ESi, one Strong story for 50 years!

Spirituality, a love of well-done work, sharing, and creativity continue to inspire us day after day.

Our ESi quality charter

ESI expertise, your guaranteed progression

The International Ski Schools are independent structures that have come together around a common quality charter for to provide services and benefits of the highest quality. They were all created by professionals graduated from the ENSM (National School of Mountain Sports), which brings together the ENSA (National School of Ski and Alpine Sports in Chamonix for alpine sports) and the CNSNMM (National Centre for Nordic and Low Mountain Skiing in Prémanon for Nordic sports). They are all concerned with teaching the sports of sliding in a different, more human and more personalized way.

Mountain enthusiasts as instructors

Beyond their technical expertise, the instructors of the International Ski School share a genuine passion for the mountains and snow sports. They convey much more than just technique: respect for nature, a taste for effort, the joy of progress, and the values of sharing that make mountain activities so rich. Through caring and personalized teaching, they enthusiastically accompany each student, making every outing an experience as enriching as it is unforgettable.

Because the best memories are often made on the slopes, our instructors will accompany you every step of the way.

— The ESi team —

The values of the ESi

Collective ski mountaineering course for children

Small groups for successful progress

We believe that teaching is first and foremost a human adventure. Our schools are not factories, and here you are not just a number. We welcome between 6 and 10 students maximum per group, even during school holidays, to give you the time and attention you need, foster camaraderie, and personalize the teaching experience.

Expert and passionate instructors

Our instructors are trained by the ENSM (National School of Mountain Sports, which includes the National School of Ski and Alpineism (ENSA) in Chamonix and the National Centre for Nordic and Low-Altitude Skiing (CNSNMM) in Prémanon) and receive additional training every year. Regular practitioners, these are first and foremost responsible, passionate professionals who love the mountains and skiing, and who will help you progress through their expertise and experience.

Good mood and conviviality

Friendliness is part of the DNA of the International Ski School. In a warm and human-sized atmosphere, each class is a moment of sharing where learning is synonymous with pleasure and good humor.

Listening and personalized advice

As true artisans, we take the time to listen to you and explore with you your needs and desires to offer you the teaching and activities that best suit you, within a unique offering thanks to its variety. We are available to discuss your progress or that of your child outside of class.

Do you want to experience the ESi adventure?

Find the International Ski School that suits you and discover a human-sized learning experience provided by passionate instructors. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced skier, enjoy personalized support to fully experience your mountain experience.

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ESI 50 years of history

1977

Creation of the French Federation of Ski Instructors (FFES): the instructors who initiated the creation of the union want a different system that integrates young instructors and evolves with the demand from customers. Human-sized schools that prioritize listening and flexibility. Pierre Cornillat is elected president of the union. The first ski schools in history are: Ski school Flaine, Fantastique Ski School Avoriaz, Top ski in Val d’Isère, Snow fun in Val D’Isère.

1985

The ski industry union then had 15 ski schools in France. With the promulgation of the Law on the Mountain, the winter sports market was booming. The vast majority of ski resorts were expanding and modernizing. Skiing holidays became accessible to everyone.

1989

Only two years later, ski schools multiplied at a rapid pace. The union already has more than 50 ESi schools! At the time, the schools were called SEI (Ski Ecole Internationale).

1992

It's the year of the legendary Albertville Winter Olympic Games that marked a whole generation of enthusiasts of sports like skiing. Pierre Cornillat decides not to renew his term of office, Philippe Camus is thus elected new president of the Syndicat. The number of ski schools continues to rise, the structures adapt and take the famous Internet turn.

1998

One of the major milestones in the evolution of ESi. Adrénaline Verbier becomes the first ESi ski school in Switzerland. Change of the school names from SEI to ESi. The union has more than 1200 ski instructors!

2000

The name «International Ski Instructor's Union» is adopted. The Union thus becomes the SIMS with its headquarters based in Albertville.

2011

A major advance in the development and recognition of the ESi label. Blue becomes the official color of all monitors at international ski schools.

2016

Johann Kwiatkowski takes over from Christophe Chaudieu, and is elected new president of SIMS. The ESi network now includes 55 ski schools in France, and in Switzerland with more than 1200 ski instructors at your service.

2026

ESi opens a new chapter in its history with a renewed visual identity, faithful to the spirit that has guided it since its inception.

Our rewards

The ESi medals

The medal ceremony is a highlight of the week. It rewards the progress of each student and celebrates the efforts made on the slopes. In all International Ski Schools, the medal is offered at the end of the 5/6-day course, without additional cost. Recognized internationally, it is a valuable souvenir of this wonderful adventure in the mountains.

See the medals

Experiments

Memorable

Live unforgettable experiences

Find your ESi School

Choose your destination and find the International Ski School closest to your resort. Discover passionate instructors, courses adapted to all levels, and experience a fun skiing experience anywhere in France.

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Our activities

From beginner slopes to adventures in the mountains, the International Ski Schools offer a wide range of activities for all ages and levels. Alpine skiing, snowboarding, Nordic skiing, hiking, off-piste, snowshoes and many other experiences await you to fully enjoy the mountains, both in winter and summer.

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