Sainte Foy Resort

A hidden gem in the French Alps

Ski Schools & Guides

Ski Schools

Whatever level of skier or snowboarder you are, there are various ski school, instructor, and guide options in Sainte Foy to help you progress:

Ecole du Ski Français (ESF)

Sainte Foy has its own ESF ski school with over 30 instructors, the majority of whom have grown up in the mountains and probably learned to ski before they could even walk!

They offer both group and private lessons for all levels. Please note that private instruction is available between 12:00 and 14:30. Outside of the peak week you will benefit from much smaller classes often with only 3 or 4 people in a group lesson so you can enjoy a more personal approach to skiing and may learn much faster.
t: +33 (0)4 79 06 96 76

  • Bookings are made directly with ESF and you will need to book at least 3 weeks in advance to guarantee availability
  • Our knowledgeable concierge desk is also available to answer all of your ski school questions (t: +33 (0)4 79 06 30 55)
  • Please book well in advance to avoid disappointment during peak weeks
K Spirit

Located just metres from the nursery slopes and the first chairlift, K Spirit's ski school and boutique is home to a range of ski and snowboard tuition. From private ski lessons for one to three people, to off-piste and heliskiing. Programs can be tailored to individual requirements and K Spirit caters for all levels, beginners to experts.
t: +33 (0)4 79 09 05 57

  • Want to book? Complete K Spirit's simple pre-booking form here.
  • Please book early, especially for busy weeks such as Christmas, New Year, February half term and Easter, to ensure you receive the correct type of tuition.
Ski/SnowboardTerms:
  • Carve: act of digging the ski/snowboard’s edge into packed snow to turn
  • Fall line: the line a ball would follow if rolled down the slope; the quickest route down the mountain
  • Falling leaf: beginner snowboarder's technique whereby you side-slip from side to side across the piste on one edge of the board to learn control
  • Freestyle skiing: skiing discipline that incorporates aerial acrobatic techniques into downhill skiing
  • Parallel turn/stop: progression from snow plough where your skis are parallel during turns and stopping
  • Pole plant: timely placement of one pole in the snow around which you make your turn
  • Riding: snowboarding term for when a boarder is descending the mountain
  • Side slip: snowboarding technique when learning to stand up and gradually slide down the slope on either heels or toes
  • Snow plough: braking manoeuvre whereby skiers move their ski tips to form a triangular shape also referred to as a wedge or pizza

Private Instructors & Guides

Private Instructors & Guides:

Whether you would just like one-to-one tuition as a learner, or are looking to improve technique at any level, there are various independent ski and snowboard instructors serving Sainte Foy.

For the off-piste enthusiasts there is no better to place to come with a wealth of experienced guides on our door step. Tailor-made programmes are available for small and large groups from intermediate to advanced skiers:

  • Alex'treme
  • On and off-piste skiing tuition and guiding. Introduction and training in the safety equipment for off-piste (supplementary). Heli-skiing and snowboarding day trips available (good technical level required).
    t: +33 (0)6 89 16 80 66
  • Bureau des Guides de Haute-Tarentaise
    A team of fully qualified professionals which has been working together since 1992 to provide a complete package of mountain activities for its clients. The extremely knowledgeable team live all year round in a mountain environment. Offering both winter and summer activities. Winter activities include off-piste skiing, cross-country treks, ski touring and long weekend trips.
    t: +33 (0)6 14 62 90 24
  • Carole Gauthier
  • Twelve years of teaching experience and an ex pro freerider. Private lessons in skiing, snowboarding and telemarking.
    t: +33 (0)6 11 30 09 19
  • Laurent Camus
  • A ski instructor with over thirty years' experience. Offering lessons for all levels plus off-piste and heliskiing.
    t: +33 (0)6 80 42 78 51
  • Progression Ski
    A fully qualified team of British and International instructors offers the full range of class types and levels using progressive and innovative techniques appropriate to modern equipment. Covering ski, snowboard and telemark lessons, off-piste, plus all age groups.
    t +44 (0)208 123 3001 (all year round)
    t: +33 (0)6 21 93 93 80 (winter in resort)
  • Severin Marchand, Guides & Co.
  • High mountain guide offering off-piste, ice climbing and heliskiing in the winter as well as mountaineering, sport climbing, canyoning and via ferrata in the summer months.
    t: +33 (0)6 23 61 72 84