Retour à l'accueil
Bibliothèque de FAQ
Bienvenue dans la bibliothèque de FAQ. Vous pouvez créer toutes vos FAQ dans cette page afin de les retrouver dans l'outil de sélection de FAQ présent dans toutes les pages produit ainsi que dans la page "Questions fréquentes" de votre site.

Frequently asked questions

Is the lift pass included in the price of the lesson?
No, the lift pass is not included in the price of the lesson. Depending on your ability level, a lift pass may be required to use the ski lifts. Please ensure you purchase your lift pass before your first lesson.

For more information, please visit the‘Choosing my lift pass’ page.
Private Lessons – What you need to know
During school holidays

During school holidays, private lessons are available as a minimum package of 6 hours, either:
  • 1 hour per day over six days, or
  • 2 hours a day over three days.

Available times:
  • Sunday to Friday: 12:00–13:00 or 13:00–14:00
  • Sunday to Tuesday: 12:00–14:00

Please note that morning and afternoon private lessons are not available during school holidays.

Individual private lessons may occasionally be available during this period, subject to availability, and can only be booked in person at the esf office. Advance bookings before your holiday are not possible.

Group size

Private lessons are available for:
  • 1 or 2 people together, or
  • Up to 3 people together.

The price is per lesson, not per person.

To ensure everyone gets the most out of the lesson, participants should be of a similar age and ability level.

What’s included?

The lesson price does not include:
  • Lift pass
  • Ski or snowboard equipment
  • Ski insurance

Helmets are compulsory.

Ski or snowboard level assessment

Your skiing or snowboarding ability will be assessed and certified by your instructor on the final day of your lessons.

The esf medal is not included in the lesson price but can be purchased from the esf office for €9 per person.

Why is the meeting point at the top of the Sétaz Gondola?

The time spent travelling up the mountain is not included in your lesson.

Your instructor will meet you at the top of the Sétaz gondola, just outside the lift station. Please remember to bring your lesson e-ticket.

I’d like the same instructor as last winter

Simply let us know when you make your booking request, and we will do our best to accommodate your preference.

I’ve never skied before but don’t want to commit to a full week of lessons

We offer ‘Complete Beginner’ lessons in our Ourson Children’s Garden, using a covered magic carpet. These lessons are available for both children and adults.

Lessons take place every evening except Saturdays, from 17:00 to 18:00.

Bookings can only be made in person at the esf office.

A lift pass is not required for these lessons.
Is insurance included in the lesson price?
No, esf does not provide insurance for its pupils. We recommend checking that you have adequate personal cover or taking out suitable ski insurance, such as carré neige.

For further information, please visit the “Insurance” page.
Is equipment provided as part of the lesson?
  • No, equipment is not provided.
  • Please ensure you have suitable equipment for your chosen activity, correctly fitted to your height, weight and ability level.
  • Helmets are compulsory for children and strongly recommended for teenagers and adults.
  • Ski poles are required from 1ère Étoile level onwards, as well as for Teen and Adult Beginner lessons.
What is the torchlight descent option?
When booking your lessons, you can add the Torchlight Descent option. This activity is available only during the four weeks of the February school holidays.

Three torchlight descents take place every Wednesday evening, meeting at 5.15 pm:
  • Ourson Children’s Garden Torchlight Descent – for children in the Piou-Piou, Sifflote and Ourson groups.
  • Lutins Torchlight Descent – for children from Flocon level upwards.
  • Sétaz Torchlight Descent – for skiers who have reached the 3ème Étoile level or above.

