European Snowsport

Outstanding, independent ski schools in Verbier, Zermatt, Nendaz, St Moritz and Chamonix

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    Archives for February 2019

    Off-piste Instructing with ES

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    Anthony Voute grew up in the mountains and has been based in Verbier for over 15 years. He has been a fully qualified off piste instructor for 12 years. He teaches both ski and snowboard and is equally happy with his touring skis or splitboard. We interviewed him to find out what life is really like, day to day, as an off-piste instructor.

    Anthons Voute European Snowsport Verbier Ski School, Nendaz Ski School, Zermatt Ski School, Chamonix Ski School St Moritz Ski School
    “There are not many jobs where you can live out your career and your passion in such a beautiful environment. There is a unique energy about being in the mountains and you can share this with your clients.”

    Typical day of an off-piste Instructor:

    Night before – check avalanche report
    7am – team brief about day
    8am –check gear
    9am – brief clients/safety talk

    “The night before I make contact with my clients to find out what they would like to achieve and what their goals are for the day ahead. Are they looking for an introduction to off piste, or to improve their technique, or discover new areas?
    I check different websites for weather, and if I haven’t been to the area I am planning to visit the next day for a few days, or the conditions are changing, I call some friends who work with the ski patrol or someone who went to that area the same day to talk to them about conditions. Usually I visit areas I already know well so I don’t need to check the maps or the slope gradient but I always check the changing conditions.

    On the day, I meet with my clients and talk to them about their goals and expectations. We ski a piste together so I can see how they ski. I check everyone’s avalanche transceiver is working properly and that they have their off piste pack and do a briefing. I check the snow conditions and then we do some easily accessible off piste so I can see how they handle the conditions.
    We then head off. I always have a plan B for if conditions change. For example, if it is cloudy we might stay in the trees for better visibility. I am also looking out for things like whether a member of the group is getting tired.

    Just before we ski an off piste area, I verify the state of the snow and we ski one by one. We establish where to regroup after each ski. On each slope I need to consider what the consequences are if for example someone falls; they might slide, or they might stop safely.

    Our goal is always to have fun safely. So I communicate all the time and check that everyone is comfortable and happy. It is important that the clients understand that I am the leader and respect my judgment and this is one of the things we learn in our off piste training; how to lead the group and also how to turn back when it is the right thing to do.”

    What qualifications do you need to be an off-piste instructor?

    “In the Swiss system there are a lot of courses you need to pass; there are 3 levels of instructor and you need to reach the highest level, the Swiss Federal qualification. The courses include technique, teaching, second discipline, second language (in addition to one of the 3 Swiss languages; German, French and Italian), tourism and law, and off piste and avalanche safety.
    In the off piste course we learn how to plan a route, how to identify dangers, and how to manage a group off piste.
    Finally you need to complete a written project and then be interviewed about your project by a panel. Once you pass all the levels and the written project and interview, you can teach off piste under the conditions allowed by the law.”

    Some quotes from other current Off-piste instructors. 

    “I want to share my love for the mountains with my clients. Away from the pistes, you have a feeling of freedom you don’t get anywhere else and I aim to transmit my love and respect for the mountains.”

    “On the piste you are in a controlled environment but off piste you can’t take anything for granted. You need to stay clear psychologically and not be influenced by a charismatic person who wants to do something, but think about the risks and the right thing to do for yourself and with a clear head.”

    “I always try to ask and encourage good questions and think with a clear head about the best thing to do in each moment. You need to remain humble and avoid doing things from habit. A very experienced guide said that you need to tune in to your “inner Indian” and I agree with this; you need to be connected to the elements and feel the right decision from day to day; it won’t be the same as the decision you made the day before.”

    Top 5 qualities your ski instructor must have.

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    We have been running ski schools in the top resorts in the Alps for quite a while now, and in our view, a successful instructor is one who clients want to ski with. Pretty simple when you think about it.  After all, it is not up to me or anyone else to tell you how to enjoy your time on the snow. Our job is to match you with the perfect person to help you explore what you want and then get it!

