French Ski Instructor Course

The French system is perceived to be a bit of an enigma and, to be fair, it is very different to any other instructor body in the world. Before you can even think about setting foot in a ski school, you need to prove your worth as a phenomenal skier, by passing the “Test Technique”. This is a slalom speed test that requires you to clock a comparable time to a professional skier. This requires a very specialist level of training, and that’s where we come in.

Focussed high-end training. For you to be successful on this course, we provide an intense programme designed to transform you into an athletic race skier. Not for the faint of heart, we’ll work hard with you to perfect your technique and fitness, while shaving every possible second off your slalom times. Of course, being an instructor course, we also teach you how to pass on your highly refined skills, whilst working towards your “Preformation”, the French equivalent of a Level 1 instructor qualification.

The best setting for this amazing experience. As well as race training, you’ll spend half of your time “working” on your freeskiing around the whole mountain – ie having fun! With Serre Chevalier as your home, you’ll have an abundance of world-class freeride terrain right on your doorstep. This resort has the 3rd largest off-piste itineraries in Europe and is renowned for its fantastic tree runs.

Christian leads the way. Christian Delafield, our course director in Serre Chevalier, is a fully qualified under the French system with a BEES 1er Degree. Originally from Jersey, he is leading the charge to get more foreign nationals into the French system.

Joining the community. While on the course, your French language skills will develop as quickly as your skills. We want you to become part of the community in Serre Chevalier and, as such, we have a flexible approach to accommodation. We can source everything from a one bedroom apartment to a shared house for season workers.

What the future holds. Over this 18 week course, you’ll work towards your Test Technique and Preformation, but that’s only the start of your journey. With those two qualifications under your belt, you’ll be able to enter a ski school the following season, where you can get a respectable wage as a trainee instructor. Over the following few years, you’ll get loads of on the job training as you pass through the many tests and qualifications leading up to your ultimate goal – a BEES 1er Degree.