Ski schools in Le Grand-Bornand
Le Grand-Bornand has several ski and snowboard schools, from the large ESF to smaller English-speaking independents such as Oxyski and Maison Sport for private lessons. Le Grand-Bornand is ideal for beginners and intermediate skiers and snowboarders as there are many gentle green and and wide blue pistes for your ski lessons. Book before you travel, especially for Christmas, New Year, February half-term and Easter. This guide compares the schools by who they suit best, explains group vs private lessons, and links to each school to book.
Last updated: 11th November 2026
Ski schools at a glance
| School | Best for | Lesson types | Children | English speaking |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oxyski & Snowboard School | Small groups, private | Group, private, off-piste, adaptive | Yes; 5+ years | ✔ |
| Maison Sport | Ski touring, improve technique | Private and specialist | Normally 5+ years | ✔ |
| ESF | Beginners, families | All styles - off-piste, freestyle, Nordic | Club Piou-Piou | ✔ |
Group or private lessons?
Group lessons cost less per person and suit beginners and anyone who enjoys learning with others, especially across several days. Private lessons cost more but let the instructor focus on your level, a family, or a specific goal such as carving, moguls or off-piste confidence.
Private lessons in Le Grand Bornand are very popular given the Massif des Aravis ski area provides many ski touring routes. A private lesson is essential to master the techniques you will need to deal with the off-piste terrain on the back-country itineraries.
Prices rise during school holidays, so compare prices for your dates on each ski school's website. It’s not just UK school holidays: check the French school holiday dates too.
Oxyski Ski & Snowboard School, Le Grand Bornand
Book Now
At a glance
- Group children ski lessons (5 to 12 years)
- Group teenager ski lessons (12 - 16 years)
- Adult group ski lessons (from 13 years)
- Group snowboarding lessons
- Private ski lessons (up to 8 people)
- Private snowboarding lessons (up to 8 people)
- Off piste guiding (up to 6 people)
- Freestyle
- Ski touring
- Adaptive skiing
- English speaking instructors
In detail
Oxyski in Le Grand Bornand is known for its friendly, fun ski lessons and has been operating in the resort for many years.
Le Grand Bornand is a great base to explore the various ski areas in the Massif des Aravis. All the instructors are professionals and lessons can be taught in English, French and several other languages.
The meeting point for ski lessons is in Le Grand-Bornand Chinaillon, on the snow front between the La Floria and Le Châtelet chairlifts.
Private ski instructors in Le Grand Bornand
If you prefer your ski or snowboarding lessons in Chamonix to be with a private instructor then you can book lessons online with one of our partner ski schools or private instructors via Maison Sport.
Private lessons offer a bespoke experience, whether it’s just you in the lesson or some friends or family are joining you, the lesson can be tailored to your needs. Group lessons provide a sociable environment, where you will join a group with others of a similar ability level, generally run from Sunday or Monday to Friday.
Maison Sport, Le Grand Bornand
Book Now
At a glance
- Children ski lessons
- Private adult group lessonslessons
- Private snowboarding lessons
- Off-piste skiing lessons
- Ski touring
- Cross-country
- Telemark
- Three track skiing
- Impaired skiing lessons
- English speaking instructors
In detail
At Maison Sport in Le Grand Bornand, we believe the best memories from a ski holiday are made on the slopes, so the importance of having the right ski or snowboard instructor is essential. By booking your ski or snowboard lessons at Maison Sport in Le Grand Bornand, it means you can tailor your experience by choosing an instructor that suits your needs.
Our network of professional instructors are fully qualified and multi-lingual.
Off-Piste ski guiding & touring in Le Grand Bornand
To experience the full extent of what Le Grand Bornand and the Massif des Aravis has to offer, why not try some off-piste touring. Expert local guides from the ski schools or private instructors will navigate you around the high mountain trails in safety taking you on an adventure around the impressive peaks such as the Pointe Percée, which reaches 2,752m. The ski schools typically offer powder courses, off-piste clinics for skiers and boarders and avalanche awareness workshops which are invaluable.
