Bibliothèque de FAQ

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Mini Piou

From what age can my child start skiing?

In Mini Piou group classes, children can start from three and a half years old if they are also fully toilet trained and in school or nursery.
It is possible to start from 3 years old in private lessons.

My child will be three and a half just after our holiday. Can I enrol them in Mini Piou?

Depending on the time of year, you can contact the ESF office to request a half-day trial session within the Mini Piou. This can only be booked in resort at the start of the week (Sunday or Monday) and is subject to availability. If the instructor feels that this session was a success, your child will be able to continue with the group class for the rest of the week.

My child is three and a half years old and has already been skiing – which course should I enrol them in?

Enrol them in Mini Piou (Ourson level, 3.5 years), which is suited to their age and their first experiences of skiing.

If your child has already completed the Sifflote, Garalou or Ourson levels, we would ask that youe contact the ESF office who will liaise with the instructors and our Technical Director to identify the best group for them, taking into account their young age and ability.

Can we follow the sessions?

Just like at school, we ask that you drop your child off and then leave.
We advise you not to stay nearby during the lesson: even if you’re discreet, your child may spot you, which could distract them or make them cry or upset the other children in the group.
Rest assured, our instructors will provide you with personalised feedback at the end of the session, and we have your number should we need to contact you.

I’ve noticed that the lessons start inside the school. Will my child actually learn to ski?

Yes, absolutely, but at a pace suited to their age.

Our little ones aged three and a half start in our Mini Piou room, which allows for a reassuring settling-in period, without the crowds you might find in the kids garden, which can sometimes be a bit overwhelming.

The children meet their instructor and find their own locker to store their helmet, gloves and snack.

Just like at school, we ask that you drop your child off and then leave.

Once the whole team has arrived and after some time for games and stories, it’s off to the kids garden ski area.

Halfway through the session, there’s time for a break – do remember to pack them a little snack.

The session ends on the slopes at the kids garden.

Ages 4–6: beginners & those with some experience

Which course should I enrol my child in, based on their level?

If they’ve never skied before, have got the Piou Piou or Blanchot levels, or haven’t yet mastered the snowplough, enrol them in the Ourson 4–6 years beginner course, which is specially tailored for children who are new to skiing.
If they’ve already achieved the Sifflote or Garalou level and can do the snowplough, enrol them in the Ourson 4–6 years initiated course to continue their progress.

Ages 7–12

My child is aged between 7 and 12, is a beginner or is at Sifflote/Garolou level: which class should I enrol them in?

Enrol them in the Ourson 7–12 group, which is suitable for children who are new to skiing or who have some previous experience.

Children

Does my child need a ski pass?

For the Ourson courses, your child will not need to have a ski pass on the first day : the instructor will let you know the day before when they need to have it.
However, from Flocon level onwards, a ski pass is compulsory from the very first day.
A free ski pass for children under 8 is available from the ski lift ticket offices upon presentation of proof of age.

Find out more on our dedicated page ‘Get a ski pass’.

Which group should I book my child in to?

You need to choose the level that your child is targeting for the end of the week.
Choosing the right level is important, as it will determine the level, technique and objectives to be achieved by the end of the week.
If in doubt about which level to choose, please consult our guide Assess my level. If you think your child is between two levels, please enrol them in the lower level. It is always better to be moved up a group than become demoralised in a group that is too advanced.

Are ski poles needed for kids booked into Ourson, Flocon or 1st Star groups?

No, beginner skiers and Flocons don’t need poles.

In 1st Star, ski poles aren’t necessary during the first few days of group lessons. However the instructor may ask you to get some for your child later in the week.

Why are morning classes more expensive than midday and afternoon classes?

Morning lessons last 2 hours 45 minutes (9am to 11.45am) and groups are limited to 8 pupils.
Lunchtime lessons last 2 hours (12pm to 2pm) and groups are limited to 6 pupils for skiing and 4 pupils for snowboarding. Ski lessons are offered at lunchtime only during the February half-term
In the afternoon, lessons last 2 hours 30 minutes (2.30pm to 5 pm) and, depending on the level, groups can accommodate up to 10 pupils.

Why choose lunchtime ski lessons?

Groups are limited to 6 pupils
Fewer people on the slopes
Optimal progress in the best conditions

Who can join the lunchtime ski lessons?

The lunchtime lessons are for Flocon to 3ème Étoile levels only.

Can I leave my child with you for the day?

