ESi, a story that has been going strong for 50 years!

Independent thinking, a love of a job well done, sharing and creativity continue to drive us day after day.

Why choose the ESi

ESI expertise, your guaranteed progress

The Écoles de Ski Internationales are independent organizations that have come together around a common quality charter in order to providing services of the very highest quality. They were all founded by professionals who graduated from the ENSM (École Nationale des Sports de Montagne – National School of Mountain Sports), which brings together the ENSA (National School of Skiing and Mountaineering in Chamonix, for alpine disciplines) and the CNSNMM (National Centre for Nordic Skiing and Mid-Mountain Activities in Prémanon, for Nordic disciplines). All of them are committed to teaching snow sports in a different, more human and more personalized way.

Mountain enthusiasts as instructors

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

Ecole De Ski International Esi - why choose ESI

Why choose the ESi? 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

Small groups for successful progress

We believe that teaching is first and foremost a human adventure. Our Schools are not factories, and with us you are not just a number. We welcome a maximum of 6 to 10 students per group, even during school holidays, to give you the time and attention you need and to foster a friendly atmosphere and personalized teaching.

Expert and passionate instructors

Our instructors are trained by ENSM (National School of Mountain Sports, which includes the National School of Skiing and Mountaineering (ENSA) in Chamonix and the National Centre for Nordic Skiing and Mid-Mountain Activities (CNSNMM) in Prémanon) and receive additional training every year. Keen skiers themselves, they are above all highly skilled, responsible professionals, passionate about the mountains and snow sports, who will help you progress thanks to their know-how and experience.

Good mood and conviviality

Friendliness is part of the DNA of the École de Ski Internationale. In a warm, small-scale atmosphere, each lesson is a moment of sharing where learning goes hand in hand with fun 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 École de Ski Internationale that suits you and discover small-scale teaching delivered by passionate instructors. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced skier, enjoy personalized support to make the most of your time in the mountains.

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ESi 50 years of history

1977

Why choose ESi, the history of the Écoles de Ski Internationales

Creation of the French Federation of Ski Instructors (FFES): the instructors who initiated the creation of the union wanted a different system that would integrate young instructors and evolve with customer demand. Small-scale schools that prioritize listening and flexibility. Pierre Cornillat is elected president of the union. The first schools in its history are: Ski école Flaine, Ecole de ski Fantastique Avoriaz, Top ski in Val d’Isère, Snow fun in Val D’Isère.

1985

The ESi union then had 15 ski schools in France. With the passing of the Mountain Law (loi Montagne), the winter sports market was booming. The vast majority of ski resorts were expanding and modernizing. Ski 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 is the year of the legendary Albertville Winter Olympic Games, which left their mark on a whole generation of snow sports enthusiasts. Pierre Cornillat decides not to renew his term of office, and Philippe Camus is elected as the new president of the union. The number of ski schools continues to rise, and the schools adapt and make the famous move to the Internet.

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 step forward in the development and recognition of the ESi label. Blue becomes the official color of all instructors at the Écoles de Ski Internationales.

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 awards

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 Écoles de Ski Internationales, the medal is awarded at the end of the 5/6-day course at no extra cost. Recognized internationally, it is a precious souvenir of this wonderful adventure in the mountains.

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Experiences

Memorable

Live unforgettable experiences

Find your ESi School

Choose your destination and find the École de Ski Internationale closest to your resort. Discover passionate instructors, lessons adapted to all levels, and enjoy a friendly snow sports experience anywhere in France.

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Our activities

From first glides to adventures deep in the mountains, the Écoles de Ski Internationales offer a wide range of activities for all ages and levels. Alpine skiing, snowboarding, Nordic skiing, ski touring, off-piste, snowshoeing and many other experiences await you so you can make the most of the mountains, in winter as well as in summer.

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