Kids Ski Lessons in Les Arcs (Arc 1800): The Parents' Guide for Winter 2026-2027
By Samy Blanc, Director of Arc Aventures
Information checked on 29 September 2026.
The essentials in 6 points
- Minimum age: 3 years old (completed on the first day of lessons) for group ski lessons, in the Panda level, with a maximum of 6 children per group. 10 years old (completed) for group snowboard lessons.
- Starting prices: €235 for kids group lessons in half-days, €66 for private lessons for ages 3 to 5.
- Level: book the level your child is working towards. A child who has never skied goes into Yetison, whatever their age.
- Lift pass: not needed in the Panda and Yetison levels while the child stays in the ski kindergarten, and free for children under 5 with proof of age.
- Test and medal: free.
- 2026-2027 season: Saturday 12 December 2026 to Friday 24 April 2027.
What age can children start ski lessons in Les Arcs?
At Arc Aventures, group ski lessons are open from 3 years old, completed on the first day of lessons. 3-year-olds are automatically placed in the Panda level. The lesson is adapted to their age, with a maximum of 6 children. Proof of age is required when booking.
Private ski lessons are recommended from age 3.
For snowboarding, group lessons are open from 10 years old (completed), in groups that mix children and adults. Private snowboard lessons are possible as soon as the child has a snowboard and boots in their size.
Lesson options for children and teenagers
| Option (name on the website) | From |
|---|---|
| Cours collectifs Ski spécial 3 ans (special 3-year-old group lessons) | €235 |
| Cours collectifs Ski Enfants demi-journées 4 – 14 ans (kids group lessons, half-days, ages 4 to 14) | €235 |
| Cours collectifs Ski Enfants « midi » 4 – 14 ans (kids lunchtime group lessons, ages 4 to 14) | €245 |
| Cours collectifs Ski Enfants matins et après-midis de 5 à 14 ans (mornings and afternoons, ages 5 to 14) | €460 |
| Cours particulier Ski 3-5 ans (private lesson, ages 3 to 5) | €66 |
| Cours particulier Ski (private ski lesson) | €99 |
| Stage Ski All Mountain – Junior Academy 1 | €235 |
| Junior Academy 2 – Freeride 15 – 17 ans (ages 15 to 17) | €350 |
Starting prices shown on arc-aventures.com on 29 September 2026, lift pass not included.
French ski school levels and medals
Technical levels are the same in every French ski school. Only the names of the levels and medals change. The Arc Aventures team knows the equivalences, including for levels achieved in Switzerland.
At Arc Aventures, the first kids levels are Panda, Yetison, Petit Yeti, Yeti 1 and Yeti 2. The full progression is shown in the kids level chart.
The booking rule: book the level your child is working towards, meaning the level after the last one validated by a ski school. A student’s real technical level can only be validated by a ski school.
The test and medal are free. In kids group ski lessons and snowboard lessons, the medal is awarded at the end of the week according to the level validated by the instructor.
How do beginner children learn?
Whatever their age, beginner children usually learn in the ski kindergarten, an enclosed, safe and adapted area. They move on to slopes suited to their level as soon as the instructor validates the necessary skills: controlled braking and snowplough turns.
- Snack: a snack is given to all children in group ski lessons in the ski kindergarten. Please mention any food allergy. For other levels, you can slip a snack into your child’s jacket pocket.
- Poles: not used in Panda, Yetison and Petit Yeti. In Yeti 1, they are introduced during the week (the instructor lets you know the day before). From Yeti 2, they are needed from the first lesson.
- Meeting point: the ski kindergarten is above the Transarc gondola departure in Arc 1800 (Charmettoger). The exact location of each lesson is shown on your invoice, and that information always prevails.
Lift pass, insurance, equipment: the pre-trip checklist
Lift pass. Lessons do not include the lift pass. Children in Panda and Yetison do not need one while they stay in the ski kindergarten: the instructor tells you on site when one becomes necessary. The lift pass is free for children under 5 with proof of age. After that, the minimum pass is the Les Arcs/Peisey-Vallandry Classic Pass.
Insurance. Participants are not insured by Arc Aventures by Evolution 2. The school strongly recommends a dedicated policy such as Carré Neige, checking the cover offered: personal injury, rescue and repatriation, missed lessons, equipment, cancellation. It can be bought online with the lift pass or at the lift ticket offices.
What your child needs:
- helmet (compulsory);
- warm, waterproof ski clothing, thermal base layers, good socks;
- mittens or gloves with a leash;
- sunglasses or goggles;
- neck warmer (no scarf);
- tissues and sun cream.
Rental. Arc Aventures partners with Intersport Arc 1800. You can book your rental together with the lessons and collect it from the shop nearest your accommodation: Galerie des Villards, Charvet shopping centre or Le Chantel Edenarc. A promotional code for online rental is also sent with your invoice. The school recommends easy equipment suited to the child’s level, neither too technical nor too heavy.
When should you book?
The Arc Aventures ski school in Arc 1800 is open from Saturday 12 December 2026 to Friday 24 April 2027, 7 days a week, from 8:45am to 6:30pm. Bookings open from June, online or by phone on +33 4 79 07 60 02.
Booking in advance is strongly recommended, especially during French school holidays. If your child’s level is full in one time slot, check the other time slots rather than booking a level that is not theirs.
Points the school asks parents to keep in mind
- Don’t book a level that isn’t your child’s just to get a place: it puts the student, the group and the instructor in difficulty.
- Book early for French school holidays.
- The helmet is compulsory, and a neck warmer replaces the scarf.
- No lift pass needed in Panda and Yetison while the child stays in the ski kindergarten.
What about teenagers?
Two courses are offered to teenagers: Stage Ski All Mountain – Junior Academy 1 (from €235) and Junior Academy 2 – Freeride 15 – 17 ans (from €350). Teenage snowboarders can join group snowboard lessons from age 10.
Frequently asked questions
From what age can my child take group ski lessons in Les Arcs?
At Arc Aventures in Arc 1800, from 3 years old (completed on the first day of lessons), in the Panda level, in a group of 6 children maximum. Proof of age is required when booking.
My child doesn’t speak French. Can they join a lesson?
Yes. Arc Aventures instructors hold French qualifications, and most of them speak English, some Spanish or German. Lessons are taught in French and then adapted to the language of international students.
Where do kids ski lessons take place in Arc 1800?
Beginner children learn in the ski kindergarten above the Transarc gondola departure (Charmettoger). The exact meeting point for each lesson is shown on the invoice.
Is the medal free?
Yes. Both the test and the medal are free. The medal is awarded at the end of the week according to the level validated by the instructor.
Should I book lessons before arriving in Les Arcs?
Yes, it is strongly recommended, especially during French school holidays. Bookings open from June, online at arc-aventures.com or on +33 4 79 07 60 02.
Book your children’s ski lessons
Arc Aventures ski school, Les Tournavelles snow front, Villards village, Arc 1800. Bookings open for winter 2026-2027.