ESF Child Lesson Guide

Welcome to our guide on how to choose the right ESF Ski School lesson, your one-stop shop for figuring out which ski lesson is right for your child. Along the way, I’ll be sharing a few stories from the journey I went on with my own kids through the ESF system, whether they liked it or not at times (spoiler: they came around eventually!)

From first-timers just stepping into ski boots to seasoned skiers who are chasing those final badges, there’s a lesson and a pathway here for everyone.

We’ll dive into everything from beginner basics to advanced techniques, and while we’ll cover off-piste skiing and expert-level touring in later articles, this guide is all about getting you from day one on the slopes to full-on badge-collecting legend status.

What if you pick the wrong level?

Don’t stress, you’re not locked in! If you or your child end up in a group that isn’t quite the right fit, the amazing instructors at ESF will step in. They’re absolute pros at identifying where someone really belongs and will adjust the group accordingly.

This means that, even if you don’t get it 100% right when booking, your child will be moved up or down as needed so they’re in the right group to learn quickly, stay safe, and have fun with their peers.

Looking for the Adult (13+) Guide?
You’ll find it right here: Adult Ski Lesson Guide

Club Piou Piou (Beginners)

• For: Children who are new to skiing.

• Environment: A secure ski garden with magic carpets and fun characters.

• Focus: Introduction to skis, sliding, snowplough braking, balance.

• Turns: None initially - Focus is on mobility and stopping.

Blanchot & Sifflote

• For: Those who can brake and begin turning.

• Skills: Snowplough to stop and slight changes of direction.

• Turns: Gentle snowplough turns on soft inclines.

Garolou

• Skills: Confident snowplough and ability to link turns with control.

• Turns: Linked snowplough turns in the ski garden and on nursery slopes.

Ourson (Beginner)

• For: Children who can use ski lifts and snowplough.

• Focus: Controlling speed, turning, and stopping.

• Turns: Basic linked snowplough turns on green slopes.

Flocon

• Skills needed: Can stop and turn a bit.

• Focus: Improving direction changes and independence.

• Turns: Controlled snowplough turns with increasing fluidity.

Badge Day, Pride & Little Legends

There’s something about badge day at the end of the week that gets me every time. The ski instructor calls their name, they step up, a little flushed from the cold (and probably the excitement), and collect their badge. I always feel a burst of pride watching them, because by the end of the week they’ve earned it, every single turn, every little fall, every push back uphill - They did it!

The one-ski walk of determination

One of my all-time favourite memories? Watching my 3-year-old march along the snow with one ski on and one in hand. Naturally, I went over to help. I crouched down, smiled, and said, “Let me carry that for you…”

Big mistake!

The instructor gave me a look that stopped me in my tracks. Apparently, this “one-ski shuffle” was part of the test... and I had just tried to interfere! I backed off immediately, both humbled and a little amused. She finished the walk like a champion, and I learned a lesson too: sometimes, helping is not helping!

The next phase - They can go, but can they stop?!

Here’s the challenge with this stage of the ski journey - They can point their skis down the hill, and they know how to go. Stopping, turning, and avoiding humans? A work in progress!

Don’t worry, it’s totally normal. This part of the process is slightly chaotic, a little nerve-racking, and completely worth it - It’s when skiing starts feeling real, even if it still has a bit of a 'kamikaze' edge to it.

The ski-parent blocker role

These days, I find myself skiing just ahead or to the side, a bit like a blocker in American Football protecting the 'innocent', so to speak. We're mostly sticking to green runs, with the occasional easy red run thrown in for a challenge (and to test just how much they’ve absorbed in their lessons this week).

It fills me with joy, because I know this isn’t just about learning to ski, it’s the start of something bigger - Laughter, freedom, speed, and the kind of holidays they’ll want to come on even when they’re grown up and left home.

Years of memories yet to come

This is the beginning of years of joy in the mountains. The cold cheeks, the warm hot chocolates, the silly chairlift conversations, the badge ceremonies, and those little moments when you realise they don’t need your help quite as much anymore.

Bring it on... what ares the next steps? Read on...

1 Star (1ère Étoile)

• Category: Children (ages 6–12)
• Lesson type: Early intermediate group lesson
• Target level: Post-Flocon

Who is it for?

