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Do I need a ski pass to attend the lessons?
Yes, a ski pass is required to access the resort's ski lifts and therefore to take part in the lessons. For more information, please see our dedicated'How to choose a ski pass'.
Is insurance included in the lesson price?
No, esf does not provide insurance for its students.We recommend checking your personal insurance cover and taking out Carré Neige insurance if needed. For more information, please see our dedicated 'Take out Insurance' page.
Nurserie
Who looks after the children?
The children are supervised by qualified staff:
Early years educators,
Holders of the French CAP Petite enfance (a childcare qualification),
Nurses,
Childcare Assistants,
Holders of the French BAFA (childcare activity leader qualification).
Do I need to provide my child’s lunch and snack?
If you have booked the meal option, meals are prepared on site and adapted to each age group.
A snack is also provided.
However, in the case of a food allergy, you must provide your child’s lunch and snack, and of course inform us of the nature of the allergy.
What should I bring for my child?
For your child’s comfort and well-being, please remember to bring:
Their comforter and dummy, which can be very reassuring for your little one!
Nappies for the duration of your child’s stay.
A feeding bottle (unprepared). Please provide milk. If your child requires a specific type of water, please bring it in a small bottle.
Will my child take a nap?
Yes, there are dedicated areas fitted with beds suitable for children.
You may also bring a sleep sack or sleeping bag.
On which days is the facility open?
Every day (except Saturdays), from 9.00am to 5.00pm throughout the winter season, available for half-day or full-day sessions, with or without meals.
Kids Club
At the Kids Club, will my child go skiing?
No, the Kids Club offers activities including:
Snow games such as sledging and snowshoeing.
Nature discovery.
Group games such as treasure hunts and orienteering trails.
Do I need to provide my child’s lunch and snack?
If you have booked the meal option, meals are prepared on site and adapted to each age group.
A snack is also provided.
However, in the case of a food allergy, you must provide your child’s lunch and snack, and of course inform us of the nature of the allergy.
What should I bring for my child?
For your child’s comfort and well-being, please remember to bring:
Their comforter and dummy, which can be very reassuring for your little one!
Nappies for the duration of your child’s stay if they are in the process of toilet training.
How should I dress my child?
A warm, comfortable and waterproof jacket, salopettes or a snowsuit.
Mittens rather than finger gloves.
Goggles or sunglasses (secured with a strap), with high UV protection (Category 3 minimum).
Please also bring indoor trousers (leggings or tracksuit bottoms).
Will my child take a nap?
Yes, there are dedicated areas fitted with beds suitable for children.
What should I do if my child cries on the first day?
The professionals at the Club Piou Piou are experienced in recognising separation tears linked to fear of the unknown. They will do everything they can to reassure and distract your little ones. Open communication with parents is essential.
Cours de ski petits
What is the daily programme at Club Piou Piou?
The daily programme is designed to respect children’s natural rhythms
Outside ski learning sessions, the time is divided between snack breaks, toilet breaks, games, and discovering the snow and mountain environment.
Do I need to provide my child’s lunch and snack?
If you have booked the meal option, meals are prepared on site and adapted to each age group.
The snack is not provided. We recommend leaving a fruit purée pouch in your child’s bib.
However, in the case of a food allergy, you must provide your child’s lunch and snack, and of course inform us of the nature of the allergy.
Morning, afternoon or full-day lessons?
For 3-year-olds, we recommend half-day options. If your child is an early riser, morning lessons are ideal. If they are a late riser, afternoon ski lessons are preferable
For 4–5-year-olds, full-day options are available. We recommend a lunch break before lessons resume in the afternoon.
What equipment does my child need?
Ski boots in the correct size, worn with a single pair of socks
Skis: the tips should reach chin height. Please trust the professionals for adjustments.
No ski poles are used at Club Piou Piou.
A helmet is strongly recommended.
How should I dress my child?
A warm, comfortable and waterproof jacket, salopettes or a snowsuit.