Yes, for children aged 3 to 13, it is possible to combine a half-day ESF ski lesson with childcare provided by the“Les Petits Trappeurs”Children’s Club for lunch and/or childcare.
Simply add the option you require when booking your child’s lesson.
More information about the“Les Petits Trappeurs” Children’s Club.

Performance & Team Rider Course

When do the Performance and Team Rider courses take place?

The Performance and Team Rider courses take place in the mornings, during school holidays only.

What is the difference between the Performance and Team Rider courses?

The Performance and Team Rider courses follow roughly the same programme: competition, off-piste skiing, an introduction to and training with off-piste safety equipment, an introduction to freestyle and technical development.

You must have already passed the Flèche or Chamois d’Argent to be eligible for the Team Rider course.

Teenagers

Is it just teenagers in the group lessons?

We do not offer group ski lessons exclusively for teenagers. Please do not hesitate to contact the ESF office before confirming your booking to find out whether it would be better for your teenager to join an adult group, take private lessons or maybe do a snowboarding course instead.

Adults

I’ve already been skiing for a week: which course should I sign up for?

If you have already skied for a week, please enrol in Class 1. Beginners’ lessons are for people who have never skied before.

Snowboarding

What age groups are accepted for group snowboarding lessons?

Group lessons are open to young people aged 10 to 17.
We offer private lessons for all snowboarders from 5 and up.

Do you need to wear protective gear when snowboarding?

Helmets are compulsory for children and strongly recommended for adults.

Protective shorts are strongly recommended, especially for beginners.

Wrist guards are recommended provided they can be worn comfortably either under or over gloves.

Does my child need a ski pass for the snowboarding lessons?

For beginners, a ski pass is not required on the first day. Your instructor will let you know if you’ll need to buy one later on.
From the Snow Flocon or Snow 1 level onwards, a ski pass is required from the very first day.

General questions

Is the ski pass included in the lesson price?

No, the ski pass is not included and is compulsory for access to the ski lifts. Unless you are a beginner please make sure you purchase one before your first lesson.
Further information can be found on the dedicated page ‘Choose a ski pass’.

Is insurance included in the lesson price?

No, ESF does not provide insurance for its students. We recommend that you check your personal cover or take out suitable insurance, such as Carré Neige.
Further information is available on the dedicated ‘Ski insured’ page.

Is the ski/snowboard equipment included?

No, ski or snowboard equipment is not provided.
Please ensure you bring equipment suitable for the activity and that it is appropriate for your height, weight and ability level. One of the Skiset shops in resort will be able to sort this for you.
Wearing a helmet is compulsory for children and strongly recommended for adults.

The group I want to book is marked as unavailable. Why?

This means:

either that the group is already full for the period of your stay
or that you have missed the deadline for making your booking (online sales for group lessons typically close two days before the start date)

In any case, please do not hesitate to contact the ESF office to check remaining availability (bearing in mind that, in high season, the morning children’s ski groups are the ones that fill up the quickest, so an alternative time slot may be offered).

Off-piste, ski touring & safety

Is a ski pass required for the outing?

Off-piste skiing or snowboarding: a ski pass is required to access the slopes and descend by gravity

For ski touring trips, your instructor will let you know whether or not a ski pass is required, depending on the route that you have chosen together.

What equipment is essential for an off piste trip?

It is essential to be equipped with an avalanche transceiver, a shovel and a probe.
A helmet is strongly recommended for your safety.

Is safety equipment included?

For group outings, an avalanche transceiver, shovel and probe can be provided.
For private outings, this equipment may also be made available subject to availability.
You can also hire an ABS backpack from the Skiset shops in the resort.

Will the outing go ahead if there is a risk of an avalanche?

Depending on the weather conditions and the avalanche risk level, the outing may be cancelled.
The decision is made by the instructor right up until the last minute and is at the instructor's discrection.
If the trip cannot go ahead, we will try to reschedule to a later date or offer you a refund.

Private lessons

Can several people share a private lesson?

Yes, you can form your own group of up to 4 people, provided that everyone is of a similar level and age to ensure everyone progresses at the same pace. All of the group needs to be doing the same discipline (all skiing or all snowboarding).

For children under 4, you must book one instructor per child.

Which languages do ESF instructors speak?

Subject to availability we can offer instructors who can teach you in French, English, Italian, Portuguese, German or Spanish.

The whole team speaks English, and several are native bilingual speakers, ensuring a warm welcome and smooth communication with our international guests.

Which sports can you practise in private lessons?

