How did you end up in Verbier?
I came to Verbier over 6 years ago to work as a ski instructor. After a career as a professional athlete with limited funding I wanted to earn a living doing what I loved.
Ski Instructing is more to me than just teaching someone to ski, it’s about offering them a lifetime experience and building a safe, fun and exciting environment for anyone and everyone to enjoy the mountains.
Your teaching top tip?
My top tip for anyone coming to the Swiss Alps is to make sure that you keep on smiling, whether you are a beginner or an advanced skier you will come across times when learning becomes difficult, yet it’s important to not stress yourself out.
People learn in different ways and as a disability and able bodied instructor I understand the importance of being adaptable and patient.
But just remember, you will be surrounded with some of the worlds most beautiful views, so when you fall over or forget to change something in your skiing we’ll be here to help you back up or change our teaching approach so that you can understand something a bit easier.
What do you ski on and why?
We have some great in resort specialists who will provide you with some well tuned rental gear but for me I used to choose an all round 170 Salomon ski that would allow me to go anywhere on the mountain. Salomon are a very versatile and forgiving ski, they are not too heavy providing a lightweight feel underfoot. They also tend to be softer allowing you to make a cleaner turn easier without having to but too much weight through the ski.
Now as I am putting a lot more power into my skiing and becoming a lot stronger, I am looking to change over to a stiffer ski, brands such as Rossignol and Head are great for this.
Anything I can’t miss when in Verbier?
Verbier is a great place to be, there’s definitely some hidden gems across the 4 Vallees to visit whilst on a ski lesson. One of my favourite spots has to be saluting the sun from the top of Mont Fort. With it’s accessible ski lifts, you are able to access this 3330m peak on foot or, for the advanced skiers, there’s some challenging unpisted terrain to ski after a hot chocolate at the peak.
Whether you choose to be guided through the Swiss Alps or want a skill-filled lesson, you’ll be sure to build up an appetite and we can definitely recommend some great restaurants wherever you are.
A favourite of mine is Le Carrefour, it’s not only accessible by foot or ski, but any level of skier can get there. It has a great selection of French, Swiss and European food and suitable for people with dietary needs too.
Eat and drink favourites in town?
After you’ve finished a hard day’s ski through the Vallees, head down to the Pub Mont Fort for a drink, with its lively local atmosphere and sun trapped balcony, you’ll definitely be able to relax and enjoy yourselves whilst the sun goes down.
If you’d like to pop out for some evening supper Verbier has some beautiful restaurants from delicious Swedish burgers at Le Shed to beautiful delicately made meals at Chalet Adrien offering a great wine list for people wanting to see what Switzerland has on offer.
The nightlife in this little Village is definitely lively, make sure you head to the centre of town we’re you’ll find a selection of bars to dance the night away.
I hope that my little insight in Verbier gets you excited for Winter and I look forward to seeing you on the slopes!
Thank you Caroline for sharing your knowledge with us!
How did you end up in Verbier?
Like a lot of British instructors I came to Verbier to work whilst training for my final instructor exams. I don’t think I intended to stay more than one season but the place kinda draws you in and the more you get to know Verbier the better it gets.
What skis are you skiing on at the moment?
On piste I mainly ski and teach on Rossignol Hero Masters. Firm and responsive! When it snows Armada JJ’s.
Best thing you’ve ever done
Probably blagging my way onto a heli trip in northern British Columbia for a free days heli-skiing. To this day I have never skied such steep slopes with such deep snow on them (outside Verbier……;).
What is your top teaching tip?
Don’t think too much! Sounds counter intuitive when your trying to learn something new but filling your head with too much information kinda clouds your natural reactions and interrupts the flow of skiing.
Favourite slope in the 4 valleys?
The L’Eteygeon itinerary off the back of Greppon Blanc. Its not the hardest itinerary but it feels like you are secluded and away from the resort when you ski it. The hike to get to it keeps a lot of people away meaning there are usually fresh tracks to be had when the other itinerary’s are turning into bumps fields.
Your favourite restaurant?
Chalet Novelly in Siviez is a great wee spot. It looks unassuming and that’s part of its charm. The food is no frills and tastes great. They also serve massive insulated mugs of vin chaud!
Best place for drinks?
Vin a Bagnes for a bit of class. You can sit here enjoying the last of the sun and watch the crowds head down from the Medran lift after a day on the slopes. Then when the sun disappears stumble down the hill to Loft for some slightly more chaotic and grubby ski bum vibes when a band or DJ are playing.
If you would recommend to see or do only one thing while they are in Verbier what would it be?
Ski in Bruson on a powder day! If your lucky enough to get a proper dump of snow, Bruson is such a great playground to explore. Its always quiet and the tree runs are endless.
Thank you Alex and we will for sure see each other at Chalet Novelly with a cup of Vin chaud in our hands!
How did you end up in Verbier?
Came for two weeks and took my level 2 exam, fell in I love with the skiing and town so I never left !
What skis are you skiing on this season?
Head Ispeed and Head Magnums
What is the best thing you’ve ever done?
Sky diving in New Zealand was amazing and cycling Death road in Bolivia…..tired legs but what a trip!
Your top teaching tip?
Never rush things, always try to be patient and stay relaxed.
What is your favourite slope in the 4 valleys?
Bruson Itinerary is a great run that i always enjoy.
Favourite restaurant?
Le Dahu, the terrace, the food and the speedy service.
Best place for drinks?
Pub mont fort, bit of darts or just hang out on the terrace and listen to all the stories being told.
If you only had time to do one thing in Verbier what should it be?
