The Avoriaz Alpine ski school is a team of British and French ski and snowboard instructors who are highly experienced and passionate about sharing snowsports and Les Portes du Soleil with their guests. You can click on any of the instructors below to see more information and client reviews.
Ski Instructor
After competing in World Cup moguls and working as a BASI trainer Ian established the Avoriaz Alpine Ski School in 1992. After 32 seasons managing the school, Ian is now concentrating on enjoying his time teaching clients on the slopes.
In the summer Ian runs a successful driving school in North Devon.
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Can’t think of any way that it could have been better. Really friendly, fun and kind. Absolutely great, patient, caring teacher." - Ella Plummer, Feb 2024
After a long gap in skiing, asked Ian to rub off my rough spots and iron out any bad habits, and that's exactly what he did. He taught me to adapt my style to a smoother, easier turn and (in his words) to ski like the 60 year-old that I am. In doing so, he unlocked my superpower and I spent a truly enjoyable week ticking off the red runs as if i'd never been away! Will definitely rebook." - Justin 2023
After 2 lessons with Ian my beginner girlfriend who had never skied before was confident and able to ski majority of blue runs with no trouble! Not only was Ian an amazing instructor but a lovely and friendly guy to go with it! Would definitely book again next year when we return! Thanks Ian!" - Dave 2024
Ian was a great instructor. Very patient and taking into account the different pace of progression in the group while still pushing everyone to improve. - Kirk 2025
Ian was simply amazing. I came to Morzine having never skied before and left my lesson linking turns and with so much confidence. I cannot thank Ian enough for his encouragement and guidance. Jack 2025
After 2 lessons with Ian my beginner girlfriend who had never skied before was confident and able to ski majority of blue runs with no trouble! Not only was Ian an amazing instructor but a lovely and friendly guy to go with it! Would definitely book again next year when we return! Thanks Ian! Dave 2024
Ski Instructor
​Laurent has been a key figure in the Portes du Soleil for years and knows the ski area like the back of his hand. Whether you're looking to refine your technique, discover the best hidden runs, or simply have a great time on the slopes, Laurent’s expert guidance and local knowledge make all the difference. He teaches in both French and English and adapts his coaching to all levels, ensuring every lesson is fun and effective. Fun fact: you might spot him skiing in his custom-made shorts—so be sure to give him a wave!
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"Jack and I had a great few days with Laurent. His skiing technique improvement tips and knowledge of the area were excellent, we would highly recommend him" - Michael Silvester, April 2024
Thank you so much Laurent - Phoebe, Rosie, Poppy and Bonnie had so much fun and developed their skills. Their happy faces at the end of each day showed how superb an instructor Laurent was. We will definitely hope to book with him next year!! Best wishes for the summer season! - Daisy 2022
"Laurent is an amazing teacher - he completely changed the way I ski. At the start of the class I told him everything I wanted to learn (if there was time) and he managed to remember and cover every single one, whilst making it a really fun lesson. Thank you!" - Georgia March 2024
I really recommend booking a ski lesson at Avoriaz Alpine Ski School.
All staff were kind from booking onwards.
We arrived a little late and the instructor was super attentive and met us at the ski rental shop and helped us with a problem getting the ski pass.
A big thank you to Laurent. The class was very pleasant and effective. Super calm, fun and adapted to all skiing levels in the group.
The best sign of success is a friend who was too scared to ski ended the day doing a blue slope alone and confident!
Definitely to repeat and recommend!" - Jose - March 2024
Ski Instructor
Backcountry Guide
Pierre has been teaching in the Portes du Soleil for over 35 years. There are few who know the entire ski area inside out as well as Pierre who has been exploring the backcountry and summits passionately and is certain to find you the best terrain for your lesson. A very patient and kind instructor.
This was the third year that my kids have had lessons with Pierre. They adore him! They feel very comfortable with him, he challenges them and gently encourages & pushes them to progress. They have made great progress and we hope to see Pierre for year 4 next winter! Merci Pierre - Lynsey 2025
"Pierre was great. Really friendly and patient. Definitely left feeling more confident in my skiing and was introduced to new runs in the resort I wouldn’t have known otherwise. Definitely recommend! Really helpful support for booking too." - Rebecca Galloway - January 2024
"Pierre was excellent - very helpful, always on time, and our boys made significant improvement in their skiing. Thank you!" - Polly Gutteridge - March 2024
"Pierre was fantastic. He gave us useful technical feedback while taking us in varied and interesting terrain and he was very good at adapting the lesson to my younger son who was less advanced (and not happy about it!) We really enjoyed the lesson and wish we’d booked another one. We’ll be back next year." - Lizzie 2023
"Pierre was excellent - very helpful, always on time, and our boys made significant improvement in their skiing. Thank you!" - Polly Gutteridge - March 2024
"We had two lessons with Pierre, and he gave us exactly what we needed. First lesson focused on fixing some technique issues and reviving our confidence... second lesson allowed us to have some fun, pushing our comfort zone a little and letting us explore parts of the mountain we otherwise wouldn't have seen. It set us up perfectly for the rest of the holiday." - Richard 2023
Ski Instructor &
Off-piste guide.
BASI Trainer
IML
Adaptive specialist
Mark was the youngest British instructor to gain the full International Ski Teaching Diploma from BASI in 2010 and has been teaching in Avoriaz ever since. Mark is experienced working with clients with special needs.
