Children Group Lessons Serre Chevalier

Children’s lessons at ESF Serre Chevalier are designed to combine skiing or snowboarding development with the fun of being in the mountains with other young riders. Across the different ESF schools in the valley, children can choose from programmes suited to their age and ability, ranging from first experiences on skis to advanced training and specialist snowboarding. The schools operate in Briançon, Chantemerle, Villeneuve and Monêtier-les-Bains, so families can choose the centre most convenient for their stay.

The children's ski programme follows a progressive structure, allowing young skiers to join a class appropriate to their experience. At the Chantemerle school, for example, group lessons for children aged 5 to under 13 cover everything from beginner level through to the 3rd Étoile. Groups normally contain around seven to ten children, with small variations possible as pupils change levels.

The emphasis is on learning while having fun. Lessons combine technical exercises with games and group activities, helping children develop balance, control and confidence without making the experience feel overly formal. ESF describes the group environment as an opportunity for children to progress alongside others at a similar level and make new friends on the slopes.

A key benefit of the children's programme is that lessons are not solely about technical performance. Instructors aim to help young riders become more comfortable in the mountain environment and gradually take greater responsibility for their own skiing. As children progress, they can move from basic turns and controlled stopping to more varied pistes and increasingly demanding terrain. The progression system gives them recognisable milestones, while the group environment encourages them to learn alongside their friends and classmates.

Children's Group Ski Lessons from Age 6

For children aged six to 14 at the Monêtier ESF, the programme extends from beginner skiing through to preparation for Étoile d'Or. Beyond the regular group classes, there are smaller Super 6 groups, Team Étoile sessions and specialist programmes for young skiers who want to develop their skills further.

Families looking for more individual attention can choose a smaller group format where available. The Super 6 programme at ESF Monêtier limits classes to six children, giving the instructor more opportunity to observe individual technique and adapt exercises while retaining the social benefits of learning with other young skiers.

How is it organised?

Starting Sunday or Monday from 0930 to 1200. During Christmas & February French holiday periods, times are from 09.00 to 1130 & from11.30 to 14.00

**5 days lessons can start on Sunday and Monday only.

**6 days lessons start Sunday only

Meeting point:

Meeting point for morning lessons at the cable car station at 9.30 am at Serre Ratier Intermédiaire

Teenager Ski Lessons from Age 13 to 17 years old

As young skiers become more experienced, ESF Serre Chevalier provides programmes that go beyond conventional children's lessons. At Monêtier, youngsters from 13 years old can join group skiing ranging from beginner to expert level, with groups limited to around ten participants. Depending on their ability, teenagers can join an Étoile group or an adult group if that creates a more suitable and homogeneous class.

How is it organised?

Starting Sunday or Monday from 0930 to 1200. During Christmas & February French holiday periods, times are from 09.00 to 1130 & from11.30 to 14.00

**5 days lessons can start on Sunday and Monday only.

**6 days lessons start Sunday only

Snowboarding group lessons

ESF Serre Chevalier also provides dedicated snowboard instruction. The minimum age varies between the different ESF centres. At Monêtier, children's snowboard group lessons are available from age seven, while the Chantemerle school offers group snowboard instruction from age eight.

The classes are organised according to riding ability rather than simply putting children together by age. This allows beginners to concentrate on the fundamentals while more experienced young riders can work on more advanced techniques. At Chantemerle, snowboard groups are particularly small, with a maximum of four pupils per instructor.

Snowboard lessons can introduce children to balance, turning and board control before progressing towards more varied terrain and developing their own riding style. The school describes the programme as a way for children to experience a different type of mountain riding while building confidence.

How is it organised?

Sstarting Sunday or Monday from 09.30 to 12.00. During Christmas & February French holiday periods, times are from 09.00 to 1130 & from 11.30 to 14.00. **5 days lessons start Monday only for beginners **5 days lessons start Sunday or Monday for Intermediates.

**6 days lessons start Sunday only for Intermediate

Meeting point: Meeting point for morning lessons at the cable car station at 9.30 am at Serre Ratier Intermédiaire