Freeride and safety: set off on an adventure supervised by a pro!
Published on 10/02/2026 - Written by Nadège
Situated at an altitude of 1850 metres, in the heart of the magnificent 3 Vallées ski area, the resort of Les Menuires offers an exceptional environment for freeride.
If you're interested in this off-the-beaten-track activity, Les Menuires ESF offers a range of experiences beyond the marked runs. Do you have the soul of an adventurer? Do you think powder snow is for you? Discover our freeride programmes!
If you're interested in this off-the-beaten-track activity, Les Menuires ESF offers a range of experiences beyond the marked runs. Do you have the soul of an adventurer? Do you think powder snow is for you? Discover our freeride programmes!
Team Rider for teenagers: discovering freeride
Our first experience, entitled 'Team Rider', is actually a freeride and freestyle ski course aimed at teenagers aged 13 to 18. Only those who have already achieved the Étoile d'Or or equivalent level (Class 3) can enrol, as this sport remains difficult for the majority of skiers. As you know, the dangers are greater off-piste.
Working alongside a state-qualified ESF instructor, young skiers can discover a completely different way of skiing in the mountains. On the snowpark modules or in the powder, the thrills are often there for the taking. If your teenagers are curious and adventurous, the six-day Team Rider course should really appeal to them.
Working alongside a state-qualified ESF instructor, young skiers can discover a completely different way of skiing in the mountains. On the snowpark modules or in the powder, the thrills are often there for the taking. If your teenagers are curious and adventurous, the six-day Team Rider course should really appeal to them.
team rider courseA course designed to teach teenagers to ski freerideOff-piste outings for adults: off the beaten track
Skiers aged 18 and over are not forgotten at esf les Menuires, as the school also offers several off-piste outings for adults. You can choose between glacier walks, off-piste skiing or ski touring. Whichever format you choose, you're sure to have a great time!
By taking freeride lessons with the esf, you can discover skiing in the great outdoors as you've never seen it before. Once again, Class 3 level is required for most lessons, while Class 4 is reserved for the most difficult outings.
These group or private lessons (morning, afternoon or full day) will allow you to explore breathtaking snow-covered landscapes in the heart of the 3 Vallées, while improving your skiing techniques. Unspoilt valleys, steep slopes, glaciers... There are plenty of off-piste surprises in store! If you like, you can even book a ski touring trip at dusk (Class 2): an unforgettable experience!
By taking freeride lessons with the esf, you can discover skiing in the great outdoors as you've never seen it before. Once again, Class 3 level is required for most lessons, while Class 4 is reserved for the most difficult outings.
These group or private lessons (morning, afternoon or full day) will allow you to explore breathtaking snow-covered landscapes in the heart of the 3 Vallées, while improving your skiing techniques. Unspoilt valleys, steep slopes, glaciers... There are plenty of off-piste surprises in store! If you like, you can even book a ski touring trip at dusk (Class 2): an unforgettable experience!
esf Les Menuires: Safety, an essential point in off-piste skiing
If we recommend that you book your off-piste outings with esf Les Menuires, whether you have a Class 2, 3 or even 4 level, it's because the dangers are very real off the marked runs (avalanches, crevasses, etc.). The exclusive supervision offered by our mountain guides and ski instructors is therefore ideal.
Weather, equipment... With them, you can discover and learn all the safety rules of freeriding, as well as benefiting from expert advice on your practice and increased supervision. What's more, you'll automatically be provided with safety equipment on the day of your appointment: DVA, shovel, probe. All you need for maximum peace of mind when you're off-piste!
Weather, equipment... With them, you can discover and learn all the safety rules of freeriding, as well as benefiting from expert advice on your practice and increased supervision. What's more, you'll automatically be provided with safety equipment on the day of your appointment: DVA, shovel, probe. All you need for maximum peace of mind when you're off-piste!
off-piste excursionsDiscover new paths in complete safety