Ski area
Summer
4 YEARS old

Piou-Piou

In the Piou-Piou kindergarten, your child can discover the joys of sliding in a fun and friendly atmosphere!
Group lessons on sale at the end of October 2024. In the meantime we will respond to your queries by email.
More info
HomeToddlers Ages 3 - 4First glides age 4 Piou Piou 1 hour
When are you coming?
13
Dec 2025
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03
Jan 2026
10
17
24
31
07
Feb
14
21
28
07
Mar
14
21
28
First glides for 4-year-olds
At Club Piou-Piou in Gérardmer, your child can discover the snow and the joys of skiing in complete safety, accompanied by their ESF instructor.
The main objective of this course is to motivate children to move and play in the snow, by entering their "imaginary" world. This pedagogical concept is based on the notions of pleasure, freedom and play, through the implementation of adapted, unrestricted learning.
Your child will learn to make their first snow plows and control their speed at the kindergarten with its conveyor belt and snow lines.
All lessons depart from the Mauselaine ski area throughout the season, except during the school holidays in January, when lessons depart from La chaume Francis from Monday to Friday.
Please note that these are two different meeting points
From
125€
Piou Piou ski lessons for 4 year olds
during French school holidays
6X 55 minutes 
morning or afternoon
Meeting point at the Kindergarten next to the Piou-Piou chalet
Matin ou Après-Midi
Sunday to Friday
Medal included
Important
Please bring skis and suitable footwear and equipment, ski poles not needed
Ski pass not needed
BookContact us
From
95€
5 Piou Piou ski lessons for 4 year olds
outside of the French school holidays
5x 55 minutes
morning
Meeting point at la Chaume Francis
Morning 
Monday to Friday
Medal included
Important
Please bring skis and suitable footwear and equipment, ski poles not needed
Ski pass not needed
BookContact us
From
26€
1 one-off group ski lesson
1x 55 minutes
morning or afternoon
Beginners only
Meeting point at the Kindergarten next to the Piou-Piou chalet
Morning: 11am to 12pm on Sunday
Afternoon: 2:30 to 3:30pm either Wed or Sat
Weekends and Wednesdays outside school holidays
Saturdays only during school holidays
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 2024 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 15 January 2025 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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