Recommendations - Equipment
What equipment do I need?
- Clothes: speed and wind can take you by surprise at very low temperatures, so don't forget ski trousers, a jacket, gloves, a muffler and a hat (even in your pocket, they can come in handy).
- Protection: the sun and its glare are stronger in the mountains, so don't forget sun cream and sunglasses (or a mask) to protect you from UV rays.
- Safety: helmets (although not compulsory) are strongly recommended.
- Equipment: parabolic skis, — which are wider and shorter — are easier for everyone to handle (not supplied by the esf).
- For snowboarding: a snowboard with boot bindings; specific protections (wrists) can be useful.
- Your lesson card
- Your ski pass
- Your smile
- Check your insurance: if necessary, you can buy Egloo-Protect insurance from the ski lifts at the same time as your lift pass.
Advice for children
Handy items to slip in their pocket:
- A pack of tissues
- A contact number, just in case
- A small snack
- Dress your child appropriately for the weather—no more, no less.
- A small comfort item in their pocket can be reassuring for the little ones.
- Sticks are forbidden within the kindergarten.
More information
To make sure your lessons run smoothly:
- Skiing is an outdoor activity, and winter conditions in the mountains can be challenging. Weather fluctuations and technical constraints within the ski area are part of the experience and cannot be attributed to esf Vallorcine. As such, these factors will not be grounds for any reimbursement.
- While there are no set rules regarding class size, esf Vallorcine ensures quality by limiting lessons to a maximum of 10 students.
- The balance and homogeneity of the group are prioritised over numbers, as they are key to successful learning.
- In the event that an instructor is unable to conduct a lesson due to unforeseen circumstances, students may be reassigned to other groups of the same level.
- Please note that a 2-hour group lesson may not run for the full two hours, as time is needed for welcoming, making contact, and conducting assessments or concluding the session.
- The first and sometimes the second day are dedicated to harmonising the group, which is essential for a successful learning experience.
- To best support each student, they may be reassigned to a different level than originally enrolled in, based on their skill level.
- Be punctual for lesson departures, as it can be difficult to reach the instructor once the course begins. Additionally, ensure you are on time for the return journey to collect your child.
And also...
To avoid disappointment:
- One week of lessons does not automatically lead to a higher level.
- While it is possible to pass the Flocon or 1ère Etoile with just one week's lessons, it is more difficult to progress to the higher Etoiles. As the technical level increases, it often takes several weeks of lessons to acquire the required elements and obtain the higher Etoile.
- We also advise parents to take their children skiing outside of ski lessons, so that they can apply the advice given by their instructors.
- Skiing should always be fun, so don't overestimate your children's level and, with them, stay on the slopes that are suited to their abilities.
The 10 rules of good conduct in the ski area
- Always behave in a way that does not endanger others.
- Adjust your speed and behavior according to your ability, the slope, and weather conditions.
- Choose a path that ensures the safety of the skier below.
- Overtake with enough distance to account for the other skier's movements.
- Before entering a slope or practice area, make sure it's safe by checking both uphill and downhill.
- If you fall, clear the slope as quickly as possible. Always stop at the edge of the piste.
- Use the edge of the piste when walking up or down.
- All skiers must obey signage.
- Everyone must provide assistance in the event of an accident.
- If involved in or witnessing an accident, you must provide your identity.