ESI News
10 September 2026
The 2023 seminar of ski schools ESi It took place under the Ardèche sun, in an atmosphere that was both studious, friendly, and conducive to exchange. This meeting brought together the network’s stakeholders around several key issues for the future of ski schools and, more broadly, of the teaching of skiing in France.
For several days, the participants were able to share their experiences, exchange ideas, and reflect together on the developments in the sector. Beyond the working hours, this seminar also helped strengthen the ties between the different schools of the ESi network.
This 2023 edition notably marked an important milestone in the organization of the International Ski Instructors' Union (SIMS). Johann Kwiatkowski, former president of SIMS and director of the ESi in Valloire, officially handed over the presidency to Jean-Marie Blache, from Orcières Merlette. The national bureau had approved this transition during its meeting held at the beginning of April.
At the same time, Antony Collet, from La Toussuire, took over the vice presidency of the union. These succession of posts, prepared in advance, accompany a broader reorganization of the SIMS. The National Bureau approved this development unanimously in order to continue the momentum established and to prepare the next steps in the network’s development.
The seminar also placed great emphasis on teamwork. Thanks to several round tables bringing together the directors of the ESi schools, The participants identified the main projects to be undertaken during the spring and summer.
These exchanges have made it possible to shed light on new avenues of reflection regarding the organization of schools, teaching, the evolution of practices, and the expectations of practitioners. The goal remains, in particular, to strengthen the role of the SIMS and the ESi network as a a recognized alternative for ski teaching in France and Europe.
This collective approach also allows the different schools to share their field experiences. Each station has its own specificities, but the exchanges within the network allow skills to be shared and common responses to the transformations in the mountain sector to be imagined.
Among the major topics discussed during the seminar, the climate question It naturally holds an important place. The evolution of snow cover and the differences in conditions between mountain ranges are prompting mountain operators to think about new ways to develop their activities.
In this context, the ESi network continues its reflection on diversification. The skills of mountain professionals indeed allow for offering experiences that go far beyond the traditional alpine skiing.
ESi Summer This is particularly part of this dynamic. Hiking, mountain biking and other outdoor activities allow you to discover the mountain regions in a different way when the snow gives way to summer landscapes. This diversification thus enhances the expertise of the network’s professionals while supporting the evolution of mountain destinations towards a broader range of activities across the seasons.
Finally, the National Office would like to extend its warm thanks Johann Kwiatkowski for his commitment and the work accomplished during his two terms as president of the SIMS.
In recent years, ski schools have faced several complex periods and profound changes in the sector. Despite this context, Johann Kwiatkowski and the members of the network have continued their activities in order to maintain a collective dynamic and prepare for the future.
With this new organization and the numerous projects launched at the 2023 seminar, the ESi ski school network now opening a new chapter. The goal remains the same: to evolve the teaching of ski sports, to support mountain professionals, and to continue offering a human, accessible, and innovative approach within the resorts.
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