Frequently Asked Questions

Is there always snow at Christmas and through the season in Megeve?
Megeve needs very little snow cover to open because of its base (what we ski on) which is pasture land lots of grass, only a few centimeters of snow suffices. Most ski resorts in the Alps are on a rocky base and there for need to have at least a meter of snow to be open and operational. Snow depends upon the temperature and fortunately Megeve, like all ski areas these days, is equipped with 175 snow cannons. Rochebrune is also very well situated (north exposure) and is wonderful for lessons due to its choice of terrain. Megeve has a wonderful “micro climate” due to its proximity to the Mont Blanc!

It’s snowing; windy and cold, is the lesson going to be canceled?
Yes indeed, this is the best of situations Megeve is a ski area that benefits from pistes that are cut in the forest with trees on both sides of the pistes in times of “white out” we Ski Pros Megeve ski close to the sides of the pistes and in wonderful snow conditions. Your “Independent Ski Instructor” will be happy to show you how. Just make sure to have the appropriate gear (goggles, hat, jacket etc.). Make sure to bring a little cash for a hot chocolate.

It’s raining should I go to my lesson?
Indeed rain does not make for a pleasant skiing situation however Megeve is fortunate to have a lift system that includes a Telepherique and Gondolas this allows you to get to the top of the pistes and ski on runs that are higher up where it is snowing. Remember, it may be raining in the center of town …but snowing on the mountain. Whatever the weather and what you decide to do your “Independent Instructor” will be there waiting and therefore there will be no refund unless another lesson can be booked for the same allotted time. Please call us to see if another client would be available to replace you, prior to your decision and to let us know of your arrival. There is no guarantee that we can fill in the time, if we can, great we will not charge you.

What about ski equipment?
We have very professional ski shops that we work with and who are willing to extend a discount to our clients. They are the best and will provide you with the newest equipment and best prices in town. We are happy to have all your equipment needs ready for you prior your arrival (Ski Pros Megeve do not take a commission for this service)! Should this be of interest please send us the following information two weeks before arriving in Megeve: Names, Gender, Age, Shoe Size, Weight, Height, Skiing Ability and the dates of your skiing holiday. (Measurements in Metric please and if possible). Any minor adjustments of whatever kind can be done at the time of your arrival. Also you may leave your walking shoes at the ski shop during the day and drop off your rental ski equipment at the ski shop at the end of the day so you do not have to take it back to your hotel or apartment. The next day your boots will be warm, dry and “toasty”.

What about lift passes?
Ski passes are bought from the ski area and in many bureaus all over the area. The easiest place is at the bottom of each base area. You can do this in about 10 minutes early on the morning of your arrival. The cost of ski lessons does not include a lift pass. To profit to the maximum from your lesson you will need to have a valid lift pass which is available from the lift office. If you are a beginner, please check with us first and prior to the lesson as to the necessity of a pass the first lesson. Make sure to have an I.D. photo or a “scan able” photo (driver’s license or passport, etc.) as this is necessary for all passes purchased for more than 3 days. Be aware that there exists a variety of ski passes… we can help you decide which is best for you just let us know. Group lift passes and discounts are also available, depending upon age, number of days, group size etc. A “cell phone” picture will work, just give it to the cashier at the time you buy your pass, they will download it to the pass! You can also have your pass put on a “ski watch”!

How long does it take to confirm my ski lessons?
To make a booking: You can reach me year round and I will confirm all lessons immediately! If I am already booked I will find you someone that I work closely with and who teaches like I do!
- You can call “Megeve Mike” 0033 (0)6 81 61 06 15 and leave a fixed line number (with country prefix please) we will call you back immediately or at the latest that evening, to confirm your request.
- You can send us an email (info@skiprosmegeve.com) with your request and we will get back to you immediately by phone or at the latest that evening, to confirm your request. Please note that during the holidays it is very difficult to find good ski instructors that would have time available. More importantly it is almost impossible to find native English speaking Full Certified Independent Ski Instructors …even not so good ones! Caveat, book as early as possible June, July and August is good!

Must I come to the ski school desk to collect my tickets when I arrive in Megeve?
We are an “on line ski school” and do not have a “physical” office. We work on a “trust and honor” basis our word is our bond. We confirm all lessons immediately. As “Independent Ski Instructors” and “Guides” we all work together to form a service that is not conducive to a physical office presence in the resort. This allows us to be very reactive and to provide the best in the way of immediate availability. There are no secretaries, no answering services. Just word of mouth and long time clients that reserve a year in advance we work closely with hotels and other local agents to provide their clients with the best lesson that is available. We are very much aware that the client needs to be happy and pleased by experience for them to come back. We are not doing this for the short term. We will go way out of our way to make your experience the best that you and your family will ever have on your skiing holidays. We can help you with most of whatever you could desire while in Megeve.

Can I book online?
No. You are not able to book your holiday online on this site - we prefer to conduct our business by telephone or e-mail which we believe enables us to offer you more choice, help, advice, options and thus a "better service".
Holiday time is precious and all ski holidays cost at least several hundred pounds. Online retailing is great for CDs, books and simple air tickets. But, ski holidays are an expensive and complicated commodity. By talking to you, we can get a much more precise idea of your individual requirements than they can ever glean from drop-down boxes. Surf the site and see just how much information there is on your preferred destination, then give us a call or e-mail us to book your ski holiday lessons.

At which moment will the payment be made and to whom?
You will be charged for the lessons booked at the beginning of your first lessons. Payment in Euros may be made by check, (if drawn on French Bank), cash and electronic funds as long as the net amount billed is credited to our account. You will be able to pay your “independent instructor” directly.

