Teddy bear, snowflake, star: what do these ski levels mean?
Published on 12/02/2025 - Written by Nadège
To assess the progress of children and teenagers on the slopes, the esf has designed and developed a complete collection of ski tests. These are always accompanied by a pretty medal as a reward at the end of the lessons.
A teddy bear, a snowflake, a star... Children are all the more motivated to win them, which increases their desire to learn tenfold over the years. But what's really behind these different levels of skiing? What skiing techniques are learnt for each test? Let's take a look at a 100% esf tradition!
A teddy bear, a snowflake, a star... Children are all the more motivated to win them, which increases their desire to learn tenfold over the years. But what's really behind these different levels of skiing? What skiing techniques are learnt for each test? Let's take a look at a 100% esf tradition!
Ourson: the first esf ski test for children!
From the age of 2, toddlers can get to grips with skiing at the Piou Piou club in Les Menuires. Before they can take part in their very first ski test, children are first invited to discover the joys of skiing. Working alongside specialist instructors, they are introduced to skiing through educational outdoor games.
At this age, esf medals take on the appearance of Piou Piou, then Blanchot, Sifflote and finally Garolou, mythical characters created by esf. Discovering the equipment, learning how to use a snowplough, putting on skis... It's time to lay the foundations.
After all this fun learning, 4-year-olds are invited to take their first ski test called "Ourson". To win the "Ourson" award, toddlers need to know how to make serpentine turns.
At this age, esf medals take on the appearance of Piou Piou, then Blanchot, Sifflote and finally Garolou, mythical characters created by esf. Discovering the equipment, learning how to use a snowplough, putting on skis... It's time to lay the foundations.
After all this fun learning, 4-year-olds are invited to take their first ski test called "Ourson". To win the "Ourson" award, toddlers need to know how to make serpentine turns.
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Once they've completed the "Teddy Bear" level, children can move on to the "Snowflake" level. Here, the requirements are a little higher, as each participant must be able to control his or her movements on the snow (speed, braking, etc.). A few skids are also on the programme.
Children are now required to learn the art of sliding from qualified instructors. During the test, there's no need to be apprehensive, as all the tasks planned for the assessment will already have been seen and reviewed during the week of ski lessons.
Children are now required to learn the art of sliding from qualified instructors. During the test, there's no need to be apprehensive, as all the tasks planned for the assessment will already have been seen and reviewed during the week of ski lessons.
Étoile: the start of serious things on the ski slopes
Following these first two ski tests, the children will then be able to start developing real skiing skills. This will be the moment when they can pick up their first Étoile de l'esf: a real symbol for young skiers. During this test, the apprentice skiers have to slide on medium slopes, skid and link turns.
After the first star comes the second, then the third. With all these esf awards in their pockets, children aged 9 to 12 have already mastered alpine skiing. Turns, schuss balancing, festoons... By learning these essential skiing techniques, children enjoy a new feeling of freedom on the slopes.
From Étoile de Bronze to Étoile d'or, and the levels that follow, children and teenagers finally become real skiing pros. All that's left for them to do is compete for new challenges in Les Menuires!
After the first star comes the second, then the third. With all these esf awards in their pockets, children aged 9 to 12 have already mastered alpine skiing. Turns, schuss balancing, festoons... By learning these essential skiing techniques, children enjoy a new feeling of freedom on the slopes.
From Étoile de Bronze to Étoile d'or, and the levels that follow, children and teenagers finally become real skiing pros. All that's left for them to do is compete for new challenges in Les Menuires!
Take up the challenge in Les MenuiresCompetitions to excel at all ages!