Mittens rather than finger gloves.
Goggles or sunglasses (secured with a strap), with high UV protection (Category 3 minimum).
Can parents attend the lessons?
It is natural to want to watch your child, but this can disrupt the lesson and may lead to more tears from your little one. Instead, we recommend asking for a short feedback session at the end of the lesson.
Cours de ski enfants
Do I need to pick up my child at lunchtime if they are enrolled for meals?
No, if your child is enrolled for meals, an instructor will collect them and look after them throughout the lunchtime period.
How do I book meals?
Meals can be added as an option when booking online.
We recommend booking them at the same time as your lessons to avoid availability issues.
What if my child is tired or cold?
A little snack break! This is when young children can rest and recharge, so that skiing remains a pleasure.
Can my children of the same level be placed in the same group lesson?
Groups are formed on site on the first day of lessons. If you would like your children of the same level to be in the same group, please inform the instructor at the start of the first lesson.
Where do I collect my lift pass purchased through esf?
You will receive an email from SEVABEL in the days following your booking. This email contains a QR code, which you simply need to scan at the resort’s self-service terminals to print your lift passes in just a few seconds.
👉 Tip: Please check your junk or spam folder if you cannot find the SEVABEL email.
How do I collect my bib?
Your bib will be given to you directly by your instructor at the meeting point on the first day of lessons.
👉 You therefore do not need to go to our reception offices when you arrive at the resort!
Cours de ski ados
Can my child take the Étoiles tests?
Yes, it is possible to take the assessment tests (Étoiles tests) on request at the beginning of your stay.
Can I be in the same group lesson as a relative or friend of the same level?
Groups are formed on site on the first day of lessons. If you would like to be in the same group as a friend, cousin, brother or sister of the same level, please inform the instructor on the first day of lessons.
Stage Compétition
What equipment does my child need for competition training?
Please inform the rental shop that you require skis suitable for competition.
A helmet and, if possible, a back protector are recommended..
Which ski pass is recommended for this course?
The 3 Vallées ski pass is required.
Will my child be able to take the Flèche or Chamois tests?
Yes, all students enrolled in Competition courses take part in the various tests: Flèche, Chamois, Fusée and Skier Cross! They may also enter the national skier ranking through OPEN points.
Is lunch provided?
Your child can have lunch with their instructor. To arrange this, please register them on site with the instructor.
Stage Team Rider
Do I need any specific equipment?
Please bring powder skis, a helmet, and a back protector.
L'esf provides the safety equipment (backpack and avalanche transceiver).
I have never done off-piste skiing. Can I still sign up for this course?
Yes, it is possible, but you must have at least the Etoile d'Or or Class 3 level.
Do I need special insurance?
esf does not provide insurance for students. We recommend Carré Neige insurance.
Snowboard
From what age can my child start snowboarding?
Snowboarding places significant strain on the back and wrists. Six years old is a suitable age to start snowboarding.
Are protective items necessary?
For beginners, we recommend a helmet and wrist guards.
For more advanced levels, we recommend a helmet, wrist guards, knee pads, a back protector and tailbone protection.
Which ski pass do I need?
A Les Menuires / St Martin de Belleville area ski pass is required for beginner levels up to 2nd Snowboard. A 3 Vallées ski pass is required for 3rd Snowboard and Class 4 levels.
My child has never skied before. Can they join snowboard lessons?
Yes. Skiing and snowboarding are two completely different disciplines, and it is possible to start snowboarding without having ever skied before.
How do I book meals?
Meals are offered as an optional extra when booking online. We recommend booking them at the same time as your lessons to ensure availability.
Cours privés
Do you recommend private lessons for beginner skiers?
Yes. It is up to you to choose between group lessons or private lessons, depending on your preference. However, the goal remains the same: the fun of learning!
We are a family of five. Is it possible to share the same instructor?
This is an excellent way to progress together and share the same experience. However, it is important that all participants have a similar level.
Can I choose the instructor?
