Private lessons
An instructor all to themselves, or shared with one child of the same level
- from 3 years old
For parents
How we teach kids to ski and ride
Are they too young? Skis or a snowboard? And what if they cry? How we work with children, what age they start and which ways in there are.
Every child works to their own clock. We start with play, we put independence before technique, and we keep the fun as the driving force.
How we teach
It starts with play
With the youngest ones we play: sliding, balancing, stopping and getting back up all arrive inside activities that feel like games to them, in a protected space and in short bursts.
As they grow, play gives way to goals they know about. The driving force, though, stays the fun.
Independence before technique
It’s what turns the mountain into a place your child knows how to be in.
Getting back up on their own
Doing up their boots
Fastening their helmet
Riding the drag lift
What age to start
Every child is different, and you’re the one who knows when yours is ready.
| Discipline | When they start |
|---|---|
| Skiing | Around 3 to 4 years old. |
| Snowboarding | The first slides can come earlier, with an adult alongside. From 4 to 5 years old they really begin. |
How to choose
Skis or a snowboard?
Have you ever watched a child take a run-up and slide across the floor? They do it sideways, instinctively. That’s why the sideways stance of a snowboard comes naturally to children.
What counts when you choose is how much they want to try: the right age is the one when they feel ready. If you’re not sure, tell us about them and we’ll talk it through.
The options for children
Four ways in, depending on your child’s age and how much time you spend at Sestriere.
| Option | Who it’s for |
|---|---|
| Private lesson | From 3 years old: an instructor all to themselves. Under 6 it’s almost the only way in, and at any age it’s the route for a complete beginner |
| Shared private lesson | Two children of the same level, matched by our office: the attention stays high and the cost is split |
| Kids’ group lessons | Ages 6 to 13-14 with some grounding already, typically during a ski holiday |
| Season-long courses | From 4 years old, for families who are at Sestriere regularly: one group from December to March. In Italian only |
Go to the option
The first lesson
A few tips for mum and dad. Every child is unique: adapt them to yours.
The right clothes
Waterproof and warm, right for the weather that day, but without making them too hot.
The right kit
Skis or snowboard, boots and helmet in the right size and in good condition: a good fit is comfort and safety.
Positive talk, and listening
Reassure them, and tell them how exciting and fun the snow is. Listen to their questions and worries, and back them up without putting pressure on.
Being on time
Arrive early: children pick up on a parent’s rush and anxiety, and start to feel it themselves.
Breakfast and a snack
A good breakfast before you set off and a snack in their pocket, for energy during the lesson.
The loo before you leave
Before the lesson, get them to go to the toilet: that way nothing interrupts them on the snow.
Let the instructor lead
Saying goodbye is hard sometimes, and that’s normal. Let the instructor lead the lesson: once the activity starts, children relax and begin to enjoy themselves.
Celebrate the progress
Recognise what they manage on the snow, even the small things: motivation grows and the whole day gets better.
On time at the end, too
When the lesson finishes a parent has to be there, on time: the instructor can’t leave a child on their own.
A helmet is compulsory by law
Since the 2025/2026 season, under Decreto Legge 96/2025, it applies to every skier and snowboarder, adults and children.
For everyone
Adults and children, on skis and on a snowboard, in every activity in the ski areas.
No helmet, no lesson
Your instructor is obliged to turn away anyone who hasn’t got one.
The right size
Check that it fits your child and that it’s in good condition.
Still not sure?
Tell us your child’s age and experience: we’ll help you choose the right way in.
- +39 340 577 2897
- info@yes-academy.it
- Via Pinerolo 17, Sestriere