"Les Marmottons" Children's Centre

Could you look after my child during the lunch break?
  • Yes, of course! We offer an optional package combining ski lessons, lunch and childcare for children aged 2 to 12 years. At the end of their lesson, instructors accompany the children to the Les Marmottons Children’s Centre, where lunch and childcare are provided. We take care of everything!
  • Please note: Children aged between 18 and 24 months cannot be booked for meals.
  • Pleasenote: The health form must be completed and returned to us before the children are collected.
What do I need to bear in mind if my child is enrolled at the “Les Marmottons” nursery?
  • Please complete the health information form and hand it in to the Maison des Enfants team on the first day, or on Saturday from 4.30 pm during the nursery’s drop-in session. We strongly recommend doing this to avoid the rush on Sunday morning.
  • You must bring your child’s health record and their identity card. Your child’s vaccinations must be up to date.
  • Children must arrive with their own ski equipment (not included in the service).
  • For the 9.00 am or 2.00 pm session, children must be dropped off directly at L’Ourson nursery.
  • Please bring: warm clothes, a hat, gloves, sunglasses, sun cream, slippers, a comfort blanket and a comfortable outfit for indoors.
  • All personal belongings must be labelled with the child’s name.
  • For the afternoon session, a snack is included in the service.
  • If your child is not yet potty-trained, please provide nappies and a change of clothes.
Where is the ‘Les Marmottons’ Children’s Home located?
  • The Maison des Enfants is located at the Centre Station, in the esf building, at the foot of the Crêt de la Brive.
  • If you are staying at Moulin Benjamin or Les Verneys and would like to use the nursery, you will need to take your child to Centre Station yourself.
My child has lunch at the Maison des Enfants. Can I provide their meal?
No, we are not allowed to accept meals provided by parents.
Meals are prepared by our caterer, ‘L’Authentique Maison Retornaz’.
The weekly menu is displayed on the premises.
Why do I need to complete the health declaration form?
Our nursery, ‘Les Marmottons’, is accredited by the PMI.
Legislation therefore requires that the information requested on the registration form must be collected before the first session.

Questions for younger children

I’m staying at Moulin Benjamin: is there a shuttle bus to the Club Piou-Piou in Les Verneys?
  • Yes. A free shuttle bus with an instructor is available for children enrolled in the Club Piou-Piou des Verneys, departing from Moulin Benjamin.
  • The shuttle leaves 15 minutes before the lesson starts. Children attending the Piou-Piou, Sifflote and Ourson lessons should meet in front of the esf office at Moulin Benjamin.
  • The lesson then takes place at Les Verneys, and the return journey is also by shuttle bus with the instructor.
The meeting point for lessons is at Moulin Benjamin or Les Verneys: can I add the meal and/or childcare options?
No, this option is not available online for these two departure points, as the “Les Marmottons” Children’s Centre is located in the resort centre, in the esf building.
Instructors are unable to provide transport to or from the course.
If you require childcare or a meal service, you must select the Resort Centre pick-up point and drop the children off there.
Can I enrol my child, who is under 4, in nursery from the ‘piou-piou’ level?
No, children must be exactly 4 years and 1 day old on the date of the classes.
The only course on offer is the Marmottons Course for children aged between 2½ and 4 years.
Which Piou Piou Club should I enrol my 4- to 6-year-old child in?
It depends on their age and ability:
  • At 4 years old, if they already have the Piou-Piou or Sifflote badge, enrol them in the Piou Piou Club from 4 years old at the Ourson level. They’ll be out on the slopes from Wednesday.
  • Children under 4 years old cannot be enrolled in the Piou-Piou Club but can join the Marmottons lessons.

Questions for children’s lessons

What level can my child, a complete beginner aged between 7 and 12, achieve by the end of the week?
  • By default, your child is enrolled on the Flocon level course.
  • Depending on their progress during the week, however, they may achieve the Ourson, Flocon or 1ère Étoile levels.
  • The medal will be presented at the end of the week, directly by the instructor.
Why am I being asked to choose between ‘Beginner (Children)’ and ‘Beginner (Junior)’?
When booking, you will be asked to choose between:
  • Children’s Beginners for 7 to 9-year-olds
  • Junior Beginners for 10 to 12-year-olds
Simply select the option that corresponds to your child’s age. This choice enables us to form groups that are suited to the children’s ages and more evenly matched.

In both cases, the starting level is the same: Absolute Beginner
How does Team Étoiles work?
  • The Team Étoiles is aimed at children who have already earned their 3ème Étoile.
  • At the time of enrolment, it comprises the Étoile de Bronze, Étoile d'Argent and Étoile d'Or levels.
  • On the first day, the instructors divide the children into groups according to their level.
  • At the end of the week, each child receives a medal corresponding to the level they have achieved.
What are the benefits of the Top 8 and Top 10 courses?
During the February holidays, we also offer two small-group packages for levels from Flocon to 3ème Étoile, availableexclusively at the Centre Station :
  • The TOP 10: a maximum of 10 children per group
  • The TOP 8: a maximum of 8 children per group
These courses offer more personalised supervision, with more individual attention, a closer teacher-pupil relationship and progress better tailored to each child’s pace, whilst still allowing them to share the joy of skiing as a group.

