Ski area
Summer
5 TO 12 YEARS OLD

Beginners’ ski lessons

If your child has never skied before, Ourson group lessons at ESF Gérardmer are just what they need.
Our ESF instructors will accompany your child throughout their progress, so that by the end of the week, your child will be autonomous on the green runs, mastering the snow plough and using their first ski lifts.
In a limited, group of the same level, progress is tracked by Ourson tests.
Group lessons on sale at the end of October 2023. In the meantime we will respond to your queries by email.
More info
HomeChildren Ages 5 - 12Beginner ski lessons I have never skied
When are you coming?
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Dec 2024
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Beginners' ski lessons
Children who have never skied before are enrolled in an Ourson lesson.
No ski pass is required on the first day, after which the instructor will tell you which ski pass to take as the week and your child progress.
Meeting point is at the kindergarten near the conveyor belt.
From
162€
6 Ourson ski lessons
during the French school holidays
morning or afternoon
6X1 hour 50 min OF LESSONS
Meeting point is at the kindergarten on the right hand side of the conveyor belt
Morning or afternoon
Sunday to Friday
Medal included
Important
Helmet recommended
Please bring skis and suitable footwear and equipment, ski poles not needed
Get a ski pass
Get insured
BookContact us
From
115€
5 Ourson ski lessons
outside the French school holidays
Morning
5X1 HOUR 50 MIN OF LESSONS 
Meeting point is at the kindergarten on the right hand side of the conveyor belt
Morning 
Monday to Friday
Medal included
Important
Helmet recommended
Please bring skis and suitable footwear and equipment, ski poles not needed
Get a ski pass
Get insured
BookContact us
From
162€
6 Ourson "Premium" ski lessons in a little group of max 8 learners
during French school holidays
afternoon
6X1 hour 25 min of lessons
Meeting point is at the kindergarten on the right hand side of the conveyor belt
Afternoon
Sunday to Friday
Medal included
Important
Helmet recommended
Please bring skis and suitable footwear and equipment, ski poles not needed
Get a ski pass
Get insured
BookContact us
From
37€
1 one-off group ski lesson
Morning or afternoon
1 lesson (1 HOUR 50 MIN)
Beginners only
Lesson can only take place with a minimum of 4 sign ups.
Meeting point is at the kindergarten on the right hand side of the conveyor belt
Morning: 10am to 12pm on Sunday
Afternoon: 1:30 to 3:30pm on either Wed or Sat
Weekends and Wednesdays
Medal not included
Important
Helmet recommended
Please bring skis and suitable footwear and equipment, ski poles not needed
ski pass not needed
BookContact us
Before booking, please check the level as well as the dates and times chosen. In the event of an error, the ESF will not make any changes or refunds at the start of the lesson.
Please arrive 10 minutes before the start of the lesson.
If Alpine ski lessons are no longer available, it is possible to book Nordic ski lessons. The basics are similar to Alpine skiing and access to the Nordic pistes is free in Gérardmer!
Our Nordic ski lessons

We answer all your questions

When should I book my lessons?
As soon as possible... because the number of places in lessons is limited, it's best to book in advance and not wait for the snow to fall.
Group lessons are preferable, especially during the February/March holidays, as there are very few private lessons available during this period.

Group lessons:
Online bookings open at the end of October 2023 for group lessons.

Private lessons :
Booking as soon as the offices open for the whole season except for the February holidays.
Private lessons for the February holidays can be booked from 29 January 2024 by telephone (maximum 1 hour of lessons per day).
What time should I bring my child to the meeting point?
Please bring your child 10 minutes before the start of the lesson with the equipment and ski pass if necessary. Come back a few minutes before the end of the lesson to welcome your child and chat with the instructor.
What happens if there's little snow?
Please check the snow conditions and skiability on the home page of our website 2 days before your arrival.
We will do our utmost to ensure that our lessons take place in the best possible conditions, even if the resort is only partially open.

Only if the resort is closed due to lack of snow will we offer you the option of relocating your lessons to La Bresse, 15km from Gérardmer (if La Bresse is open), if you agree with our Gérardmer instructors, or else a credit note or a full refund of your lessons.
What happens at the meeting point for lessons?
Find your child's instructor in front of the sign indicating the level in which he or she is registered. The ESF signs are easily visible on the snow front of Gérardmer's alpine ski area. Access from the town takes just a few minutes, either with your own car or by using one of the shuttles. See timetables
Do I need a helmet for my child?
Helmets are highly recommended for Alpine skiing and compulsory for snowboarding.
Does a student get a medal at the end of the course?
For group lessons over a week, the student progresses in their group and on the last day, they receive a medal corresponding to their level with their evaluation booklet.

For private lessons and one-off group lessons, the medal is not included in the price of the lesson, but can be purchased from the ESF office on presentation of the booklet signed by the instructor.
Can parents attend their children's sessions at Club Piou-Piou and Kindergarten?
Staying "hidden" behind a slalom pole to watch your child: it's only human, but your child will spot you quicker than you think and this could trigger tears or stop them wanting to ski and have fun with their new friends!

Instead, ask for a short report at the end of the session. We've got your mobile number, so if there's a problem or you're really upset, we'll contact you as soon as possible.
My child had their Sifflotte or Blanchot last year. Which level should I enrol them in this year?
In preparation for Garoloup in the Club Amis de Piou Piou and from 5 years they will prepare directly for Ourson.
Do I need ski poles?
You need ski poles from 1ère Étoile in Alpine skiing for children and for juniors and adult beginners in Alpine skiing.
Nordic skiers of all ages need poles, even beginners.
Does the ESF lend out equipment?
No, you need to bring the right equipment for your discipline. There are several ski hire outlets close to the start of the pistes.
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