Most ski lessons are held on weekdays, typically in week-long courses designed for those on ski holidays. On weekends, you usually have to book private lessons. However, some ski resorts offer group classes on weekends, which are cheaper than private and more convenient for day trippers. Below is a list of ski resorts near Zürich that offer weekend group ski lessons, many for small children and absolute beginners.
Note: This post was updated for the 2021/22 winter season. Schedules and prices may have changed.
Things to know before booking ski lessons
Weekend classes usually only happen with a minimum number of participants, maybe 3 or 4. Most require you to book 24 hours in advance, so you’ll know if the class is happening beforehand. Most classes do not include the lift pass but some do or don’t require one since you are staying on magic carpets. So verify this before purchasing your lift ticket. When booking a class, they will ask for your level, which are described here and demonstrated in their YouTube videos.
1. Flumserberg
For children over 6, Flumserberg offers half-day and full day ski lessons on Saturdays, without having to book a full week course. (Snowboard lessons only M-F). The availability varies based on ski level and demand. Group classes only happen with a minimum of 4 participants. If there are too few bookings, the ski school tries to find a solution by combining classes of different ski levels.
In 2021/22, ski lessons generally cost CHF 45/half-day and CHF 70/full day, but prices may vary or change without notice. See availability and book group courses online. Ski lessons do not include the lift pass, which must be purchased separately. However beginners typically can purchase a cheaper beginners ticket that doesn’t cover the whole resort. Ask your instructor what pass to buy. Children under 6 do not need a lift pass.
For small children (ages 3-6), the Swiss Snow Kids Village on Moseralp (see on map) is open from 10:00 – 12:00 and 14:00 – 16:00. You can book morning lessons (2 hrs) on Saturdays and Sundays for CHF 45/child.
The International Ski Club of Zürich offers ski courses, held on four Saturdays and Sundays in January or March. My children did these lessons for many years and we were very satisfied with this problem. These courses book out well in advance, often in early December. More info for ISCZ ski courses.
2. Brunni-Alpthal
For children aged 4 and up, you can book half-day group lessons on both Saturdays and Sundays. The lesson is 2 hours and costs CHF 45. Children ages 3-4 can take lessons in the Snowgarden on weekends. The class is 12:30-13:30 on Saturday and Sunday and costs CHF 30 for 1 hour.
You must book at least 24 hour in advance. Classes may be cancelled if there are not enough participants. More info about Brunni-Alpthal ski lessons.
3. Oberiberg (Hoch Ybrig)
The Hoch Ybrig ski school offers a Sunday course for children at the Roggen ski lift in Oberiberg (see on map). You book for three Sundays in January or starting end of February. Lessons are 4 hours from 9:30 to 13:30 and cost CHF 340 and do not include the lift ticket or lunchtime supervision. Absolute beginners must take group courses that start on Mondays or book private lessons. More info about Hoch Ybig ski lessons.
4. Sattel Hochstuckli
Sattel offers weekend courses for adulta and children over 6 years old who can brake independently and use the T-bar lift. You must book 2 days (Saturday and Sunday). Lessons are 3 hours from 10:00 – 13:00 and cost CHF 120. This does not include the lift pass. More info about Hochstuckli ski school.
For the Kids Village (ages 3-6), you can book morning or afternoon sessions on Saturdays and Sundays. The class is 2 hours, either 10:00-12:00 or 13:00-15:00, which includes a break with snack. It costs CHF 48 per child for a half-day session. More info about Hochstuckli Kids Village.
5. Amden
Amden offers afternoon group ski lessons on weekends, with a minimum of three participants. The classes are 2 hours from 14:00-16:00 and cost CHF 40/child for one half-day. The price include use of the lifts during the lesson. More info about Amden ski lessons.
6. Pizol
In 2021/22, Pizol offers group lessons for children on Saturday mornings from 9:15 – 11:45. They offer two courses of five Saturdays, either mid December to mid January or late January through late February. You must book in advance. The course costs CHF 200 for children under 6 and CHF 243 for children 6 and older. See more information about the course.
The course price does not include the lift pass, which must be purchase separately for children older than 6. A children’s season pass costs CHF 150. See current lift pass prices.
7. Elm
On weekends, Elm offers “Snowli-Kids” for children at least 4 years old. It’s a 2 hour lesson from 10:00-12:00 on Saturdays and Sundays, held in the Kinder Arena area with magic carpets. It costs CHF 45, discount for multiple days. You must book in advance by calling 055 642 61 71.
8. Braunwald
Braunwald offersing half-day group ski lessons on Saturdays and Sundays. The class is held from 10:00 – 11:45 and costs CHF 40. The class may not happen if there are not enough bookings. You can book online.
9. Chäserrugg
On weekends, Chäserrugg has “Snowli Camp” for little kids starting at 3 years old, for levels up to Red Prince. It’s a 2 hour lesson on the magic carpets, either 10:00-12:00 or 13:30-15:30, for CHF 45.
For adults, Chäserrugg offers a variety of weekend courses. For example, they have a “Beginner starter kit,” for those who have never been on skis. It includes a 2 hour lesson from 10:00 – 12:00 on Saturday or Sunday, rental equipment, and lift pass for CHF 147. Must have a minimum of 3 participants. For “Returnees” with a little experience, you can take a 2 hour course for CHF 112 without equipment or CHF 162 with equipment.
10. Wildhaus Toggenburg
Wildhaus offers a weekend “Schnupperkurse” for absolute beginners in their Kids Village, for children age 4 and over. The course is a 2 hrs from 10:00-12:00 on Saturday or Sunday and costs CHF 42/child for a half-day lesson. You must ride a chair lift to reach the ski area, discounted for non-sking adults and free for children under 6.
This class only happens if at least four children sign up. You must book at least the day before by noon. To reserve, contact the Wildhaus ski school at +41 71 999 17 22 or schneesport@skischule-wildhaus.ch.
Do you know any other ski schools that offer weekend classes?
