How come you ended up in Verbier?
‘Our kid’ Tony Walker managed to persuade me to give Verbier a go after I said ‘You wont catch me dead in that resort’
What is your choice of weapon?
Rossignol Hero Masters (my everyday ski due to preparing for ski exams, grew to love how stiff they were as they reward good skiing & doubt you feel as stable going fast on many other ski)
Best thing you’ve ever done?
On skis – smashing the eurotest by 2.5 seconds.
What is your best ski tip?
French coach once said ‘Always be in motion’ havnt stopped since
Favourite run in 4 Valleys?
Greppon Blanc – scares even the best.
Where should i eat when in Verbier?
Cant beat the the pisteurs lunch at Croix de coeur
Favourite watering hole?
Partial to a Chouffe at Vinabagnes
What is the one thing not to miss when in Verbier?
Go karting on Ice (according to me)
Short but precise….thank you Will!
How did you end up in Verbier?
Having holidayed in Verbier as a child, I knew I would always want to come back as an instructor; with a gentle nudge from another instructor in Australia who said to come I haven’t looked back. I love the terrain that is on offer as well as the great mix off snow places and people.
What skis are you skiing on?
Atomic Doubledeck XT
Rossignol Hero Master
Best thing you’ve ever done?
I have been very fortunate and travelled extensively by myself, with family and of course friends, however one experience that stands out more than most was a helicopter trip through the Grand Canyon at sunset, it was both unforgettable and beautiful.
Your top teaching tip?
Challenge yourself; Skiing is a mental and physical sport but don’t be frustrated if things don’t click immediately (we’re all human), skiing a superb way of seeing the mountains, exercising and having a brilliant time on holiday.
Which one is your favourite slope in the 4 Valleys?
When the snow is good, Piste de L’Ors, I love the wide open run plus the new lift has made it so much easier to use. You’ll often stumble upon races on the slope too!
And what is your favourite restaurant?
Carrefour for me, the Rosti Creblet is brilliant.
Best place for drinks?
The loft for a nice relaxed drink, especially towards the end of the season on the terrace.
If your clients need to see or do only one thing while in Verbier what would it be according to you?
If conditions allow, the walk up to St Christophe, it has amazing panoramic views of Verbier and Le Chable.
Welcome to the team Alex, we are really excited about having you on board!
How did you end up in Verbier?
I did a ski season in the North of Sweden in a lovely little town called Åre and I absolutely loved it. The only problem with Sweden is that its freezing cold in the winter so I almost couldn’t feel my feet for 5 months.
After running around on the flatlands of Gothenburg that summer i missed the mountains and some deep snow! So, when I got the opportunity to go to Verbier, it was a no brainer!
The plan was to stay for one season but on my first night in Verbier, my boss said: Welcome to Verbier, you are never going to leave. I didn’t believe him then, but he was right.
What skis are you skiing on this season?
Piste: Fischer Progressor F19 TI
Offpist: Atomic Century
What is the best thing you’ve ever done?
Scuba Diving! I have never been a fan of swimming in the ocean, because I have no control on what’s going on underneath me! But when I was traveling in Thailand for two months I worked up some courage and signed up for an open water scuba dive course.
The world under the surface is absolutely amazing and something really special, you really feel part of the elements and nowhere will you get that close to wild animals! I did 12 dives that trip and even went on to do the advanced course!
Your top teaching tip?
Have fun on your skis!
The mountain is a great playground! Put a smile on your face and enjoy the great views (and usually the sun!) If you are practicing your ski technique, then there are loads of tips to make you a better, stronger skier and the key is to not give up when you are practicing, nothing is impossible!
But skiing Is all about having fun, so relax, smile and ski!
Your favourite slope in the 4 valleys?
The slopes in Savoleyres is great if you want to do some big fast carving turns where you use the whole piste. The ques are shorter and the snow is usually great. It also offers some fun chopped up, easy access, safe off piste.
If you pick the restaurant?
Le Dahu! in La Chaux!
The view from the terrace is stunning and their pizza is the best in Verbier. In the evening you have to go to Aiseki Sushi! Its located in Tbar right by place central, which is a great place for some drinks and a sushi plate! I´ve never had better sushi anywhere in the world!
Best place for drinks?
After a full day of skiing I like to come down and have a glass of wine in the sun at Vinabagnes. The staff is great and the place have a good atmosphere. When the sun goes down we usually hit The Loft bar, its a great hang out with some nice music and drinks.
If you’re clients need to see or do only one thing while they are in Verbier what would it be according to you?
Take the Lift to the top of Mont Fort and enjoy the amazing view!
There is some fun bump skiing down after but don’t worry, if you don’t feel like skiing down or if you came up in shoes you just take the lift down again!
And don’t forget to have a cheese fondue with some great Swiss wine on the mountain!
Thank you Elin, have a great winter and we will see you on the terrace of Vinabagnes!
How did you end up in Verbier?
Wow that’s a while ago. I met my wife race training in Tignes 10 years ago. I’d been teaching in the states and she had been working in France so I guess Switzerland was the next un explored territory and we’d heard Verbier was the best.
