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Choosing the right ski level for your child: the comparative guide

When booking ski lessons for your kids, one question always comes up: What level is my child, and which one should I choose?
On-site, it’s never pleasant to realize your child has been placed in a group that’s too easy or too hard for them. Especially since at Evolution 2, our group lessons are limited to 8 children maximum. It would be a shame to end up in a larger group because the level wasn’t chosen correctly. In this article, we’ll explain how the Evolution 2 ski levels work and show you the equivalencies with other ski schools. Let’s go!

Ski levels at Evolution 2

Child taking a beginner ski lesson with Evolution 2 in Tignes

For beginners

At Evolution 2, the first levels are for children discovering skiing for the very first time or just starting to link their first turns. You’ll find the Panda level, with the Panda Club, for 3- to 4-year-olds taking their first steps on snow and experiencing sliding.

  • Yetison: the child has never skied before. They learn to put on and take off skis, get up after a fall, move on flat ground, and make their first snowplough turns on a green slope. Equivalent to Ourson at ESF, Ours Brun at Oxygène, or Souris at ESI.

  • Petit Yeti: the child has already skied for one or two weeks. They master side-stepping uphill, can get up on their own after a fall, and start traversing in parallel skis on green slopes. Equivalent to Flocon at ESF, Ours Blanc at Oxygène, or Souris Bleue at ESI.

  • Yeti 1: first linked turns on easy blue slopes, introduction to skating steps, and first use of poles. Equivalent to 1st Star at ESF, 1st Ski at Oxygène, or Cristal International at ESI.

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Children following a ski instructor during a group lesson in Val Thorens with Evolution 2

Going further

Once the basics are acquired, the child gains autonomy and fluidity. Intermediate levels help refine technique:

  • Yeti 2: linking parallel turns on blue slopes, mastering rounded side-slips, and controlling overall posture. Equivalent to 2nd Star at ESF, 2nd Ski at Oxygène, or Cristal de Bronze at ESI.

  • Yeti 3: confirmed parallel skiing, short turns on red slopes, and improved use of vertical movement. Equivalent to 3rd Star at ESF, 3rd Ski at Oxygène, or Cristal d’Argent at ESI.

  • Super Yeti: confidence on red and black slopes, introduction to carving, and varied courses such as boardercross. Equivalent to Bronze Star at ESF, Bronze Ski at Oxygène, or Cristal de Vermeil at ESI.

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Teen in an off-piste Junior Academy ski lesson with Evolution 2 in Avoriaz

Exploring off-piste

This is where Evolution 2’s system really stands out. Starting at the Yeti Rider and Junior Academy levels, children discover off-piste skiing and the basics of mountain safety!

  • Yeti Rider: for young skiers already very comfortable on red and black slopes, to refine piste technique, try freestyle, and take first steps off-piste.

  • Junior Academy 1: first turns in powder snow, independence on varied terrain, and introduction to safety equipment (avalanche transceiver).

  • Junior Academy 2: adapting to different snow conditions, short off-piste itineraries, and improving safety gear use.

  • Junior Academy 3: more technical off-piste orientation, avalanche safety management, choosing appropriate lines, and first tricks on bumps or in the snowpark.

👉 While ESF and ESI focus more on competition with the Gold Star, Evolution emphasizes freeride, freestyle, and mountain safety.

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Child at the ski kindergarten in La Clusaz with Evolution 2 and their ski instructor

At Evolution 2, your child’s progress is our top priority. Choosing the right level is very important. When booking online, make sure to select the correct one. If you pick a level that’s too high, your child won’t be able to keep up and won’t progress; too low, and they’ll be bored and won’t progress either. As places are limited, especially during the February holidays, we recommend booking as early as possible.

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Choosing the right ski level for your child means guaranteeing steady progress, fun, and enhanced safety. Whether starting out, continuing to learn, or even switching ski schools, there’s always a course perfectly suited for them. So, do you already know if your child is ready for snowplough… or for off-piste?

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