Behind the scenes of the exam to become an esf instructor in Courchevel
Published on 23/01/2026 - Written by Nadège
At esf Courchevel 1850, almost 500 instructors work throughout the season to help the school's customers learn to ski and enjoy unforgettable experiences in the mountains.
If you're interested in this profession, you should know that new esf instructors are regularly recruited at Courchevel 1850. How does the exam work? Who can apply? What tests are on the syllabus? Take a look behind the scenes!
If you're interested in this profession, you should know that new esf instructors are regularly recruited at Courchevel 1850. How does the exam work? Who can apply? What tests are on the syllabus? Take a look behind the scenes!
Who can sit the exam to become an esf instructor?
Before you can become an esf instructor, you need to validate a specific course with ENSA (technical test, preparatory cycle, Eurotest, 1ᵉʳ Cycle, 2ᵉ Cycle).
Beyond this, it is also advisable to follow a preparation programme, such as those offered by the esf Academy. These are open to candidates aged 16 and over, who hold an ESF or FFS (Fédération Française de Ski) club licence, a Flèche d'or or Chamois de vermeil level and who have a genuine passion for the mountains.
The aim of these courses is to facilitate entry to the ENSA (École Nationale de Ski et d'Alpinisme - National Ski and Mountaineering School), and then to obtain the much sought-after diploma of Alpine Ski Instructor.
Beyond this, it is also advisable to follow a preparation programme, such as those offered by the esf Academy. These are open to candidates aged 16 and over, who hold an ESF or FFS (Fédération Française de Ski) club licence, a Flèche d'or or Chamois de vermeil level and who have a genuine passion for the mountains.
The aim of these courses is to facilitate entry to the ENSA (École Nationale de Ski et d'Alpinisme - National Ski and Mountaineering School), and then to obtain the much sought-after diploma of Alpine Ski Instructor.
Over 15 weeks and two cycles, the school provides almost 525 hours of training, as well as various tests, assessments and courses: technical descents, orals, etc.
Get ready with the esf Academy in Courchevel 1850Preparing for the exam is possible with esf Academy
For several years now, the esf Academy has been offering training sessions, as well as intensive courses, to help you prepare for the first two tests of the state diploma:
These preparation sessions can be taken on a daily, weekend or weekly basis, depending on your availability and that of your ski school. Don't hesitate to contact your ski school for more information. Technical skiing, teaching, safety... Put all the chances on your side for your exam!
The esf Academy and esf Courchevel 1850 will make it easier for you to join the preparatory cycle and open your training booklet to become an esf instructor. At the same time, you'll continue to follow the courses at ENSA, until you obtain your state ski diploma - Moniteur National Ski Alpin. It's up to you!
- The technical test: timed slalom over two passages, accessible from the age of 17.
- Training Unit 1 (UF1) : two-week course, with four exams. Topics: Beginner, class 1 and class 2. Basic safety principles. Activities derived from downhill skiing. Language skills.
These preparation sessions can be taken on a daily, weekend or weekly basis, depending on your availability and that of your ski school. Don't hesitate to contact your ski school for more information. Technical skiing, teaching, safety... Put all the chances on your side for your exam!
The esf Academy and esf Courchevel 1850 will make it easier for you to join the preparatory cycle and open your training booklet to become an esf instructor. At the same time, you'll continue to follow the courses at ENSA, until you obtain your state ski diploma - Moniteur National Ski Alpin. It's up to you!
Courchevel 1850: the ideal training ground for skiers
Many future ski instructors choose to train with esf Courchevel 1850 because it is the largest ski school in the world. In fact, it brings together several nationalities, with French people teaching alongside Scots, Russians and Australians.
Beyond that, Courchevel 1850 offers excellent conditions for improving your skiing: 150 kilometres of pistes, several ski lifts, a privileged location in the heart of the 3 Valleys, a high altitude, and much more.
Beyond that, Courchevel 1850 offers excellent conditions for improving your skiing: 150 kilometres of pistes, several ski lifts, a privileged location in the heart of the 3 Valleys, a high altitude, and much more.
By coming here to train, you'll be able to experiment with all forms of snow sports (ski touring, snowboarding, etc.). Make it your training ground!
Become an esf instructor with our ski school!