Lessons for beginners
Group lessons
Private lessons
Are you a beginner or taking ski lessons? The Flex Card is the perfect partner for your first turns. It gives you the freedom to discover skiing without worrying about lift pass logistics.
Pro tip: it’s the ideal option to focus entirely on your progress and the enjoyment of skiing, with no administrative hassle.
Nestled in the mountains above the village, the Cirque du Lys ski area in Cauterets is renowned for its exceptional natural snowfall throughout the season. Its beginner zone is fully secured and separate from the rest of the ski area, making it a safe and peaceful place to learn.
At the top of the gondola, you’ll find the beginner zone and its snow garden: a sheltered area where you can put on skis for the very first time in complete peace of mind, just a few steps from the ESI instructors.
A ski pass is required to use the lifts, and for beginners, Carte Flex ticks all the boxes:
Reduced prices based on the zone you ski in
If you ski in the beginner zone, you only pay the rate for that specific sector.
No need to queue at the ticket office
Your pass stays valid throughout the season, so you can head straight to the lifts.
Valid at other N’PY resorts
For an additional €5.
Opening dates & hours
Opening dates depend on resort opening conditions and weather.
Opening hours (outside school holidays)
Monday to Sunday: 9am – 5pm
Opening hours (during school holidays)
Monday to Sunday: 9am – 5pm
Meeting point
The meeting point for your ski lessons in Cauterets is at the "jardin des neiges", opposite the Lys terrace.
Address
ESI Cauterets, 3 place Foch, 65110 Cauterets
Good to know
- A valid ski pass is required and is not included with ski lessons.
FAQs
Our answers
ESI Cauterets is the International Ski School based at Lys, at the foot of the Cirque du Lys ski area, where the team has been sharing its passion for skiing for more than 20 years.
What sets it apart? A friendly, personalised approach, small groups, multilingual instructors and a real family atmosphere.
A different way to learn, complementing the other ski schools in the resort.
Yes, it’s one of the school’s key commitments: ESI Cauterets limits groups to a maximum of 9 people throughout the season.
That means more time on the snow for everyone, more attention from the instructor and faster progress than in larger groups.
It’s a real advantage when you’re starting out and want plenty of individual attention.
Yes. The school offers group ski lessons, group snowboard lessons and private lessons.
ESI has its own level system (Souris, Cristal, Cristal de Diamant, etc.), with medals recognised across the ESI network.
There’s also a more modern way to keep track of progress: the ESI app lets you follow your child’s progress, so there’s no more worrying about a forgotten progress booklet at the bottom of the bag. At each stage, children work towards and achieve specific skills.
Yes, it’s part of the school’s DNA. Like all International Ski Schools, ESI Cauterets has instructors trained to teach in different languages.
Lessons can be taught in French, English or Spanish, making it a great option for international families.
Yes, a ski pass is required and is not included in the lesson. You’ll need one to use the lifts with your instructor.
If you’re just starting out, the Cauterets Carte Flex is the most flexible option. You only pay for the area you actually ski in. Order online, keep the card in your jacket and you’re ready to go!
Pyrenean expertise, without the stress
L'expertise pyrénéenne, sans le stress
Booking your lessons with ESI Cauterets through N'PY means you can organise everything in one place: lessons, ski pass and equipment hire, all in just a few clicks.
Our local team, based in Lourdes, knows the resort inside out and can help you find the right option, from the Piou Piou Club for children from age 3 to beginner lessons for adults
And to make budgeting easier, you can pay in 3 or 4 instalments.
Reviews
It was fantastic!
“Great experience with group lessons with Nathalie. She’s a great teacher, very patient and funny. My son also really enjoyed his lessons with Matthieu. Great atmosphere with the ESI team on the slopes. Highly recommend.”
Gaelle
“A really great experience! It was my second time skiing, and I took group lessons with Jérôme. He’s an excellent instructor, and I can really feel how much I’ve improved in just a few hours. I’m already looking forward to getting back on the slopes next year. :)”
Aurély
“Great teaching approach: learning to enjoy gliding on the snow at your own pace while mastering all the basics. A big thank you to Vincent for his good humour and teaching skills, which help keep our children safe and give them confidence.”
Silvi
“We took a beginner ski lesson with Angèle. There were four adults, and she was fantastic: really friendly, great explanations and very patient, always with a smile. The complete opposite of an ESI instructor (I think they were around the same age) who was awful with the children. We’re so happy we had Angèle. A huge thank you to her!”
Isabelle
“A big thank you to Sebastien, who managed to keep everyone motivated despite the weather not always being great. His teaching skills and good humour were spot on! Thank you!”
Sophie
“A huge thank you to the whole team, and especially to Mattieu, for his good humour and patience with the children. And a special thank you to the lady (sorry, I didn’t catch her name) who took my daughter somewhere warm for a break! See you next year. Charlie – snack break 🫶🏼”
Lou
“Thank you to ESI, and especially to Vincent, the best instructor! He looked after our family all week with kindness and great teaching skills. Can’t wait for next year 😊”
Virginie
Contact us
We are listening to you
Our 100% local team is available to answer your questions on all topics, via messaging, email, telephone, or even on social media!
Means of contact