Our FAQs
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is the price of the ski pass included in the lesson?
The ski pass is not included in the price of the lesson and must be purchased separately at the Via Lattea ticket offices.
Which ski pass should I take?
Here are some of our suggestions and tips based on your skills:
- Vialattea Ski Pass: this pass gives you access to all the slopes in the entire Via Lattea ski area. We recommend it for our intermediate and advanced skiers/snowboarders.
- Afternoon Pass: this pass grants access to all the slopes in the area but is valid from 13:00 onwards.
- “Invito allo Sci” Pass: it provides access to the lower ski lifts in Sestriere, including the Jolly carpets, BABY ski lifts, Trebial and Garnel chairlifts. It’s ideal for those who are starting to ski on blue slopes and want to tackle some red slopes as well.
- “Tappeto” Pass: this pass gives you access to the Jolly’s magic carpet, where you’ll take your first steps on the snow. It’s perfect for those who are putting on skis or a snowboard for the first time.
- Children born after 2016: For younger children, there is a dedicated and very advantageous skipass, but remember that you will need to present an identification document confirming the age at the time of purchase!
IF YOU NEED TO ATTEND A GROUP LESSON, IT’S ESSENTIAL TO INQUIRE WITH OUR OFFICE ABOUT WHICH SKI PASS TO PURCHASE!
You can find all the information and prices regarding ski passes at the following link: VIALATTEA
Is insurance included in the lesson?
No, the price of our lessons does not include any form of insurance. Therefore, we strongly recommend checking your personal insurance coverage or obtaining additional insurance to ensure your safety during your lessons on the slopes.
Moreover, Liability Insurance is required by law when skiing or snowboarding on the slopes. If you don’t have one, you can conveniently purchase it along with your skipass. This basic LI insurance also covers first aid in the event of an accident.
It’s important to note that on-piste rescue is managed by private operators and involves additional costs. Therefore, LI insurance is essential to cover such expenses if necessary.
What is the lesson cancellation policy?
You can cancel your lessons by contacting our office.
Private lessons must be cancelled by 4pm the day before the scheduled lesson in order to receive a refund.
Group lessons, on the other hand, can be canceled up to 72 hours before the start of the course. Please note that once the course has started, especially if it’s a multi-day course, you won’t be able to request a refund for missed lessons.
If you adhere to the cancellation terms mentioned above, you will receive a refund for the booked lesson. However, it’s important to note that 10% of the value of the canceled lesson will be retained to cover administrative costs and any bank charges. Outside of the specified cancellation terms, no refunds will be issued for booked lessons. Therefore, we recommend planning your lessons carefully.
What happens in case of bad weather?
The lessons will take place even in bad weather conditions such as snowfall, wind, and fog as these are typical mountain weather conditions. The lesson will only be canceled and refunded in the event of lift closures.
How many people are in a group lesson?
In our group lessons, we aim to have a welcoming and engaging environment. Groups are intentionally formed to contain an optimal number of participants, generally ranging from a minimum of 4 to a maximum of 8 people. This group size allows us to provide a more personalized experience and ensure that each participant receives the necessary attention to improve his/her skills.
On some occasions, the limit of 8 people may be slightly exceeded. This can happen because there may be participant movements between groups during the course to ensure that everyone is in the context that best suits their abilities and goals.
We are very attentive to create homogeneous groups in terms of age and skill level. We believe that socialization and team spirit are fundamental elements for a positive learning experience during group lessons.
Can I rent equipment directly from YES Academy?
For equipment rental, we have partnerships with two shops, both located near the school and conveniently close to the slopes:
You can contact them directly, and don’t forget to mention that you’ll have ski or snowboard lessons with YES Academy.
How can I book a private lesson or a group course?
You can book a lesson by contacting the secretary via phone, email, or WhatsApp.
Private lessons and experiences can also be booked directly on the website by clicking the “BOOK” button in the main menu.
For group lessons, you can click on the “SIGN UP FOR A GROUP LESSON” button on the dedicated page. You will be directed to a Google form where you can specify the period you’ll be in Sestriere and your skill level. We will get back to you shortly with the lesson cost and payment details.
How do I know which level I am?
SKI
- Absolute Beginner: You’ve never worn skis before, but don’t worry, everyone starts somewhere!
- Beginner: You have some experience and can ski down relatively easy blue slopes, maybe with a bit of snowplowing here and there. You feel less confident when increasing speed or on icy snow conditions.
- Intermediate: You can ski down blue and red slopes with parallel skiing technique and only occasionally you use the snowplow. However, you still feel uncomfortable on steep and icy slopes.
- Advanced: you are confident on all types of slopes and can handle various snow conditions, you enjoy speed and carving.