Private lessons are available in all disciplines: skiing, snowboarding, telemark skiing, ski touring, monoskiing, adaptive skiing (sitski)…

Do you offer private lessons for people with disabilities?

Yes, we offer private Handiski lessons using an adapted sitski, available from children aged 5 and over and weighing 25 kg or more.

In addition, we have specially qualified instructors to support people with intellectual and/or mental disabilities.

Handiski

Who can take part in a sitski outing?

Our handiski outing is available to anyone with mobility issues (for example a disability, an injury, or simply their age). When booking, please specify your requirements so that the instructor can make the necessary adjustments to ensure you have the best possible experience.

We have a tandem sitski; your instructor will be steering.

Suitable from 5 years old. Minimum weight 25 kg

I can’t book a handiski outing directly online. Why is that?

A tandem sitski is available (thanks to a partnership between Sainte Foy Tourisme and the Sainte Foy ski schools). We will need to check the availability of the sitski as well as the availability of one of our instructors specialising in this discipline.

Please fill in the form with your enquiry and we will contact you to discuss the various options and prices.

What should you take on a sitski outing?

You must be properly dressed in warm clothing (ideally ski wear) and wear a helmet and gloves, as well as sunglasses or a goggle.

Is the equipment included in the price of the sitski outing?

Yes, our prices include the guide and the wheelchair for the duration of the outing.

Please note that the instructor needs time to set up and pack away the wheelchair, as well as to welcome you and give a briefing. A 2-hour booking will give you approximately 1½ hours of the outing.

Is the ski pass included in the price of the handiski outing?

No, our prices only include the guide’s services and the sitski.

A ski pass is required to use the ski lifts with the sitski. For people with disabilities, depending on the degree of disability, the price of the ski pass may be reduced or even free. Remember to take your disability card with you to the ski lift ticket offices.

Is insurance included in the price of the sitski outing?

No, our prices only include the cost of the instructor and the sitski.

You can take out cancellation insurance directly with us or ski insurance with carré neige. Please read the Terms and Conditions carefully to find out which risks are covered by the insurer. Further information is available on our dedicated‘Get Insured’ page.

Nature walks

What level do you need to be at to go on a snowshoe hike?

Our snowshoe walks are available at three levels:

Easy: suitable for families and children aged 6 and over, with a short route and limited elevation gain. Ideal for a first-time experience.
Medium: for children aged 10 and over, with a medium distance and elevation gain. Suitable for regular walkers, hikers and those in reasonably good physical condition.
Difficult: for children aged 12 and over who are in good physical condition, with a longer route and a more challenging elevation gain. Reserved for experienced walkers.

What equipment do you need to take on a snowshoe outing?

Snowshoes and poles are provided if you don’t have your own.
A head torch is provided for the Nocturnal outing.

Please bring the following:

waterproof walking boots or sturdy après-ski boots (no Moon Boots)
a hat and gloves
a ski jacket or a waterproof windbreaker
a fleece or a warm down jacket
sunglasses
a small rucksack with water, a snack and sun cream
For the Monal outing: don’t forget to bring your own packed lunch!

I can’t book the Nocturnal snowshoe outing online. Why is that?

For technical reasons, it is not possible to book this excursion via our website. If you would like to book this excursion, please do not hesitate to contact us before your stay and we can send you a payment link. Alternatively, you can visit the ESF office once you are here to make a booking (subject to availability).

Is it possible to book a private walk or hike?

Yes, private outings can be arranged on request, for a full day, a half-day or in the evening.

Can I bring my dog on the walks?

Yes, sociable dogs are allowed on walks, except for the Forest and the Monal (because dogs are not permitted on the chairlifts).

Please consider whether the walk is suitable for your dog (its build, fitness level, weather conditions, temperature, as well as the quantity and quality of the snow).

Paragliding flights

Who can take up paragliding?

Our tandem flights are available:

from the age of 5
for people weighing up to 100kg
for intermediate skiers and snowboarders (take-off usually at the top of the Marquise chairlift). Walkers and beginner skiers or snowboarders are not permitted to fly during the winter in Sainte Foy.

What equipment do you need for paragliding?

Please arrive at the meeting point (at the top of the Marquise chairlift) with:

your skis or snowboard
dressed in ski wear, including warm clothing, gloves, goggles or a ski mask
a helmet is compulsory

You must not bring any poles or a rucksack.

Can I get any videos or photos of my flight?

Yes, videos and photos are available at an extra cost. You’ll need to bring €30 in cash to pay your instructor directly.