Yes, subject to their availability.
What happens if the weather is too bad?
Depending on availability, your instructor may suggest an alternative location for the session or reschedule it.
Do I need special insurance?
We strongly recommend Carré Neige Insurance.
What equipment do I need to bring?
You should bring your ski equipment, ensuring it is suitable, as well as warm clothing.
L'esf will provide the safety equipment. If you already have your own, the instructor will check that it is in good working order.
Raquettes
Are snowshoe outings suitable for everyone?
Except in the case of medical conditions, these outings are accessible to everyone aged 12 and over (children must be accompanied by an adult).
Will I be able to keep up with the group?
Instructors adapt the route according to the participants’ level.
What should I wear?
Snowshoeing is a physical activity, so you should dress accordingly: breathable clothing (such as fleece layers) and not too many thick layers.
What type of footwear should I wear?
Hiking boots are the best option (available for hire from sports shops). Après-ski boots and snow boots are also suitable. However, snowboard boots are too rigid, and Moon Boots are too wide and not recommended.
Do I need a ski pass?
No. For esf Les Menuires / St Martin organised outings, you will not need a ski pass.
Ski de fond & Biathlon
Classic or skating, what’s the difference?
Classic cross-country skiing (also known as the diagonal stride) is less fast than skating. It feels similar to walking on skis: you generally move forward in prepared tracks (groomed with piste machines), gliding one ski after the other with alternating arm movements.
Skating is a more playful and physical variation. The principle is to make wide side-to-side strides, pushing with both arms at the same time, similar to ice skating.
Do I need to bring my own equipment?
Yes, you will need scale-skis for classic skiing and skating skis for skating.
Where can I hire cross-country skiing equipment?
You can find cross-country skiing equipment in most sports shops.
What should I wear?
You warm up quickly when cross-country skiing, so we recommend breathable clothing and not too many thick layers. You may also wish to bring a water bottle.
Do you provide equipment for biathlon?
Please bring your cross-country skiing equipment.
We provide laser rifles (precision equipment).
Devenir moniteur
When do the tests take place in Les Menuires?
Technical Test T: mock tests every Thursday.
Common Training Test: mock tests every Thursday.
What does this training with esf Academy Les Menuires include?
esf Academy Les Menuires includes:
Passionate and motivated coaches providing high-quality training,
Optimised equipment preparation (waxing and Trione edge tuning),
Video analysis to identify and correct technique,
Weekly mock tests on the Olympic stadium with a forerunner.
What are the success rates with esf Academy Les Menuires?
In figures:
50 % success rate for the TTSA (Technical Test),
70 % success rate for the Common Training Test
90 % success rate for the Preparatory Cycle,
84 trainees currently in training.
Can I have more information on the State Diploma in Alpine Skiing (Diplôme d'Etat de ski alpin)?
esf Academy offers specific training for the Technical Test, the Common Training Test, and the full training pathway (preparatory cycle, Cycle 1, snowboard, etc.).
The State Diploma in Alpine Skiing allows you to teach, for remuneration, alpine skiing and related disciplines (including snowboarding) across all levels of the alpine skiing progression.
Step 1:Obtaining the entry TECHNICAL TEST
The Alpine Ski Technical Test (TTSA, Test Technique Ski Alpin) is mandatory to begin ski instructor training. It is a slalom event in which the skier must achieve a time equal to or within 20% (men) or 25% (women) of the base time. This test is organised by the regional and departmental youth and sports authorities.
Please note that candidates must be at least 17 years old in the year of the test.
The pass certificate is valid for 3 years and allows entry into the preparatory cycle.
esf Academy Les Menuires offers a dedicated training programme for this test.
Step 2: Becoming a trainee ski instructor
The Preparatory Cycle (Cycle Préparatoire) lasts 2 weeks and is run under the responsibility of the ENSA (Ecole Nationale de Ski et d'Alpinisme).
It includes technical, theoretical, practical, teaching and safety elements required for teaching situations.
