Are France’s ESF ski instructors state workers?

Are ESF ski instructors state workers or, if not, are they officially regulated? J.A.

Oliver Rowland

Published wednesday 25 December 2019 - 15:00 Last updated wednesday 25 December 2019 - 15:00

ESF ski instructorsare not state workers and are, in fact, self-employed.

However, they all have an official state diploma.

The majority of ski instructors in France work at ESF schools as travailleurs indépendants.

Others work entirely on their own without being affiliated to a school and some are employees of organisations such as UCPA, a non-profit outdoor sports holiday body.

It takes around four years to obtain the state diploma (Diplôme d’Etat de ski - moniteur national de ski alpin) and the candidates take theory and practical exams.

Many have previously competed at some level beforehand to develop the required level of skill for the practical tests.

Send your queries about life in France by email to news@connexionfrance.com

ski q&a self-employed

PHOTOS: Olympic Flame to travel to France on beautiful historic ship

The 127-year-old ship sets sail on Saturday with ‘the most important passenger it has ever carried’

Phone scams, gardening, insurance claims: 5 French practical updates

Our roundup of recent practical articles you may have missed

Widespread confusion over new checks at UK/France borders

Most Britons polled said they are unaware of the coming changes

‘Brexit: no-one else dares speak of leaving’: President Macron

The president also spoke of the threat from the far-right, the need for more border control, simpler rules and more defence investment in a speech in Paris

Scams in France: watch out for these telephone prefixes

Stay alert to these numbers as they are often used by fraudsters

UK jockey gets French residency card meeting after public complaint

James Reveley asked about obtaining a titre de séjour after victory in prestigious ‘president’s race’ in Paris last weekend

House ruined by wood-rotting fungus - ‘French insurance will not pay’

Fungus can be swept in through windows and vents and lead to extensive damage. Insurers consider it homeowners’ fault

Why being told to go cook an egg in French is rarely a good thing

We look at seven colourful expressions to brighten up your conversations

More than 31,000 in 2024: Spectacular rise in centenarians in France

Women in particular are living longer, a new report shows

Vichy laws still endure in modern-day France

Legislation introduced by the Vichy regime in World War Two is still being applied in France today, a historian who specialises in the period has pointed out

Career change in France: from police officer to gardener

Amanda Freeman explains how she swapped law and order for a more creative vocation in the French countryside

French teenager suspected of plotting terrorist act at Paris Olympics

The 16-year-old had ‘pledged allegiance’ to Islamic State and has admitted his plans

Blades of Paris Moulin Rouge cabaret club mysteriously fall off

It was not a windy night and the blades are checked regularly, say managers

Heat pump insurance cover downgraded for many home owners in France

Wood-burning stoves are also affected following a court ruling

Saharan winds bring sands and storms to France this weekend

Rains could last until May 1 bank holiday next week, with no part of the country spared

Grass clippings: what to do if the tip does not accept them in France

Rennes metropole is the first to bring in a ban - and has ended door-to-door pick ups - but other areas have followed

France to build more reactors as nuclear prioritised

At least six new reactors and potentially as many as 14 could be built to meet climate change goals

Must I declare dividends that are reinvested outside of France?

Investment types and their rules can vary between the UK and France

Mass flight disruption at French airports today April 25

Around 3,000 flights are set to be affected despite strike action being called off. A three-day strike notice for May remains in place

What is cost of average funeral in France?

Prices are reported to be similar in France to those in the UK

Stray dogs to be shot after sheep attacks in southern France

But animal welfare campaigners say the dogs should be taken to shelters instead

How to apply for seasonal work in France as a non-EU citizen

Job adverts, work permits and visas - we explain the rules for employees and employers

State of French roads causing alarm

Spectacular images of roads that have collapsed or been blocked by mudslides this winter have prompted renewed concern about the state of France’s roads

Does everyone in France need to complete an income tax return?

Deadlines to complete declaration fall in May or June this year

Are France’s ESF ski instructors state workers?

Are ESF ski instructors state workers or, if not, are they officially regulated? J.A.

Work to protect birds from dangers of French ski resorts is a success

Electric skis offer same thrill without the snow, says French inventor

Micro-entrepreneur status: Pros and cons of self-employment in France