Ski Lessons
Are you ready for some snow-filled fun? Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned pro, Polmonthill has something for everyone. From learning the basics with our Penguin and Polar Bear levels to mastering the slope with our advanced levels, you'll find excitement at every slalom turn. Check out our levels below and get ready to hit the slopes with confidence! On desktop, hover to find out what you'll achieve in each level.
Penguins - 4.5-6 years
Walking on flat and up a small slope with help. Sliding down a small slope in good balance. Sliding down a small slope and touching head, shoulders, knees, and toes. Sliding down a small slope making a small wedge shape with skis. Showing different sizes of wedge while skiing down. Use of ski lift to first stop unaided. Know where to stand on a ski slope. Be aware that they must always ski with an adult present and why.
The Penguins class is for young beginners to learn the basics and start their ski journey with lots of giggles and fun.
Polar Bears- 4.5-6 years
Show control of speed and line. Show strong wedge turns staying in balance. Get up unaided. Small bunny hops while skiing. Take skis off without help. Ski around markers from halfway. Know why it is important to check up the hill before setting off. Be able to use the ski lift up to middle station unaided.
The Polar Bears level adds a bit more challenge for young moving beginner skiers while ensuring a whole lot of fun!
Beginners Level 1-2.
Level 1
Demonstrate the ability to move around on flat with skis on, showing good balance and mobility and awareness of other slope users. Carry equipment to and from the starting point. Put on and take off equipment understanding safety points. Demonstrate ability to side step on both sides. Demonstrate ability to get up from a fall on the flat and on a slope. Demonstrate ability to do a straight run while jumping/stepping and catching a glove.
Welcome to the world of skiing! Our beginners class will get you moving on the slope.
Level 2
Let's take it up a notch! Moving beginners will start learning more ski control.
Straight run with wedge shape while sliding. Vary size of wedge as directed by teacher. Stop using a wedge at a marked point. Use ski tow to first stop. Know 3 FIS rules of conduct. Demonstrate two ways of climbing up a slope without slipping back down (approx. 10 meters). Balance on one ski for approximately 3 seconds while sliding. Walk across a slope without sliding.
Intermediates Level 3-5
Level 3
Plough turns, showing control of speed by turn shape. Ski turns to set rhythm. Use of ski tow to halfway stop. Lead a buddy down choosing a safe line and speed. Wedge traverse to a specified point. Accurately follow teacher using turns. Know 6 FIS rules of conduct. Demonstrate turn runs through markers (vertical and offset ones). Show good posture. Show a good range of movements. Show good foot rotation. Skate from point to point on the flat.
Intermediate skiers should be confident using the ski tow, be able to do controlled snowplow turns and be able to ski from the halfway point.
Level 4
Consistent plough parallel 1 turns from halfway. Parallel traverse with skis being able to grip the slope. Side slip to both sides approximately 10 meters. Lead a buddy down choosing a safe line and speed. Introduction to holding ski poles while skiing. Skiing down through markers showing good posture and control. Know 10 FIS rules of conduct.
Level 5
Consistent plough parallel 2 turns from halfway. Parallel traverse with skis being able to skid or grip as directed. Diagonal side slip to both sides controlling both skis simultaneously. Hop both skis before turn initiation. Lift inside ski from fall line and balance.
Improvers Level 6-7
Level 6
As level 5 but from the top of the slope. Use markers from the top.
Level 7
Consistent plough parallel 3 turns from top. Turns should be comfortably smooth and rhythmical with a small plough to initiate turn. Ski funnel shape starting with medium turns ending in short turns. Lift inside ski from before fall line and balance.
Improvers are higher intermediates who are able to plough parallel from the top of the slope.
Advanced Level 8+
Level 8
Rough parallel turns. Accurately follow teacher's track. Lead a buddy down choosing a safe line and speed. Varied radius parallel turns. Rough parallels round markers.
Side slipping from the top. Falling leaf from the top.
Level 9
Consistent parallel turns with pole plant. Synchronised skiing with buddy. Jumping whole ski to fall line with pole plant doing short radius turns (short swings). Ability to ski parallel turns at different speeds as directed by instructor. Straight run into side slip to stop.
Skiers in the advanced class are perfecting parallel turns from the top of the slope.
Level 10
Level 11
Synchronised skiing in a group of 6. Short swings and attempting short swing variations, Full linked carved turns down slope of various radii. Show good range of flowing movements. Carved turns through slalom course.
Synchronised skiing in a group of 4. Balance on one edge for turn and hop onto new edge for the next turn. 4 linked skidded bracquage turns (pivot slips). Short swings for the whole length of the slope.