Training to become an instructor: Val Thorens, a springboard for enthusiasts!
Published on 03/02/2026 - Written by Coline
Sharing their know-how, guiding beginners through their first turns, helping the youngest children discover the joys of the snow or helping experienced skiers perfect their technique... These are just some of the tasks that make ski instructors a key figure in the resort.
esf Val Thorens will help you to achieve your goals by training you in this exciting profession. More than just a unique playground and learning ground perched at an altitude of 2,300 metres, Val Thorens offers you the chance to join the ESF Academy, the ideal gateway to preparing for your ski instructor diploma!
esf Val Thorens will help you to achieve your goals by training you in this exciting profession. More than just a unique playground and learning ground perched at an altitude of 2,300 metres, Val Thorens offers you the chance to join the ESF Academy, the ideal gateway to preparing for your ski instructor diploma!
Val Thorens, a unique learning ground
As Europe's highest ski resort, Val Thorens benefits from quality snow cover throughout the season. Situated at the heart of the 3 Vallées ski area, it offers incredible skiing opportunities to enthusiasts with its 600 kilometres of pistes. It's the perfect setting for perfecting your technique and discovering a wide range of disciplines: downhill skiing, snowboarding, cross-country skiing, ski touring, off-piste, freestyle, freeride, etc.
So, as a future ski instructor, Val Thorens will allow you to make the most of your skills, but will also satisfy your preferences. Every year, the resort welcomes a varied public, in terms of age, level and origin, and offers numerous facilities for practising different disciplines.
This means that every instructor can offer quality teaching and develop their technical and teaching skills in the best possible conditions!
So, as a future ski instructor, Val Thorens will allow you to make the most of your skills, but will also satisfy your preferences. Every year, the resort welcomes a varied public, in terms of age, level and origin, and offers numerous facilities for practising different disciplines.
This means that every instructor can offer quality teaching and develop their technical and teaching skills in the best possible conditions!
Become a ski instructorBecome a ski instructor with esf Academy!
To become a ski instructor, you need to obtain a state diploma, which is awarded subject to passing the exam. The ESF Academy was created to prepare future teachers for the first exams and train them in the profession of ski instructor.
Supervised by approved instructors, you will receive all the theoretical and practical advice you need to prepare properly for the official tests. Ski instructor training encompasses many facets that you need to master if you want to do your job in the best possible way: technical knowledge, teaching skills and an understanding of the mountains.
So it's with a view to training you in all aspects of the profession that this demanding yet friendly structure welcomes the future red jumpers of Val Thorens!
Supervised by approved instructors, you will receive all the theoretical and practical advice you need to prepare properly for the official tests. Ski instructor training encompasses many facets that you need to master if you want to do your job in the best possible way: technical knowledge, teaching skills and an understanding of the mountains.
So it's with a view to training you in all aspects of the profession that this demanding yet friendly structure welcomes the future red jumpers of Val Thorens!
esf Academy Val Thorens: training accessible from the age of 14
To enable enthusiasts from all backgrounds to benefit from training adapted to their needs, the ESF Academy is available locally. The ESF Academy Val Thorens is open to experienced skiers aged 14 and over!
Our Academy offers several options to suit everyone's preferences and abilities:
Whichever option you choose, you'll benefit from a complete training programme with a single goal in mind: becoming a ski instructor! Don't hesitate to contact us by e-mail at esf@esf.me or by phone on 04 79 00 02 86 to send us your CV or for more information.
Our Academy offers several options to suit everyone's preferences and abilities:
- One-off session(s) at 30 € ;
- Weekend package covering all Saturday afternoons and Sunday mornings during the season at 420 € ;
- Tailor-made season package at €1,800.
Whichever option you choose, you'll benefit from a complete training programme with a single goal in mind: becoming a ski instructor! Don't hesitate to contact us by e-mail at esf@esf.me or by phone on 04 79 00 02 86 to send us your CV or for more information.
A tailor-made programme in Val Thorens