How ESF ski instructors can inspire your students

7 May, 2026 in France, by Daisy Mae Shuttleworth

Estimated reading time: 6 minutes

Ski progression is a key indicator of a successful ski trip. On all of our trips, we partner with instructors that we trust to deliver outstanding tuition each and every week.

Ski instruction varies slightly from , with each county-to-country. In France, there's the easily recognisable ESF with their red jumpsuits. The ESF are renowned for their extensive experience working with English school groups on the slopes. They thrive on seeing novice skiers combat their first run, which is why they make great instructors.

Speaking to Scott at Sparsholt College, it's clear that our partnership with the ESF definitely delivered.

Scott teaches the Level 3 Outdoor Adventure programme at Sparsholt, and has ran their ski trip for the past 4 years. This year, the standard of tuition really stood out to him.

Here's what Scott has to say about the importance of quality ski instructors, and a suitable resort:

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What were the main reasons you chose the resort of Alpe d’Huez for your students?

“Alpe d’Huez is probably my favourite resort for the college. The main factor is the height of the resort and always having amazing views no matter if you are sat having breakfast in the hotel, beginner slopes, or la sarenne (the longest black run in Europe!), everyone experiences 360 views of the mountains. As well as this, the resort also has a great array of activities such as the outdoor swimming pool, Alpine Coaster and other activities within sports center. The resort has an excellent array of green routes which caters for the beginners, which I often find other resorts sometimes don’t consider.”

"His coaching level was extremely detailed in trying to build on previous experience of those who could already ski, in terms of improving technique.”

Before you travelled, what were you hoping your students would gain from a week on the slopes; both in terms of skiing and wider personal development?

“As a college with older learners who are studying Outdoor Adventure, we want to provide learners with the opportunity to see a different aspect to the outdoor industry. Witnessing ski instructors or reps doing a ski seasons, with a company like SkiBound, is great.

In terms of skiing progression, we are always pleased with the progress that both our beginner and intermediate groups experience. From reaching blue’s/reds for beginners at the end of the week, and blacks for the other’s.”

Can you describe what those very first hours on snow looked like for your beginners?

“Progress is always structured appropriately and on suitable terrain. Beginners start with how ski bindings work to then moving on flat terrain.

When the beginner group started on a slope, they were shown the purpose of snow plough. Once mastered, students progressed onto snow plough turns and exploring more routes with the emphasis of control and appropriate speed. As the week goes on this then moves onto to progressing into the beginnings of parallel turns.

The extensive resort knowledge of the ESF instructors ensure that appropriate terrain and steepness is selected. This supports help learning and confidence.”

"We are always impressed with the relaxed and helpful approach when we come and stay with SkiBound."

As the week went on, what key milestones did you notice in your group’s skiing?

“Our beginner groups experienced the amazing feeling of finally achieving parallel turns towards the end of the week. They were able to move from the nursery slopes to blue and even red slopes! See the beginners with a huge smile on their face was so rewarding.

Our advanced groups loved learning the difference between skidding and carving, as well as playing in the snow parks with the instructors.”

Was there any standout “lightbulb moments” where things clicked for students on the slopes?

“For me, the lightbulb moment comes from the constant development each session. When you compare that the beginners have never been on skies before the start of the week and now, they are skiing blues/reds. This reflection is the ‘wow’ factor.”

How did the ski lessons' structure support students to keep progressing?

“Lesson structure worked well for the group. The structure gave opportunity for extra activities as well as being able to return to hotel for lunch and dinner. The lessons were always progressive, and students learnt plenty. It was great that all groups could explore the full range of the resort and see the wide variety of slopes on offer.”

What impressed you most about the ski instructors’ teaching style and the way they worked with school groups? Were there any standout ESF instructors?

“All ESF instructors are great and teach appropriately to the group and ability. What was unique this year, was that we were lucky enough to get ‘Cookie’ as one of our instructors this year.

Cookie is an ex-Outdoor Adventure student from Sparsholt College. It was great for the learners to be inspired with the journey which he had taken since leaving college. His coaching level was extremely detailed. He built on previous experience of those who could already ski, in terms of improving technique.”

How well did the instructors and SkiBound rep team communicate with you as Party Leader?

“We have had Holly and Jonah this year, as well as previous years too and they are great. We are always impressed with the relaxed and helpful approach when we come and stay with SkiBound. The reps and staff are always on hand to assist and help in any way they can.”

Why did you choose to travel with SkiBound for this trip, and how did that choice shape your experience as a Party Leader?

“We have work with Ski Bound for over 10 years. We have always been impressed with the packages and price and therefore have continued to use every year.”

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How did our suppor help you feel confident about safety and risk management on the mountain?

“There is always a thorough introduction and practice fire drill at every resort when we arrive. Reps are always helpful in showing/leading you to lesson on the first day.”

What would you say to another teacher considering a SkiBound trip for a group of complete beginners?

“I would always recommend SkiBound to other schools and colleges who want a complete package who want ease in planning. All the necessary documents to help support the gathering of key information and passports details are extremely helpful.

Equally, they have extensive experience in the field, so I trust both their quality of hotels they offer, and quality of ski instructors.”

Do you want to learn more about inspiring your students on the slopes? Chat to our team about finding the perfect resort for you and your school.

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