Ski & Snowboard SchoolGudauri, Georgia

How do I know if I am intermediate?

The intermediate class assumes you already ride. It is for you if all three are true: you can link parallel turns down a blue run without stopping, you can control your speed on a red run even if it is not tidy, and you can ride any lift in Gudauri on your own. If you still use a snowplough to control your speed, or you have not left the beginner slope yet, take the first-timer class instead — you will get further in it.

I skied a few days years ago and remember almost nothing. Which class?

Most likely neither: book a private lesson. A class moves at the level of the group, and half-remembered skiing rarely sits close enough to either level to be comfortable in one. You are welcome to ask for a class anyway — tell us honestly where you think you are and we will tell you honestly whether it fits.

What if I book the wrong level?

Tell us and we move you to the class that fits, whenever there is room in it. We do not refund a class booked at the wrong level.

We are at different levels. Can we be in the same class?

No — the two levels are taught separately, which is the point of having two. If you want to ride together whatever your levels, book a private lesson: it takes your party as it is.

Is this skiing or snowboarding?

Both are taught. If you ride a board, message us when you book so we put you with a snowboard instructor.

Is there anything above intermediate?

Yes, but not as a posted class. Message us and we arrange it directly.

What do we actually do in the intermediate class?

Everything past the three checks above. Parallel turns that keep their shape when the pitch steepens, speed you carry and control rather than scrub off, edges instead of a skidded stop, and the longer reds where all of that stops being theory.

There is no class on the date I want. Can I still come?

Message us with the date you want and ask to join. If we can put a class on it, we do.

How soon will you confirm?

Often within minutes. If you write at night, by the morning.

Do I pay now or on the day?

Neither. Once your class is confirmed we send you a payment link.

Can I change or cancel?

We move you to another date or another class wherever there is room. We do not refund a booking — the one exception is the lifts not running, which is answered under On the day.

Can I book for two or three of us together?

Yes. Book the seats in one go and you are in the same class.

How many people will be in my class?

4 at most, often fewer, with one instructor.

What if nobody else books that class?

It runs. A confirmed class is confirmed whether one seat sold or all of them.

Can I take several days in a row?

Yes — ask for each day you want. A class costs the same every day however many you take; the discount for booking several days is on private lessons.

What do I need to bring?

Your full kit, on you, at the meeting point: skis or board, boots, poles if you use them, and a helmet. The class starts at its start time and cannot wait for anyone still collecting gear.

How early should I arrive?

Five to ten minutes early, geared up and ready to ride.

Where do we meet?

Anywhere you like, or from our shop. It makes no difference to the class.

Do I need a lift pass?

Yes, your own. It is not included in the price of the lesson.

What should I wear?

Check the forecast on the morning and judge it for yourself. A bright day at -5 and a windy one at -15 are not the same mountain, and only you know how warm you run.

What language is the lesson taught in?

The one you pick when you book. We confirm a class taught in it.

How fit do I need to be? Is there an age limit?

Message us if you are unsure and we will tell you plainly, before you pay for anything.

How do I find my instructor?

Once your class is confirmed we send you their photo and the exact meeting point.

Three hours is long. Is there a break?

The lift rides are the break. You are not skiing for three hours without stopping, and the instructor sets a pace the group can hold.

Which slopes and lifts will we use?

The instructor decides on the day, by the weather and the conditions. It is the reason to take a lesson from somebody who was on the mountain yesterday.

What if I am faster or slower than the others?

The instructor works with you inside the class, but a group moves as a group and the lesson is the group's. If you would rather set your own pace, take a private lesson.

Can I ask for something specific?

Message us before you book. Some requests fit inside a class and some are a private lesson, and we will say which yours is.

Is it safe?

Not absolutely, and nobody who tells you otherwise is being straight with you. Skiing carries risk and accidents happen. We teach within your level and pick terrain to suit the group, and we still recommend insurance that covers skiing.

What if the weather is bad?

If the lifts are running, the class runs. If they are not, you choose: another date, or your money back.

Where do we meet?

A Kids Club is posted for the dates you ask for, at The Shop and New Gudauri, so pick the one that suits you when you book. If you pick our shop, you can meet the instructor at Gudauri Lodge instead. Private lessons meet where suits you: pick one of our meeting points when you book.

What about equipment?

Please bring your own or rent: skis, boots, and helmet (mandatory)

What about lunch at the Kids Club?

The class stops for 60 minutes between the two halves. Bring cash for lunch — children are supervised throughout

What if my child gets tired?

The instructor stays with them and calls you. We have no rest room for children, so a child who is done for the day is collected by a parent or guardian.

Do you have private lessons?

Yes. A private lesson is an hour and a half or three hours, for up to 4 children with one instructor.