All courses run from Friday to Sunday.
Maybe this is the winter you finally learn to ski.
Your friends ski. Your colleagues ski. Maybe your partner skis. But somehow, you never learned.
And starting as an adult can feel surprisingly complicated: What equipment do you need? Where should you start? What lift should you take? And will everyone else already know what they’re doing?
This weekend removes those questions. Everyone starts from the beginning. Your equipment is organised. Your instructor guides you step by step. You just need to show up!
Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice | 5-star Google Reviews | 20+ years’ experience
No equipment to organise. No lift ticket to figure out. No previous ski experience required.
10:00 AM start
We meet at the ski shop in Davos Platz, where your equipment is already prepared. Before heading onto the snow, we’ll make sure everything fits correctly and explain the essentials.
Then it’s time to start: balance, moving on skis, falling and getting back up, controlling speed and learning to stop.
Friday’s goal: feel safe and know you can stop when you want to. Finish the day with a welcome après-ski drink!
9:30 AM start
After a short warm-up, we start turning, linking turns and gradually increasing your confidence and speed. You’ll also learn how to use the beginner lifts safely.
You progress when you’re ready — not simply because the programme says it’s time.
Saturday’s goal: connect controlled turns and start feeling like a skier.
9:30 AM start
Sunday brings everything together. Once your instructor sees that you can turn, stop and control your speed comfortably, it’s time for the next step.
Your instructor accompanies you as you progress towards your first blue slope.
Sunday’s goal: a controlled first blue-slope experience — when you’re ready.
One final drink together to celebrate what you’ve achieved over the weekend.
Because adults don’t all learn at exactly the same speed. With a maximum of six participants, the instructor can see every skier, give individual feedback and allow different people to progress at slightly different speeds.
If you need another run to practise something, you get it. If you’re ready to move forward, you move forward.
Progress is based on what you can comfortably do — not on a fixed timetable.
Your accommodation is entirely your choice and is not included in your Ride and Smile booking. For convenience, we recommend a few options in Davos that work particularly well for this weekend.
Ochsen 2
Davos Platz · close to the station and Jakobshorn
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Morosani Schweizerhof
Central Davos · more comfort and hotel services
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Hotel Waldhuus
Quiet setting · pool, spa and wellness
CHECK AVAILABILITY
Accommodation is booked and paid directly with the hotel or booking platform and forms no part of your Ride and Smile booking.
Davos is around 2½ hours from Zurich by public transport. You can travel on Friday morning and join the programme at 10:00.
Before your weekend, we’ll send you the recommended connection, meeting point and everything you need to prepare. Do not colocar horário exato de trem na landing page. É manutenção desnecessária.
I’ve never skied before. Is that really okay?
Absolutely. This weekend is specifically designed for adults who are complete beginners. You don’t need any previous ski experience — everyone in the group starts from the beginning.
What if I’m slower than the other participants?
Everyone learns at a different pace. With a maximum of six participants, your instructor can give individual feedback and adapt the exercises to each person.
What if I’m not ready for the blue slope on Sunday?
The blue slope is our goal, not an obligation. Your instructor will only take you onto more challenging terrain when you can comfortably control your speed, stop and make turns.
Is ski equipment included?
Yes. Skis, ski boots, poles and helmet are included for all three days. Your equipment can also be stored at the ski shop overnight.
Do I need to buy a ski pass?
No. The lift access required for the course programme is included in your booking.
I don’t own ski clothing. Can I rent it?
Yes. You can add our Ski Clothing Package, including ski jacket, ski trousers, gloves and goggles, for CHF 175 for the weekend.
Can I come alone?
Absolutely. The weekend is suitable for solo participants, couples and friends. Before the course, we’ll also create a WhatsApp group so participants can get to know each other.
Is accommodation included?
No. Accommodation is not included, giving you the flexibility to choose the hotel and budget that suit you best. We’ve selected some recommended hotels in Davos on this page.
What happens if the minimum of three participants isn’t reached?
The weekend requires a minimum of three participants and has a maximum of six. If the minimum isn’t reached, we’ll contact you in advance with the available options according to our booking conditions.