Is the ski pass included in the price of the flight?

No, our prices only include the paragliding flight itself. You will need a ski pass to access the meeting point (usually at the top of the Marquise chairlift).

Is insurance included in the price of the flight?

Yes, your instructor has specific insurance cover in place for themselves and their passenger in the event of an accident.

Please note that ESF Sainte Foy does not offer a refund if you cancel, whatever the reason.

You should of course have a winter sports insurance in place.

FAQ

Does the lesson price include the ski pass, ski hire and/or insurance?

No, our prices only cover the cost of the lessons.

You can hire your equipment from our partner Skiset
You can take out cancellation insurance directly with us or ski insurance with Carré Neige. Find out more on our dedicated ‘Ski insured’ page.
Beginners do not need a ski pass on the first day; your instructor will let you know when one is required. For everyone else, ski passes can be purchased on our website at the same time as booking lessons, or directly via the ski lift operator’s website

Is insurance compulsory? What happens if I have to cancel my holiday?

Insurance is strongly recommended (both insurance to cover you in the event of cancellation or changes to your tip as well as specific winter sports insurance to cover rescue costs).
Please note that ESF does not offer refunds in the event of cancellation (regardless of the reason) and advises you to take out insurance.

How many participants are needed for a class or outing go ahead?

Group ski and snowboard lessons require a minimum of 2 participants to run. ESF reserves the right to combine groups of similar ability or to cancel and refund group lessons with fewer than two pupils. If only one person is booked in, the course will end after the Monday session, with no refund available. Please rest assured that, should this situation arise, the ESF office will contact the person concerned before their stay to discuss the options together.
Off piste group outings (Transceiver session, off piste initiation and the Monal outing) will go ahead from a minimum of 2 participants. If there are fewer than two, you may be offered an alternative excursion or a refund. As this is typically only booked in resort, we normally only take payment when we have sufficient interest.
For snowshoeing and Nordic walking trips, a minimum of 3 participants is required for most trips. For the Nocturnal and the Monal trips, a minimum of 4 participants is required. If this number is not reached, an alternative or a refund will be offered.

Is wearing a helmet compulsory?

Helmets are compulsory for children enrolled in the Ourson, Performance Course and Team Rider Course, as well as for all participants in the Flèche or Chamois programmes.
For all other skiing, snowboarding or telemark skiing sessions, a helmet is strongly recommended

Should we pack a snack?

Yes, there’s a short break during group classes. Do remember to pop a snack into your child’s pocket.
There’s no need for a bag or a water bottle: water is provided on site, in partnership with L’Eau Roche Claire.

It’s our first time skiing: what kit should we take?

Make sure you have suitable ski clothing, including base & mid-layers, a helmet, sunglasses or a ski goggle, gloves or mittens, and sun cream.
Don’t forget your ski equipment.
Beginners will not need a ski pass until later in the week.
We strongly recommend that you have suitable insurance in place.

How do I access my lesson cards?

You will find your lesson cards and much more on the myesf app!

Download the myesf app on your smartphone
Create your account from the email address used for your order
You will then find your lesson cards in one click in the “Lessons” tab
Please be ready to show your lesson cards to your instructors directly at the meeting point on the first day of your lessons. There is no need to check in at the ESF office first.

How do I know how to find the instructor for the private lessons I booked?

Your instructor’s name will be displayed next to yours on the private lessons noticeboard, located on the terrace in front of the ESF office. If several of you are sharing the private lesson, only one name from your group will be displayed.
The list is displayed at around 8.50am for morning lessons, 11.50am for midday lessons and 2.15pm for afternoon lessons.
If you cannot find your instructor, please do not hesitate to ask inside the office.

What is the format of the medal ceremony on Friday?

For children in the Ourson group (all levels), the ceremony takes place at the kids garden. You are invited to be there at 11.30am for the morning sessions and at 4.45pm for the afternoon sessions.
For other levels, medals will be presented by the instructor during the final lesson.
If you already have one, please remember to give your skills logbook to your instructor on Thursday. Otherwise, the instructor will give you a new booklet at the end of the week.

For group classes, what happens if we leave before the end of the week?

Simply let the instructor know: they will be able to assess the pupil’s level before you leave.

Who should I give my ESF logbook to and when?

If you or your child are enrolled in group lessons, please remember to hand in your logbook directly to the instructor on Thursday, if you already have one. If you don't have one or have forgotten it, your instructor can provide a new book at the end of the week.