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Maison des Enfants
What to Prepare for My Child?
Warm clothing, hat, gloves, and sunglasses, as well as sunscreen
An indoor outfit with slippers
Afternoon snack in individual packaging (everything labeled with the child's first and last name)
The completed health form and vaccination records.
For younger children: a full change of clothes, diapers, wipes, and if needed, a pacifier and comfort item
In all cases, a personal item for nap time (e.g., a favorite toy or blanket)
How Are Meals Organized?
Children aged 3 to 18 months: Meals must be provided by the parents in unopened packaging.Homemade food is not allowed in accordance with food safety regulations for group situations.
Children aged 18 months and older: Meals are served at the Maison des Enfants and are prepared by a catering service.
How Should I Dress My Child?
A jacket, snow pants or a warm, comfortable, and waterproof snowsuit to protect them from the cold and moisture.
Ski goggles or sunglasses with a safety strap and UV protection (minimum category 3) to shield their eyes from the mountain sun.
A comfortable indoor outfit with slippers, so they can relax after a day outdoors!
is there a snack time in the afternoon?
Yes, a snack time is scheduled in the afternoon for children enrolled at the Maison des Enfants.However, each parent must provide their child’s snack.
Club Piou Piou
Is Lunch Included with the Piou Piou Club?
Children attend ski lessons lasting 1.5, 2, or 2.5 hours, depending on your stay dates. If you would like your child to be supervised during lunchtime, you can add the meal option after selecting the ski lesson
Do I Need to Pack a Snack for My Child?
Piou Piou Club – 1h30 or 2h00 sessions: The entire ski lesson is dedicated to learning. No snack time is scheduled.
Piou Piou Club – 2h30 session (afternoon outside school holidays): Yes, a snack time is planned. Please pack something easy to eat that can fit in your child’s pocket.
Does My Child Need to Bring Ski Equipment?
Yes. Your child must be equipped before arriving at the ski lesson. Please visit a sports rental shop to get:
Ski boots
Skis
A helmet (strongly recommended)
Make sure everything is properly fitted and adjusted for your child’s comfort and safety.
Children's lessons
Is Lunch Included in the “Full-Day” Group Lesson Package?
No. If you book only the ski lessons without the childcare and/or meal option, you will need to pick up your child after the morning lesson and bring them back for the afternoon session.
Meals are available as an optional add-on when booking a full-day lesson. If you choose the meal option, the Maison des Enfants staff will take care of your child between the morning and afternoon lessons, giving you a worry-free day with no lunchtime obligations.
Hot meals are provided by a catering service before the children return to class in the afternoon.
In a Full-Day Lesson, Will My Child Have the Same Instructor in the Morning and Afternoon?
No. A child enrolled in a full-day lesson will join two different groups—one in the morning and one in the afternoon. This allows them to receive varied guidance from different instructors and also to make twice as many friends!
How Should I Equip My Child for the kids's Club?
A warm outdoor outfit: jacket, snow pants or snowsuit, hat, gloves, sunglasses, and sunscreen. Indoor clothes and slippers for rest and indoor activities
Don’t forget the snack if your child is enrolled in an afternoon session
Remember to fill out the health form (fiche sanitaire) in advance
Snowboard lessons
Is Protective Gear Required?
Wearing a helmet is strongly recommended for all children.
For beginners, it is also advised to wear wrist guards and protective shorts (padded shorts) to help prevent injuries during falls.
What Equipment Is Needed?
You must bring your own snowboard equipment, making sure it is properly fitted and suitable for your child. Also, don’t forget to provide:
Proper gear is essential for safety, comfort, and progress on the slopes!
My Child Has Never Skied — Can They Enroll in Snowboarding?
Yes, skiing and snowboarding are two distinct disciplines, and it is absolutely possible to start with snowboarding without any prior skiing experience.
Beginners are welcome in snowboarding lessons, even if they've never set foot on skis!
Children's Courses
Is Protective Gear Required?
Yes, wearing a helmet and a back protector is strongly recommended.
Team Rider / Freestyle / Competition
What Skis Should Be Used for This Course?
You should use twin-tip skis (also called double spatula skis), preferably wider models suited for backcountry skiing. The skis should be approximately the same height as the freestyler for optimal balance and maneuverability during freestyle practice.
Is Protective Gear Required?
Wearing a helmet and a back protector is highly recommended, especially for freestyle or off-piste activities.
Off-piste safety equipment — including backpack, shovel, probe, and avalanche transceiver (DVA) — is not provided by the school. If your child is participating in off-piste sessions, you must supply this equipment yourself.
