True benchmarks for assessing skiing ability and progressing, the ESF tests allow skiers to validate their skills and identify areas for improvement. These levels are divided into three categories by age: for Piou-Piou children aged 3 to 5, for children from 4, 5, or 6 years old depending on skill level (up to 12 years old), and for teenagers and adults.
Discover in detail the different levels, the skills associated with them, and the areas to improve, so you can support your child in learning to ski or progress yourself!
From the age of 3, ESF welcomes children to the mountains in its Piou-Piou club, often located at the base of the resort. The goal is to introduce the youngest to skiing while helping them develop autonomy and motor skills.
Piou-Piou classes are designed to perfectly suit their young age in a fun, playful environment. Still, children can validate their first levels even at age 5 or younger!
The Blanchot rabbit is the first step for children learning to ski. It rewards young skiers who can move on flat terrain and glide straight down the slope.
The Sifflote marmot is awarded to children who can use ski lifts (initially conveyor lifts) and successfully control their speed on descents using the snowplow.
The Garolou wolf is the highest Piou-Piou level. It is achieved when the child can put on and take off skis independently and make snowplow turns.
Once a child has completed the previous three ESF levels, they can take the children’s tests. These are based on specific criteria including autonomy, speed control, turning, precision, and more.
The Ourson level ensures the child can ski independently on easy slopes (green runs), as they can use ski lifts, make serpentine turns, ski parallel, etc. At this level and age, the child should still be accompanied by an adult nearby.
To help your Ourson child progress, your role is mainly to build their confidence and take them on varied terrain, while staying on green slopes.
The Flocon medal is awarded to children who have mastered the basics of skiing: speed control, braking, stopping, and parallel skiing.
At this level, the child can link snowplow turns and maintain balance on skis. They should also start practicing skidding, an important step before moving to the next level.
To earn the first star, the child must work on balance to handle slightly steeper slopes. They should ski both straight and in skidded turns, while navigating slopes safely around other skiers and the environment.
As a parent, you can support them in achieving the first star by helping with skidding practice, reminding them of slope safety rules, and setting a good example.
The second star marks further progress in ski learning, allowing the child to ski on varied terrain, steeper slopes, and slightly uneven ground. Skills include bumpy terrain, small depressions, traversing slopes, linking turns, skidding, and the skating step for flat terrain.
To train, explore different terrains and practice turn control.
The third star is earned when the young skier can perform tight turns, maintain perfect balance, and brake even at high speed.
Afterward, the bronze, silver, and gold stars indicate an excellent level of skiing. The child can ski on all types of snow and terrain, improves precision, masters slalom turns, and can even participate in club ski competitions.
Skiing can be learned at any age with proper guidance. Whether in private lessons or group classes, an ESF instructor helps you understand how to ski properly, master the basics, and then progress technically to enjoy all terrains safely.
If you have never skied, it is highly recommended to take a few lessons with an instructor. This will allow you to learn the basics without picking up bad habits and minimize the risk of injury.
To reach the first adult level, you should be able to descend gentle slopes (green runs), master the snowplow technique to stop and turn, control your speed, and confidently use all types of ski lifts safely for yourself and others.
In addition to lessons, you can practice by following Sport 2000 advice: learn the basics of skiing, ski parallel, brake on skis, etc. Take it step by step, do not overestimate your skills, and remember the tips from your instructor.
The next step to gain ease and speed on your skis is Class 1.
This level is reached when you can make simple turns on green and blue slopes, skid, ski straight lines, and use the turning step and skating step.
At Class 2, you can start enjoying a larger portion of the ski area.
Skills include moving from simple turns to parallel turns, learning slalom turns, mastering single and consecutive skids, and trying different types of snow and terrain.
Class 3 builds on Class 2: all techniques are refined, and you should feel comfortable on any snow type, bumps, and steep terrain.
Focus on precision and timing. Outside lessons, filming yourself can help identify errors and areas to improve.
This is the highest level before performance and competition tests. Skiers with Class 4 are experts, mastering all techniques and skiing with ease on groomed slopes, ice, fresh snow, etc.
With Class 4, you can also explore other skiing disciplines like slalom, freeride, and freestyle skiing, enjoying all the mountain has to offer in winter!
For further improvement or competition participation, ESF offers additional tests for skiers with a good or very good level.
These include: