Between passion and the desire to pass on knowledge, the history of esf Courchevel 1850
Publié le 30/01/2025 - Rédigé par Nadège
Courchevel 1850 is now one of the best-known ski resorts in the world. Every year, it attracts personalities from all over the world and continues to make history by hosting the biggest events of the moment, such as the Ski World Cup.
To get to this point, a number of ski enthusiasts have worked together over the years to imagine and create the ski resort we know today, as well as its esf.
To get to this point, a number of ski enthusiasts have worked together over the years to imagine and create the ski resort we know today, as well as its esf.
From the development of the first ski lift installation plan to the arrival of 500 qualified instructors, let's retrace the history of the world's largest ski school!
Courchevel 1850: the origins of the Savoyard ski resort
Founded in 1947, Courchevel 1850 has grown rapidly over the decades. In the post-war years, a number of ski enthusiasts helped make the reputation of the resort and its ski school. Émile Allais, the famous downhill skier, was one of the pioneers in this field, inventing the French method of skiing (parallel skis).
After travelling to several countries and experimenting with different skiing techniques, he took charge of the Courchevel 1850 ski area in 1954 and contributed to its development for over ten years.
After travelling to several countries and experimenting with different skiing techniques, he took charge of the Courchevel 1850 ski area in 1954 and contributed to its development for over ten years.
In the 1960s, a wealthy and renowned clientele began to flock to the slopes: it was the start of a long love story!
Offer your child a unique vacationThe history of Courchevel 1850 is linked to that of its instructors
Aside from film stars and sports champions, the esf Courchevel 1850 owes its success first and foremost to its ski instructors. Almost all of them come from the mountains, and these professionals have always been driven by their passion for skiing and their desire to pass on their knowledge and values.
With their extensive knowledge of skiing, but also of Courchevel and its natural environment, they have been able to adapt to the highest expectations of their clientele over the decades. The Red Sweaters family has grown enormously since its early days, with almost 500 members today, compared to 200 in the 1960s.
To keep up with demand, these esf instructors must now all speak English, and even learn a third language (Russian, Spanish, etc.). These new requirements are linked to the history of esf Courchevel 1850, which has had a cosmopolitan clientele for many years.
With their extensive knowledge of skiing, but also of Courchevel and its natural environment, they have been able to adapt to the highest expectations of their clientele over the decades. The Red Sweaters family has grown enormously since its early days, with almost 500 members today, compared to 200 in the 1960s.
To keep up with demand, these esf instructors must now all speak English, and even learn a third language (Russian, Spanish, etc.). These new requirements are linked to the history of esf Courchevel 1850, which has had a cosmopolitan clientele for many years.
esf Courchevel 1850: what about today?
From the beginnings of Courchevel 1850 to the present day, several initiatives have been taken by the instructors to improve the ski school. From the creation of the first-aid fund to the torchlight descent, some of these initiatives are still relevant today.
Although the school remains attached to its history, there have also been changes. For example, individual lessons have taken over from group lessons. Nowadays, esf Courchevel 1850 customers seem to be looking for a tailor-made, authentic experience.
As well as ski lessons, holidaymakers want to discover the best places to go, anecdotes and useful information about the ski area and its surroundings. As a result, individual lessons now account for 90% of esf sales.
Although the school remains attached to its history, there have also been changes. For example, individual lessons have taken over from group lessons. Nowadays, esf Courchevel 1850 customers seem to be looking for a tailor-made, authentic experience.
As well as ski lessons, holidaymakers want to discover the best places to go, anecdotes and useful information about the ski area and its surroundings. As a result, individual lessons now account for 90% of esf sales.
Enjoy a tailor-made experience!