Teenagers, ESF and Montgenevre

A snowHead

I'd appreciate some advice and ideas.

I've just booked Xmas (19-26 dec) at Montegenevre with my two boys (age 16 and 13), staying at Chalet Ourson (Crystal Chalet).

I've skied a long time and my lads have skied most years since they were 5. As a result they're both confident and fast over most terrain. I've tried to ensure they don't just learn their ski techniques from me, which could result in them getting into some bad habits early. Usually I arrange for them to do morning ski school and we ski together pm.

I'm pretty keen for them to do their ESF Gold award, simply because I've noticed that the ski instruction is generally excellent and the Gold should 'top off' their techniques and give them a great basis for future skiing. Who knows? It might even trigger them to compete and/or do a Ski Instructor qualification in years to come.

Each ski trip I get the same moan (initially) from them about 'going to school' when all they want to do is ski with dad. Yet after a couple of days they are buzzing about the places they've skied and the new stuff they've learned and we all show each other the new routes we've found when we ski together pm. They also 'get more air' with ski school (I ski fast on black but I don't actively look for air).

I wonder, am I placing to much emphasis on the ESF Gold award? (for their development). Or should I stick to my guns?

I even wonder if I can get them on a course over the Xmas period.

Any other options? I heard something about a great loop on the milky way, and perhaps a ski marathon route... Maybe hire a ski guide to take the three of us on a special trip or perhaps set up a ski marathon? They're both strong and fit.

Any other tips about Montgenevre also greatly appreciated. Oh, if anyone has stayed at Chalet Ourson, which is the closest good ski hire shop? after all, less admin time = more ski time Smile

Also it'd be great to bump into other Snowheads while we're there, so do please say hi if you'll be around.

A snowHead

There is lots of really good off piste ranging from tough to mellow, including tree skiing, which not many people ski - so a guide would be worth it.

Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?

Thanks snowball. That could be a good option to doing ski school classes again.

You need to Login to know who's really who.

I have used the ESF in Montgenevre for my own children back in April and they were really excellent. The Etoile d'Or should definitely run during that period and they have flexible start days for that X-Mas/NY period so you should be able to start a course on 20/12. Can Crystal not sort this out for you? Have they not provided any advice?
You can find details of the course on the Mongenevre ESF website or otherwise we have done a summary on http://www.peakretreats.co.uk/ski/montgenevre.htm

The only thing to bear in mind with the Etoile d'Or is that they don't give it away to anyone. You have to pass so there is always a risk that some children won't pass and may therefore be disappointed. You do have to make sure they have the right level but from what I read above it sounds like it.

We use the Chalet du Guide ski shop in the Obelisque area which is excellent. The guy who runs it is a high mountain guide. They have had a fair amount of snow so no doubt you will enjoy it. Montgenevre is a great resort, could be a little cold during that period so do ensure you have the right gear.

Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.

Thanks XPeak, great advice. Sorry for duplication, I posted here and then found 'The Piste' section and felt it might get more response there.

Help!!

Teenagers, ESF and Montgenevre

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