FAQ – booking, lift passes, lessons and courses at STOK Ski School

Frequently asked questions

General

  • How can I book a session?

    The easiest way is online (once we confirm details we'll send a payment link), by phone, or in person at the office. A booking is confirmed after payment.

  • Which payment methods do you accept?

    Online payment link, BLIK, card, cash at the office. Guests of Hotel Bania can use hotel credit.

  • Do you sell lift passes?

    Yes – at the office you can buy lift passes tailored to your lesson/course length (more convenient and usually better value than a full-day pass). We also sell all publicly available types of lift pass.

  • Will I skip the lift queues during lessons?

    Yes – all our clients have priority lift access during sessions: more skiing, less queuing.

  • How long is a lesson?

    A lesson hour is 55 minutes; for teenagers and adults we usually recommend blocks of around 2 hours (2×55 min) – they work best. For younger children, 1×55 min often works better. We'll agree the duration together at booking or on site.

  • Do you run lessons in foreign languages?

    Yes. We run sessions in English, German, Slovak, Ukrainian and Russian (other languages on request). We shall confirm availability of specific languages when booking.

  • Do I need my own kit, or can I hire it on site?

    You don't need your own kit – we work with the best hire shops in Białka Tatrzańska, right next to the school. The instructor may suggest adjustments, but the final choice is down to the hire shop or yourself.

  • Where do I meet the instructor?

    At our marked meeting points located at the bottom lift stations. We'll give you the exact meeting point in the booking confirmation; you can also find locations in the Contact section.

  • What kit for the first lesson (ski/snowboard)?

    You'll hire kit right next to our school – we work with the best hire shops in Białka Tatrzańska. If the fit isn't quite right, the instructor will suggest a fix; the final choice is down to the hire shop or yourself.

    • Skis: properly fitted boots (heel secure), poles only when you're ready.
    • Snowboard: bindings set to your preferred stance (regular/goofy), boots comfortable and supportive.
    • Helmet: mandatory for children; strongly recommended for adults too.
  • What should I bring to a session?

    Layered clothing, gloves, helmet, goggles, ski socks, sun cream, water. If you're hiring kit – arrive a few minutes early.

  • What if I'm late?

    Ring the office. The lesson ends at the scheduled time (next clients waiting), but if diaries allow, we'll try to help.

  • Can I change the time or get a refund?

    Yes – we have flexible terms: 

    • private lessons can be rescheduled or cancelled up to 60 min before the session, except lessons starting before 10:00 am – those by 6:00 pm the previous day, all without charges,
    • for packages and courses we provide a proportional refund for unused sessions,
    • children's group sessions: refund for unused days (per price list); if a group doesn't form – full refund. 
  • What about bad weather?

    Lessons run as normal if the resort is open. According to the Terms and Conditions we may suggest a change of time or day.

  • Are regular clients eligible for a discount?

    Yes – we have a Loyalty card giving 12% off individual lessons. It's our way of saying thanks for your trust and regular training.

Children

  • From what age can a child start learning?

    Children as young as  4–5 years (depending on the child's readiness) can start skiing; snowboarding most often from 6–7 years old.

  • Individual or group – which is better?

    • Group: peers, motivation, great value; in the extended package also activities. 
    • Individual: 100% instructor attention, pace matched to your child – brilliant for starting out or making quick progress. We'll happily advise the best option.
  • Is my child insured?

    In Winter holidays with Stokuś and Super Stoker, every child has UNIQA accident insurance (included). For individual lessons you can buy accident cover (UNIQA) at our office.

  • Can a parent watch the child's session?

    Yes – from the side of the piste, so as not to distract the children.

  • Where do we meet and who collects the child?

    We meet at the marked point by the bottom lift station (exact point in the confirmation). The instructor takes charge for the duration of the lesson and returns the child afterwards – handover only to an authorised person.

  • How do you keep in touch with the parent during lessons?

    We provide the instructor/office number in the confirmation. If needed, we contact you immediately; after the lesson the instructor gives brief feedback (progress, recommendations).

  • How long should the first lesson be?

    For younger children, 1×55 min often works better; for older children and teens, around 2 hours (2×55 min) usually gives the best results.


    We agree duration together based on your child's age, fitness and focus.