The 1ère Étoile level is for children who have already passed Flocon and are comfortable skiing on gentle green slopes, using a snowplough to stop and begin basic turns.

To join 1ère Étoile, a child should:

• Be able to snowplough confidently and stop independently

• Link basic snowplough turns with instructor guidance

• Navigate gentle green terrain while maintaining balance and speed control

• Ride beginner lifts (magic carpet or drag lift) with minimal support

What skills are taught?

This level builds on the foundations developed in Flocon. The goal is to help children gain more fluidity, control, and confidence while skiing independently and safely on green pistes.

Core skills developed:

• Linking turns smoothly using the snowplough technique

• Steering with both skis and developing turn rhythm

• Learning to adjust turn size and shape to manage speed

• Starting to understand how terrain affects skiing (e.g. slope angle)

• Using poles as support tools (introduction to pole use)

• Maintaining good posture and balance throughout turns

• Building awareness of other skiers and safe group behaviour

Lesson goals

By the end of the 1ère Étoile level, your child should be able to:

• Ski confidently on green slopes using controlled snowplough turns

• Manage speed and direction on their own

• Link turns without stopping in between

• Be ready to explore easy blue slopes and enter the 2ème Étoile level

Summary of required standard to join 1ère Étoile

Not quite ready?

If your child:

• Still struggles to control their speed

• Falls frequently or resists turning

• Is nervous on even the easiest slopes

…then they should spend more time in Flocon to consolidate those vital basics.

A big milestone

1ère Étoile is a significant moment, it’s where skiing shifts from learning “how to move” into “how to ski.” Kids begin to feel more independent, confident, and in control of their skis. They are no longer just sliding, they are starting to steer, and that’s a major leap forward.

From here, it’s a steady climb toward blue runs, narrower turns, and eventually, parallel skiing - The journey just got exciting! ⛷️

2 Star (2ème Étoile)

• Category: Children (ages 6–12)
• Lesson type: Intermediate group lesson
• Target level: Post-1ère Étoile

Who is it for?

2ème Étoile is for children who have already earned their 1ère Étoile and are confidently skiing on green slopes, with the ability to link controlled snowplough turns and manage their speed without constant supervision.

To join 2ème Étoile, your child should:

• Be able to link consistent snowplough turns on green runs

• Control their speed and direction using turn shape (not just braking)

• Be comfortable riding chairlifts or drag lifts

• Ski independently on gentle blue slopes, though still developing confidence

What skills are taught?

This level is where children refine their turning technique and begin to shift away from relying heavily on a wide snowplough. The focus is on building rhythm, edging, and terrain adaptation, while beginning to explore more challenging slopes.

Key skills developed:

• Skiing blue slopes with controlled snowplough turns

• Narrowing the wedge during turns, starting to steer with skis rather than simply pushing out to brake

• Initiating turns earlier and controlling turn shape

• Starting to use the edges of the skis for grip

• Maintaining balance on varying slope angles and snow conditions

• Beginning to explore light terrain variation, such as small rollers or side slopes

• Understanding basic mountain safety and skier awareness

Lesson goals

By the end of 2ème Étoile, your child should be able to:

• Ski confidently on green and easy blue slopes

• Use more controlled, flowing turns that begin to rely less on the wedge

• Demonstrate better edge control and balance

• Prepare for the next stage (3ème Étoile), where they’ll start turning with parallel skis

Summary of required standard to join 2ème Étoile

Not quite ready?

If your child still:

• Struggles to stop independently

• Needs verbal guidance on every turn

• Feels nervous about lifts or steeper greens

…then they should stay in 1ère Étoile to build strength and confidence.

What makes this level special?

2ème Étoile is often the first time your child starts to feel like a real skier. It’s when they begin gliding smoothly down longer runs, tackling gentle blue slopes, and understanding how to turn with intent. It’s also where their independence grows, and so does their pride.

From here, the jump to 3ème Étoile is all about style, confidence, and moving toward the magic of parallel skiing.

3 Star (3ème Étoile)

• Category: Children (ages 6–12)
• Lesson type: Advanced Intermediate group lesson
• Target level: Post-2ème Étoile

Who is it for?

The 3ème Étoile level is for children who have progressed through the Flocon, 1ère Étoile, and 2ème Étoile stages and are now skiing with increasing confidence and control on blue runs.

