ESF Ski School Child Lesson Guide

Welcome to our ESF Ski School Lesson Guide—your go-to resource for figuring out which lesson is the right fit for you or your child. Along the way, we’ll share a few stories from my own experience putting both my kids through ESF (whether they liked it or not at times!). Trust me, from those first wobbly runs to confidently cruising down reds, it’s all part of the adventure.

Whether you're stepping onto skis for the very first time or already carving like a pro, there’s a lesson or level that’s just right for you—and this guide will help you find it.

We’ll cover everything from first-timer tips to badged-up progression and what to expect at each stage. If you're looking for the really adventurous stuff—off-piste and expert ski touring—we’ll be diving into that in future articles.

But first, let’s get you from your first day on the slope to full-on ski legend.

And don’t worry—if you (or your child) end up in the wrong group, the brilliant team at ESF will step in. They’re absolute pros at spotting where someone really belongs. Whether it’s a little boost up or a small step back, they’ll make sure everyone is placed in the right group to learn quickly, safely, and confidently—and most importantly, to enjoy it.

If you looking for the children's guide then it is here.

Beginner

• Category: Adults (age 13+)
• Lesson type: Introductory group or private lesson
• Target level: Complete beginner or very limited experience

Who is it for?

The Adult Beginner ski lesson is designed specifically for those who:

• Have never skied before, or

• Have only skied once or twice and cannot yet turn or stop independently

This level is ideal if:

• You feel nervous or unsure on skis

• You’ve never used ski equipment

• You are unfamiliar with lifts, slopes, or basic movement on snow

What skills are taught?

These lessons are focused on building foundational confidence and control, using a step-by-step progression in a safe, gentle learning area.

Key focus areas:

• Introduction to equipment: how to put on skis, boots, helmet, and use poles

• Learning to slide and stop: mastering the snowplough (wedge) position for braking

• Straight gliding on a flat or slight slope

• Snowplough turns: gently changing direction by shifting weight

• Using beginner lifts (magic carpet or rope tow)

• Understanding slope etiquette and basic mountain safety

Lesson goals

By the end of the Beginner level, most learners should be able to:

• Control speed and stop using a snowplough

• Link basic snowplough turns on a green slope

• Use a beginner lift independently

• Begin navigating easy green pistes with confidence

• Gain enough balance and body control to prepare for Class 1 (next level)

Summary of required standard to join Adult Beginner

Who should NOT be in Beginner?

You should not join the beginner group if you can already:

• Stop using a snowplough

• Turn confidently left and right

• Navigate a full green slope independently
  
  In this case, you should start at Class 1 instead.

Final note

Adult Beginner lessons at ESF are designed to be gentle, encouraging, and confidence-building, using patient instruction and terrain perfectly suited for those starting from scratch. Whether you're learning for a holiday or planning a long-term hobby, this level lays the essential groundwork.

Adult Class 1

• Category: Adults (age 13+)
• Lesson type: Group or private intermediate-level instruction
• Target level: Post-beginner (after Adult Beginner or equivalent experience)

Who is it for?

Adult Class 1 is for skiers who have moved beyond the basics but still need confidence and technique development on easy terrain.

You should join Class 1 if you:

• Have already completed an Adult Beginner course, or

• Can control your speed and stop using a snowplough

• Can perform linked snowplough turns on green slopes

• Are ready to move onto easy blue runs

This level is not for complete beginners. You should already be comfortable standing, sliding, and turning on skis, and able to use beginner lifts independently.

What skills are taught?

At this level, ESF instructors focus on helping you become more confident, consistent, and independent on green and easy blue slopes.

Key techniques developed:

• Improving snowplough turns: smoother, more rhythmic linking of turns

• Learning to narrow the snowplough and begin transitioning toward parallel skis

• Controlling speed with turn shape, rather than braking alone

• Pole usage introduced for rhythm and timing

• Introduction to skiing gentle blue pistes

• Gaining confidence on mildly steeper gradients

Lesson goals

By the end of the Class 1 course, most skiers will be able to:

• Confidently link snowplough turns on green and blue runs

• Start initiating turns with less reliance on the wedge, steering more with the lower body

• Adjust turn size and speed depending on terrain

• Use ski lifts (chairlifts and drag lifts) comfortably

• Prepare for Class 2, where parallel turning becomes the goal

Summary of required standard to join Adult Class 1

Not ready yet?

If you still:

• Struggle to turn consistently

• Lose control when going faster

• Feel anxious using lifts or on even gentle blue terrain

then it’s best to repeat the Adult Beginner level or take a private refresher lesson before joining Class 1.

Final note

Adult Class 1 is a vital stepping stone between basic confidence and true independence. By the end of this stage, skiers are typically exploring wider terrain, building rhythm, and on their way toward parallel skiing in Class 2.

Adult Class 2

• Category: Adults (age 13+)
• Lesson type: Intermediate group or private lesson
• Target level: Post-Class 1 (early intermediate skier)

Who is it for?

Adult Class 2 is for skiers who are comfortable on green and blue slopes and are transitioning from snowplough to parallel skiing.

You should join Class 2 if you:

• Have completed Class 1 or an equivalent level elsewhere

• Can ski confidently with linked snowplough turns on blue runs

• Are starting to bring your skis parallel during the middle or end of turns

• Are ready to handle more varied terrain, including slightly steeper or narrower blue runs

What skills are taught?

This level focuses on developing your ability to ski parallel confidently, building on the snowplough foundation from Class 1.