Elite Class

Will I be able to take part in the Flèche and Chamois tests?
  • Yes, the Flèche and Chamois tests are included!
  • Registration is automatic; there’s no need to visit the esf office.
Do you need to wear any special protective gear for the Elite Class?
Yes, wearing a helmet is COMPULSORY, as are a back protector and slalom pads(optional).

Freestyle

Do you need to wear any specific protective gear for the freestyle class?
Yes, we recommend wearing a helmet, as well as a back protector and wrist guards.
Can I have a taster lesson before signing up for a weekly course?
During the Christmas, New Year and February school holidays, we only offer group or private lessons over a 6-day period from Sunday to Friday.
If you would like to book individual lessons or lessons for just a few days, please pop into the esf office to check availability.

If your holiday rental runs from Sunday to Sunday, lessons must still be booked from Sunday to Friday, with the price remaining the same for five sessions.

Outside school holiday periods, you can book individual lessons directly on site.

For complete beginners,introductory sessionsare available as private lessons !
  • Level: beginners only
  • Date: Sunday to Friday
  • Duration: 1 hour
  • Times: 5.15 pm to 6.15 pm
  • Price: €57
  • Tickets available on site at the esf office

Snowboarding

Do you need to wear special protective gear for snowboarding?
  • Yes, we recommend wearing a helmet, a back protector and wrist guards ( for beginners).
  • For teenagers and adults: Make sure you also bring a small, compact screwdriver and a mobile phone (just in case!)
Can children under the age of 10 go snowboarding?
  • Yes, but only in private lessons.
  • Group snowboarding lessons are available from 10 years of age.
  • Before this age, children can try snowboarding in private lessons between 12 noon and 2 pm, or in a taster session from 5.15 pm to 6.15 pm.
Do you need to know how to ski before you can go snowboarding?
No, they’re two different sports. You don’t need to know how to ski to learn to snowboard and enjoy your board!

Snowshoeing

What should I pack for a snowshoe hike?
  • Snowshoes, provided in partnership with TSL, are supplied.
Please bring:
  • sturdy walking or hiking boots, or suitable après-ski boots (moon boots are not permitted),
  • a bottle of water,
  • a snack,
  • sun cream.
  • Transport from the esf office in the resort centre to the start of the hike is provided, subject to availability.
  • Bookings can only be made on the spot.
When can I find out the weekly programme from the guides’ office?
  • The Guides’ office presents its weekly programme every Saturday during the welcome drinks.
  • The welcome drinks take place in front of the esf Centre Station office, from 5.30 pm every Saturday.
  • The programme for the week is also available at the three esf offices from Saturday afternoon.
How do I choose which days to go for a walk?
  • You can choose the days for your ski lessons on the spot, when you book, directly at the esf office.
  • They can be spread over the week, from Sunday to Friday.
  • No advance booking is required.
What sort of outings are on offer?
Snowshoe hike ideas depending on weather and snow conditions:
  • A snowshoe outing with the Valloire esf means experiencing the great outdoors, far from the slopes, far from the noise, far from the crowds. It’s the white wilderness, spotting Chamois, roe deer, red deer and wolves… local history, the atmosphere, sliding down slopes, camaraderie, physical exertion, good humour, meeting new people… recharging your batteries, getting away from it all… a full programme!
  • “The Fantastic Descent”: A magnificent panoramic route along a very wide snow-covered ridge, with views of Valloire, Valmeinier, the Vanoise National Park, the Perron des Encombres and the Aiguilles d’Arves. Ascent via the Brive cable car, return to the village via the Col. 125m ascent and 700m descent. Ski pass or pedestrian ticket required
  • “Altitude Trek”, the ultimate hiking experience, once a week: we take the ski lifts to reach the ridges of the Crey du Quart and enjoy a traverse offering stunning views (Ecrins and Vanoise National Parks, Thabor, the Aiguilles d’Arves, La Meije…). The hike will conclude with long descents across vast snowfields. Please ensure you have your day or week-long ski pass with you.
Are there any health precautions to take before signing up?
  • Yes, anyone with heart, respiratory or other medical conditions that make participation in sport inadvisable is asked to think carefully before booking and must provide a medical certificate confirming that they are fit to take part in mountain hiking on foot or on snowshoes.
  • If you are pregnant, please contact our office before booking to check whether the outing is suitable for you.
  • Dogs are not permitted on the excursions.

