Are you supposed to tip for a ski lesson?

Question

I had an hour private lesson for 48.00. Was I supposed to tip?

Answer 1

If the lesson was good and the instructor knowledgable and courteous...then, yes.  $10 is probably good.

Answer 2

Your instructor would certainly appreciate the tip since (s)he is generally working for minimum wage and only works about 32 hours a week in a large resort school.  If a family is to be supported on the ski school wages, many other sources of income are vitally needed.  Too many times the main source of money is MNB  also known as "mom national bank".

   I do hope you enjoyed the lesson and welcome to the sport.   Jim.

Answer 3

The mountains that I've worked at, tips are always nice, but never expected.  HOWEVER, I think at some of the more expensive resorts like Aspen, a tip is generally given.  

If you liked the lesson and feel that you learned something, then give a tip!

Also, I do agree with the person who said instructors get paid more if they are requested for a private.  For that reason, many instructors hand out business cards with contact info on it.

Most instructors don't teach to make money, most do it because they love it!

Answer 4

20% would have been a good tip. So...rounded up, say $10.

You can also follow the $10/hour rule-of-thumb. Ifthey are exceptional you can bounce it up to $15. If you are sticking an instructor with screaming children, then $15 should be expected.

Some people don't tip, and instructors know that. Group lessons for example are prime examples. However, tipping for private lessons are usually expected...unless the lesson was bad.

Answer 5

Getting a private lesson would be like getting a hair cut. Much of that $48 goes to the mountain, with the instructor just getting a small portion: say $12-15 if they are lucky, usually much less.

A tip isn't necessarily expected though. When I was a ski instructor, I never expected tips...although most of my work was with group lessons, where tips aren't the norm.

However, if you enjoyed your lesson, and you felt like you learned a thing or two, and you would like to tip, there are some options here:

1. If possible, and if you get a future lesson, go back to that same area and request the same instructor. I believe many areas actually pay a bonus to instructors if they are requested by repeating customers. That's good PR. Plus, you could give a nice tip then.

2. If you aren't going back, or not getting additional lessons, you could always mail a tip in the form of a check made out to the instructor, c/o the ski school of the mountain. They will make sure that s/he gets the tip. If you don't know the last name of the instructor, call the ski school to find out.

That shows true appreciation.

Or, just tip a little next time...at least $10, maybe $20.

But if you didn't enjoy the instructor as far as personality goes, or learning goes, then you are not obligated to tip.