The assessment includes: a practical teaching presentation test + a technical demonstration test + a technical descent + and a training placement assessment.
Successful completion leads to the issuance of a training record book made up of three training periods (the first is valid for 3 years). This record allows you to work for remuneration as a trainee instructor within approved ski schools by the French 'Ministère jeunesse et sport'. Supervision takes place as part of a training placement under an agreement, and is overseen by a pedagogical advisor
Next Step:
Pass the Common Training Test, a technical 'Giant Slalom' test in which the skier must achieve a time within 19% (men) or 24% (women) of the base time.
esf Academy Les Menuires also provides specific training for this test.
Registrations will only be confirmed once the licence has been taken out, where it is required.
Which licence should I choose for my seasonal course?
TheFFS Leisure Mediumlicence (FFS Loisir Medium)is recommended for :
Mini-kids
Kids
The FFS Competitor licence (FFS Compétiteur) is compulsory, with Medium cover recommended for:
Mini-Riders
Riders
Racing Montagne U10/12
Racing Montagne U14/16
Mountain professions preparation courses
The FFS Leisure Medium licence (FFS Loisir Medium) is recommended, or proof of insurance must be provided for :
Half-day leisure lessons
Full-day leisure lessons
Freeski full-day lessons
My child doesn't meet the Kids to Riders level requirements. What should I do?
For Kids to Riders groups, if your child does not have the required minimum level, there is no need to worry: please enrol them in the group that matches their current level. During the season, instructors may adjust group levels according to each child’s progress.
Is equipment provided?
Equipment is only provided for cross-country skiing sessions.
For all other sessions (skiing, snowboarding, etc.), please bring suitable equipment.
Wearing a helmet is compulsory!
Where is the meeting point?
Please meet us at La Croisette, in front of the esf office, at the corner of the terrace of the restaurant Le Comptoir.
Can I have lunch with the instructor between sessions?
Yes, for full-day lessons, it is possible to have a continuous day by bringing a packed lunch.
I am unable to book my seasonal course. What should I do?
When booking, please make sure you select a stay covering the entire season in order to choose the offer you are looking for.
Questions générales
What payment methods are accepted by esf Les Menuires / St Martin de Belleville?
Our online booking system accepts all credit cards except Diners Club. For payments by cash mandate, bank transfer, cheque or holiday vouchers (Chèques Vacances), please, contact-us.
Where do I collect my lift pass purchased through esf?
You will receive an email from SEVABEL in the days following your booking. This email contains a QR code, which you simply need to scan at the resort’s self-service machines to print your lift passes in a few seconds.👉 Tip: Please check your junk or spam folder if you cannot find the SEVABEL email.
I am unable to access the payment page after booking my lessons. What should I do?
Your browser’s security level may be set too high. Please go to the ‘Preferences’ menu and lower it. It is also possible that your network is using a firewall, which will need to be temporarily disabled in order to complete the booking..
What should I do if the lessons are fully booked?
This may mean that you have missed the booking deadline (online sales close 3 days before the start date), and you will need to book directly at one of our offices. It may also mean that no places are available. In this case, we invite you to choose another course option or different time slots..
The student's age does not match the selected course
We calculate the number of months between the date of birth and the course start date to check whether the course is suitable for your child. The age taken into account is the child’s age on the first day of the course, not on the day of booking. This is why this message may seem inconsistent, but there is no error. Please feel free to select another course that matches your child’s age at the start of their ski holiday.
No available course matches the student's age. What should I do?
Try selecting Saturday as the start date of your stay to check whether other options are available.
There are no available lessons for the start date of my stay. What should I do?
There may be other options available on different days of the week. Try entering Sunday or Monday as your arrival date to check whether other possibilities are available.
What insurance should I take for winter sports?
esf does not provide insurance for its students. We recommend taking out Carré Neige, a specific insurance policy that covers you in the event of an accident or illness. For more information, please see our dedicated "Take out Insurance" page.