The ESi: a rich history for more than 45 years!

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

Why choose the International Ski School ESi for your ski lessons

Our ESi quality charter

ESi expertise, your guaranteed progress

The International Ski Schools are independent structures

They have grouped themselves around a common quality charter for providing very high-quality services. They were all founded by professionals who graduated from the ENSM (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 personalised way.

Mountain enthusiasts as instructors

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

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 here you are not just a number. We welcome between 6 and 10 students maximum per group, even during school holidays, to give you the time and attention you need, foster camaraderie, and personalize the teaching experience.

Expert and passionate instructors

Our instructors are trained by the ENSM (National School of Mountain Sports, which includes the National School of Ski and Alpine Climbing (ENSA) in Chamonix and the National Centre for Nordic and Low-Altitude Skiing (CNSNMM) in Prémanon) and receive additional training every year. Regular practitioners, these are first and foremost great responsible professionals, passionate about the mountains and skiing, who will help you progress thanks to their expertise and experience.

Good mood and conviviality

Friendliness is part of the DNA of the International Ski School. In a warm and human-sized atmosphere, each class is a moment of sharing where learning is synonymous with pleasure 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 International Ski School that suits you and discover a human-sized learning experience provided by passionate instructors. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced skier, enjoy personalized support to fully experience your mountain experience.

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ESi 50 years of history

1977

Creation of the French Federation of Ski Instructors (FFES)

The instructors who founded the Union wanted a different system that would include young instructors and evolve with customer demand. Human-scale schools that prioritise listening and flexibility. Pierre Cornillat is elected president of the Union. The first schools are: Ski école Flaine, École de ski Fantastique Avoriaz, Top ski in Val d’Isère, Snow fun in Val d’Isère.

1985

The ESi union

There are now 15 ski schools in France. With the promulgation of the Law on the Mountain, the winter sports market is booming. The vast majority of ski resorts are developing and modernizing. Skiing holidays are becoming accessible to everyone.

1989

Just two years later, ski schools are multiplying at a rapid pace.

The union already has more than 50 ESi schools!

The schools were called SEI (Ski Ecole Internationale) at the time.

1992

It's the year of the legendary Albertville Winter Olympics

which marked a whole generation of snow sports enthusiasts. Pierre Cornillat decides not to run again, and Philippe Camus is elected the new president of the Union. The number of ski schools keeps growing, and the organisations adapt and embrace the Internet.

1998

One of the major stages in the evolution of the ESi.

Adrénaline Verbier becomes the first ESi ski school in Switzerland. Change of name of the schools, from SEI to ESi. The union has more than 1200 ski instructors!

2000

The denomination

« International Ski Instructor Union »

is adopted. The Union thus becomes SIMS, with its head office in Albertville.

2011

A major advance in the development and recognition of the ESi label.

Blue becomes the official colour of all International Ski School instructors.

2015

Jhoan Kwiatkoski 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

About the ESi: International ski schools: a story of passion for the mountains and teaching

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 International Ski Schools, the medal is offered at the end of the 5/6-day course, without additional cost. Recognized internationally, it is a valuable souvenir of this wonderful adventure in the mountains.

See the medals

Experiences

experiences

Live unforgettable experiences

Find your ESi School

Choose your destination and find the International Ski School closest to your resort. Discover passionate instructors, courses adapted to all levels, and experience a fun skiing experience anywhere in France.

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Our activities

From first glides to adventures in the high mountains, the International Ski Schools 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 to make the most of the mountains, in winter and in summer.

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