What Equipment Is Needed for the Competition Course?
Helmet and back protector: Highly recommended for safety during training and runs.
Giant slalom (GS) alpine skis: Choose skis that are suited to yours child's level. It's best to consult with a specialized sports shop for proper sizing and recommendations.
Adults
What Equipment Should I Bring for My Lesson?
You need to bring:
Your own ski equipment (skis, ski boots, poles) — make sure it is properly adjusted and suitable for your level
Warm, waterproof clothing to protect against cold and moisture (jacket, snow pants, gloves, hat, etc.)
Helmet (strongly recommended for safety)
Sunglasses or ski goggles with UV protection
What Equipment Is Needed for the Competition Course?
Helmet and back protector: Highly recommended for safety during training and runs.Giant slalom (GS) alpine skis: Choose skis that are suited to your level. It's best to consult with a specialized sports shop for proper sizing and recommendations.
Snow and mountains
Do I Need to Bring My Own Equipment?
Yes, you must bring your own ski or snowboard equipment, making sure it is well-fitted and appropriate for your level, as well as warm, waterproof clothing.
The ESF does not provide off-piste safety equipment. A DVA (avalanche transceiver), shovel, and probe are mandatory for off-piste outings. If you have your own gear, the instructor will check its condition and proper functioning before departure.
Is Equipment Included in the Price?
No, ski or snowboard equipment is not included in the price. You must rent or bring your own gear from a sports shop or personal equipment.
Experiences +
Is Equipment Included in the Package?
No, it is not included. You can rent the equipment at a sports shop, including hiking or snow boots, snowshoes and poles.
How Should I Prepare for a Snowshoe Outing?
To enjoy your walk in the best conditions, please bring:
A jacket or windbreaker
A bottle of water
Sunscreen
Sunglasses
A hat or cap
A pedestrian lift pass (for the Ramasse) on the day of the Mont Cenis outing
How Many People Can Ride in the Sled?
Each sled can carry up to 4 people, with a maximum total weight of 180 kg.
Children aged 11 and over are allowed to ride alone, without an accompanying adult.
Is the Activity Open to Everyone?
The activity is open to children from 4 years old. However, it is not possible for:
Pregnant women
People with back pain (dorsalgia, lumbago)
Individuals with unstable joint or bone conditions.
Is the Lift Pass Included in the Price?
No, the lift pass — whether ski or pedestrian (for the RAMASSE) — is not included in the price. It must be purchased separately at the designated sales points.
Can I Arrive at the Activity on Skis?
Yes, you can arrive on skis and leave them in the mushers' cabin during the activity. However, ski boots are not allowed. Please bring a backpack with another pair of shoes suitable for walking or snow activities.
what should i wear?
It is very cold at the top of the mountains. Wear very warm clothes and waterproof shoes with good insulation, as you will be walking in the snow.
What Equipment do i need for Snake Gliss?
A helmet can be loaned at the meeting point
Wear warm, waterproof clothing
Gloves are mandatory
Ski boots are not allowed – wear sturdy, insulated snow boots or hiking shoes suitable for snow.
What Equipment do i need for Yooner?
The Yooners are provided. Dress as if you were going skiing:
Warm, waterproof clothing (jacket, snow pants)
Après-ski boots (ski boots are not allowed)
Gloves
Helmet (mandatory for safety)
Private lessons
Can Private Lessons Be Booked at Times Other Than Midday?
Yes, private lessons in the morning or afternoon may be possible, depending on instructor availability.
To request a booking, please go to the Private Lessons section on the website and submit a reservation request.
Can I Book Fewer Than 6 Days of Private Lessons?
Yes, outside of the February school holidays, it is possible to book less than 6 days, subject to instructor availability. To request a booking, please go to the Private Lessons section on the website and submit a reservation request.
Can I Book Just One Private Lesson During the February Holidays?
Generally, no. During the February school holidays, single private lessons are not offered, as priority is given to bookings for multiple consecutive days. However, you can always submit a request — availability will depend on the instructors’ schedules.
Can I Enroll My Two Children (Aged 8 and 10) in the Same Private Lesson?
Yes, it is absolutely possible to group several children, whether family or friends, in the same private lesson. However, for the lesson to be effective and enjoyable, it's strongly recommended that the children have a similar skill level.
Can I Join a Private Lesson with Two Friends?
Yes, you are free to form your own small group of friends for a private lesson. To ensure effective instruction and a better experience for everyone, it’s recommended that all participants have a similar skill level.
