Remember that you have rights as a customer and though you may feel at a great disadvantage because of your ignorance of the sport and your lack of competence on skis, you are paying for a service. If you were promised an English-speaking instructor and you don't get one, insist.

A more serious problem is that if the class is too large, you will not only spend most of the time standing around waiting for the rest of the class to do their moves, but you may be so far away from the instructor that you end up imitating the mistakes of the pupil in front of you. Obviously an important tip here is to try to stick right behind the teacher, but there could be a lot of competition for this position (good teachers make sure that everyone gets some time at the front of the class). If you are becoming frustrated, don't hesitate to complain to the school. They should either move you or supply another instructor and split the class.

Please Sir...

Before you sign up for classes, make sure you ask the following questions.

• What is the guaranteed maximum class size?
• In which language will the instruction be?
• What will I be learning?
• Can I change classes if I am too good/bad?
• Where will we be skiing?
• What kind of ski pass should I buy?
• Where do we meet?
• How do I recognize my teacher?
• Are any extras, such as video, included?