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Please make sure you bring ski equipment suitable for your height and weight, including skis, ski boots, poles and a helmet (strongly recommended).
Don't forget to wear warm clothing and bring either sunglasses or ski goggles, as well as sun cream.
How can I assess my own level or my child’s?
If you're unsure of your own skiing level, or your child's, please visit our dedicated ‘Assess my level’ page.
On the first day, our instructors will confirm each participant's level and, if necessary, place them in the group best suited to their ability.
Childcare & Piou Piou
Will my child have a nap at the childcare centre?
Yes. A dedicated nap room with child-sized beds is available, and rest time is built into the daily schedule, particularly from 1:00 pm.
Please note that children arriving for the afternoon session cannot join the scheduled nap time. Thank you for your understanding.
Can my child have lunch at the childcare centre?
Yes. Our supervised mealtimes service allows your child to stay with us over lunch, from 12:00 pm to 2:00 pm, while being cared for by our team.
Please note that places are limited, so we recommend booking in advance. The supervised mealtimes option can be added when you book your lessons. If it isn't available, it means that all places have already been booked for your selected dates.
Please let us know in advance if your child has any allergies or food intolerances.
At what age can my child join the Piou Piou Mini Club or the Club Piou Piou?
Children can join the Piou Piou Mini Club from the age of 3, and the Piou Piou Club from 4 years old.
The Piou Piou Mini Club has been specially designed to introduce young children to skiing in a fun, safe and reassuring environment. With facilities perfectly suited to their size and abilities, they discover the joy of skiing through games, imagination and snow-based activities, helping them learn naturally while having fun.
Who looks after the children?
Your children are cared for exclusively by qualified childcare professionals, including:
Paediatric nurses
Early years educators
Early Years Care and Education Certificate holders
Paediatric care assistants
Activity leaders holding the BAFA qualification
Morning, afternoon or full-day lessons?
The daily programme is carefully planned to suit children's natural rhythms. In addition to their ski lessons, the day includes snack breaks, toilet breaks, games, and plenty of opportunities to explore the snow and the mountains.
For 3-year-olds: we recommend half-day sessions. If your child is an early riser, the morning session is ideal. If they prefer a slower start to the day, the afternoon session may be a better choice.
For children aged 4 to 5: full-day sessions are available. They include a supervised lunch break followed by a quiet rest period before the afternoon activities begin.
What is a typical day like at Club Piou Piou?
Arrival in the morning between 9.00 am and 9.30 am
Introduction to and learning to ski, snow games
A short ‘snack break’ (snack not provided) is offered during the morning.
Parents collect their children between 11.45 am and 12.00 pm, or children stay for lunch at 12.00 pm
Lunch & activities: esf instructors ensure the children’s comfort and meals, as well as that they have their rest period until 2.00 pm
Afternoon drop-off between 2.00 pm and 2.30 pm
Ski lessons, snow games and a snack
End of activities and parents collect their children between 4.45 pm and 5.00 pm
What if my child doesn't ski all morning (or all afternoon)?
Every child settles in at their own pace. Some need a little time to gain confidence, get their bearings and become familiar with this new environment—and that's perfectly normal.
Before spending more time on skis, your child may choose to watch, play, jump, run or explore the snow in their ski boots and equipment. These activities are all part of the learning process, helping them become comfortable with both the snow and their ski gear while building confidence in a fun and natural way.
Why is the health information form compulsory?
The Health Information Form is available from all esf offices and can also be downloaded online.
To help reduce waiting times on your first day, please complete the form before your arrival and hand it to the Club Manager when you arrive.
This form is essential to ensure your child receives the best possible care. It provides our team with important information, including your contact details, your child's medical history and any specific needs or requirements.
Snowboard lessons
At what age can beginners join?
Children can join our beginner group lessons from 8 years old, and private lessons from 6 years old.
Which ski pass do I need for my snowboarding lessons?
Children's levels: Piou Piou to 2nd Star, and Adult Discovery and Snowboard 1: a Méribel Valley ski pass is required.
Snowboard Levels 2 and 3: a 3 Vallées ski pass is required.
For more information, please visit our dedicated ‘Ski Passes’ page.
What equipment should I bring for my snowboarding lesson?
Please make sure you bring snowboardequipment that is suitable for your height and weight.
We strongly recommend wearing a helmet, wrist guards and protective shorts.
Don't forget to wear warm clothing and bring ski goggles and sun cream so you can enjoy your lesson in the best possible conditions.
Children’s ski lessons
Which ski pass does my child need for their ski lessons?
For levels from Ourson to Étoile d'Or, a Méribel Valley ski pass is required.
Please note that for levels from Ourson to 2ᵉ Étoile, a Lessons + Méribel Valley Ski Pass package is also available for added convenience.
For more information, please visit our dedicated ‘Ski Passes’ page .
What is the difference between ski lessons and the Base Camp course?
Ski lessons are available for all levels throughout the season.
The Base Camp course is reserved for Étoile de Bronze, Étoile d'Argent and Étoile d'Or levels, and is available during the French school holidays only.
Children’s lessons
Which ski pass does my child need for their ski lessons?
A 3 Vallées ski pass is required for the following courses:
Base Camp
Team Kids
Freestyle Motion
Competition Camp
esf Club
A Méribel Valley ski pass is required for:
Slalom Course
Elite Course
For more information, please visit our dedicated ‘Ski Passes’ page.
What is the difference between the Team Kids and Base Camp courses?
The Team Kids course is designed for children with an Étoile d'Or level and is available throughout the season.