SNOWBOARD
- Absolute Beginner: You’ve never tried snowboarding before. Start from scratch and explore this exciting sport.
- Beginner: You’ve been a few times and can ride down relatively easy blue slopes. You can make turns on simpler slopes, but on steeper terrain you still slide down using the falling leaf technique. Flat sections can be a challenge too.
- Intermediate: You make turns on blue and red slopes, and occasionally you use the falling leaf on steep and icy slopes. You’ve also started trying some tricks, both on the slopes and in the park, and can occasionally ride switch stance.
- Advanced: You feel confident on all types of slopes and snow conditions, can ride well switch stance, tackle jumps, and off-piste descents. You have mastery of snowboarding in almost all situations.
At what age can my child start skiing?
We know you’re excited to introduce your little ones to skiing, and we’re here to make this experience extraordinary right from the start. The ideal age to begin skiing is around 3-4 years old, but every child is unique, and as parents, you know your children better than anyone else and when they’re ready for this fantastic adventure!
Our philosophy is to make learning to ski a fun game, where children can explore, discover, and grow in a safe environment designed just for them. We believe it’s very important to respect their learning pace throughout this journey.
We’re here to guide them through every stage of their skiing journey, helping them develop fundamental motor skills, build self-confidence, and create unforgettable memories on the snow. Together, we’ll ensure that your children fall in love with skiing in a joyful and passionate way. We’re ready to show you how rewarding it can be to introduce your little ones to the wonderful world of skiing!
At what age can my child start snowboarding?
Have you ever watched children slide on the floor after a good run? They do it it sideways in an instinctive and natural way! It’s precisely this affinity for the lateral position that makes snowboarding a fantastic option for young winter sports enthusiasts.
But at what age can they start snowboarding? From a very young age, always under the careful guidance of an adult to help them stand up, brake and move on the board, they can enjoy fun activities and games on the snow and experience their first slides.. Here they become familiar with the equipment and begin to appreciate the fun of snowboarding.
Around the age of 4-5, children can truly begin snowboarding as we adults understand it. They become more independent, easily learn the basic skills of snowboarding, and begin to fully enjoy the snow experience.
So, if you want to introduce your children to snowboarding, remember that the right age is when they feel ready and eager to explore this adventure on the board. With the right approach, learning snowboarding can be an exciting and rewarding experience that will lead your children to discover the wonderful world of the mountains in a fun and engaging way.
At what age can group lessons be started?
Our group lessons are open to young skiers and snowboarders starting from 6 years old and up.
For children under 6 years old, we recommend starting with a private lesson to provide them with a more individualized approach and special attention. Later on, we can consider sharing the lesson with other kids.
My child is having lessons for the first time, what should I do?
Below are some tips for you as parents, but we understand that every child is unique, so it’s important to tailor your approach to your child’s needs and personality.
- Appropriate Clothing: Ensure that your child is dressed appropriately for the weather conditions, with waterproof and warm clothing that doesn’t make them sweat excessively.
- Proper Equipment: Check that skis or snowboard, boots and helmets are the right size and in good condition. Proper gear is essential for comfort and safety.
- Positive Communication and Active Listening: Maintain positive communication with your children. Reassure them and convey how exciting and fun this snow experience is. Be ready to listen to your children’s questions and concerns, offering support without undue pressure.
- Punctuality: Arrive early for the lesson. Children often sense their parents’ anxiety if there’s a rush or if you’re running late, which can make them anxious too.
- Nutrition and Hydration: Ensure your children have had a good breakfast and pack a snack to keep them energized during the lesson.
- Bathroom Break: Encourage your child to use the bathroom before the lesson to prevent any inconveniences during the activity.
- Respect the Instructor: It’s normal for some children to feel anxious about being separated from their parents. However, it’s important to respect the instructor and let them lead the lesson. Once the activity begins, children usually relax and start having fun.
- Celebrate Success: Acknowledge your child’s successes on the snow, even if they are small achievements. This will boost their motivation and make the experience more rewarding.
Is a helmet mandatory?
The use of a helmet is always strongly recommended and is mandatory for all individuals under the age of 18 and inside the snowpark.
Are group lessons only available for 3 or 5 days?
No, typically lessons run from Monday to Friday, but if you want a different period or a different number of days, you can fill out the Google form by clicking on “SIGN UP FOR A GROUP LESSON” on the dedicated page. At this point, you can specify the dates you’d like to participate in the course, and we will send you a customized quote with instructions for payment if you decide to proceed.
Can our children be in the same group?
Of course, when making the reservation please let us know which other friends you want your children to be with. This is possible as long as your children have the same level!