Can I reserve private lessons outside of the times offered during the school holidays?
Not if you would like to be assured of getting an instructor. We ask that you contact us directly at 0033(0)6 81 61 06 15 to make sure that we do not do a double booking. If your instructor is available we will confirm it immediately.

A reservation without payment? Is that right?
Yes, as for us this is a booking, once confirmed by email and or phone conversation by us! We work on a “trust and honor” basis our word is our bond, we expect the same consideration of our clients. As “independent ski instructors and guides” we all work together to form a service that is not conducive to a physical office presence in the resort. You will be responsible for all of your reservations once “confirmed” by phone and or email by us.

Can I make a pre-reservation or reservation by telephone?
Yes, we take reservations by phone (up to a year in advance for our clients) however they must be “confirmed” by email by you and accepted/confirmed by us by email and or phone conversation with you. You will be billed for all “confirmed” lessons.

During the week my child decides that he/she does not like the lessons can I be refunded?
Unfortunately not. Only in the event of an illness or accident can you be reimbursed. Please note we strongly advise you to take out insurance such as the “CARTE NEIGE or SKI INSURANCE”; they will/should in the event of an accident cover all costs and should (under normal situations) refund your lift pass and lessons. Make sure to read the fine print.

I need to have a receipt.
There are no tickets for the lessons. Each “independent instructor” will be able to provide you with a receipt at the end of holiday or upon full payment of “confirmed” lessons. Please advise your instructor in advance.

In the case of an accident or illness will I be refunded?
We cannot refund your ski lesson that is why we strongly advise you to take out insurance such as the “CARTE NEIGE or Ski Insurance”; they will/should in the event of an accident or illness cover all costs and should (under normal situations) refund your lift pass and lessons. Make sure to read the fine print.

Do we do private ski lessons for 2, 3 and 4 year olds; are they really in a skiing lesson?
Yes, the lessons are given by a Full Certified Independent Ski Instructor with the desire that your child discovers and enjoys sliding and skiing. This is an awareness experience…some children have a heightened sense of their environment and well developed “motor skills”! We encourage the “discovery" aspect of the experience without being “pushy”. They can even and most often surprise you and us at Ski Pros Megeve.

Will my child be tested during the ski lesson week? Is it really necessary?
Yes and no, your child will never know and there is no inscription. There is no additional cost for the testing. There is no pass/fail to the exam and the way we teach. We feel that “skiing is a fun experience” and your child will learn more in a friendly environment than in a stressful situation. The exam is ongoing during the lesson and skiing week. If you would like a “Certificate” certifying participation in a course with us we can provide the Certificate signed by your Independent Instructor and we will mail it to your home address in your child’s name! There is a slight charge for this to cover printing and mailing. It does look good framed in your child’s room! Just make sure to let us know.

Can my children of different ages be together in their first ski lesson?
We recommend that we try at first keeping them together.
Sometimes it works, most of the time there is a big difference in “motor skills and maturity” and as a result there will be a faster “learning curve” for the more developed child, this is normal and to be expected. The best thing to do is to not penalize the less developed child or to place the child in a competitive situation (at least not yet). Splitting up the time between the children will produce the best results…and make everyone happy and wanting to come back for more. Whatever occurs the children will always get eventually to the point that there will be a lot of competition between them and this has to be controlled we know how to do this and get the most out of your youngsters while always having fun and teaching the safety aspects of skiing and the sport.

My plans have changed I cannot come to Megeve. I have booked lessons can I be refunded?
Yes, as long as we know and are able to book, obtain confirmation, and confirm other clients for your time slots. This is why we always try and take “back-ups” for our lessons. In the event we are able to book a part of the lessons dates and times you and we confirmed you will not be charged for those lessons. You will receive a full refund but only if we can substitute/find another client for all the lessons. Refunds will only occur for that portion of the lessons that we were able to rebook with or without your help…and for the same amount that was confirmed with you.
Help us help you; make sure that we have all your contact numbers, email address (we never give this out to anyone under any condition or for whatever reason) this will allow us to keep in touch with you and you to contact us when you arrive in Megeve or to confirm/establish a meeting place or time change.
*Remember we strongly advise you to take out insurance such as the CARTE NEIGE or Ski Insurance; they will in the event of an accident or illnesses cover your costs and should (under normal situations) refund your lift pass and lessons. Please check with your insurer and a Doctor when and where necessary. Make sure to read the fine print.

Can my child do both morning and afternoon private lessons?
Remember skiing is a fun experience and your child is on vacation. Our desire is to have your child enjoy skiing and help them discover the first (in most cases) sensations of independence and freedom. Your child’s level of fatigue, motivation, physical strength and age will have an incidence on his experience. Make sure that a good breakfast and lunch has been provided for and an adequate time of rest and relaxation. Early to bed makes for “happy campers”.

Can we book “all day” private lessons and ski tours to visit a different ski area during our holiday?
Yes indeed we specialize in skiing tours and will ski guide you to a variety of different ski areas in the French, Swiss and Italian Alps. Most areas are only an hour away and the farthest away we will go is 2 hours driving time from Megeve. We strongly recommend this as a way to discover the beauty of the Alps. We at Ski Pros Megeve will at a clients request will go to other areas and meet the clients in the area of their choice. We are experienced in many areas all over the world. From the USA, Canada, Argentina, Switzerland, Italy and more. We can also arrange the best in lodging.

© Mike Beaudet, 2006-2013