The Base Camp course is reserved for children with Étoile de Bronze, Étoile d'Argent or Étoile d'Or level and is available during the French school holidays only.
What equipment do I need for the Base Camp course?
Please bring giant slalom skis suitable for your ability level. If you're unsure which equipment to choose, your local sports shop will be able to advise you.
We also strongly recommend wearing a helmet and back protector.
What equipment do I need for the Competition Camp course?
Please bring giant slalom skis suitable for your ability level. If you're unsure which equipment to choose, your local sports shop will be able to advise you.
We also strongly recommend wearing a helmet and back protector.
What equipment do I need for the Freestyle Motion course?
Please bring twin-tip freestyle skis, preferably with a relatively wide waist, suitable for freestyle skiing.
Wearing a helmet is compulsory, and we also strongly recommend wearing a back protector.
Ski lessons for teenagers and adults
Which ski pass do I need for my ski lessons?
Beginner and Class 1: a Méribel Valley ski pass is required.
Class 2, Class 3 and Class 4: a 3 Vallées ski pass is required.
For more information, please visit our dedicated ‘Ski Passes’ page.
Which ski pass do I need for my course?
A 3 Vallées ski pass is required for the following courses:
Base Camp
Team Teens
Freestyle Motion
Competition Camp
A Méribel Valley ski pass is required for the following courses:
Slalom
Elite
For more information, please visit our dedicated ‘Ski Passes’ page.
Private lessons
Are private lessons available in different languages?
Yes. Private lessons can be taught in a range of languages, subject to instructor availability. To find out which languages are available for your stay, please submit your request using our dedicated enquiry form.
Which ski pass do I need for a private lesson?
The ski pass you need depends on your skiing level. For more information, please visit our dedicated ‘Ski Passes’ page.
Do I need to bring my own telemark equipment?
Yes. The course includes instruction only, so you'll need to bring your own telemark skis, boots and poles.Equipment can be hired from sports shops in the resort or booked through the‘Basket’page on this website.
What should I wear for my telemark lesson?
Telemark skiing is a physically demanding activity, so it's best to wear breathable clothing that isn't too heavy.We also recommend bringing a water bottle to stay hydrated during your lesson.
Handiski
Do I need a ski pass, and if so, which one?
Yes, a ski pass is required for this course. For advice on the most suitable ski pass, please enquire at the ski lift ticket office.
Should I take out insurance?
Yes, we recommend Carré Neige insurance. It can be purchased at esf offices or from the ski lift ticket offices.
For more information, please visit our dedicated‘Get insured’ page.
Is an instructor always available?
Instructor availability varies depending on the time of the season.
During the French school holidays, our instructors are in particularly high demand, so we recommend booking your outing as early as possible to avoid disappointment.
Off-piste skiing
I've never skied off-piste before – can I still join?
Yes. Beginners to off-piste skiing are welcome, provided you have at least an Étoile d'Or or Confirmed skiing level.
Do I need any specific equipment?
Please bring your own skis (recommended width: around 100 mm) and make sure your equipment is suitable for off-piste skiing.
We will provide the necessary safety equipment. If you already have your own avalanche safety equipment, your instructor will check that it is in good working order before the lesson.
Don't forget to wear warm clothing suitable for mountain conditions.
Cross-country skiing & Biathlon
Do I need to bring my own equipment?
Yes. The course includes instruction only, so you'll need to bring your own skis, boots and poles.Equipment can be hired from sports shops in the resort or booked through the ‘Basket’ page on this website).
What should I wear?
Cross-country skiing is a physically demanding activity, so it's best to wear breathable clothing that isn't too heavy.We also recommend bringing a water bottle to stay hydrated during your lesson.
Do I need a ski pass?
No. You don't need a ski pass to access the cross-country ski trails in Méribel.
Snowshoeing
Are snowshoe walks suitable for everyone?
Yes. Unless there are medical reasons preventing participation, our snowshoe walks are open to everyone aged 10 and over.Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Will I be able to keep up with the group on a snowshoe walk?
Yes. Your instructor will adapt the pace and route to suit the ability of everyone in the group.
Do I need to bring my own equipment for a snowshoe walk?
Yes. The price includes instruction only. Snowshoes and poles can be hired from sports shops in the resort.Please wear waterproof walking boots that provide good ankle support.
Do I need a ski pass?
No. However, if a particular outing requires a ski pass, you will be informed when you make your booking.
esf Academy
What are the requirements to join?
Have achieved at least Flèche d'Or or Chamois de Vermeil level
Hold a valid FFS or Club esf licence
Have suitable slalom equipment
Be 16 years old or over
Which ski pass do I need for the training course?
The 3 Vallées ski pass is required.
What equipment do I need?
Please bring:
Slalom skis
A helmet
A back protector
Protective gear
What dates are available for this training course?
Training sessions are available as half-day or full-day sessions, depending on the period:
Sunday 21 to Friday 26 December 2025: afternoon sessions
January weekends (3, 10, 17, 24 and 31 January): Saturday morning sessions
Sunday 8 to Friday 13 February 2026: full-day sessions
Sunday 1 to Friday 6 March 2026: afternoon sessions
March weekends (14, 21 and 28 March): Saturday morning sessions
Timetables will be confirmed according to the selected period.
Where does the training course take place?
The training course takes place at the Chaudanne Stadium.
Instructors’ Challenge
How can I benefit from the preferential accommodation rates?
To take advantage of the special rates negotiated with esf's accommodation partners, simply quote:
"CHALLENGE 2027 ACCOMMODATION"
Where is my accommodation located?
Not sure where your accommodation is? Take a look at our map.