Ski Centre Guide – What it’s all about

What makes it so good?

The surface: Whilst the first session or so can be humbling for experienced skiers/riders- as it shows up even hidden faults- it is totally worthwhile as this surface encourages you to perfect balance, edge precision, and control of rotation. Progress gets easier and easier as you overcome existing faults.

The slope area: A mirror wall acts as instant video feedback. The slopes can be speeded up or slowed down or be made steeper or gentler to match the lesson and the learner. Lessons at ski centre are safer than lessons anywhere else.

The continuous skiing/riding: Only perfect practice makes perfect, your turns will be corrected by the instructor and by the surface so that perfect practice is assured. Because the slopes  usually roll for 10 consecutive minutes you’ll build skiing stamina and fitness into the bargain.

The instruction: We are really proud of our ski school; of course all the instructors hold qualifications from world recognised licensing bodies, but better than that they are all talented and committed to your enjoyment as well as to your learning. This could never be a ‘follow me’ brand of teaching, and because your instructor is close by you throughout the lesson we select the gifted teachers as well as gifted skiers for Ireland’s only indoor ski school.

Further Information for users of Ski Centre

BEFORE BOOKING

Our lesson format is:

• A maximum of 6 people are scheduled in to a one hour lesson slot.
• The 6 people -or less- are divided into 2 groups of 3 of a similar ability.
• These two groups of max 3 persons alternate on the slope, thus the instructor is giving attention to a maximum of 3 people at a time.
• The two groups alternate because skiing on the Ski Centre Endless Mountain slopes uses plenty of energy and progress is seen to be best with this format.
• Private lessons can be booked.
• At certain times a Maxi Lesson is available for those who want to stay on the slope for half an hour -still a maximum of 3 people per instructor.
• Bookings for parties or groups are popular so book well in advance.
For prices see website or call the reservation desk.

TO MAKE A BOOKING

• Call the reservation desk on 01 2930588, (please keep trying if all lines are busy, or staff are helping at the desk or in the ski area).
• Give your ski/snowboard level and answer any questions about this accurately; this will ensure you are slotted into the right group.
• Your first time on the Ski centre slopes you should ask to be put into a Beginner (complete beginners) or Beginner SE (beginners with snow experience of any level).
• We will ask for your mobile number which should receive a reminder text the day before your lesson, and occasionally we use to check lesson details etc.
• Please offer your email address if you would like to be informed about special offers including courses, Ski Centre ski holiday preference booking etc. (We won’t pass your email address on to anyone else).
• For children’s, ’ski kids’, or Over 55yrs rates to apply please give dates of birth at time of booking. Students please bring evidence of full time education to the first lesson.
• No booking is confirmed unless a credit or debit card number has been given.
• Changes of reservation and refunds should be notified a minimum 24hrs in advance – there may be consideration of exceptional circumstances.
• If you become a member your class price will be automatically discounted by 50%. Other services are discounted by 10%.
• If you are late for a lesson you may miss part of it, this is your own responsibility as lessons cannot be delayed, so please be prompt.

PREPARING FOR & ARRIVING FOR A LESSON

• Arrive 20mins before your first lesson and 10-15mins before subsequent lessons.
• Before the first lesson go to the desk to check in and ask for the client form which should be completed and signed.
• For those who have already skied or boarded -If you have received the assessment form before the lesson it will make it easier to identify your skiing/riding level, and you should let us know before scheduling your class(es). Accuracy in identifying your level means allocation to an appropriate group.
• Signing the disclaimer does not remove your statutory rights. We are confident -and do everything possible to ensure- that Ski Centre is as safe an environment as you will find for skiing and snowboarding.
• Check in at the desk for all of your lessons; ask for a lesson ticket and the name of your instructor.
• Find out which instructor is which, so you can be ready for your lesson on the correct slope.
• If you prefer a certain instructor ask for him/her to be marked as your preferred instructor at the desk. You can ask to check schedules for upcoming weeks to book in when your preferred instructor is on duty.
• Note that all our instructors are excellent, we have had positive comments on every one of them, so if your usual instructor is not always available at your preferred time you are unlikely to be disappointed by the his/her replacement.
• After each class, if your instructor tells you that you have changed level, please remember to notify to the desk to amend your card data.
• Wear comfortable clothing for example track suit pants, plus a long sleeve T shirt.
• Long hair should be tied up and nothing left hanging loose from the body.
• Knee or mid calf length smooth socks will be most comfortable.
• If you have your own boots bring those. Although all equipment is provided free of charge it is a good idea to use your own boots if you have them for consistency.
• You will be helped to find and fit boots and skis, remember the length of the skis and the size of the boots as well as the colour of the binding setting. Ask your instructor if you are not sure about these.
• Remember those details so that you can get your own equipment out for subsequent lessons
The list might seem daunting but is simply to ensure that you get the most from your lessons at Ski Centre. Please ask for help and advice at any time from the desk or any of the instructors.