Free Ski Lesson for Children in Bavaria: How to Start Your Winter Sports Journey
The Bavarian winter offers a golden opportunity for children to discover skiing – even if they are complete beginners. Subsidised initiatives such as free or low-cost ski lessons are an ideal starting point, especially for migrant families or households with a limited budget. So what steps and options are available for your son or daughter?
• BVS Bayern – Inclusive Beginner Ski Course
This course is organised by the Bavarian Disabled and Rehabilitation Sports Association (BVS Bayern) with support from the Bavarian State Ministry for Family and Labour. It is designed for children and young people aged 6 to 27, with or without disabilities. The beginner training takes place in the Großer Arber area and is offered at a very low price:
BVS members: €45
Non-members: €85
(bvs-bayern.com)
If you are looking for a more flexible and still affordable option, you can choose one of the beginner programmes offered by professional ski schools in Bavaria via platforms such as CheckYeti:
Group lessons for children (3–14 years): around €20–40 per session (approx. 2–3 hours)
Well-known schools such as Schneesportschule Balderschwang, Ruhpolding and Kristall Schischule Arberland train children and often provide the equipment as part of the lesson.
(checkyeti.com)
| Level | Suggested Age | Approx. Cost | What It Includes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Beginner course for small kids | 3–6 years | €20–40 / lesson | Basic balance, stopping and falling techniques; often incl. equipment |
| General children’s beginner | 4–12 years | €40–60 / lesson | More structured instruction with basic turning and control |
| All-inclusive programmes | 6–15 years | €50–80 / day | Day packages including ski pass, rental equipment and often meals |
These lessons are usually held on gentle slopes (children’s practice areas) and supervised by qualified ski instructors.
Define your goal:
Do you want a heavily subsidised, almost free course (such as via BVS) or a more flexible starter course at a low fee?
Search online:
Platforms like CheckYeti allow you to filter by price, region and course type.
Book early:
During school holidays, places are quickly fully booked – register your child as early as possible.
Check equipment:
Many ski schools provide skis, boots and helmets. Make sure you know whether equipment is included in the price.
Check certification and safety standards:
Prefer schools accredited by the Deutscher Skilehrerverband (DSLV) or other recognised associations.
A new skill:
Learning to ski gives your child a fun winter activity that can become a long-term hobby.
Family time:
A day on the slopes in the Bavarian mountains is a wonderful way to spend quality time together.
Financial support:
Even paid lessons provide excellent value, especially when equipment is included.
Confidence and fitness:
Skiing improves strength, flexibility and balance – and boosts self-confidence.
In Bavaria, you essentially have two main options:
Official, state-supported winter courses such as those offered by BVS, with fees between about €45 and €85.
Low-priced beginner programmes (€20–60) via accredited ski schools, typically combining instruction and equipment.
The editorial team of the website strives to provide accurate information based on thorough research and multiple sources. However, errors may occur or some information may be incomplete or not entirely verified. Please regard the information in this article as an initial guide and always consult the relevant authorities and institutions for binding, up-to-date information.
