Group Ski Lessons or Private Lessons? Which Suits You?
For someone who has never skied, group lessons are often enough and cheaper; the topics of the first days (balance, snowplough, stopping, first turns) are the same for everyone, and learning with people at the same level boosts motivation. Private lessons suit those who want to solve a specific problem, overcome fear or progress quickly in a short time. The price difference is large: at Snow Academia in Erciyes in the 2025–26 season, a one-to-one lesson cost 4,000 TL per hour, while in groups of 5 or more it was 2,250 TL per person. Group lessons also kick off the social side of a winter activity holiday.
There is no international norm for group lesson sizes; the limits schools publish give an idea: at the Saint-Gervais branch of the French ski school ESF, group lessons have a minimum of 4 and a maximum of 12 people, and at the La Rosière branch a maximum of 8. A typical group lesson in Europe lasts about 2 hours a day.
For someone who has never skied, group lessons are often enough, because the topics of the first days are the same for everyone: keeping your balance, slowing down and stopping with the snowplough, first turns. Another benefit of the group is motivation: according to a meta-analysis of 82 studies on moving in the presence of others, the presence of others improves performance particularly in tasks that require fitness; for skills that require coordination, the results are mixed. In short, the group does not speed up technique on its own, but it makes it easier not to give up during the first days of falling and getting up.
Things to check: Whether the group is formed by level, the number of people per instructor and how many hours a day the lesson lasts. If you progress faster or slower than the group, can they move you to another group?
Private lessons: who are they for?
Those with a specific problem: People who cannot make the move to parallel turns, always fall to the same side or freeze on a steep slope.
Those who are afraid: Adults who have had a bad fall once or are wary of skiing in crowds.
Those short on time: People who only have one day and want to make the most of it.
Children and families: Some schools offer small private groups for families.
Example prices (2025–26 season)
School
Group
Private
Erciyes, Snow Academia (per hour)
5 or more people: 2,250 TL per person; 4 people: 10,000 TL
1 person: 4,000 TL; 2 people: 7,000 TL
Bansko, the operator’s school (adults)
1 day €56, 6 days €252
1 person full day €185, half day €105
These are the prices the schools published for the 2025–26 season; they may change as 2026–27 prices are announced. For a budget covering every item, see our guide What Makes Up the Price of a Ski Holiday?.
The mixed approach: start in a group, add private lessons if needed
For most beginners, the most effective way is to start with group lessons and, if you get stuck at a particular point, back them up with a short private lesson. The same goes for those who can already ski: practise on the slopes with the group, and add an hour or two of private correction when needed.
On Doğadayız Erciyes basic course packages, lessons are given in groups by instructors affiliated with the Turkish Ski Federation and are not limited by the hour: basic training until midday on the first day, practice in the afternoon in groups re-formed by level, and kilometres on different runs on the second day. On the Bansko programme, individual lessons are not included in the package; anyone who wants them can add them as an extra when booking.
The social side of learning in a group
Beyond price, group lessons have another value: sharing the same excitement with people at the same level. On an activity holiday, this group does not break up after the lesson; you spend lunch and the evening programme together. That is also why Doğadayız winter programmes are a social adventure holiday. We explain what to look for when comparing packages in our guide How to Compare Holiday Packages with Ski Lessons Included.
Doğadayız Packages
Doğadayız packages for your level
Winter activity holidays with accommodation, ski pass and equipment included, shared with a group.
The easiest way to learn to ski: a winter activity holiday
An activity holiday puts a sport at the heart of your trip: transport, accommodation and meals are planned, so you can focus on learning on the slopes. On Doğadayız winter activity holidays, accommodation, ski pass and ski or snowboard equipment are included in every package; course packages include basic lessons with instructors affiliated with the Turkish Ski Federation, while experience packages let you practise on the slopes at your own level.
What makes the programme different is the group: sharing the slopes with people at a similar level, dinners and nights out together, and a group leader by your side at all times. Solo travellers become part of this social adventure holiday from day one. That is why we describe our programmes as a social adventure holiday.
Often, yes. The topics of the first days (balance, snowplough, stopping, first turns) are the same for everyone. What matters is that the group is formed by level and that the number of people per instructor is reasonable.
How many people are in a group ski lesson?
There is no international norm; the limits schools publish are usually between 4 and 12 people. For example, ESF Saint-Gervais has a minimum of 4 and a maximum of 12, and ESF La Rosière a maximum of 8.
How much does a private ski lesson cost?
It depends on the school and the season. At Snow Academia in Erciyes, a one-to-one lesson cost 4,000 TL per hour in the 2025–26 season. In Bansko, a full-day one-to-one private lesson at the operator’s school cost €185.
When should I take a private lesson?
When you get stuck on a specific technical problem, when you feel afraid after a fall, or when you want to make the most of a single day. For most people, the best way is to start in a group and add a short private lesson if needed.
Two packages that both say “lessons included” may not be the same thing. When comparing, check ten points: (1) how many hours a day and how many days of lessons, (2) group size, (3) the instructor's Turkish Ski Federation certificate, (4) whether the ski pass is unlimited or ride-based, (5) which equipment is included, (6) transfers between hotel and slopes, (7) the accommodation's distance from the slopes and meals, (8) insurance, (9) cancellation and date change terms, (10) a group leader and a social programme. Comparing these points in a single table shows what the price of a winter activity holiday really covers.
No, adults do not find it hard to learn to ski; they just learn differently. According to Doğadayız booking records, the average age of the 2,140 people who joined the basic course packages over the last four winter seasons is 31.6; 56% are over 30 and 14% over 40. Adults are more cautious than children and more wary of falling, so it is important to start in the right order, with an instructor and in a gently sloping beginner area. Physical preparation, rental equipment that is set up correctly and a two- or three-day winter activity holiday are the most effective start for an adult.
You start skiing with a beginner lesson with an instructor, rental equipment and easy (beginner) slopes. On day one you put on your skis, glide on flat ground, learn to stop with the snowplough and ride the magic carpet; on day two you come down an easy slope under control with snowplough turns. For an adult who has never skied, this stage usually takes 2 days.
