Jardin des neiges - First steps on skis Les 2 Alpes
Why choose our snow garden in Les 2 Alpes?
Giving your child their first glide is a precious moment that we take very much to heart at ESI Saint-Christophe des 2 Alpes.
Our snow garden is an area designed entirely for toddlers aged 4 and over, where safety, play and learning go hand in hand.
Supervised by our instructors, children discover the snow in a fun, colourful and caring environment.
Thanks to a gentle teaching style and small groups, each child progresses at his or her own pace while having fun.
👶 A safe first experience on skis
Our snow garden welcomes beginners in an enclosed, quiet and secure area, away from the main slopes.
The first glides are gentle, with suitable equipment and under the watchful eye of attentive professionals.
🐭 A playful space for young children
With baby ski lifts, figurines, mini-courses and snow games, children can explore a joyful world designed to stimulate their curiosity and motor skills.
Learning becomes an adventure full of discoveries.
💙 ESI's caring pedagogy
The teaching approach focuses on listening, trust and enjoyment.
Our instructors work with each child individually to help them get the hang of snowboarding without pressure, with a smile on their face... and the desire to do it all over again the very next day!
Practical information about the ski kindergarten in Les 2 Alpes
Number of participants
10 children max per class / Small group classes for personalised attention
Age
Group lessons from age 4. Private lessons available for children aged 3 and over.
Duration
2h30 per day / Sunday to Friday or Monday to Friday
Timetable
9.30 a.m. - 12 p.m. / Afternoon classes from 2.30pm to 5pm during school holidays
Level
Groups organised by age and level: from the Snowman level (first slides) to the Blue Mouse (children ready to leave the garden in a secure beginners' area).
Languages
French & English / Italian, Spanish or Dutch on request
Adapted progression from an early age
At ESI Saint-Christophe's Jardin des Neiges, every child discovers snow sports at their own pace, in a safe and caring environment. Our experienced instructors accompany the youngest, from their first steps on skis, right through to their first independent descents.
⛷️ From ski walking to first turns
Toddlers start by learning to balance, walk with their skis, slide in a straight line and then stop. Little by little, they are able to link their first turns with joy and pride.
🦊 Encouragement and educational games
Our sessions are punctuated by games, fun routines and encouragement tailored to each child. This gentle, fun approach fosters confidence and the pleasure of learning.
🏅 A first medal to reward effort
At the end of the week, progress is rewarded by the award of a first ESI medal (Snowman, White Mouse, Green Mouse or Blue Mouse, depending on level), providing an unforgettable souvenir and motivation to continue the skiing adventure.
🐭 Skimy, children's favourite mascot
Skimmy, our adorable mouse, accompanies the little skiers throughout their week. She's there for all the big moments like the medal ceremony or the torchlight descentShe brings a touch of magic and good humour. Between cuddles, souvenir photos and encouragement, Skimy makes the children's eyes shine and their experience at the Snow Garden even more unforgettable.
🔎 Would you like to find out about all our ski packages?
Get off to a good start by consulting our page dedicated to all ski lessons in Les 2 Alpes Children, teenagers, adults... it's all there!
👦 Is your child over 6?
Sign him up for our group lessons for childrenThese are fun activities supervised by friendly instructors.
👶 Is my child under 4, or does he prefer to learn on his own?
Opt for a private lessonA personalised, self-paced programme.
They chose ESI St Christophe Les 2 Alpes: find out what they thought!
📌 Start of kindergarten classes
FAQ - Snow garden in Les 2 Alpes
Children can start skiing as soon as 4 years via our Snow Gardena safe, fun area specially designed for toddlers.
For even younger children, you can start at From age 3 at private lesson100 % supervision tailored to their pace.
We limit each group to a maximum of 10 children to guarantee personalised attention and optimum progress.
To ensure that your child gets the most out of his or her lesson at Jardin des Neiges, it is essential to keep your child well covered and to think about his or her safety:
- 🧥 Des warm ski clothing and waterproof trousers and jacket
- 🧤 Mittens (warmer and easier to put on than finger gloves)
- ⛑️ An approved ski helmet, mandatory for all children
- 🧴 Sun cream applied before the lesson, even on an overcast day
- 🕶️ Sunglasses or ski mask with a protection class 3 minimum
Don't forget to pack a snack and a small water bottle in an easily identifiable bag.
A well-equipped child is a happy child, ready to have fun on the snow!
Lessons are given in French and English. Italian, Spanish and Dutch-speaking instructors are available on request.
Yes, a a snack break is organised every day at the Jardin des Neiges to give the children a chance to rest and recharge their batteries.
We ask you to provide a small snack (biscuit, compote...) and one water bottleto slip into an identifiable bag (name or visual cue). This ensures a pleasant and reassuring break for your child.
Yes, we strongly recommend that you book in advance via our website, by telephone or by e-mail. Places are limited and last-minute bookings do not guarantee availability.
There is no need for a pass for children at Snow Garden All activities take place in a safe and accessible area without ski lifts.
👉 For children reaching the Blue Mouse levela ski pass may be required at weekends to access the nearby beginners' area. Good news: the package is free for under-5s !
No, ski equipment is not included in our services. Each participant must come with its own equipment skis, boots, poles, helmet...
It is possible to hire your equipment in one of the many specialist shops in Les 2 Alpes.
Yes, lessons will continue whatever the weather conditions. Our instructors are trained to adapt to the weather and offer the best possible teaching conditions in complete safety. In the event of very bad conditions, they favour sheltered areas or adapted activities.
We fully understand the natural desire to see your child progress on skis. However, it's important to remember that the presence of parents in the vicinity of the Snow Garden can disrupt lessons and sometimes accentuate fears or crying, especially in younger children.
Rest assured, our monitors and the head of the Jardin always have the parents' number and will not hesitate to contact you if necessary.
What's more, personalised feedback at the end of each lesson by the head of Le Jardin des Neiges, to inform you of your child's progress, behaviour and areas for attention.
Courses run from Sunday to Friday or Monday to Friday, depending on your day of arrival.
Don't worry, it's perfectly safe. it's normal for a young child to cry at the moment of separationespecially in the first few days. In the vast majority of cases, the tears stop as soon as the parents move awayAnd the child quickly gets involved in the game and the activity.
Our ESI instructors are trained to support these sensitive moments with gentleness, kindness and experience. They know how to reassure children and help them gain self-confidence.
And of course, in case of real concern, we have the parents' number and we will contact you immediately if necessary.
Le Kindergarten is designed for toddlers from 4 to 6 years old which have never skied. They discover sliding in a a safe, fun placewith a gentle teaching approach adapted to their age. The aim: to get them to enjoy skiing with confidence up to level Blue Mouse.
The level Cristal International is aimed at :
- at children aged 6 to 12 beginners who have never skied,
- or children aged 4 to 6 who have already obtained the Blue Mouse.
These courses take place outside the garden, on the beginners' areas of the resort, to progress in a reassuring environment with an ESI instructor.
Classes run from 9.30am to 12pm. During the school holidays, a session from 2.30pm to 5pm is also available.