  • Kit and helmet – what's mandatory?

    A helmet is mandatory. You'll hire kit right next to the school; if something isn't quite right, the instructor will suggest adjustments, but the final choice rests with the hire shop or yourself.

  • How to prepare a child for lessons?

    Layered clothing, gloves, goggles/sunglasses, sun cream. For activities: indoor shoes.

Group courses for children

  • What does the first day of group sessions look like?

    We start together: opening ceremony and a quick warm-up, then splitting into small groups by age and level. Children meet the instructors and learn the rules – then we head for the slopes

  • How many children are in a group and how many instructors oversee it?

    Typically a maximum of 8 children with 2 instructors. In advanced groups it's 1 instructor for up to 6 children – always keeping things safe and effective.

  • Are there any other activities and additional attractions?

    Yes – in the extended package: indoor activities, creative games, play and a light lunch.

  • What does the end of the course look like?

    We hold a grand finale, award prizes and certificates. Younger children have a friendly skills test (obstacle course, mini-slalom), older children – a race with podium ceremony.

  • Children with specific needs / disabilities – can we join?

    Please contact us in advance. In many cases we'll arrange safe 1:1 sessions. If specialist centre support is needed, we'll be clear about this and recommend trusted instructors.

Beginners (adults)

  • I've never skied – where do I start?

    Ideally with your first lesson with an instructor: one-to-one or in a beginners' group. We'll help you choose kit and a slift pass matched to your session time, explain safety rules and start from the basics.

  • Is it better to choose an individual or group lesson?

    • Individual: maximum progress and 100% attention.
    • Group: great value, company and brilliant motivation – recommended for adults who enjoy learning with others.
  • How long is a lesson for adults?

    Usually around 2 hours (e.g. 2×55 min), which lets you feel clear progress. We'll set shorter or longer blocks to suit your needs.

  • Do I have to buy a full-day lift pass?

    No. At the office you can buy lift passes tailored to your lesson/course length – a convenient, cost-effective way to start.

  • What should I bring to my first lesson?

    Layered clothing, gloves, goggles/sunglasses, sun cream. You'll hire kit next to the school, and a helmet is strongly recommended.

  • I'm worried I won't manage – how does it work in practice?

    No pressure at all. We start from the basics and go at your pace. The instructor looks after safety, comfort and those small victories that build confidence.

Snowboard

  • From what age can one start snowboarding?

    Most often from 6–7 years old; adults – any age you fancy.

  • Do you run sessions in the snowpark / freestyle?

    Yes – safely and step by step: first jumps, boxes, presses, switch, carving. Always with proper focus on technique and safety.

  • Do you organise themed workshops (carving/freestyle)?

    Yes – regularly throughout the season. We announce sign-ups and dates mainly on social media (Instagram/Facebook) and in the news on our website.

  • Do you run group courses for snowboarders?

    For children and teens we've prepared a winter snowboard adventure – Super Stoker. Participants discover snowboarding step by step, gain confidence and love every moment on the slopes.

Advanced

  • I want to improve my technique quickly – what do you suggest?

    Tailored training: precise corrections, balance, rhythm and working on specific goals.

  • Can I train slalom and competitive skiing?

    Yes – on available dates and when conditions allow. Priority lift access and tailored lift passes let you make the most of your time.

  • Do you run SITN pathway courses for future instructors?

    Yes – we run official SITN courses. Future instructors train with us under top Lecturer-Instructors.

For companies

  • Do you have activities for companies and groups?

    Events, team-building, training and races – from intimate gatherings to large events.

  • What can you take care of?

    Pretty much everything: lift passes and priority access, piste reservations, timing, instructor/coach, kit at partner hire shops, catering and logistics, plus photo-video coverage.

  • Will you match the training level to participants?

    Yes – we split groups by level and goals (from basics to technique refinement) so everyone gets real progress and the joy of riding together.

  • How do we start and set the details?

    Get in touch with our office – we'll refine goals and budget, then prepare a bespoke proposal.

Location and partners

  • We train at Kotelnica Białczańska and Bania Ski – the best place to learn and progress, with fully integrated services (school office, partner hire shops, skipasseslift passes tailored to courses, priority lift access).