“I have been taught by Simon for several years now and he is light years away from the "bend-ze-knees" merchants I had for so many years. He really understands the physics and dynamics of skiing and can get it all across in non-technical language. Whether you are a relative beginner or a budding instructor he will spot instantly what you need to do to move forward and can then explain it in as much or as little detail as you want. Above all, he loves skiing and he loves teaching it - and that shows. I could not recommend him more highly.”

• Mark S, April 2024

“James looked after my wife and I on consecutive days, and we both got considerable value from our time with him. We don't usually take private lessons but James had come recommended and I don't think either of us will ever go back to group lessons now! We both wanted different things from our lessons and James delivered in that respect. James was very patient, calm, helpful, clear in his instructions and his supreme knowledge of Val d'Isère ensured we got the best of our day too. We can thoroughly recommend James and expect to book him again next year."

• Alistair & Janine, 2024

“After 20 or more years of skiing adventure on and off piste I decided it was time to properly learn how to do it. Most instructors were good and nudged me on a bit but it was always my personal battle against the mountain using strength, experience and force of will. I met Simon about fifteen years ago and now I can actually ski. Sure it is a work in progress but I’m transformed with always more to learn. In all the miles I’ve skied with Simon he has been a great instructor, coach and fantastic company. He has exactly the right input regardless of the situation. Patience when things aren’t clicking, challenge when things are improving and words to inspire confidence when that is what’s required. ”

• Shaun F, Jan 2024

“After being skiing a few times, but never having any lessons, I booked James for myself and my seven year old son for a week whilst in Val d’Isère. We instantly warmed to his kind and friendly nature and he made us both feel very comfortable. He showed great skill in managing the two of us, who were at different levels, and made our lessons fun. He showed patience and humour, which was needed at times believe me and my son trusted him to help him develop and learn, even when he was nervous at times. It was well worth having private lessons and was money well spent. We will be back for sure. Highly recommend!"

• Sarah & Rafal, 2024

“I cannot recommend James Allen and Elevation Ski School highly enough. My family and I have been coached (and I mean coached, rather than trained) by James for several years and although we have all been skiing for many years, we find that we always improve and understand more after being coached by James. Most recently we had touring training and it was just exceptional. Already looking forward to our time with James next season.”

• Peter J, Jan 2025

“My son and I had a great week in Val D’Isere. We booked Simon for 5 afternoon lessons which really made our week. His passion, patience, knowledge and experience really come through in his coaching. Our skiing and confidence progressed hugely through the week, as did our understanding of how to adapt in different conditions and situations. Thank you again Simon and Elevation. We look forward to booking you again on our next trip and I would encourage anyone to do the same.”

• Andrew M, Dec 2024

“I've had several lessons both on/off piste, and touring days with James Allen over the past few years, and found him to be an extremely skilled and technical teacher. This year I booked Simon for 3x mornings teaching my 11 and 13y old sons who love to go fast and venture off piste and they absolutely loved it. Simon always has a beaming smile and strikes me as someone who absolutely loves teaching and is so happy to be on the mountain, and his enthusiasm is contagious. For the final morning we were treated to a fresh snowfall from the previous evening, and i joined the boys and Simon for a full morning introducing them to their first serious off piste, which was a very special experience, and we all learned a lot from Simon's teaching. I can highly recommend Elevation Ski School and both James and Simon as instructors.”

• Phil B, Dec 2024

“We (three men, late forties) had a three hour lesson with Simon in Val D'Isere and we all thought he was exceptional... easily the best private lesson any of us have had. Simon fully utilised the three hours to give us achievable, concrete things to change in our skiing, which he reinforced and progressively added to. He also made really good use use of video technology, with a super-informative freeze-frame analysis of each of us over hot chocolate, before we then went back out each with a specific point to address. I know when I write it down it doesn't sound much (shouldn't all lessons be like that??) but this was a much better/deeper lesson than some we've had elsewhere in the past. Highly recommended.”

• Richard B, Dec 2024

“James tailored our off piste day to match my ability and achieved a great balance between the level of challenge, safety, and the best snow that was available after some challenging weather conditions. I sent good detail about the kind of day out I wanted for our guided off piste morning. He took me to areas I had never seen before, some gob-smacking views, and some wicked descents, all the while offering some skiing tips that really helped my performance. These guys are highly skilled, attentive to your requirements, and supremely well informed and knowledgeable about snow conditions in the Val and Tignes ski areas. A solid five stars for service!”

• Chris T, Jan 2025