⛷️ Courchevel 1850 Children’s Programs: The Full Guide to Lessons and Care
Your luxury family holiday in Courchevel is only complete if you secure high-quality activities for your children. This region operates a comprehensive educational system that includes not only skiing but also dedicated childcare.
We provide the precise information you need to choose and book the best ski courses for children aged 18 months to 16 years in advance.
🍼 Care and Development: Garderie Drago Nursery
A licensed nursery is available for Courchevel’s youngest guests.
🏠 Garderie Drago (From 18 Months to 3 Years)
This is more than just a crèche; it is the first playful introduction led by educators and supervisors. All activities take place in a safe and structured area.
- Age: From 18 months to 3 years.
- Operating Hours: Monday — Friday (non-holiday weeks) or starting Sunday (during holidays). Morning, afternoon, or full-day options are available.
- Cost (5 Days): From 226 € for half a day and 361 € for a full day. Lunch is charged separately — 30 €.
Mandatory Requirements:
- Attendance requires presenting up-to-date vaccination records or a recent medical certificate from a doctor.
- Don’t forget the child’s favourite toy ("doudou") and a change of clothes.
🎿 Ski and Snowboard Lessons: Village des Enfants ESF
The entire children’s ski education system in Courchevel is centered around the French Ski School ESF (École du Ski Français) on the specially designated Village des Enfants area, spanning 3 hectares.
1. First Steps (3–5 Years): Club Piou Piou
The program is tailored for the youngest skiers.
- Club Piou Piou: A playful teaching method and the first introduction to snow for toddlers.
- Area: Numerous play zones, beginner slopes, and fun infrastructure inside the snowy "Kids Village."
2. Group Lessons (6–12 Years): Top 6 Enfants
For fast and safe progress, ESF offers a premium lesson format.
- «Top 6 Enfants»: Group lessons with a maximum of 6 children per qualified instructor, ensuring enhanced attention and safety.
- Snowboarding: Specialized snowboarding courses are available for children aged 6 years and older.
3. Advanced and Professional Courses
Courses are available for older children from basic to expert levels, including:
- Freestyle and Freeride: Specialized training sessions only upon reaching a certain skill level. Additional insurance is required.
- Competitions: Preparation for the slalom tests «Fléchette» or «Chamois», which are mandatory for admission to the Club ESF level.
📅 Logistics and Important Booking Rules
1. Program Start Dates
- Start of the Week: Most courses and services (including Club Piou Piou and Top 6 Enfants) start exclusively on Sunday or Monday.
- Ski Pass: A ski pass is necessary for unguided skiing, but it is often included in the price of many beginner children’s courses.
2. Advance Booking
- Deadlines: Registration for high-season lessons must be made well in advance. General rule: book no later than 48 hours before the course begins.
- February Holidays: Bookings for this period close on January 10th.
3. Resident Tariffs
Special conditions apply for families who can confirm their parents’ enrollment or employment in Courchevel:
- Flexible Lessons: Programs run on Wednesdays, weekends, and during French holidays (Zone A).
- Price Examples: Ski pass for all lessons — 730 €. Competitions — 1030 €.
- Payment: Installment payment options are available upon confirmation.
P.S. Note: For competition, freestyle, and freeride courses, a helmet and back protector (turtle) are mandatory. These details will help your reader better navigate the rules and opportunities for children’s ski lessons in Courchevel.