To join 3ème Étoile, a child must:

• Be able to link consistent snowplough turns on green and blue slopes

• Control their speed and line independently, even on varied gradients

• Begin to reduce the wedge (narrowing the snowplough) toward a more parallel ski position

• Be comfortable using lifts and skiing without close supervision

What skills are taught?

3ème Étoile is a key transitional level, it’s where children begin to shift from the snowplough they’ve relied on since Flocon towards more parallel skiing with active control and rhythm.

Core skills developed:

• Skiing with narrower wedge turns, working toward a parallel finish

• Learning to adapt turn shape and speed to different slope angles

• Introducing pole usage for rhythm and timing

• Practising sliding and edging, preparing for red slopes

• Building awareness of terrain, other skiers, and safe decision-making

• Beginning to handle more dynamic terrain, including gentle red runs

Lesson goals

By the end of the 3ème Étoile stage, your child should be able to:

• Ski blue slopes confidently and independently

• Control turns using their edges and weight, not just snowplough shape

• Begin to ski more parallel through the body of the turn

• Prepare for entry into the Étoile de Bronze, where full parallel skiing is expected

Summary of required standard to join 3ème Étoile

Not quite ready?

If your child still:

• Struggles to control speed on blue slopes

• Uses a wide wedge to turn or stop

• Needs constant help on lifts or around other skiers
  Then it’s best to stay in 2ème Étoile to consolidate those core skills.

The turning point

3ème Étoile is often a parent’s favourite stage to watch because it’s when skiing starts to look smooth and confidence begins to shine through. It’s the bridge between beginner technique and real independence on the mountain. From here, they’re on their way to parallel skiing, red slopes, and the thrill of real momentum!

The Magic Stage in Your Child’s Ski Journey (When You Can Finally Relax)

By this stage, the badges have become a big deal - You want the next one, and your child definitely wants the next one! I’ll never forget the look on their face when they earned their 3-Star badge. It wasn’t just pride, it was excitement. They knew next time we came on holiday, it would be for the next level, the next challenge, and of course… the next badge.

Awareness on the slopes (finally!)

More importantly, they were starting to link smooth, wider parallel turns. Their skis were in line, their head was up, and they weren’t just skiing, they were reading the slope. For the first time, I didn’t feel like I had to hover behind them, ready to intercept a crash.

Yes, we’ve all been there, defensive skiing, trying to protect your kid (and everyone else!), but this was different - For the first time, I relaxed, I let them ski ahead, and it felt amazing!

That long, flat schuss (you know the one)

I don’t think there’s a parent out there who sees a long schuss and doesn’t think:

“Maybe I should’ve skipped that second beer, now I’ve got to tow two kids across this flat!”

Well, at this stage, that starts to change. Your child begins to master their balance in a schuss, gliding straight down the slope with control. Even when the terrain shifts - bumps, hollows, uneven snow - they just ride it out with confidence.

You stop pulling them… and start following them.

Speed, skids & control

Remember the snowplough of doom? Straight down the hill, skis wide, legs shaking? Good news: those days are numbered!

Now, they’re learning to build speed and control it, accelerating down the slope and braking using a confident sideways skid. It’s not about panic, it’s about flow. That sideways 'hockey stop' becomes their new best friend.

Parallel skids & direct descents

At this point, they’re starting to ski with real rhythm - sharp, parallel skids, then brief bursts of direct descent. They’re combining flow, technique, and just enough speed to make it feel like real skiing, because it is!

And… breathe

This is the stage where you enjoy your skiing again, not in fear, not in rescue mode. You’re still watching, still guiding, but you’re finally skiing for you too.

No heart-in-your-mouth moments. Just a sense of:

“Wow, they’ve got this.”

And honestly? Money well spent.

Bronze (Étoile de Bronze)

• Category: Children (age 6 to 12)
• Lesson type: Advanced group lesson
• Target level: Post-3ème Étoile

Who is it for?

The Étoile de Bronze level is designed for children who have successfully completed the 3ème Étoile (3rd Star) and are comfortable skiing with parallel turns on a variety of terrain.

To join this level, a child should:

• Be confident on red pistes

• Use parallel turns consistently

• Be able to control speed and line independently

• Navigate basic terrain variations (mild bumps, steeper pitches)

What skills are taught?

