Group lessons, private instructors and kids’ clubs. Here’s how to pick the right ski school in Courchevel.
Booking ski lessons in Courchevel and not sure where to start?
Well, you’re not short of options. The valley has a dozen or so ski schools and guiding outfits. You’ll find big French schools, British-run teams and private specialists.
I’ve spent many years living and working in the resort, and the right school makes or breaks a ski week. So let’s dig in and find yours.
Before You Book Your Ski Lessons
A couple of things catch people out every winter.
Your lessons don’t include a lift pass. You’ll need one from the first day, so sort it before you meet your instructor. Under-5s ski free, but they still need a pass collected from the ticket office.
Your ski school will tell you which pass you need. Beginners can often start on the Mini Pass or the free lifts, then move up to the Courchevel Valley pass. See our Courchevel ski pass guide for the options.
Book early for Christmas, New Year and February half term. The best instructors fill up first.
ESF, the French Ski School
The ESF is the biggest ski school in Courchevel, with a separate school in each village.
You’ll find ESF Courchevel 1850, ESF Courchevel 1650 Moriond, ESF Courchevel Village and ESF La Tania. The La Tania school has been there since 1990.
The Moriond school alone has 130 instructors and is open every day of the season. They run group and private lessons for the whole family.
If you’re bringing little ones, this is where most families start. Young children learn through the Piou Piou programme, a playful world built around the ESF’s Piou Piou character.
English-Speaking Ski Schools
If you want lessons in English and smaller groups, start with these three.
New Generation
New Generation is a British-run ski and snowboard school with an international team. It started in Courchevel back in 1998 and now runs schools in 1850 and 1650.
One useful tip. Most of its group lessons in 1650 need the Courchevel Valley pass, while the top adult levels and off-piste groups need the 3 Vallées pass.
Supreme Ski & Snowboard School
Supreme opened in 1991 as the first British ski school in Courchevel. It’s known for adult lessons in small groups, so you get more attention from your instructor.
Oxyski
Oxyski is the new name for Oxygène, which has taught in Courchevel since 2004. It took over the Magic in Motion school back in 2016.
Group lessons are capped at six people, and it also teaches adaptive skiing. If you’re a complete beginner, read our guide to learning to ski in Courchevel first.
Renting skis? We always recommend White Storm Ski Hire for the best price and service in Courchevel.
And get up to 30% off with promo code – VIP
Private Ski Instructors
Want to improve fast? Nothing beats a private instructor who skis at your pace.
ESI First Tracks
ESI First Tracks runs private lessons for adults and children across 1850, 1650 and Courchevel Village. It also offers private off-piste sessions for up to six people per instructor.
The One Courchevel
The One Courchevel is built around luxury private instruction. It covers skiing, snowboarding, off-piste and snowshoeing.
Off-Piste, Guides and Mountaineering
Ready to leave the pistes behind? Book a qualified guide or a mountaineering school first. Our off-piste skiing guide has more.
ESA Black Ski
ESA Black Ski is a ski and mountaineering school on the 1850 snow front. As well as lessons, it runs guided high-mountain outings, ski touring and off-piste days.
Mountain Guides
Courchevel’s mountain guides take you off-piste and ski touring. This winter the Bureau des Guides has added a “Sunset Closing” last run after the lifts shut.
They also run a new two-hour avalanche course for up to ten people. It’s a great way to learn the basics before your first off-piste day.
New This Winter: The Esperluette Pass
If you’re booking lessons for 2026/27, ask your ski school about the new Esperluette pass.
It gives you a separate fast-track entrance at five lifts: Biollay, Aiguille du Fruit, Suisses, Plantrey and Ariondaz. You can only use it while you’re skiing with your instructor.
The package also includes a First Tracks session on Wednesday mornings, unlimited runs on Moriond Racing and Carré Neige insurance. Your ski school books it and gives you the price. Read more in what’s new in Courchevel this winter.
Which Ski School Is Right for You?
If you’re bringing young children, start with the ESF in your village. The Children Village in 1850 also has an enclosed 3-hectare play area for snow and sliding.
If you’re a teenager or adult who wants lessons in English, look at New Generation, Supreme or Oxyski. Our guide to Courchevel with kids has more family tips.
If you want to progress fast, book a private instructor for the mornings and ski on your own in the afternoons.
If you’re heading off-piste, book a guide or a mountaineering school. No exceptions.
Courchevel Ski Schools Summary
I hope this guide helps you choose your ski school in Courchevel.
The short answer? Families go ESF, English speakers go British-run, and anyone in a hurry to improve books a private instructor.
Book early, sort your lift pass and get your skis delivered before the first lesson. Then all that’s left is to meet your instructor on the snow front!
