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Group lesson · from age 4

Snow garden

Paradise for children who want to learn to ski and have never been on skis.

Agefrom age 4
Duration1.5 h / half-day
Series5 half-days
LevelBear · Penguin · Snake
PriceCHF 165

This snow garden is reserved for the Swiss Ski School La Berra so your little champion can learn the basics in complete safety. An ideal playground for the first joys of snow, it offers playful teaching adapted to the youngest: the goal of the Swiss Snow Kids Village is learning through fun.

The lesson lasts 1.5 h while the child stays in the snow garden. As soon as they move onto the slope, the lesson lasts 2 h. We accept children from 4 years old.

How it works

  1. 1
    Before

    Book the series online and add the lift pass if your child is over 6. Dress them warmly: gloves, helmet, goggles, sunscreen. Slip in the participation card with your phone number.

  2. 2
    Day 1, 9:30 am

    Meet at the snow garden chalet (stairs to the right of the slope). The instructor forms groups by level, then off you go: walking, gliding, falling, laughing.

  3. 3
    Every half-day

    Games on the magic carpet and mini slalom, chocolate break offered. Parents watch from afar — better for everyone.

  4. 4
    Day 5

    Competition, Bear, Penguin or Snake medal, and the stamped Swiss Snow Sports booklet for what comes next.

Included, not included, what to bring

Included

  • 5 half-days of lessons
  • Chocolate for the break
  • Swiss Snow Sports booklet
  • Medal and competition
  • Access to the reserved snow garden

Not included

  • Lift pass (compulsory from age 6, Magic Pass accepted)
  • Ski or snowboard equipment
  • Lunch

What to bring

  • Helmet (compulsory)
  • Gloves, ski goggles, sunscreen
  • Skis and boots in the right size, bindings adjusted
  • Participation card with a parent's phone number
  • Lift pass or Magic Pass

Rental: Marginal Sports (Oron), Trango (Bulle), Intershop (Fribourg), Sport Aventure (Romont).

Practical info

Dates

Eight series from Christmas to early March, see below.

Times

From 9:30 to 11:00 am or 2:00 to 3:30 pm.

Level required

Snow garden: no experience needed.

Drop-off

Mornings from 9:30, afternoons from 2:00.

Lift pass

Not included — compulsory from age 6, to add when booking.

Languages

We place your child with an instructor who speaks their language.

La Berra offers

  • A learning area reserved for ESS pupils
  • A magic carpet open to all
  • An ideal slope for learning to ski
  • A small slalom
  • Various playful features for learning to ski

Good to know

Group composition

By level first, then by language and age. The instructor may move a child to another group during the series if the level does not fit.

Arrival

10 minutes before the lesson at the meeting point, lift pass in your pocket.

Weather

Lessons take place in all weather — only a resort closure cancels them, with a full refund.

Languages

We place your child with an instructor who speaks their language (FR, DE, EN).

Season dates

Christmas 1Dec 20 · 21 · 22 · 23
Christmas 2Dec 24 · 26 · 27 · 28
New YearDec 29 · 30 · 31 · Jan 2
Saturdays 1Jan 3 · 10 · 17 · 24 · 31
Saturdays 2Feb 7 · 14 · 21 · 28 · Mar 7
Sundays 1Jan 4 · 11 · 18 · 25 · Feb 1
Sundays 2Feb 8 · 15 · 22 · Mar 1 · 8
CarnivalFeb 16 · 17 · 18 · 19 · 20

Meeting point

The meeting point is right in the snow garden: take the stairs to the right of the slope to the chalet in the middle of the slopes. Your child is looked after from 9:30 am in the morning and 2:00 pm in the afternoon.

Tips for parents
  • Prepare your child for ski school so they look forward to it.
  • Dress them warmly: gloves, suitable equipment, ski goggles and sunscreen.
  • A helmet is compulsory.
  • Your child must carry the participation card with a parent's phone number.
  • Be on time at the start and end of lessons.
  • Your child progresses at their own pace — fun comes first.
  • Trust the instructors and do not intervene in the lessons.
  • Let us know about any health issues.
  • Do not focus on passing a level — focus on progress.

In pictures

Snow garden — ESS La BerraSnow garden — ESS La BerraSnow garden — ESS La Berra

Frequently asked questions

My child cries in their first lesson — what should I do?

Watch from a distance. If needed, pick them up before the end of the lesson. Once 4–6-year-olds are well settled, parents being present no longer helps the group.

Can I watch the lesson?

No. Trust the instructor: your child progresses better without an audience.

Does my child need poles?

No, poles are recommended from the Blue League.

How long does it take to learn to ski?

It depends on each child's development, motivation and fitness. Do not focus on passing a level — focus on progress.

Do I need to book?

It is safer, especially during the end-of-year holidays (Christmas – New Year) and Carnival holidays (Fribourg school break). Booking online guarantees the place and avoids the queue at the office.

Is the lift pass included?

No. Given the growing number of Magic Pass holders, the pass price was removed from the overall lesson price. Children over 6 need a pass: you can add it directly when booking, in the equipment list, when entering your child's first name and date of birth.

What happens in case of illness or lack of snow?

Resort closure: full refund. Illness or accident: the Courses Protect option (CHF 5 per day) allows a refund or postponement. Free cancellation and changes within 7 days of ordering.

Which payment methods do you accept?

Online: Visa, Mastercard, Twint. At the office: card (Visa, Mastercard, Maestro), Twint, cash.

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