What happens in bad weather or poor snow conditions?
We monitor conditions closely. The programme may be adapted when necessary for safety and the best possible learning experience. If the course cannot take place, the applicable Ride and Smile booking and cancellation conditions apply.
EXCELLENT
Based on 138 reviews
Posted on Google![]()
AdinahTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Manuel was a fantastic off piste skiing guide! There wasn't much snow this season, yet Manuel managed to find hidden pockets of untouched snow with gorgeous views of the Alps. He was very patient with me and taught me how to use telemark skis with skins. Manuel even met me at the rental store to make sure I got the appropriate skis. I thoroughly enjoyed my day skiing with Manuel. It was relaxing and challenging at the same time. I hope to return and book more adventures with Ride and Smile.Posted on Google![]()
Tiago BaleizãoTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Great service, with great instructors and guides, and a seamless experience as customer in all processes and contacts.Posted on Google![]()
Jiani ZhouTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
It has been a great experience to learn how to ski from Manuel. Manuel provided spot-on instructions and is patient and positive. Highly recommended!Posted on Google![]()
Veronica Fernandez CorralTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
We arrived in Davos with no previous experience in skiing and spent some hours over 2 days with Manuel. He is such a wonderful teacher. He was super encouraging and patient. From explaining us the basics to helping us getting independent in the slopes and making the whole experience very enjoyable. He explained everything very clear and was an amazing support. Thank you so much, Manuel! I would 100% recommend. We couldn’t be happier with having chosen Ride & Smile for some lessons. Fernanda was also very kind and made the booking process very easy.Posted on Google![]()
Alexandre GlausTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Vor 2 Wochen war ich mit 6 weiteren Freunden auf einer Ski Tour mit Manuel. Die Organisation bis zur Durchführung war top. Er hat uns trotz schlechten Schneeverhältnissen in die richtigen Ecken geführt, so dass wir doch noch tolle Tiefschneehänge hatten. Ich werde auf jeden Fall wieder mit Ride and Smile buchen.Posted on Google![]()
Luigi SoncinTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
The classes with Massimo were amazing. He has been really patient, flexible and present. Loved. On my 3rd class I reach the basic turn. Loved. Highly recommend.Posted on Google![]()
Allan CapiliTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
A fantastic 4 days snowboarding with Massimo as our instructor, mountain guide and new friend for life! As a family of 4 from Boston (2 parents and 2 boys of 12 and 15) we decided to visit Switzerland and learn snowboarding for the first time. We came across Ride and Smile online as a highly rated school. We were partnered with Massimo, an instructor who was super excited to take on the challenge of instructing an entire family of mixed ages, different levels of stamina and ultimately varying levels of natural talent. He greeted us each day with a huge smile and a group hug. We started with the basics, adapting his teaching approach to each of us based on our individual needs. Some of the family advanced quicker, but he really wanted to bring us all along for the ride and was extremely patient. He kept encouraging the slower progressing amongst the group to keep trying, emphasizing that it takes time to master the basics and that once it clicks it will feel amazing. By the fourth day my eldest son was cruising down a red slope like a pro - he will undoubtedly be a snowboarder for life. What made this experience so special was Massimo and his teaching style. His energy was truly infectious - truly positive and welcoming. We made so many memories thanks to Massimo!!Posted on Google![]()
Patrik MelinTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
We skied with Manuel. Great experience! Very good both for our children and us adults. Perfect day!Posted on Google![]()
Sebastian GlausTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Unsere Skitour mit Manuel war sehr gut organisiert und professionell geführt. Die Route war gut gewählt und bot eine schöne Mischung aus Herausforderung und Genuss. Manuel kennt sich im Gebirge von Klosters/Davos/Arosa sehr gut aus und war sehr umgänglich und kommunikativ. Wir kommen gerne wieder!Posted on Google![]()
Martin LarrabureTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Manuel took us to the best routes in the mountains. Amazing touring experience!
