Ski Instructors - Stuart Bernard

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Many parents wonder at what age their children should start to ski, and whether starting too young might have an adverse effect. Here we talk to Stuart Bernard who started his skiing at the tender age of 4!

"I have been skiing since the age of 4, and began my teaching career at 16," explains Stuart, "Initially I started training and working at my local dry slope in Hemel Hempstead, and within only a few years had embarked on developing my qualifications further."

Holding the International Ski Teacher Diploma and Alpine Performance Coach Level 2 qualifications, as well as qualifying as a Snowsports Scotland ASSI Tutor and a BASI Instructor Level 1, Stuart has been race coaching for some 10 years now and splits his time between Tignes and the UK developing performance courses for Ski Focus. So what appeals to him about Tignes, and how does he rate it as a family resort?

"Having three centrally located nursery slopes is a huge advantage - everyone's spread out! Also, the nursery slope lifts are free to use and there's a good progression from here to the blue runs in resort. And don't forget the high altitude means that we have one of the best European snow records."

Stuart also appreciates the competition created by so many ski schools in the area. "British ski schools with British instructors in the Espace Killy can give holiday makers greater peace of mind when choosing which resort to come to. French group lessons will still probably be made up of mainly French children, but the British ski school groups will be mainly British."

Having started to ski at a young age, Stuart advocates lessons from an early age. "It depends on the children's coordination of course, but I'd say children can learn from the age of 3 upwards. Whether you choose group lessons or private lessons should depend really on how you feel your children interact at home in play. The ideal, if several families are holidaying together, is perhaps to organise a private group lesson provided the children are of the same ability."

"How long a lesson should last again depends on age and experience but at a young age, a one hour private lesson or 3 hour group lesson is a good starting point."

Stuart, like many other ski instructors, is wary about parents teaching children themselves. "Children will often find it easier to learn and concentrate when they cannot see their parents. Also, there are safety implications and issues specific to the resort that even an experienced, good skier may not be aware of.

"That said, parents are welcome to assist of stay with their children during a lesson, and move to watch from afar when the children are comfortable."

And if a child decides that they don't want to continue with lessons during the holiday? "I'd suggest the parents and instructor discuss the situation to try and resolve any issues or worries the child might be having. For example, if the skiing is stronger or weaker than they're comfortable with, it may be possible to switch groups," but Stuart warns about pushing too hard, "If you really are unable to resolve the issues then parents shouldn't push their children into continuing - it really is a fine balance between encouragement and perseverance without pushing them too far."

When preparing your children for ski school, Stuart notes that what's right for the grown-ups is usually what's right for the children. "Everyone should be well equipped with layered clothing, warm hat, gloves/mittens, glasses, goggles, sun cream and money for drinks and snacks. The weather can change incredibly quickly anywhere in the mountains, even on the nursery slopes.

"Some groups and lessons may need a ski pass, so check with the school before hand. Oh, and don't forget skis and boots!" Really? "You'd be surprised..."

Stuart also recommends that his own clients where ski helmets. "Most ski schools now make this compulsory for children up to and including 14, so the decision may be out of the parent's hands."

Finally, if you're coming skiing with children with special needs, Stuart recommends talking with your ski school in advance. "Children can be catered for in a group lesson, but it depends on their individual needs, how well they socialise and interact at home and whether or not this is their first skiing experience. Call the school in advance and talk things through before making a decision."

Stuart Bernard is working with Ski Focus and BASS for the 2009/2010 season and can be contacted through www.skifocus.co.uk.