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He was senior beach lifeguard for the RNLI in North Devon and is now based in Morzine where he continues his adventures in the summer guiding clients round the mountains.
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"We had an amazing morning with Mark. He showed us some secret spots we would never have found ourselves. Really knowledgeable, encouraging and professional. Many thanks Mark!"
- Charlie Pope - March 2024
Had lessons with both Laurent and Mark, both of whom were fantastic teachers!
I felt like I improved from run to run based on their instruction and felt comfortable on runs I think I otherwise wouldn't have even gotten on the lifts to. Found it very easy to discuss technique, understand their feedback and what to focus on from run to run and left each lesson with confidence that I could in fact ski.
Would highly recommend to anyone so thank you all at Avoriaz Alpine Ski School! - Andrew 2025
We had the most amazing 5 days in Avoriaz, Mark is a great coach William (14) loved going on long adventures and I felt reassured he was in safe hands. Mark was super patient with me the late learner and pushed me out of my comfort zone just enough to help me achieve runs I could only have dreamed of without his presence. We will be back next year. Worth every penny. - Rachel 2025
"Really nice, really chatty, he takes time to do it well. He stops to teach and explain. Everything you’d want from a teacher and more. It was clear he enjoys what he does and cared. He taught detail and reason behind things which I found very helpful and interesting. Thank you." - Ella Plummer - February 2024
Mark was fantastic with Freya. She started the week a little nervous and ended the week with total confidence whizzing down red runs. Mark was so positive with Freya and made her believe in herself and have confidence in her own abilities, We can’t thank him enough. Freya loved every lesson and was always keen to go, she responded very well to Mark’s style of teaching and positive and calm nature, Freya has requested Mark again next year. Thank you Mark! - Marie 2024
Jack loved his lesson with Mark too. Mark made the whole thing lots of fun so his skiing got better, his confidence grew and he thoroughly enjoyed himself." - Tania Hudson March 2024
Ski Instructor
Ski Touring, Mountain Safety Specialist & film-maker
George spent 6 years working as our ski school rep whilst he went through the training system. He gained his BASI level 4 in 2018 and has tought, coached and guided skiing in New Zealand, Japan and Norway. He has chosen Avoriaz as his favourite place and loves teaching all ages and all abilities as he shares his love for the Portes du Soleil.
A backcountry specialist and passionate ski tourer, George also loves photography and making videos. Check them out on the video page.
The boys had George for the first day and then Isla. Both brilliant instructors, the boys really improved and were on red runs by the end of the week, would definitely use again! - Julie 2022
"George was amazing. I had so much fun and he taught me some really cool skills. I definitely want a private lesson with him again next year." Nikky 2022
George is an incredible instructor and his passion for the sport and the mountains shines through in all his interactions. Worth every penny" - Darragh Payton, March 2024
The boys had George for the first day and then Isla. Both brilliant instructors, the boys really improved and were on red runs by the end of the week, would definitely use again! - Julie 2022
Director
Sam is the glue that binds everything together and keeps everything running smoothly. After 21 years living in the mountains, there's nobody better placed to help organise your trip!
"Entire booking process was very easy and got confirmation straight away, even a reminder text the day before." - Helen 2023
The team (including Sam in the office) were all extremely helpful. Huge thanks from us all." - Paula 2023
"Entire booking process was very easy and got confirmation straight away, even a reminder text the day before." - Helen 2023
"I approached three companies to try to book a day's guiding. Your communication was excellent - quick response, detailed info, personal - and it made you the natural choice and also very easy to book with." - Rachel 2023
"Thanks also have to go to Sam in the office for her help with Jack who hurt his knee on the first day and didn’t make it to ski school. Your phone calls and emails were much appreciated." - Sam - 2022
SNOWBOARD INSTRUCTOR
Teddy has been sharing his passion for snowboarding across all levels, from beginners to advanced riders. Whether you’re carving turns on the slopes, catching air in the snowpark, or exploring the Stash, Teddy's private coaching ensures a tailored experience for each rider. His deep enthusiasm for snowboarding and commitment to helping you progress make him an exceptional and dedicated instructor.
My two kids had several snowboarding lessons over several days and loved every minute. The instructor Teddy was excellent he was very warming and patient and I would recommend 100%.” - David 2025
Teddy was great with Ethan, finally getting him off the nursery sloped and down his 1st every proper ski slope - Andrew 2025
IFMGA mountain guide
Simon holds the highest IFMGA mountain guide certification. He joins us in Avoriaz to guide and instruct clients from hard blues upwards and is a fountain of knowledge of all things mountains, skiing and Les Portes du Soleil
Simon was amazing. He was patient, kind and also helped me track outside of my comfort zone. Really enjoyed the lessons and building my skiing. Thank you! - Sarah 2023
Professional Skier &
Mogul Coach
Having grown up in England, Ben moved to Avoriaz aged 10 and now competes for the French Moguls Team. When not competing all over the world he joins our team to run Mogul Masterclass clinics. His mogul skiing and freestyle aerial skills seem to defy the laws of physics and it is a pleasure to have his insight each season.
Ski Instructor and Freeride Coach
We hope Amy will return for a few weeks winter 24/25. Happy, inspiring and awesome at skiing - Amy is a self confessed gear geek, serial snow seeker and avid adventurer.
"Feeling most at home amongst the mountains, I spend my time between the Portes du Soleil in the French Alps, and Aviemore in the Scottish Highlands."