How are ski instructors recruited? The stages in their career
Published on 20/04/2026 - Written by Nadège
Whether they choose to specialise in downhill skiing, snowboarding or even off-piste skiing, esf instructors have to follow a precise path. Training, courses... In fact, it's not enough to be good at your favourite snow sport to join the esf.
Supervising different types of public, passing on the values of the ski school, maximising pupil safety... Each instructor must demonstrate professionalism at every level. To achieve this, they have to follow a course of study lasting several years.
If you'd like to know how our instructors are recruited, find out more about their demanding careers in this article!
Supervising different types of public, passing on the values of the ski school, maximising pupil safety... Each instructor must demonstrate professionalism at every level. To achieve this, they have to follow a course of study lasting several years.
If you'd like to know how our instructors are recruited, find out more about their demanding careers in this article!
Becoming an esf instructor: a demanding, multi-stage course
In fact, all candidates must be able to obtain their state diploma as an alpine ski instructor before joining the big family of Pulls Rouges in Les Menuires.
To do this, they are obliged to follow a complete training programme, specific to learning to ski. Sports performance, teaching methods, in-depth knowledge of the mountains... The courses followed by students today cover every facet of the instructor's job.
How do you access this training and obtain your diploma? First of all, you have to pass a technical test: a speed test on a route. Once they have passed this first stage, students can then join ENSA to follow a curriculum that alternates between theoretical training, practical experience in the field and work experience.
To do this, they are obliged to follow a complete training programme, specific to learning to ski. Sports performance, teaching methods, in-depth knowledge of the mountains... The courses followed by students today cover every facet of the instructor's job.
How do you access this training and obtain your diploma? First of all, you have to pass a technical test: a speed test on a route. Once they have passed this first stage, students can then join ENSA to follow a curriculum that alternates between theoretical training, practical experience in the field and work experience.
you too can become an esf instructorAnd join the Pulls Rouges family in Les MenuiresWhat kind of teaching do the instructors receive?
A ski instructor has to be able to adapt to the level of each individual, identify and rectify any difficulties they encounter, and be a good listener, patient and professional... In short, they have to know how to do more than just downhill skiing.
In training, teaching skills play a key role, as instructors need to know how to adapt their teaching to all types of audience, especially children. Learning is not the same for an experienced adult as it is for a 4-year-old just discovering the joys of skiing.
At the same time, ski instructors need to have a thorough understanding of the mountain environment and the risks involved. That's why the ENSA course also devotes several hours to mountain safety.
In training, teaching skills play a key role, as instructors need to know how to adapt their teaching to all types of audience, especially children. Learning is not the same for an experienced adult as it is for a 4-year-old just discovering the joys of skiing.
At the same time, ski instructors need to have a thorough understanding of the mountain environment and the risks involved. That's why the ENSA course also devotes several hours to mountain safety.
Training that continues throughout your career at esf
After the technical test, the training course and the internship, students can finally try to obtain their State Alpine Ski Instructor Diploma, and then join esf Les Menuires. Today, around 200 instructors work at our school, enabling us to offer ski, snowboard and off-piste lessons to people of all levels and ages, in several languages (English, Russian, Italian, etc.).
But their learning doesn't stop there, because esf instructors undergo continuous training throughout their career. This allows them to evolve with the practices and conditions of the mountains.
Being a ski instructor means above all passing on a passion, in complete safety and with respect for the environment. If you're interested, sign up now for the "preparation for the technical test" at the ESF Academy Les Menuires!
But their learning doesn't stop there, because esf instructors undergo continuous training throughout their career. This allows them to evolve with the practices and conditions of the mountains.
Being a ski instructor means above all passing on a passion, in complete safety and with respect for the environment. If you're interested, sign up now for the "preparation for the technical test" at the ESF Academy Les Menuires!
Prepare your technical testAnd put all the chances on your side!