EXCELLENT
Based on 109 reviews
Posted on Tripadvisor![]()
Passenger616160Verified
Wonderful Experience: great skiing and fantastic views Ride and Smile is wonderful all around. From the time I expressed interest in booking until after I finished my day skiing when I received photos and videos from my adventure, they were very responsive and attentive. I was able to speak with my guide, Manuel, before booking to make sure my expectations would be met. I'm happy to report that the actual experience exceeded them. Manuel knew how to find the perfect areas for off piste skiing that matched my ability and also offered spectacular views. I hope to come back and book more days with Ride and Smile.Posted on Tripadvisor![]()
TSB200Verified
Great experience! Great service, with great instructors and guides, and a seamless experience as customer in all processes and contacts.Posted on Tripadvisor![]()
Voyage49503887080Verified
If you want to learn how to ski - this is the company! We arrived in Davos with no previous experience in skiing and couldn’t be happier with having chosen Ride & Smile for some lessons. We reached out via WhatsApp and Fernanda was very kind and made the process very easy. We booked the lessons and spent some hours over 2 days with Manuel. He is such a wonderful teacher. He was super encouraging and patient. From explaining us the basics to helping us getting independent in the slopes and making the whole experience very enjoyable. He explained everything very clear and was an amazing support. I would 100% recommend! Thank you so much, Manuel!Posted on Tripadvisor![]()
Anastasia VVerified
Recommended! Tiziano was an outstanding teacher! He was incredibly helpful and helped me perfectly in our personal lessons. The technique I learned is exactly what I was looking for. I can highly recommend it! Thank you for the great support!Posted on Tripadvisor![]()
Andrew BVerified
Really excellent! This is the second year in a row that we have used Ride and Smile and we had Manuel as our guide for two days this time around. He was excellent. Incredibly knowledgeable, friendly and he struck the right balance between having fun and tuition - he was always encouraging and the improvement in all of us over a short period was clearly evident. We couldn’t recommend him and Ride and Smile highly enough.Posted on Tripadvisor![]()
J JVerified
Thank you We spent some wonderful days skiing in Davos / Klosters. The Ride & Smile team was very helpful in organizing the ski lessons, and they accommodated all of my requests. Our instructor Lisa was super nice. She made the lessons fun for all age groups and skill levels, including the youngest member of the group who loves speed and bumpy rides. She also gave us lots of useful tips with things to do and where to ski. Thank you!Posted on Tripadvisor![]()
Mobile12604323681Verified
Everything we hoped for and more! We signed up our two girls (ages 4 and 6) for classes over 4 days. Given their traumatic ski experience the year before, and the fact that they kept saying "I hate skiing, I don't wanna ski", we were seriously concerned whether they would make it even half-way the classes. Well we were so lucky to have Luna as our instructor! She had such a child-friendly approach, she connected with them and was so motivating and supportive! They loved it so much and kept saying they want to go on the big slopes and do races. We are sooo grateful for such an amazing experience!Posted on Tripadvisor![]()
Francesca BVerified
Excellent I had an amazing experience with Luna as my ski instructor in Davos! In just two hours, she helped me improve significantly, making me feel much more confident on the slopes. Her teaching style is clear, patient, and super encouraging. Luna is not only skilled but also incredibly kind and resourceful, always finding the right tips to help me progress quickly. I highly recommend her to anyone looking to improve their skiing while having a great time. Thank you, Luna!Posted on Tripadvisor![]()
IgorVerified
Ski lessons in Davos I booked 4 ski lessons. I must admit that at first I didn't think I would be able to go on the red and blue slopes, because I had never skied before.All my lessons were with teacher Simone, he was really nice to me, he managed to do exercises that suited my learning style, his positivity was really contagious and seeing that he was happy with my achievements made me want to learn more and more.On the last day of my lessons, I was already able to go on the red slopes with some ease. This whole experience made me enjoy skiing and I can't wait for the next time.I would like to thank the entire Ride and Smile team for everything.Posted on Tripadvisor![]()
PEDRO BVerified
Snowboard lessons I really enjoyed the snowbord in Davos lesson with Tiziano, I am 17 years old, that was my first time doing snowboard and after 3 lessons i was already doing the turns really good and also doing jump at the snow park
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