Chinaillon to Les Raîches
This is classed as an easy ski tour starting at Chinaillon at 1,220m and then skinning up to Les Raîches at 1,440m. It typically takes around 45 minutes to get to Les Raîches.
Once there, you can either ski back down via the Serpentine trail or join the Azalée trail at La Joyère which is the starting point for the Itinéraire du Chenu.
Le Chenu from La Joyère ski tour
This ski tour starts at 1,360m at La Joyère and from there, your guide will navigate you around "Les Arces" from the South. The route takes you through forests and at the the end, at 1,830m, you will get stunning views of the Aravis Range.
To get back to Le Grand-Bornand, you take the Envers trail with the round-trip taking approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes.
Price guide & formats
The prices were checked on the 11th November 2026 and are for the 2026/27 ski season.
Private lessons
A private ski lesson in Le Grand-Bornand typically costs between €75 and €115 per hour, or €480 to €570 for a full day, depending on the school, session length, and group size. Most schools charge a flat rate for the instructor that covers 1 to 3 or 4 skiers of the same ability.
Prices exclude the costs for ski passes, rental equiptment and insurance which need to be arranged separately. If you are planning to go ski touring, it is worth checking that your insurance covers you for off-piste skiing.
Group lessons
Prices vary according to peak and non-peak times, whether the lessons are for children or adults and also whether you choose morning / afternoon lessons or a full day.
As a general guide, group ski lessons in Le Grand-Bornand typically cost around €30 to €70 per half-day session, or around €190 to €350 for a full 5- or 6-day course.
Exact prices will be quoted by the ski school when you make your booking.
Booking tips
- Book before you arrive, especially for Christmas, New Year, February half-term and Easter.
- Confirm the meeting point with the school; many lessons start at the snow fronts in the village or at Le Chinaillon, but not all.
- Pick the level you really are, not the one you hope to be.
- Ask the school which lift pass you need before buying. Beginners may not need the full Aravis ski pass.
FAQ about ski schools and ski lessons in Le Grand-Bornand
Which is the best ski school in Le Grand-Bornand?
It depends on what you need. ESF is the largest and has the widest choice; independent schools such as Oxyski offer small group lessons and teach in English-language teaching.
Are there English-speaking ski instructors in Le Grand-Bornand?
✔Oxyski and Maison Sport that teach in English and several other languages. Confirm when you book.
Where do ski lessons start in Le Grand-Bornand
The Le Grand-Bornand ski schools normally meet at the snow front in the village or at Le Chinaillon. Your school will advise you where to meet on the first day.
Can I book a guide to take me around the Massif des Aravis?
✔ Le Grand-Bornand sits in the heart of the Massif des Aravis and hiring a mountain guide to navigate you around the back-country routes is highly recommended. To see the extent of the ski area you can cover when ski touring, see the Le Grand-Bornand piste map.
Is Le Grand-Bornand suitable for beginners?
✔ Le Grand-Bornand has beginner-friendly ski areas and slopes suitable for learning how to ski or snowboard. See our Le Grand-Bornand ski resort guide for further information.
What age can children start ski school in Le Grand-Bornand?
Some schools take children from the age of 3 years whilst others stipulate 5+ years. Check exact age limits with the ski school first before booking.
Do I need to book ski lessons in advance?
Yes, book before you travel, especially in school holidays including Christmas, February half term and Easter.
How many lessons does a beginner need?
Several days of lessons is usually recommended to gain confidence on the slopes before progressing on to the blue and red pistes.
Do I need a lift pass for ski school?
Often a beginner pass or area pass is enough for the first few days. Ask your school before you buy the Aravis lift pass which gives you access to the interconnected ski areas of La Clusaz, Manigod, and Le Grand-Bornand. .
Can I have private ski lessons Le Grand Bornand ?
Yes. Most schools offer private lessons for individuals, families and groups such as Oxyski and Maison Sport.
