Training and Working as a Ski Instructor
in France AND BEYOND
In order to qualify as a ski instructor in France you will need to gain access to a ski school. Ski schools in France fall into the following categories:
Ecole de Ski Francais (ESF)
The largest in France and the rest of the world
Ecole de Ski Internationale (ESI) Based in France and other European countries
Ecole de Ski Privee Private ski schools that choose not to be affiliated with large syndicates
Private Instructors
Fully qualified persons who choose to work independently
The people who qualify to work and teach in French ski schools fall into two categories:
STAGIERES
Anyone who qualifies to work as a trainee in a registered French ski school as part of an agreement with the DDJS (French Department of Sport). Trainee permits - “attestation du travaille”- are issued by the DDJS & authorised subject to an individual’s qualifications.
NATIONALES
Anyone who has the French National Ski Instructors Diploma or equivalent European or international ski instructors diploma may enjoy a lucrative career as a qualified instructor in a French ski school or as an independent instructor in France.
WORKING IN A FRENCH SKI SCHOOL
Whether you are a French national or an outsider, you must adhere to the various terms and conditions of the DDJS in order to qualify to work in France.
Here are your options:
OPTION 1:
THE FRENCH ROUTE: Pass the French National Diploma: Following success in the entry level Test Technique Slalom Examination + the Preparatoire or equivalent (i.e. BASI Level 2) you are then eligible to work as a trainee or “stagiere” in a registered french ski school. This includes the ESF / ESI & PRIVATE SCHOOLS provided that they have the necessary agreements with the department of sport. N.B. None of the above qualifications are valid anywhere else in the world until the diploma is fully completed.
OPTION 2:
EUROPEAN INSTRUCTORS: Pass a European Diploma in full (N.B. All European diplomas include the Eurotest). Only once you are fully qualified in another European qualification are you then eligible to work in a French Ski School. That is unless you pass the Test Technique and have the “Preparatoire” equivalent in your corresponding diploma.
OPTION 3:
INTERNATIONAL INSTRUCTORS: Equivalate your “complete & valid” international diploma by passing the Eurotest and Eurosecurity examinations. This will allow you to work in a ski school or independently in France.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
RE: OPTION 1
You must have a minimum level in teaching as recognised by the DDJS (e.g. BASI Level 2 or CSIA Level 2). You must also pass the French entry level racing examination known as the “Test Technique”.
If you have both the basic DDJS approved teaching qualifications and have passed the Test Technique you can apply for your attestation which will allow you to enter a registered French ski school as a trainee instructor (stagiere).
Over the next couple of seasons you will be required to continue your pursuit of your full qualification. Failure to succeed in your qualifications will result in a revoking of your attestation.
RE: OPTION 2 & 3
Wherever you work in Europe you are going to need to pass the Eurotest. If you want to fully-qualify as an instructor and work anywhere in the world, be it Europe or internationally you are going to need to achieve an extremely high standard in both technical and all-terrain skiing as well as technical piste skiing and that is where we come in:
“Whatever happens whether you work in France / Europe or the rest of the World you are going to need to train hard and pass some extremely difficult examinations. Wherever you start your career & regardless of your chosen qualification it all takes time, patience, hard work and natural ability. There are no fast tracks!”
IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT ADVANCING YOUR CAREER WITH TFSA
TFSA is not a ski school
It is a DDJS recognised “Centre de Formation” - or ski race training centre - based in Serre Chevalier in the French Alps.
AND We don’t teach people how to skI!
When you arrive at TFSA, you already think you know how to ski and we turn you into a top class skier capable of becoming a professional and more. We specifically race and technically train individuals in all-terrain, slalom and giant slalom, providing tuition in the skills that you will need to finish any French, European or international ski diploma. If you have the talent and the drive, the substance in your skiing then we will give you the ability to pass exams and excel beyond your wildest imagination.
TFSA instructors are
outstanding in their field
Our trainers are chosen specifically for their expertise and lifetime experience in Sports Science and Ski Racing & Technical Training. Then throw in some world class training facilities and one of the best training grounds in the world (Serre Chevalier) and you have a cocktail for creating outstanding skiers & henceforth instructors.
After one winter training with TFSA, we can guarantee clarity about where you are headed in the future. We will give you direction in your potential skiing career and we will prepare you for the first and final stages in your qualifications, wherever you chose to take your examinations.
If you are still considering your career options or just starting out on your journey to be a ski instructor, a winter with TFSA will give you a realistic understanding of what will be required of you over the next 4-8 years of training that it will take to become fully-qualified.
You will subsequently be ready to ask yourself :
- Is this the right career path for me?
- Do I have what it takes?
There are no short cuts to become a fully-qualified ski instructor in France, Europe or anywhere in the world and it’s not the most straight forward process to gain the qualifications and experience you will need to successfully complete your journey. However, for those who are passionate about skiing and keen to share their enthusiasm with others, it can be hugely rewarding.
Contact us today to arrange a call with TFSA Director, Christian Delafield, who will guide you through your options and let you know how the academy can help you.