Lessons with esf Val Cenis
When and how can i book?
We open bookings at the beginning of July for the upcoming winter season.
We recommend booking your lessons in advance, at least 15 days before your arrival, and by mid-January for the February school holidays, through one of the following methods:
Online on our website with full and secure credit card payment (by clicking on the small cart icons next to our prices).
By mail using our booking forms, with payment by check, holiday vouchers, or sports coupons.
By phone (contact us) with full credit card payment, outside peak periods.
For all bookings paid in full, a confirmation email will be sent to you — please print it at home and present it to the instructor on the first day of lessons. You do not need to go to the office, unless you have booked childcare or a lesson that includes lift passes.
What Should I Do If i can't find any lessons Available?
If you can't find any available lessons, please contact us as soon as possible so we can try to find a suitable solution together.
Which Meeting Point Should I Choose?
In Val Cenis, there are 4 lessons meeting points.
Generally, at least one is within walking distance of every residence. To choose the right one, refer to the map available at the top of each page on the esf website.
If your residence is in Val Cenis–Lanslebourg (e.g., MMV, Les Valmonts, CIS) 📍Near the "LA RAMASSE" chairlift ➡️ Choose the LANSLEBOURG meeting point
If your residence is between Lanslebourg and Lanslevillard (e.g., Les Alpages, Le Critérium, Chalets de Flambeau) 📍Near the "PRE NOVEL" chairlift ➡️ Choose the PLAN DES CHAMPS meeting point
If your residence is in Val Cenis–Lanslevillard 📍Near the "LE COLOMBA" chairlift ➡️ Choose the LANSLEVILLARD meeting point
If your residence is at the top of Lanslevillard (e.g., VVF, Les Balcons, Miléade) 📍Near the Val Cenis Le Haut gondola ➡️ Choose the VAL CENIS LE HAUT meeting point
⚠️ Important: Some meeting points may fill up, especially close to February school holidays. If you can’t find your preferred point in the list, do not select a different one. Instead, contact us to check availability — otherwise, you might have to take the shuttle or drive to get to your lesson.
My Child Is Not Yet 3 Years Old — Can They Join the Piou Piou club Lessons?
The Club Piou Piou is intended for children who have already turned 3.
However, if your child is about to turn 3 within 2–4 weeks after your holiday, is potty trained, and is used to being in a group, we recommend booking a trial session on Sunday (reservation by phone only). If the first lesson goes well, you can then visit the esf office to book the rest of the week.
For younger children, the childcare centre is available and well-suited to their needs.
Should I Book Childcare Services in Advance?
Yes, advance booking is strongly recommended, especially during school holiday weeks. For 6 consecutive mornings or afternoons, you can book online. If there’s still availability, you may also book the day before for the next day directly at the esf offices.
DO i need a ski pass?
Yes — both children and adults need a lift pass. esf lessons do not include access to the ski lifts.
Children under 5: lift pass is free. It must be collected at the lift ticket office with proof of age.
"Ourson" & "Flocon" levels (ages 5 to 11) in group lessons: special discounted lift pass available, after you've added the ski lesson to your cart online or at esf offices in resort.
Teen and adult beginners (never skied): it’s hard to know in advance if your group will use the lifts on the first day. We recommend waiting to buy your lift pass until you’ve confirmed with your instructor
Val Cenis uses a dynamic pricing system: "1 day – 1 deal" where prices may vary based on purchase date. Sometimes, buying directly from www.valcenis.ski is cheaper than the esf special rates. So it’s worth comparing prices before finalizing your purchase!
do i need insurance?
Yes, because esf does not provide insurance for its students. If your lift pass does not include insurance, we strongly recommend purchasing the Carré Neige insurance — a specific policy that covers you in the event of accident or illness on the slopes. Available when purchasing your lift pass, either online (on the esf or Val Cenis website) or at esf or ski pass offices in resort.
What Language Are Group Lessons Taught In?
All of our instructors are French. Around 76 instructors can teach in English. Some also speak a little Italian. 5 instructors speak Dutch. When booking your group lessons, please select your preferred language so we can try to assign an instructor who speaks it. However, this is not always guaranteed, especially during busy periods.
For children, the language barrier is rarely an issue, as they learn quickly by watching and copying the instructor’s movements.
Is Equipment Included?
No, equipment is not provided — even for the youngest children. You must come to your lesson fully equipped. Please visit a local ski rental shop in the resort to rent skis, boots, helmets, etc. No ski poles are used for children up to the 2nd Star level.