Club Piou-Piou or the evolution of kindergarten
“There he is, he’s coming!” »
It is not Santa Claus that this swarm of children in ski boots is waiting for while sitting in the snow, but rather Piou-Piou.
When the big yellow chick crosses the inflatable tube of the park, we border on a riot.
The French Ski School, the oldest structure of this type in France, has refined its reception of toddlers over the last ten years.
Beyond the marketing aspect which aims to capture its customers as early as possible and retain their loyalty with this famous course dotted with stars, the red sweaters have also segmented the technical objectives to be achieved within the confines of this garden of children.
Another school offering this type of structure, the International Ski School (ESI) is present in 75 resorts in France and Switzerland, again with several levels for small beginners and its differentiating argument of only operating with small groups (5 to 10 children).
In all cases, the concrete objective for these instructors is the same: to make the child independent while remaining fun.
Dedicated space for up to 4 years
The ESF considers that between 2 and 4 years old, children in group lessons are better off in a designated park.
Paul Brechu
The ESF considers that between 2 and 4 years old, children in group lessons are better off in a demarcated and secure park reserved for them.
Without even talking about technique, it is complicated before this age to ask a child to carry their equipment, to get up on their own, to follow instructions or to understand that there is a potential danger.
Obviously, not all children progress at the same rate, but when the approach is collective, age remains the most effective benchmark, especially since there are ultimately many things to learn!
The approach is different during individual lessons and the little skiers will leave the kindergarten earlier with a dedicated instructor to help them every moment.
With more assistance, the child will not necessarily progress more quickly, but he and his parents will perhaps feel more serene.
Club Piou-Piou: benchmarks and criteria
When the child obtains their Teddy Bear, their skiing career can begin beyond the beginner area!
Paul Brechu
The characters who populate the Piou-Piou universe represent motor skills to be integrated.
Thus, the hero Piou-Piou opens the ball with a discovery of the mountain environment and the equipment.
A first approach interspersed with snowman sessions and other games with or without skis on your feet.
Blanchot:
the little rabbit attests that the child knows how to move with his skis on flat terrain, that he makes his first slides without falling and knows his equipment.
Whistles:
the important step of controlling your speed has been achieved.
The child uses the long-awaited “snowplow” to manage it and stop!
At the same time, he also uses the small ski lifts independently.
Garolou:
the wolf with the mischievous look corresponds to learning the first turns.
To avoid his den, the child changes direction, still snowplowing.
Parents, know that having your Garolou represents the Holy Grail for a little piou-piou...
Titourson
: it is aimed at children from 4 years old, beginners or who have already played at the Piou Piou club.
This involves learning to use your equipment, using the first ski lifts and sliding while controlling your speed.
During the week, the child progresses on green slopes in the ski area where he is able to make turns and stop.
He obtains his
Ourson
, his skiing career can begin beyond the beginner area!
ESI: benchmarks and criteria
As at the ESF, the fun and progressive aspect is offered first in the areas dedicated to very young apprentice skiers then, quickly on the green slopes.
There is no character or mascot but a set-up space and award medals.
The Snowman
crowns the first slides.
The child learns to move and stay balanced on his skis.
The White Mouse:
the little skier learns how to slide a snow plow and takes his first ski lifts.
The Green Mouse:
stopping in a snow plow is mastered and with it, the first directions.
The child then knows how to get up on his own and climb stairs.
Less demanding instructors than before?
Today, the ESF distributes a “compensation” medal to skiers who do not meet the requested technical criteria.
Paul Brechu
When they advance in progression, the downside of this medal system may be precisely not having it.
“Missing” your star can be experienced as a failure or a sanction for children… and parents!
A feeling all the more unpleasant as it takes place in a context of leisure and vacation.
This is where the instructor must take the time to talk with the child, and his parents if necessary, to make them understand that this is not a failure but an assurance for the little skier to find himself next time in a group corresponding to his technical level, which will be much more pleasant and efficient for him.
Today, the ESF distributes a “compensation” medal to skiers who do not validate the technical criteria requested at the end of the week… just to avoid drama!