Ski/ Snowboard Lessons

Les Houches has its own ESF (Ecole du Ski Francais) ski school which offers courses in skiing, snowboarding, telemark, off piste and snow-shoeing. Based by the Prarion lift station (600 metres from Chalet Whymper) it caters for both beginners and those who are experienced skiers wanting to improve their technique or conquer a new area such as off piste skiing. ESF cover all ages from three years upwards.

For teenagers they cover the exciting new disciplines of freestyle, free ride and boardercross.

For children aged three to five years they have a well equipped snow garden (Jardin des Neiges). Here the emphasis is allowing the children to learn as they play with lots of amusing activities and games, inflatables, models/statues and a giant caterpillar. There are two nursery lifts and the children are looked after by specialised instructors (one instructor for eight children).

For children aged six to twelve years there are the traditional group lessons. Class size is eight for beginners and ten for better skiers.

The parents have a choice of half day ski lessons, full day ski lessons (children six years plus) or half day ski with half day nursery care.

Online booking of lessons is available. For more information on ESF Les Houches (including prices) click here.

For very young children from 3 months to 3 years there is a crèche (Halte-Garderie) in the centre of the village (600 metres from Chalet Whymper). Run by the local authority it benefits from qualified personnel in specially adapted premises. For contact details click here.