Key techniques developed:

• Transitioning from snowplough to parallel turns

• Learning to initiate turns with the outside ski, not with wedge braking

• Developing edge control and pressure management

• Using poles to enhance rhythm and timing

• Navigating more technical blue slopes and gentle red runs

• Managing speed through turn shape, not through skidding or braking

• Improving upper/lower body separation for better balance and control

Lesson goals

By the end of Adult Class 2, most skiers should be able to:

• Perform consistent parallel turns on most blue slopes

• Begin skiing with parallel skis throughout the full turn, especially on gentler sections

• Use poles fluidly to support rhythm

• Handle moderately steep sections with confidence and control

• Begin exploring red pistes at a cautious, controlled pace

Summary of required standard to join Adult Class 2

Not ready yet?

You may need to stay in Class 1 if:

• Your skis remain in a wedge for most of the turn

• You rely on snowplough braking to control speed

• You struggle on anything steeper than basic green/blue runs

Final note

Class 2 is the crucial gateway to full parallel skiing. This stage is about building muscle memory and confidence in technique. Upon completing Class 2, skiers are typically ready to:

• Explore red slopes regularly

• Enter Class 3, where they will master dynamic parallel turns, edging, and higher speed control.

Adult Class 3

• Category: Adults (age 13+)
• Lesson type: Advanced group or private lesson
• Target level: Post-Class 2 (confident intermediate skier)

Who is it for?

Adult Class 3 is for skiers who are already skiing parallel confidently on blue and red slopes and want to refine their technique, increase control at higher speeds, and explore more challenging terrain.

You should join Class 3 if you:

• Consistently perform parallel turns on blue slopes

• Are confident skiing most red runs at a controlled pace

• Can handle minor terrain variations (e.g. light bumps, firmer snow)

• Use poles effectively and maintain good balance and posture

This level is not suitable for skiers still using a snowplough or struggling to link parallel turns on intermediate terrain.

What skills are taught?

Class 3 is designed to elevate your skiing from strong intermediate to advanced, focusing on precision, performance, and adaptability.

Key techniques developed:

• Refining parallel turns with stronger edge grip and better weight transfer

• Learning short-radius turns (slalom-style) for narrow slopes or steeper gradients

• Carving technique: clean, edged turns with minimal skidding

• Greater body separation for stability on steeper terrain

• Managing more challenging conditions: icy snow, variable pitch, and light moguls

• Developing flow, rhythm, and control at moderate to high speeds

• Smoother transitions between turn shapes (short, medium, long)

Lesson goals

By the end of Class 3, most skiers will:

• Ski parallel turns with confidence and control on all red runs and some black runs

• Manage speed with turn shape and edging, not braking

• Adjust technique to different snow conditions and terrain types

• Ski with a refined, efficient, and balanced stance

• Prepare for off-piste instruction, performance clinics, or competition training

Summary of required standard to join Adult Class 3

Not ready yet?

You may need to remain in Class 2 if you:

• Lose confidence on red slopes

• Revert to wedge or braking turns when under pressure

• Struggle with balance or pole use on more technical runs

Final note

Adult Class 3 is a polished, high-level group ideal for those ready to tackle the whole mountain with skill and confidence. Completing this level often opens the door to:

• Performance-level courses

• Off-piste and variable terrain training

• Advanced carving and technique clinics

It’s where strong intermediate skiers become advanced, all-terrain skiers.

Adult Class 4

• Category: Adults (age 13+)
• Lesson type: Expert group or private instruction
• Target level: Advanced skier (post-Class 3)
• Terrain: Full mountain, including black runs, variable snow, and off-piste (if applicable)

Who is it for?

Adult Class 4 is the highest general technical level in ESF’s adult skiing framework. It is designed for skiers who already have strong, confident parallel technique and want to master advanced skiing across all types of terrain and snow conditions.

You should join Class 4 if you:

• Can ski black runs with rhythm and confidence

• Perform short, medium, and long-radius parallel turns with control

• Use edges precisely and carve on moderate to steep terrain

• Ski in dynamic, forward posture with advanced balance and pressure control

• Are comfortable skiing in all weather and snow types, including icy, slushy, or mogul-covered slopes

• Can link turns at moderate to high speeds safely

What skills are taught?

Class 4 focuses on transforming strong skiers into expert, all-mountain skiers capable of handling any piste and preparing for advanced specialisations like racing or off-piste skiing.

Key techniques developed:

• Dynamic carving: clean, high-speed edged turns with consistent pressure and line

• Precision short turns in steep, narrow or bumpy terrain

• Steep slope tactics: managing speed and line on technical black runs

• Terrain adaptation: changes in technique based on snow, bumps, or visibility

• Skiing with efficiency: reducing unnecessary movement, using flow and gravity

• Advanced pole use for rhythm, timing, and terrain response

• Training in high-performance skiing similar to competition or coaching level

Lesson goals

By the end of Class 4, a skier should be able to:

• Carve confidently at speed on blue, red, and black pistes

• Adjust turning technique to suit terrain and slope shape

• Ski moguls, steep pitches, and icy sections with consistent control

• Demonstrate refined, athletic, and technically correct skiing

• Be ready for competition-level, off-piste, or instructor prep courses

Summary of required standard to join Adult Class 4

Not ready yet?

Stay in Class 3 if you:

• Still skid or lose balance on steeper black slopes

• Struggle with carved turns or short-radius technique

• Are hesitant in changing conditions (e.g. moguls, ice, poor visibility)

Final note

Adult Class 4 is the gateway to true mastery. It's about precision, power, and control across the full mountain. Completing this level sets the stage for:

• Off-piste and mountain safety training

• Race clinics or slalom practice

• Instructor training or personalised technical coaching

It’s not just about skiing harder terrain, it's about skiing better, anywhere.