At this level, the focus is on refining technique and beginning to ski with more dynamic control. Key learning areas include:

• Precision parallel turns on red runs

• Edging and weight transfer in a variety of turn shapes

• Short turns (slalom-style) with improved rhythm

• Basic carving technique on flatter terrain

• Side-slipping and basic tactics for managing steeper or icier slopes

• Awareness of mountain safety and skier conduct

Lesson goals

• Develop better stability and balance at higher speeds

• Learn to choose the right line on more challenging pistes

• Prepare for Étoile d’Argent and potentially competition or Team Étoiles tracks

Summary of required standard to join Étoile de Bronze

If a child is still relying heavily on a snowplough to initiate or finish turns, or hesitates on steeper blue/red runs, they should remain in 3ème Étoile until those skills are stronger.

Silver (Étoile d’Argent)

• Category: Children (ages 6 to 12)
• Lesson yype: Advanced group lesson
• Target level: Post-Étoile de Bronze

Who is it for?

The Étoile d’Argent level is for children who have already earned their Étoile de Bronze and are skiing confidently and consistently with parallel turns on red runs.

To join Étoile d’Argent, a child must:

• Execute fluid, linked parallel turns on red pistes

• Show independent control of speed and direction

• Begin using edges intentionally to shape their turns

• Navigate changing terrain, such as bumps, steeper pitches, or harder snow conditions

• Demonstrate balance and rhythm across various turn sizes

What skills are taught?

Étoile d’Argent lessons aim to sharpen technical skills and prepare skiers for more dynamic, versatile skiing. Key focus areas include:

• Precise parallel turning with tighter control and more edge engagement

• Introduction to carving and high-speed stability

• Improved short-radius turns with coordinated pole use

• Skiing on challenging red and some easy black slopes

• Refining techniques on steep, bumpy, or icy terrain

• Building tactical awareness for route choice and safe skiing

• Beginning to absorb terrain with flexion and extension

Lesson goals

• Improve overall control, fluency, and precision

• Prepare for Étoile d’Or and possibly Team Étoiles or competition classes

• Build the skier’s ability to adapt technique to different snow types and gradients

Summary of required standard to join Étoile d’Argent

A child not ready for Étoile d’Argent might still struggle to maintain balance on steeper red runs, revert to a wedge or snowplough, or lack rhythm and speed control. In that case, they should remain in Étoile de Bronze until fully confident.

Gold (Étoile d’Or)

Category: Children (age 6 to 12)
Lesson type: Advanced/Expert group lesson
Target level: Post-Étoile d’Argent

Who is it for?

The Étoile d’Or (Gold Star) is the highest level of the children's ski medal system before moving into competition or performance pathways like Team Étoiles.

To join Étoile d’Or, a child must:

• Have passed the Étoile d’Argent

• Ski confidently and fluidly on all groomed slopes, including black runs

• Show strong parallel technique, good use of edges, and excellent control at speed

• Adapt to different terrain types and snow conditions without losing form or rhythm

• Exhibit tactical awareness (e.g. choosing effective lines and controlling descent)

What skills are taught?

This level focuses on turning children into confident, versatile skiers who are capable of skiing efficiently and safely on the most challenging terrain. Key technical areas include:

• Advanced carving: high edge angles, clean arcs, and managing speed on long and short turns

• Short turns with rhythm, reactivity, and precision (on steeper slopes or in moguls)

• Speed control and body position at higher speeds

• Skiing steep black runs with confidence and dynamic control

• Terrain variation: icy snow, crud, moguls, and powder

• Basic race technique: intro to slalom and giant slalom (e.g. through gates)

• Safety and awareness: skiing responsibly in more complex environments

Lesson goals

• Achieve the Étoile d’Or test, which includes:

  • Timed run through giant slalom gates

  • Demonstration of technical ability on a variety of terrain

• Prepare children for Team Étoiles, competition, or off-piste discovery

• Develop elite-level foundational technique and strong mountain awareness

Summary of required standard to join Étoile d’Or

Final step before competition

A child at the Étoile d’Or level is considered a strong, technically competent skier. From here, they are well-placed to move into:

• Team Étoiles

• Mini-competition training

• Off-piste development

• Or advanced adult classes when older

Étoile d’Or is not just a badge, it’s a mark of skiing maturity, confidence, and all-mountain capability (to quote ESF).