Cross-country skiing

What is the difference between classic and skating?
There are two techniques in cross-country skiing:
  • The classic technique: This is practised on pre-groomed parallel tracks. The movement, similar to walking, involves moving forwards by alternating your steps. Natural and accessible, it is the simplest way to get started, ideal for children and beginners alike.
  • Skating: This is practised on a groomed track without marked tracks. The skis form a ‘V’ shape and the movement is similar to skating. More dynamic and physically demanding, it requires greater balance, coordination and control. It is best suited to skiers who already have some experience or to those who are physically fit.
  • This service is available as private lessons only.
Do you need a ski pass to access the Nordic ski area?
  • Yes. There is a charge for access to the Nordic ski area: €5 per person per day.
  • This fee is payable on site, directly at the ski lift ticket offices, and is not included in our prices.

Handiski

Is the adaptive skiing equipment included in the package?
Yes. The ski chair is included in the service.
Do you need to book a ski pass for disabled skiing?
Yes. You need to buy your ski pass directly on site, at the ski lift ticket offices.
Can family members accompany the patient on discharge?
Yes, you can be accompanied by friends or family members.
Where is the meeting point for the handiski sessions?
The only meeting point for the Handiski service is at the foot of the Sétaz gondola lift.
The instructor will contact you the day before to go over the details of the service with you.

Off-piste & Ski touring

Is safety equipment provided?
Yes, safety equipment (avalanche transceiver, shovel and probe) is provided.

FAQ

Can I cancel lessons that I have already paid for?
  • Lessons that have been booked and paid for are non-refundable in the event of cancellation of your stay or non-attendance, unless you have taken out carré neige insurance.
  • If the lessons have already started, a refund can only be requested if you have taken out carré neige insurance.
  • We therefore advise you to check your personal insurance cover or take out carré neige insurance when making your booking.
  • In the event of an accident, and provided you have taken out the insurance, esf will provide you with the document to be sent to the insurer within 5 days.
Where should I go for the lessons?
  • The meeting points depend on the subject you have chosen and/or where you live.
  • Please refer to the ‘Meeting Points for Lessons’ page to find your meeting point for lessons.
How do I book my lessons online?
To book your lessons, simply follow the steps in the booking process:
  • First, choose your dates of stay, thenthe activity you’d like, the times and the package that suits you best.
At the end of the booking process, you can also:
  • take out insurance,
  • book meals or childcare at the Les Marmottons mini-club.
Can I pay for my services using Chèques-Vacances or Coupons Sport?
  • Yes, both of these payment methods are accepted for all our services.
  • To make use of them, simply complete the booking form. Once your request has been approved by our team, you will receive a confirmation email stating the amount due.

    Upon receipt of this message, please send your Chèques-Vacances or Coupons Sport to the following address: ESF Valloire - 63 chemin du Crêt de la Brive - 73450 Valloire – France

    Please ensure you include the difference by cheque if the amount sent is higher, as no change can be given for this type of payment.
  • Chèques-Vacances Connect are also accepted. In this case, payment is made on site upon your arrival.
What is the difference between a private lesson for 1 or 2 people and one for 3 people?
  • In both cases, this is a private lesson with an instructor reserved just for you.
  • The only difference is the number of participants you book: 1, 2 or 3 people.
  • esf does not combine private lessons with other students: you choose the participants who will take the lesson with you.
Can my two children have the same tutor for private lessons?
  • Yes, both your children can take the course with the same instructor.
  • However, it is important that they are at a similar level so that the lesson can be tailored to each of them.
  • If their levels differ, the instructor will organise the course around the lower level.