Choosing a Courchevel village for a first ski lesson

When you open a map of Courchevel, trace the route a child will walk in ski boots. Where will they meet their instructor? Will their brother or sister start in the same place? The answers change between Moriond and Courchevel 1850, even when both children are taking ESF lessons.

In Moriond, find the group flag

At Courchevel Moriond, also known as Courchevel 1650, ESF group lessons meet at the snow front. The instructor waits by the coloured flag for the group’s level. Private lessons normally meet at the private-lesson sign opposite the base of the Ariondaz gondola. A different location can be agreed when booking.

If you’re comparing chalets in Moriond, ask to see the walking route to that flag or sign. Walk it together before the first lesson while nobody is carrying skis. Let your child pick a landmark to look for in the morning.

In 1850, check each child’s level

ESF Courchevel 1850 uses two starting points for group lessons for children aged six to twelve. Beginners and children working towards their first star meet at the Village des Enfants. Children working towards their second star and above meet at the Croisette snow front by the flag for their level.

Two siblings can have two different places to be on the same morning. Mark the meeting points on their booking confirmations, then look at the finishing times as well. With two adults, the drop-offs can be shared. If one adult is handling both, ask whether the school has groups with staggered times before settling on a chalet.

Walk the way home as well

After a lesson, the adult often has an extra pair of skis to carry and a hungry child in tow. Look for a place to put the equipment down and somewhere for lunch between the meeting point and home. That short stretch is often where a well-chosen chalet earns its keep.

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