Information and advice - ESF Sainte Foy Tarentaise

Meeting points
Choose a ski pass
Cancellation insurance and Carré Neige
Off piste and ski touring advice
FAQs

Our Recommendations

Advice for parents

To ensure lessons run smoothly, please follow these guidelines:

At the meeting point for lessons (group or private), please show the instructor your lesson card which you will find in your MyESF app. Each lesson card is strictly personal.
Please arrive on time for your lesson. It is not necessary to arrive more than a couple of minutes early. If you are running late, please remember to notify the office.
Pupils are not insured by ESF. We recommend that you check your personal insurance cover or take out winter sports insurance if necessary, such as Carré Neige.
Equipment is not provided: please ensure it is suitable for the pupil’s height, weight and ability level. You should also bring clothing suitable for mountain weather conditions.
Wearing a helmet is compulsory for children (skiing and snowboarding), for all participants in the Performance and Team Rider courses, and for all races (e.g. Flèche, Chamois & Trophée des Galopins). For everyone else, wearing a helmet is strongly recommended.

For your child’s well-being and comfort:

Make sure they’re properly kitted out: warm & waterproof clothing, a windproof jacket, gloves or mittens, ski goggles or sunglasses, tissues, sun cream…
For their ski equipment: ski boots , skis and a helmet (compulsory)!
Poles are only required from the 2ème Étoile level onwards.
Pop a little snack in their pocket!
Please avoid following your child or calling out to them during their lesson, as this could disrupt their progress.
Please inform the instructor of any health or behavioural issues your child may have.
Stay in touch: sometimes ESF may need to contact you (for example, if your child is injured, unwell or crying inconsolably). Little tip : save our number so you recognise who is trying to reach you.
Leave it to the instructor to decide on any change of level. Harmonising the groups is part of their job.
Your child is on holiday; the aim is for them to have fun and want to come back. So respect their pace and don’t try to turn them into a champion before they are ready!

Ski lifts

Choose a ski pass

Please note: the ski pass is not included in the lesson price and is compulsory for access to the ski lifts. Please ensure you purchase one before the course begins either via the lift pass website or at their ticket desks.

The Sainte Foy ski pass covers the entire ski area. The lift pass office or their website will provide details of their pricing as well as any promotions available.

Free ski pass for children under 8 years of age. A free ski pass is issued at the lift pass office upon presentation of proof of age.

Find out more about the packages and their prices...

Lift pass website

Children:

For Mini Piou and Ourson groups (starting at the Club Piou Piou kids garden): a ski pass is not required on the first day(s). The instructor will let you know when you’ll need to get one.
From Flocon level onwards: a ski pass is required from the very first day. A free ski pass can be collected from the ski lifts upon presentation of proof of age.
A free ski pass for children under 8 can be collected at the lift pass office upon presentation of proof of age.

Teenagers and adults:

Beginner level: a ski pass is not required on the first day. Your instructor will let you know when you need to buy one.
From Flocon (children) and Class 1 (adults) : a ski pass is required from the very first day.

Snowboarders:

Snow Ourson or Snow Beginner level: a lift pass is not required on the first day. Your instructor will let you know when you’ll need one.
From Snow Flocon or Snow 1 onwards: a ski pass is required from the very first day.

Cancellation insurance and Carré Neige

Cancellation insurance

In the event of cancellation or changes to your booking

Please note : ESF Sainte Foy does not offer refunds in the event of cancellation, whatever the reason. We therefore recommend that our customers ensure they are adequately covered for this, and if they are not already, that they take out cancellation insurance when booking. During the online booking process, you have the option to add cancellation insurance for your ski lessons.

How do I claim a refund if I have taken out this insurance when booking online?
You will need to report your claim online within 48 hours via the link in your booking confirmation quoting your booking reference.

Are you insured whilst on the pistes?

To enjoy skiing with complete peace of mind and hit the slopes with confidence, whether on your own or with your family, think about adding the “Carré Neige” option to your lessons.

Please note: pupils are not insured by the ESF.

Our private lessons

ESF Sainte Foy strongly recommends that you take out appropriate winter sports insurance. We offer the Carré Neige package to provide you with all the necessary insurance cover and assistance in the event of an accident or illness during your stay.

With Carré Neige, throughout your stay you’ll benefit from the expertise of the winter sport insurance industry’s leading professionals and a comprehensive range of services, from on-piste rescue to reimbursement of your ski pass and ambulance transport.

You’ll get insured not only for yourself but also for your family, whilst keeping costs down – costs that can often reach astronomical levels in the mountains.

Carré Neige, which covers you solely during your stay, can also be purchased at the ESF office (€3.50pp per day). You can also take it out at the same time as purchasing your ski passes. If you’re buying your insurance before your stay, you can also opt for the Carré Neige Intégral (€4pp per day) to also include a cancellation cover.

*Full terms and conditions available on the Carré Neige website

How do I claim a refund for ski lessons if I have Carré Neige?

Report your claim online via the Carré Neige website.
Contact GBC MONTAGNE in Bourg-Saint-Maurice – Tel: +33(0) 4 79 07 30 70

Preparation, equipment, safety

Off piste and ski touring tips

Before you head off piste:

Make sure everyone in your group is carrying the essential equipment: an avalanche transceiver, a shovel and a probe, and you and the rest of your group all know how to use them. It might be worth doing our Transceiver Session before you head off on your adventure....
Depending on the trip, make sure you have the right kit, for example: freeride or touring skis, skins, ski crampons, an ABS rucksack, etc.
Wearing a helmet is strongly recommended!
When skiing off-piste, you must also be prepared to call it a day/turn back if weather conditions or the risk of avalanches are unfavourable.
For our group outings, avalanche safety equipment is provided. Equipment can be provided for private trips subject to availability.
To enjoy the best possible experience and discover the most beautiful routes, be sure to be accompanied by one of our ESF instructors.
Please note that an off piste trip may be cancelled by the instructor depending on weather conditions and the risk of avalanches.

Any doubts?

FAQ

Find the answers to all the most frequently asked questions about our ESF.

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Practical Information & Tips