When winter arrives and snow covers the mountains, many families go on vacation to introduce their children to the joys of skiing. But among the many ski schools that offer lessons for children, it can be difficult to choose the one that best suits your family’s needs and expectations. In this article, we offer you a comparison of the main ski schools for children, taking into account the quality of teaching, the services offered, prices and location.
The ESF is undoubtedly the largest ski school in France and the most recognized. Present in almost all ski resorts, the ESF offers ski lessons for children aged 3 and over. Thanks to its years of experience, this school offers learning methods adapted to each age and level, with personalized monitoring and specialized instructors for the youngest.
The ESF is present in more than 200 French ski resorts, thus offering optimal accessibility.
ESF instructors are all trained and qualified to teach skiing to children.
Prices may vary depending on the resort, but generally remain competitive for group lessons.
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Club Med Val d’Isère
France, Val-d'Isère
Babysitting
Kids-club
Baby-club
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Affordable luxury
Club Med Tignes
France, Tignes
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Specially designed for children aged 3 and up, Piou-Piou is part of the ESF and stands out for its fun and educational approach. The program focuses on the gentle discovery of skiing, using games and visual supports to familiarize children with the mountain environment.
The program is centered on play, which makes learning to ski enjoyable for young people.
The children are accompanied in a calm and pressure-free progression.
From €6,650
La Folie Douce Hotels Chamonix
France, Chamonix
Babysitting
A surprise gift box delivered to your door
From €11,445
Le Coucou Méribel
France, Méribel
Babysitting
Kids-club
Teens-club
Gift for the children on arrival in the room
International Ski Schools (ESI) are an alternative to traditional schools like the ESF. Present in many resorts, they offer a more intimate setting with more personalized teaching. Groups are generally smaller, which allows for more individualized monitoring, ideal for children who need more attention or who learn at their own pace.
Children benefit from closer supervision.
Teaching is often more flexible and more creative, with lessons that can be adapted according to the level and character of the children.
Small schools allow for a more family atmosphere.
From €9,380
Écrin Blanc
France, Courchevel
Babysitting
Kids-club
50€ voucher on food and drinks (for a minimum stay of 7 nights)
From €2,870
Belambra Tignes Val Claret
France, Tignes
Kids-club
Baby-club
Teens-club
A surprise gift box delivered to your door
Prices for children’s ski schools vary depending on several criteria: the resort, the duration of the lessons, the age of the children, and the size of the groups. In general :
This level system allows ski schools to offer personalized progression based on the age and skills of each skier.
This is the first level for children, beginners in skiing. They learn to slide, turn and control their speed on easy slopes.
This is an introductory level for the youngest, where they discover skiing in a fun environment. The emphasis is on familiarization with skis and balance.
Initiation level for children or adults who already know how to ski. They learn to control their speed, turn and descend easy slopes more independently.
Intermediate level for skiers who have already acquired some mastery. They learn to ski on varied slopes and make more technical turns.
Advanced level where the skier has mastered basic techniques and can progress on more difficult slopes. They learn to ski safely on more challenging terrain.
This level is for advanced skiers who want to perfect their techniques, particularly on steeper slopes and varied terrain (e.g. moguls, off-piste skiing).
It is the equivalent of the gold star for adults, once they have acquired complete mastery of skiing on all types of terrain.
Specific training for those who wish to practice off-piste skiing or learn freestyle and jumps.
Students who wish to participate in competitions can follow specific training. The objective is to perfect slalom and downhill techniques to be ready to take on races.
Conclusion: which school to choose?
The choice of ski school for your child will mainly depend on their age, their level, and your expectations in terms of supervision and budget. If you are looking for a well-established option, the ESF remains an excellent choice, especially if you go to a resort where it is present. For younger children, Piou-Piou’s playful approach is ideal. If you want more personalized teaching and smaller groups, ESIs can meet your needs. Finally, for a more affordable price or a local experience, do not hesitate to turn to independent ski schools
Whatever your choice, make sure that the ski school is well suited to your child, so that they have a pleasant stay while progressing at their own pace.
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