MINT Snowboarding — Local services in Thonon-les-Bains

I just brought my kids on their first, long awaited, snow holiday after 18 months learning on a dry slope. Their instructor Francois was great, both kids really liked him, which is often tricky for us but so important as they are both autistic, but this was something they really wanted to do. My 11 year old son is absolutely loving everything and has come on amazing, he just doesn’t want to leave. He said even though perhaps the snow isn’t what it could be it’s still amazing for him, he is shattered but it’s hard to get him to stop!

My 14 year old daughter as Francois said is not confident in her own abilities and so really needs some private lessons now so that she could ride with us. This is no reflection on the instruction she received as she has greatly improved, and, most importantly for me, been smiling and happy all week. She is super cautious at new things and demands perfection from herself. Hard work and a teenage girl!

I had som lessons with Iban, who was also great, took time to understand what everyone wanted to get out of having lessons and what level they were at. I have to say that the conditions make me super nervous, and my mind is my own worst enemy. Unfortunately there is very little snow in Morzine right now, not the fault of Mint at all, so ice and a thin layer of man made snow is about the worst possible scenario for me and makes it super tricky to teach especially intermediate level IMO, however Iban did a great job picking some well maintained pistes and working on technique.

As my daughter was too exhausted one day I joined my son and Francois for the lesson. Francois went out of his way to include me and ensure I didn’t feel like I was just tagging along. We had a little fresh snow that morning, and riding with my kids is something I've long dreamed of so it was a lot of fun. Both Iban and Francois were great I enjoyed the lessons, so technical, I literally never knew any of this stuff, someone showed me how to turn and off I went afaik. So had some great tips and both were lovely.

The communication with the team before and after the lessons was great too and so I would really recommend these guys for snowboarding in the Portes du Soleil. (And The Woods for hiring your kit where you get a discount if you’re signed...

Technical Performance Course with MINT Snowboarding

My boys (now 13 and 15) have been having lessons with MINT most seasons since they were just 4 and 6 years old, so we’ve known and trusted this incredible team for years. This season, I joined my 15 year old on the Technical Performance course and it turned out to be one of the best snowboarding experiences we’ve ever had.

I’m an experienced boarder, but I had never ventured in the snow park. I really wanted to push my riding to the next level, and this course delivered exactly that. The coaching was technical, focused, and perfectly tailored to each rider. We covered everything from carving and torsional flex to steeper terrain, off-piste control, and freestyle, with helpful video feedback throughout the week.

We were lucky to have two brilliant instructors Jorge and Janet who each brought their own unique style to the course. Jorge’s energy and technical insight were inspiring, while Janet’s calm, precise coaching helped us really lock in key improvements. It was great to experience both their teaching styles they complemented each other so well.

Safe to say, my son was exceptional when it came to freestyle he was flying through the park, and learning alongside him really pushed me too. We spent half our mornings in the snow park, starting on the small jumps, part way through the 1st session my son moved onto the medium size jumps and by second day so was. Part way through the week we were confidently hitting and landing the middle-sized ones all day long. I didn’t expect to enjoy the park as much as I did, but I absolutely loved it.

MINT really is the premier snowboard school in Europe, they’ve built an incredible reputation for a reason. From age 3 to adult, their coaching system and team of instructors are second to none. I wouldn’t recommend any other snowboard school. Whether you’re a complete beginner or looking to fine-tune advanced skills, MINT is simply the best.

Huge thanks again to the whole team. we’ll...

Back from a week with the Mint team on their Technical Performance Course in Morzine & Avoriaz.

From the time I enquired, Tammy returned my call within the hour and gave me a detailed run through on Mint and their course, giving me plenty of opportunity to explain my experience and ask any questions about the course.

Martha was able to help with all correspondence and get me booked into the course and the optional split boarding day with Dave their top Mountain guide.

Upon arriving into Geneva, my transfer was ready to go, and swiftly taken to one of the Mint lodges where I was greet by Liam and Ailly who would be our chalet hosts for the week. Mint really know how the run a trip, chalet had everything we needed and plenty of space for all 10 of us staying for the week. Storage, en-suites, boot warmers, board racks - all available.

Arrival day drinks gave us a chance to meet the members of the team, the guides/ instructors and other "campers". First day on the slopes, we were split into ability groups and met our coaches. Valerio would be our coach for the week and was great at explaining and showing us improved techniques. We were asked as a group what we wished to work on and this long with Valerio's ideas, would be our basis for the week. Valerio was also there to move us out of our comfort zone, in a way that wasn't pushy but allowed us to see what we could achieve.

Having done similar camps, I have to say Mint are at the top of their game - everything from planning, arrival, accommodation, coaching and social events was all perfectly balanced - I was surprised how much we achieved in the week without feeling burnt out, and well fuelled and cared for by our chalet hosts, drivers who would take us to/ from the slopes each day, instructors and optional activities. The Mint team;'s experience really does show why they were such a well respected team/ company.

Currently planning to return in the next couple of months on one of their...