Ski School & Snowboard School
Both the El Tarter and Soldeu ski school are run by Grandvalira, who operate all the ski schools in the valley. In Soldeu and El Tarter they are very lucky to have not only English speaking instructors but lots of instructors from the UK so communicating with the British and Irish tourists isn't an issue. The Soldeu ski school office is at the top of the Soldeu gondola, just over to the right, and the El Tarter ski school office is at the top of the El Tarter gondola, again just over to the right.
Why Take Ski or Snowboard Lessons?
If you take lessons on your next winter holiday to Soldeu or El Tarter, or anywhere else for that matter, it will hopefully help you enjoy your winter holiday even more. These are just a few of the benefits . . .
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Remember that lessons aren't just for first-timers! The most advanced snowboarders & skiers still have tuition and can always improve. Soldeu has some fantastic instructors who are qualified to the highest level, with a huge amount of experience and knowledge to help you improve. In addition there is a more advanced course available, known as a workshop, which is a smaller group and benefits from having video analysis of the lessons.
Private Lessons vs Group Lessons
You have got two main choices for lessons in Soldeu & El Tarter having pros and cons for each. Private lessons are more expensive, but you get the full attention of your instructor. The cheaper option is group lessons if you want a full week, but then you share your instructor with the rest of the group!! When you have group lessons, you'll be divided into groups depending on your ability at the beginning of the week, and yes, snowboarders and skiers are in separate lessons!!!
If you're holidaying as a group, it might be an idea to combine the two by booking an instructor to look after just your party for the duration which means you get to snowboard or ski with all your friends, plus have an instructor dedicated to the needs of your group!
So when you visit Soldeu, the decision of choosing to have group or private tuition is up to you. You can pre-book at our online shop saving you time, or if you wait until you arrive you can talk it over with your holiday rep or directly with the school, who will be able to discuss what the best option is for your group.
Group Ski School & Snowboard School
Group Lesson Times
Group lessons only start on Mondays. In busy weeks they run in both mornings and afternoons but in quieter weeks all the group lessons will be in the morning. In busy weeks the morning ski school is filled on a first come first served basis. Once you are assigned to the morning or afternoon ski school this will be for the week.
| Day | Morning Group | Afternoon Group |
| Monday | 10:00 - 11:30 & 13:30 - 15:00 | 11:30 - 13:00 & 15:00 - 16:30 |
| Tuesday - Friday | 10:00 - 13:00 | 13:30 - 16:30 |
By pre-booking with us you'll be booked in advance, so you can take it easy and just take your voucher to the school office to collect your tickets when you arrive!
Group Lesson Prices - 2012-13
Here are the official prices as published by Grandvalira. No responsibility is taken for any errors or for any changes made by Grandvalira.
| Lesson | Main Season | 25th Dec - 8th Jan |
| Adults (15 hours) | €124.44 | €136.88 |
| Children (15 hours) | €115.26 | €126.79 |
Full Package Discounts
If you're booking group lessons, when you pre-book a full package here on Soldeu-andorra.com including your Grandvalira lift pass, group lessons and rental equipment, we'll give you a fantastic €20 discount off your rental equipment, in addition to the already great 20% on offer! The discount will be added to the your shopping basket on our online shop.
Private Lesson Prices - 2012-13
If you choose to have private snowboard lessons or private ski lessons, you can choose your start time for when it is most convenient for you. NB: The minimum reservation is for two hours. Private lessons must be booked directly with the ski school, and their phone number is Soldeu: +376 753191 / El Tarter: +376 890641. The prices for the 2012-2013 season are as follows:
| Lesson | Main Season | 26th Dec - 6th Jan |
| NB: If there is more than one person in the private lesson, add a €4.08 supplement per person per hour. Maximum 6 people per lesson. | ||
| 1 person, 2 hours (09:00 - 10:00 & 14:00 - 17:00) | €85.68 | €94.25 |
| 1 person, 2 hours (10:00 - 14:00) | €99.96 | €109.96 |
| 1 person, 6 hours (09:00 - 10:00 & 14:00 - 17:00) | €257.04 | €282.74 |
| 1 person, 6 hours (10:00 - 14:00) | €269.28 | €296.21 |
| 1 person, 10 hours (09:00 - 15:00) | €428.40 | €471.24 |
Information About The Schools In Soldeu & El Tarter
There are four levels for skiers, and you should try to grade yourself before you go to your first lessons, as when you check in at the ski school office you need to go to the appropriate window. Don't worry if you're not 100% sure as the instructors will make sure you get into a suitable group once the lessons start. Each of the four categories will be broken down into further levels at the beginning of the week so you will be in a group with people of a similar ability.
- Beginners: Never skied before
- Class 2: Able to turn right & left and use a drag lift
- Class 3: Confident on all blue runs
- Class 4: Able to ski red runs with confidence and control
Separate classes are arranged for children. If you have children you should check in at the families window so that you are all assigned to the same lesson times.
When you join group ski school in Soldeu or El Tarter you get the opportunity to enter a race at the end of the week! For a small fee you get entry to timed race and fantastic souvenir photograph and lanyard, plus if you win your category you receive a winners medal to take home with you!
There are three different categories for snowboarders. All snowboarders check in at the Surf Hut which is a separate building to the ski school.
- Beginners: Never riden before
- Level 2: Not yet mastered turning - probably done one week before and able to turn down a blue slope
- Level 3 Upwards: Able to turn in both directions - probably done more than one week and ridden red slopes
As with ski school groups, snowboard levels are split down further than these three groupings on Monday mornings so that all levels, including more advanced snowboarders, are catered for!
The minimum age for group snowboarding lessons is 10 years, as it is really important to be big enough to control a snowboard on the slopes.
