We've had bad instructors. And we've had good ones.

But how do you tell? Recommendations are a good place to start, but it can come down to individuals - one person can be rubbish and another great, both in the same school. And it can come down to personalities. If you are travelling with a tour operator, tell them what you're like and what you want - for example, someone who will take things slowly and who is a native English speaker. Look at the boards on J2Ski, where there are recommendations for schools. And if you're not learning, don't suffer in silence - tell the school and see if they can do anything to switch groups.

OK so it's your first morning and you're due to meet your group/instructor. You will get joining instructions - bring them, and a local phone number for the school and a phone. Changeover days are always hectic and the instructor will not go off without you unless you are really, really late. They do this 25 times a year and have done for years and years so they can appear very casual about the whole thing. Don't worry - find your person, tell them who you are, and wait for your group to assemble.

You'll be taken off to the nursery slopes and (should) be given assistance to get there. Then you'll be asked about any medical issues, and given an intro to how the bindings work, how to put the ski on, etc. Then it's a case of watching, learning, practicing.

If you don't get something, speak up! We are totally anti the 'Bon, allez!' style of an instructor thinking this is all terribly easy and snowplowing down a slope leaving beginners nervous and worried at the top. It should be challenging, but fun and safe.

Some people like being in a group, learning together, but if not, opt for a private lesson. It's much more expensive, but you will learn faster.