The weather is changing? How instructors adapt a lesson in 5 minutes
Published on 30/03/2026 - Written by Nadège
In the mountains, the weather is often changeable. Ski, snowboard and snowshoe lessons are usually booked several weeks in advance by our customers. In these conditions, it's impossible to know what weather to expect, right up until the last minute. A sunny day can easily turn into a rainy one, and vice versa.
What happens if the weather is bad? Are your esf courses cancelled? Do our teams offer refunds? Find out all you need to know about this with esf Courchevel 1850!
What happens if the weather is bad? Are your esf courses cancelled? Do our teams offer refunds? Find out all you need to know about this with esf Courchevel 1850!
Can an esf course be cancelled in bad weather?
Do you have a ski lesson planned for the following day, but the weather forecast is for snow, fog and freezing temperatures? In reality, two factors play a key role in whether or not an esf course is held: the opening of the ski lifts and the safety of the participants. If one of these two conditions is not met, the course may be cancelled by our teams.
However, you should be aware that this happens very rarely, because most of the time, bad weather does not affect either the ski lifts or the safety of the students. Only the comfort of participants can be put to the test, which is why it's so important to choose ski or snowboard clothing suited to the day's weather.
However, you should be aware that this happens very rarely, because most of the time, bad weather does not affect either the ski lifts or the safety of the students. Only the comfort of participants can be put to the test, which is why it's so important to choose ski or snowboard clothing suited to the day's weather.
Our instructors adapt to your needs on the slopes!Cancellation of an esf course: is a refund available?
Refunds for ski or snowboard lessons (or snowshoe lessons) may be considered by the esf, subject to certain conditions. Firstly, if the cancellation is the customer's fault, it depends on the date of the lessons: before 15 days or within 15 days (and up to 48 hours before).
In the first case, a deduction equivalent to the booking fee and the breach of contract will be applied, unless you have taken out cancellation insurance at the same time. In the second case, 50% of the price paid will be retained. Finally, if the cancellation is made within 48 hours of the esf course, the deduction will be 100%.
If the esf itself decides to cancel a ski or snowboard lesson, for example if the slopes are closed or the weather conditions are deemed to be dangerous, it will systematically refund the full amount paid by the customer.
In the first case, a deduction equivalent to the booking fee and the breach of contract will be applied, unless you have taken out cancellation insurance at the same time. In the second case, 50% of the price paid will be retained. Finally, if the cancellation is made within 48 hours of the esf course, the deduction will be 100%.
If the esf itself decides to cancel a ski or snowboard lesson, for example if the slopes are closed or the weather conditions are deemed to be dangerous, it will systematically refund the full amount paid by the customer.
Sun, fog, snow: how should you dress for the weather?
As the season progresses, the weather can go through several phases: icy, windy days, snowy days, sunny, warm days... It all depends on the weather conditions at the time.
When it's very cold in Courchevel 1850 (with or without wind), we advise you to layer up with thermal and waterproof clothing. Thermal top, leggings, jumper or sweatshirt, insulating trousers, warm jacket, etc. You should also think about accessories, such as ski gloves, neck warmers, goggles (category 0 to 4) and helmets, taking into account the day's conditions: fog, strong light, etc.
If it's sunny and the temperature is pleasant (4°C, 5°C, etc.), you should once again rely on the layering system so that you can remove layers if it's warmer than expected. In particular, a thermal top may not be enough in spring. It's up to you when the time comes!
When it's very cold in Courchevel 1850 (with or without wind), we advise you to layer up with thermal and waterproof clothing. Thermal top, leggings, jumper or sweatshirt, insulating trousers, warm jacket, etc. You should also think about accessories, such as ski gloves, neck warmers, goggles (category 0 to 4) and helmets, taking into account the day's conditions: fog, strong light, etc.
If it's sunny and the temperature is pleasant (4°C, 5°C, etc.), you should once again rely on the layering system so that you can remove layers if it's warmer than expected. In particular, a thermal top may not be enough in spring. It's up to you when the time comes!
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