit groups meet?
All group lessons on Sundays and Tuesdays meet at the bottom of the Sunnegga Express lift. Group lessons on Mondays, Thursdays and Fridays meet at Furi (the first stop up on the Matterhorn Express).
What happens if I choose the wrong level group?
We endeavour to help everyone choose the right level group before the lessons start. We have a strict maximum 6 in the group policy so you will only be able to change groups if there is space in an appropriate level class. Just get in touch if you would like to discuss your level to help you choose the right group.
Will the group definitely run?
Yes, if you have booked a place we guarantee to run the group regardless of the number of participants. However, if there are only one or two people booked for a group, we must reduce the duration of the lessons.
Kids group lessons
What groups can you offer my kids?
Our children’s groups have a maximum of 6 in a group. We run the Kids Club for 6-12 year olds and the New Schoolers for 12-16 year olds
When do they run?
We run kids’ groups during the UK school holiday periods and whenever there is demand outside these times.
Should I book in advance?
Yes. Our kids’ groups sometimes book up months in advance.
Is lunch included?
No. The instructors will look after the children through lunchtime but you will need to give your child money for their lunch each day.
Do the children get an award at the end of the week?
Yes. We use the Snowlife Snowsport Award Scheme. This sets a variety of technical tasks and challenges at nine different levels. The instructors will lead the children through the appropriate level throughout the lessons and present them with their badge, booklet and certificate at the end of the week.
Why is the minimum age for kids groups 6 years?
Our kids groups last the full day and run for 6 days, which is usually too much for children under 6 years old. Our recommendation is for kids under 6 to take private lessons or look at another ski school with creche facilities for the little ones when they get tired.
Should my kid wear a helmet?
Yes. We recommend that all children wear helmets when skiing (it is a legal requirement in Italy up to 16yrs old).
