A season in red: immerse yourself in the daily life of the esf instructors!

Originally from Courchevel, Salomé Abrial has carried on a long family tradition by becoming an instructor in the resort. Here's a look back at her career and a typical day at esf Courchevel.

When she began her studies in 2007, Salomé chose to follow in the footsteps of previous generations of her family. Her grandfather was one of the first three instructors at Courchevel 1850, while her aunt, uncle and parents also chose the profession - and she has met customers whose fathers skied with her mum over 30 years ago! 

She is the proud embodiment of a third generation, practising her trade with passion, alongside her other job.

As well as her training, Salomé studied communications and worked for the Courchevel and Chamonix tourist offices. In fact, she set up her own business in November 2017, just before starting her first full season as an instructor, to run her dual activity throughout the year. 

A seasonal rhythm that allows her to reconcile her private and professional lives as she wants.

As the mother of a little girl, Salomé particularly enjoys teaching children to ski, focusing on mimicry and play. In particular, she uses the Children's Village, a work tool that is unique in the world, offering an enclosed and secure area entirely dedicated to little ski apprentices.

This scenic area, the largest of its kind in the world, provides an extremely reassuring environment for parents and instructors alike. Adults can also benefit from the expertise of the instructor during her lessons. She offers a personalised approach, adapting as much as possible to the wishes and needs of her clients, whatever their level.

Salomé has a real desire to get involved with the esf; that's why she's also a member of its committee, which is made up of around ten instructors elected for a three-year term. In winter, a meeting is organised every 2 to 3 weeks to discuss the various issues affecting the resort. 

Choosing brands for outfits, redesigning the logo, introducing electronic voting for general meetings and integrating new instructors are just some of the issues she has been involved in.

Salomé arrives at the resort no later than 8.45am, after a 15-minute car journey and a 10-minute cable car ride. Private lessons make up 90% of her work as an instructor, so she usually knows her schedule in advance and meets her client for the day at the chalet or hotel where they are staying. 

They're on the slopes from 9.30am to get started, depending on the student's level. After lunch, they put their skis back on and finish between 4.30 and 5pm.

"Clients rely 100% on their instructors, who show them their weaknesses and vulnerabilities. In the resort, the instructor is their lighthouse”. Salomé makes it a point of honour to establish a relationship of trust so that everyone feels safe and is able to let go while learning. An essential value at the esf Courchevel 1850!