Weapon of choice?
On the piste Idris Renard and Line Sick Day for off the beaten track
What is the best thing you’ve ever done?
Now then until 6 months ago my answer would have had the words skiing and very deep powder involved. But in march I became a dad for the first time and that tops everything I’ve ever done!
What is your top teaching tip?
Being balanced over the skis is the key. It allows the joints to be free, work effectively and not tense up. If we are well balanced then this gives us confidence and allows us to enjoy the experience a lot more! There are some of the best views in the world in Verbier and skiing is an awesome sport! We need time to enjoy both…..
Favourite slope in the 4 Valleys?
Piste De l’ours over the 4 valleys. Catch it in the morning and enjoy the ride!
Favourite restaurant?
Carrefour. Rosti heaven. It’s been a favourite of mine since I first arrived in Verbier.
Where will we find you with a Guiness in your hand?
The fer a cheval en route to the bus and of course the loft (also en route to my bus) great atmosphere and people in both.
If i need to do one thing in Verbier while i´m here what should it be?
I think like people have said. Whether your a skier or not, try and get to the top of mont fort. The view is priceless. You might even see some folk walking over to zermatt!
Thank you Rich and i hope you will have an awesome season!
How did you end up in Verbier?
Having only completed half a season (slight accident with a tree on a snow board cut it short) straight after Uni, I still felt I had some unfinished busiess in Verbier. Whilst sat in a stuffy office looking out of the window one afternoon, I finally plucked up the courage to follow my dreams and do what I wanted to do. It only took me 9 years to do it, but I’m really glad I quit my job and followed my heart.
What skis are you skiing on?
Piste – Fischer PROGRESSOR F19 TI
Off piste – Rossignol Soul 7
What is the best thing you’ve ever done?
Being selected for the Pub Mont Fort ice hockey team. I really missed team sports and the feeling you get after a tough game. I was totally useless at ice hockey when I arrived in Verbier but luckily I had a good friend who would spend hours practising with me on the ice during the summer and winter, eventually getting me to a decent enough standard where I could actually skate without falling over (imagine bambi on ice). It’s great fun and a fantastic way to get to know the locals. They even pass me the puck now!
Your top teaching top?
Confidence. If you can believe in your abilities and have the confidence you can do it then you definitely can. Having been a complete beginner trying to play ice hockey a couple of years ago, and seeing everyone else whizzing past me, I can empathize with new learner skiers or skiers who want to develop a particular skill area but feel they are being blocked for one reason or another. By giving someone confidence you are unlocking a person’s potential to maximize their own performance. Skiing is as much psychological as much as it is physical.
Which one is your favourite slope in the 4 valleys?
Savoleyres airport run. It is perfect for all standards of skiers. Usually well groomed, flat enough for nervous skiers, but steep enough to develop skills of more intermediate or advanced skiers.
Best restaurant?
Cabane Mont Fort for the stunning views and authentic Swiss cuisine and Restaurant Le Bois Sauvage across the Four Valleys in Hérémence for the great atmosphere and fantastic food (my best friend is the patron and Head chef!).
Where is the best place for drinks?
Fer a Cheval. Great spot for people watching and always a great atmosphere with a good mix of locals, tourists and ski instructors. Plus you get a slice of free pizza.
If your clients need to see or do only one thing while they are in Verbier what would it be according to you?
Catch a snow taxi up to Marlenaz restaurant above Patier for dinner and either sledge or walk down. Spectalular whatever the weather, amazing stargazing, and great fun, with the family or with a group of friends.
Thank you Tony and good luck with the hockey this season!
How come you ended up in Verbier?
Ask Toby!! We lived together in New Zealand in 2000 and then in 2005 Jo went to London and I came to Verbier to do some work for ES. Then Met Hannah and Paul and in 2007 and started at the Lodge. That’s it really!!
What is your choice of weapons this year?
Head Supershape Magnum for Piste/Teaching
Black-Crows Camox with touring bindings for playing
What is the best thing you’ve ever done?
That’s tricky, but either have a Baby, set up a Brewery or walk across the top of Victoria Falls!
Let us know your top teaching tip?
I mainly teach kids, so my top tip is to have as much fun as possible, we play a lot of games and talk about a lot of cartoons!!
Favourite slope in the 4 valleys?
Piste de L’Ours in Veysonnaz or if loads of snow Col de Mouche
Best restaurant on the mountain?
Dahu – good hot choc and amazing selection for lunch, best pizza on the hill or Carrefour for the amazing Rosti or hotstone.
Whats your preferred watering hole?
Fer a Cheval more than likely, although maybe VinaBagnes, and definitely Loft in town, otherwise, Cantaloupe or Couloir in Chable……..
What should i not miss when in Verbier?
Visit the Brewery! Or Paragliding if good weather, sledging with kids from top of Savolyeres to La Tzoumaz, or, Snow Shoe up to a Mtn Restaurant for dinner and sledge down afterwards – Marmotte in particular.
Thank you Gareth and we hope you have a great season with loads of sleep…… (Gareth just had a baby girl).
