A day in the life of an ESF instructor: between passion and endurance
Published on 18/03/2026 - Written by Marie
Every winter, the instructors at esf Les Menuires put on their skis to accompany holidaymakers and enthusiasts on the slopes of the 3 Vallées. Behind the red overalls, there are singular itineraries and busy days.
Anaïs Grange is a good example: an instructor for whom the mountains are much more than a place of work.
A vocation born on skis for our instructor
For Anaïs, skiing has always been part of the scenery. Originally from Valloire, she discovered the sport as a child and started competing with the local ski club at an early age. She even followed a ski-study programme at secondary school to reconcile training and schooling.
After several years in competition, she decided to continue her studies with a master's degree in finance, while at the same time training to become a ski instructor. A way of keeping one foot in the mountains. But as time went by, it became clear that it was hard to imagine living far from the peaks and the world of skiing.
Four seasons ago, Anaïs finally joined the esf Les Menuires. "I realised that I couldn't live anywhere else," she confides. Between the Alpine landscapes and the contact with the pupils, the job of ski instructor quickly became an obvious choice for this Savoyard.
After several years in competition, she decided to continue her studies with a master's degree in finance, while at the same time training to become a ski instructor. A way of keeping one foot in the mountains. But as time went by, it became clear that it was hard to imagine living far from the peaks and the world of skiing.
Four seasons ago, Anaïs finally joined the esf Les Menuires. "I realised that I couldn't live anywhere else," she confides. Between the Alpine landscapes and the contact with the pupils, the job of ski instructor quickly became an obvious choice for this Savoyard.
Book a lesson with AnaïsShe'll help you learn to skiEsf instructor: busy days on the slopes
The day often starts with a coffee with colleagues before the first lesson. It's a chance to chat together and kick off the first lessons of the day. The skis are then put on for a long day outdoors, whatever the weather , as long as the conditions are passable.
The morning is generally given over to group lessons, lasting until 11:45. After a short lunch break of around 30 minutes, Anaïs often follows this up with two hours of private lessons, before finishing the afternoon with more group lessons.
All in all, the days can stretch from 9am to 5pm on the slopes. The advantage: no two weeks are exactly alike. The instructors at esf Les Menuires alternate between different groups, from toddlers in kindergarten to the most experienced skiers.
However, Anaïs admits to having a soft spot for teaching children. "They're always in a good mood, they're very energetic and they don't ask as many questions as adults". One of the great pleasures of the job is accompanying them on their first runs and watching them progress over the course of the week.
A slower pace out of season? Certainly not for this hyperactive Savoyard who continues her training all year round! Whether it's running, cycling or hiking, she's multiplying her activities to make the most of this exceptional playground and stay in shape until the following season.
The morning is generally given over to group lessons, lasting until 11:45. After a short lunch break of around 30 minutes, Anaïs often follows this up with two hours of private lessons, before finishing the afternoon with more group lessons.
All in all, the days can stretch from 9am to 5pm on the slopes. The advantage: no two weeks are exactly alike. The instructors at esf Les Menuires alternate between different groups, from toddlers in kindergarten to the most experienced skiers.
However, Anaïs admits to having a soft spot for teaching children. "They're always in a good mood, they're very energetic and they don't ask as many questions as adults". One of the great pleasures of the job is accompanying them on their first runs and watching them progress over the course of the week.
A slower pace out of season? Certainly not for this hyperactive Savoyard who continues her training all year round! Whether it's running, cycling or hiking, she's multiplying her activities to make the most of this exceptional playground and stay in shape until the following season.
A demanding job... with a profoundly human side
Holidaymakers may see most of the action on the slopes, but the work of an instructor also involves a great deal of preparation. Before each lesson, Anaïs thinks about the right progression for her pupils, so that they progress throughout the week.
"Around 60% of the job is based on reflection, organisation and safety ," she explains. Choosing the right itineraries, adapting them to the different levels of ability and keeping a constant eye on the slopes are all essential elements in guaranteeing a safe and enjoyable experience for each student.
The most gratifying moments are often their progress. Like this young skier who didn't dare attempt a boardercross start and who, after two days of training, finally succeeded. "When someone achieves their personal goal at the end of the week, it's really satisfying".
And the day doesn't always end at the last chairlift. On certain evenings, Anaïs takes part in special outings organised by esf Les Menuires, such as night skiing or snowshoeing. Other times are spent preparing for the summer activities offered by the school: mountain biking, canyoning or rafting.
Summer or winter, at the esf Les Menuires, the mountains are experienced all year round, with a constant passion and the desire to share this exceptional environment with you. Ready to (re)discover the 3 Valleys?
"Around 60% of the job is based on reflection, organisation and safety ," she explains. Choosing the right itineraries, adapting them to the different levels of ability and keeping a constant eye on the slopes are all essential elements in guaranteeing a safe and enjoyable experience for each student.
The most gratifying moments are often their progress. Like this young skier who didn't dare attempt a boardercross start and who, after two days of training, finally succeeded. "When someone achieves their personal goal at the end of the week, it's really satisfying".
And the day doesn't always end at the last chairlift. On certain evenings, Anaïs takes part in special outings organised by esf Les Menuires, such as night skiing or snowshoeing. Other times are spent preparing for the summer activities offered by the school: mountain biking, canyoning or rafting.
Summer or winter, at the esf Les Menuires, the mountains are experienced all year round, with a constant passion and the desire to share this exceptional environment with you. Ready to (re)discover the 3 Valleys?
Meet our instructorsMeet the team at esf Les Menuires