The École Française de Ski was founded in 1937 under the aegis of Georges Blanchon (Secretary General of the FFS), Émile Allais (world alpine skiing champion), Charles Diebold (creator of the first ski school), Paul Gignoux (captain of the French national team), and Léo Lagrange (Minister for Sport).

In 1945, it was renamed the École du Ski Français. Émile Allais, who was appointed Technical Director at the time, introduced the teaching method that came to be known as the French skiing method and which ESF instructors continue to teach today, starting from a very young age at the Piou-Piou Club. This technique is based on keeping the skis parallel, even when turning. This teaching method is still used in all ESF schools.

The instructors of the French Ski School, nicknamed the Red Jumpers, are renowned and recognised worldwide for their distinctive red ski outfits. Each year, more than 300 instructors are awarded their diplomas at the Rouge Légende ceremony.

Originally, the ESF comprised 41 schools with 200 instructors. Today, the ESF has 250 offices and 17,000 instructors, making it the largest ski school in the world.

In 1945, the Syndicat National des Moniteurs du Ski Français (SNMSF) was established to represent the interests and support the development of the ESF profession. Since its founding, the SNMSF has had six presidents: Gaston Cathiard (the founder), Edgar Coutaz, Germain Cocco, Bernard Chevallier, Gilles Chabert, and Éric Brèche, who remains president today.