Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
What insurance should I take out for winter sports?
The ESF does not insure its students, so we recommend that you take out "Carré Neige" insurance, which covers you in the event of accident or illness: 3.30€/day.
For more information, visit: www.carreneige.com
You can purchase the Carré Neige at the same time as your lessons on our website.
For more information, visit: www.carreneige.com
You can purchase the Carré Neige at the same time as your lessons on our website.
What happens if I cancel my stay?
Simply contact us at least one day before the start of your course. We'll give you a full refund.
What methods of payment does ESF Val Thorens accept?
Our online booking accepts all credit cards except Diner's Club.
For payments by bank transfer, cheque, Chèques Vacances or Chèques Vacances Connect; please contact us and we will send you a booking form to return with your payment.
NB: processing times are longer, especially in high season.
Online booking with secure payment by credit card is preferable, as it ensures immediate availability of the course.
For payments by bank transfer, cheque, Chèques Vacances or Chèques Vacances Connect; please contact us and we will send you a booking form to return with your payment.
NB: processing times are longer, especially in high season.
Online booking with secure payment by credit card is preferable, as it ensures immediate availability of the course.
I can't access the payment page after booking my lessons.
We recommend that you lower the security level of your browser and disable your firewall for the duration of your booking.
Where and how are kids fed, and what happens if they have dietary requirements?
- Children take their meals in our Mini Club dining hall, under the supervision of monitors and activity leaders.
- Meals are prepared by our cooks, who can take account of individual dietary requirements. Please fill in the health form beforehand.
- Meals are followed by rest or play time, depending on the age and needs of the children. Naps are possible, and we have beds available for this purpose.
My child will turn 3 shortly after our stay in Val Thorens. Should I enrol him in daycare or can I enrol him in Club Piou Piou?
You must register your child in the day-care center. We cannot accept children who are under 3 years of age at the start of their stay.
Is equipment included in the price?
- The ESF does not provide ski equipment.
- For snowshoeing outings, we do provide the equipment (snowshoes and poles).
- For off-piste courses, we also lend safety equipment: avalanche transceiver, bag, shovel and probe.
- For handiski courses, we provide the chair (several frame types available).
Why can't I make a booking?
- Lessons are fully booked: this means that you have exceeded the booking deadline (online bookings stop 3 days before the start of lessons: depending on availability, you can book your lessons directly at the ESF reception desk on arrival).
- The student's date of birth is incompatible with the chosen course.
"The student's age doesn't match the chosen course!"
- The booking system calculates the number of months between the date of birth and the date of the course to check whether the course corresponds to your child's age.
- For Piou Piou level courses, your child must be between 36 and 47 months old.
- For the Ourson level, your child must be at least 5 years old.
No courses sold match my child's age?
There are no courses available for this start date, but there may be other possibilities for other days of the week: try entering Saturday as your start date to check that there are no other possibilities.