Ski lessons at high altitude: a simple checklist to equip your child
Published on 01/12/2025 - Written by Nadège
Are you planning a family holiday in Val Thorens? Once your dates have been set and your accommodation booked, it's important to check that you have all the necessary equipment to hand.
If your child is planning to take ski lessons with the ESF, he or she will need equipment, clothing and accessories suited to the current temperatures. Don't worry, we've got the ultimate checklist so you don't forget anything before you arrive in the Vallée des Belleville!
If your child is planning to take ski lessons with the ESF, he or she will need equipment, clothing and accessories suited to the current temperatures. Don't worry, we've got the ultimate checklist so you don't forget anything before you arrive in the Vallée des Belleville!
ESF lessons: how to dress your child at high altitude?
First of all, it's important to remember that temperatures in Val Thorens are often below freezing in winter. The weather forecast regularly predicts days at -2°C, -9°C or even -11°C from December to February.
With this in mind, it's important to start by making sure your child is well covered for ski lessons. To do this, take the time to equip them with breathable thermal underwear (long-sleeved merino wool top, tights or leggings). By following the three-layer principle, your child will be better insulated against the cold. Next, get them to wear a technical fleece and finish off with waterproof ski clothing: jacket and trousers.
As for accessories, don't forget mittens (or gloves for older children), but also ski socks, a warm hat for après-ski and sun cream factor 50, because UV rays are very dangerous at this altitude.
With this in mind, it's important to start by making sure your child is well covered for ski lessons. To do this, take the time to equip them with breathable thermal underwear (long-sleeved merino wool top, tights or leggings). By following the three-layer principle, your child will be better insulated against the cold. Next, get them to wear a technical fleece and finish off with waterproof ski clothing: jacket and trousers.
As for accessories, don't forget mittens (or gloves for older children), but also ski socks, a warm hat for après-ski and sun cream factor 50, because UV rays are very dangerous at this altitude.
Courses for children and teenagers!The ski equipment you need for safe skiing
Now that your child is perfectly protected from the winter cold, it's time to look at his or her ski equipment. These days, you have two choices: hire or buy the equipment.
At this age, many parents prefer to hire rather than buy, because children grow up so quickly. Others, on the other hand, prefer their little skiers to use their own equipment. It's up to you to decide which solution suits you best!
Whatever the case, your child will obviously need a pair of skis and boots that fit, as well as poles if they already have some experience of skiing (parallel turns, etc.), a helmet for safety and a ski mask, ideally one that is photochromic.
Whatever the case, your child will obviously need a pair of skis and boots that fit, as well as poles if they already have some experience of skiing (parallel turns, etc.), a helmet for safety and a ski mask, ideally one that is photochromic.
The little extras you need to know for successful ski lessons!
Thermal underwear, mittens, ski mask... Now you know exactly what to pack for your child's Val Thorens ESF ski lessons.
To take things a step further, we'd also advise you to give your child a small, easy-to-carry snack each day, so that he or she can nibble during the day's lessons. As far as lunch is concerned, you should know that this is offered as an option by the ski school: it's up to you to choose your preferences online! Finally, don't forget to buy your child a lift pass, as these are not provided by the ESF.
With all this in place, your child will be able to have a wonderful time in the mountains and concentrate fully on progressing, without fear of the cold or the sun !
To take things a step further, we'd also advise you to give your child a small, easy-to-carry snack each day, so that he or she can nibble during the day's lessons. As far as lunch is concerned, you should know that this is offered as an option by the ski school: it's up to you to choose your preferences online! Finally, don't forget to buy your child a lift pass, as these are not provided by the ESF.
With all this in place, your child will be able to have a wonderful time in the mountains and concentrate fully on progressing, without fear of the cold or the sun !
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