ENSA , the National School of Skiing and Mountaineering

You’re just steps away from the National School of Skiing and Mountaineering — or ENSA, as the locals call it. This truly is a national school because, in France, becoming a high mountain guide means earning a state diploma. Wondering what that involves? It’s no easy path. You’ll face selective entrance exams, a long list of climbs in mountaineering, rock climbing, and ski touring, tough technical training, hands-on internships in real mountain conditions… and, above all, a deep passion for the mountains. Founded in 1943, ENSA has been training high mountain guides, ski instructors, climbing teachers, and many other mountain professionals for over 80 years. And here’s a fun fact — Chamonix is known far beyond France as one of the world’s top capitals for mountain training. Even though there are other centers for certain mountain professions, ENSA is still the only school in France that trains state-certified high mountain guides. People often compare it to a top engineering school — and with good reason. It’s also the leading school for training ski instructors, working closely with the French Ski Schools. In every case, these careers demand a state diploma, years of experience, and unwavering discipline. You really can’t just wing it in the mountains! Abroad, the path to becoming a guide can be quite different. In some countries, training is shorter or less centralized. While international federations help standardize skills, France is still known for its particularly high standards. This unique approach is why French guides are so highly respected all over the world. So, the next time you spot a rope team crossing a glacier or a ski instructor leading a group,  you’ll know where they learned their craft!