Whether you ski down or not, it is definitely worth taking the cable up to the top of mont fort on a bluebird day, those views are to die for.
Thank you Evie and a big welcome to the team!
How did you end up in Verbier?
When I first qualified (as an Instructor), I emailed every single ski school, (Performance weren’t around then by the way) in every single French speaking resort in Switzerland. So, completely by accident really, I guess I just got lucky!!!
What skis are you skiing on this season?
Stockli Laser SX, Faction 3.0’s
What is the best thing you’ve ever done?
Mmmm, not sure I could pinpoint just one thing as ‘the best’. I love to work and I love to travel, so, as long as I’m busy and ‘moving’ I’m extremely happy. Probably why I enjoy Verbier so much. Mind you, there’s always Lords. I do like Lords.
Your top teaching tip?
Be patient with yourself and, trust yourself. Skiing is a life thing, it takes time. On a slightly more technical side, when standing on your skis, try your best to keep your hips forward, as you would (stand) if you weren’t wearing skis.
Your favourite slope in the 4 valleys?
I think I’d have to agree with Olly and say the Jean-Pierre in Nendaz-a really good long red, snaking through the trees all the way to the village. I do also really enjoy Chassoure-Tortin and the different challenges/experiences it offers in just one run.
Favourite restaurant?
As I’m an only child I’m taking 2. Firstly, Carrefour. I know that’s a really ‘standard’ answer but it’s just good quality hearty mountain food and the service is pretty much spot on every time. Secondly, Chez Dany. I just love the location. I love the ski to it and the staff there are always super friendly!!!
Best place for drinks?
On the mountain, on a sunny day it has to be Chalet Novelly for me. However, if we’re in town you may occasionally catch me in Vinabagnes enjoying a nice quiet glass of red!!
If you’re clients need to see or do only one thing while they are in Verbier what would it be according to you?
If the conditions are right and you have the (ski) ability, make Col des Mines your last run of the day. Enjoy the silence as you traverse the top of Vallon D’Arby in the shade but then, as you pop over the Col to be greeted by a beautiful warm sun as it’s setting, with the whole of Verbier at your feet. It can be spectacular.
If you’re not quite at ‘that’ level yet, still take time to head to the top of Mont Fort or Mont Gele, the views are breathtaking and don’t worry, you can take the lift back down. If you a complete beginner, still take some time to head up, maybe for a nice lunch but it’s when up ‘in’ the mountains, you begin to understand why we all love them as much as we do.
Thank you Stu, hope you have a great winter!
Why did you choose to work and live in Verbier?
After teaching skiing for three winters in Sweden me and two girls decided to face the Alps.
A previous coach told me Switzerlands mountains would fit the type of skiing I personally like: pistes that are well looked after and great steep off piste.
I was happily surprised of the amount of sunny days we get here in Verbier and all the moguls you find along the side of the pistes so the choice was very easy in the end.
Choice of weapon this season?
Head Worldcup Rebels i.Speed & Faction Supertonic
What is the best thing you’ve ever done?
In 2006, 19 years old, me and my twin sister decided to get on a train and travel 1700km north in Sweden, to do our first ski season in Riksgränsen. For those of you who’ve never been, Sweden is a big long country and for someone being brought up in the south the differences in the North is huge.
Average temperatures of -20 degrees celsius and 1,5h sunlight/day comes with beautiful northern light and the temptation to go big mountain skiing. This trip turned out to be the beginning of a now ten year career as a ski instructor.
What is your top teaching tip?
Skiing is all about having fun on the mountain! It’s not about achieving top speed or dare to hit the most difficult run. If you have fun i will make sure to take your skiing to the next level.
Favourite slope in the 4 valleys?
Mont-Gelé itinerary taking you down to Tortin, a run between mountains away from the resort buzz and less people also means you are more likely to find fresh tracks.
Where will we find you eating?
Marlenaz, a traditional cute Swiss restaurant on a hidden away mountain side with a spectacular view over the valley.
Where do you stop for a drink?
For a hot chocolate Cabane Mont Fort, for a glass of wine in town, Vinabagnes
If you’re clients need to see or do only one thing while they are in Verbier what would it be according to you?
With or without skis, make it to the top of Mont Fort!
The view from up there is AMAZING, you will see all the way from Mont Blanc in south west to Matterhorn in the east and on a very clear day you will also see the Geneva lake.
Thank you Bea and hope that you have a great winter!
How did you end up in Verbier?
A friend of my mum introduced me to her son who was managing a ski school in Verbier and the rest is history as you say.
What will you be skiing on this winter?
Rossignol Hero Master
Atomic Backland
Best thing you’ve ever done?
It might be a cheesy answer but become a ski instructor. I get to ski all the time, travel to different countries, meet new people and most of them at the end of the day I’m lucky enough to call friends.
What is your top teaching tip?
Try keeping your core strong and stable. This will help you keep your weight more centred in order to not drop back onto the tails of your skis. It will also help to stop you being thrown forward over the front of the skis if you hit a bump or are in deep powder. You will be able to ski faster and more in control over harder terrain.
Favourite slope in the 4 valleys?
Mont Fort, The bumps can be fun and you have the choice of taking the long red down to La Chaux or Gentianes itinerary.
Best restaurant?
Dahu, good food and service with a lovely view.
What is your favourite watering hole?
The loft, great staff and a place where we all hang out and of course the terrace at Vina Bagnes, if it’s nice weather it is the place to be.
If your guests has to do one thing in Verbier before they go home, what would it be?
Go to the top of Mont Fort on a sunny day, the view is amazing.
Thank you Ben, best of luck with the season and we will see you at The loft!