    This is not a generic product like a bag of flour: a ski lesson is precious time that you can choose to spend with your instructor to get more out of your holiday. So here are the 5 key factors that we believe make a successful instructor:

    1. Personable: your instructor needs to be someone that you want to spend time with. Not a dour, jaded, fellow in a jacket who wants to show off, but someone who is genuinely interested in people, learning, and their sport. You will find that skiing down also involves taking the lift up and this is time to explore your motivation, goals, and learn more about the amazing mountains and resort you have chosen to visit. The best instructor doesn’t just give you a few tips about your parallel turns, but helps you to understand why and how you learn, and why you are doing it in the best resort in the world (we are all very loyal to our resorts).

    2. Prepared: different slopes are better at different times of day and in different conditions. Different slopes are also appropriate to different levels. Your ski instructor should know the resort extremely well, and will have checked the open lifts, weather report and also know of any regular or special events that are on while you are in resort. In addition to knowing all the pistes, they should also know the restaurants, cafes, specialities, and how to avoid the crowded slopes and lift lines if you are travelling at a busy time.

    3. Punctual and polite: no one wants to waste a second of their holiday time so your instructor should be there before you are in the morning, kitted up and ready to go. They should be sensitive to your needs and design the lesson around what you want to achieve. They should step back when you want them to, and step forward when needed. This sounds simple but in fact if takes years of teaching experience to achieve the right balance between too much and too little, so that you won’t even notice their perfect manners.

    4. Passionate: why do we spend winter after winter in the mountains? It isn’t because of the career progression or the pension plan, but because we love it! The best instructors can share that love so that you feel it too, from introducing you to their favourite views, coffee stops, and tree runs, and bringing you into the life of the resort so that you feel like a local when you are with them.

    when to book family ski holiday

    5. Perceptive: are you a listener or a talker? Do you learn by doing or watching? Are you intuitive or analytical? Do you have other skills that can help your skills on the snow? The right instructor will be aware of all of these elements and more and use them to help you understand and progress. The best instructor will tailor your learning experience to how you learn, and will have a range of exercises, explanations and experiences to help you get there.

    At ES we pick our instructors because of their ski teaching qualifications and experience. We also look beyond that to life experience and the person themselves. We choose people with interesting stories to share, and who have become ski instructors not just because they love to ski, but because they love to teach. If you would like to book a private lesson with one of our carefully chosen instructors get in touch with us here.

    Lagom. Just the right amount.

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    A new accommodation brand has launched with this name in Zermatt and Verbier. Owners of Lagom, (who already have the Bramble Ski and Haute Montagne brands), describe it as a balanced approach to holidays in the Alps, putting you in charge of what you would like included in your holiday. With the new website, you can choose your holiday, leaving out what you feel would be too much, and including the things you want.

    Lagom; let it be.

    What a fitting idea for 2019, the Swedish concept of Lagom, which means “just the right amount”. Apparently the word comes from the passing round of the mead cup, when you would take neither too much, nor too little, just the right amount and what is your share.

    Valentine Penthouse, Verbier

    At the launch evening in Verbier recently, the ideas of simplicity and sustainability were at the fore, with a pledge to donate 1% of turnover to local causes. And there was also a test run of the new website, which promises to be simple to use and well designed, very Lagom.

    The flagship resort is Zermatt and properties have also launched in Verbier. With its car free status, and train journey to access the resort, Zermatt is an obvious fit. Verbier, where almost all of the energy is generated by the local rivers and meltwater, also has its own sustainability credentials.

    The 2 resorts have quite different feels, with Verbier famous for its off piste and freeride skiing, and open and friendly atmosphere. Zermatt is better known for its year round high altitude glacier skiing, and the great day out where you can ski over to Italy and back to Zermatt in a day.

    Haus Andy, Zermatt

    At ES we have had lots of fun coming up with new and interesting ideas that fit with the ethos of the brand. Last weekend we ran split boarding touring for snowboarders and ski touring for skiers. And this weekend it will be snowshoeing, mixed with a spot of skiing as well.

    Properties are simple, modern and stylish, located in prime central locations in resorts with good lift access. You choose what you add, and what you leave out.

    A perfect way to start 2019.

    The Oxford Ski Company – an established partner

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    Experience the most exclusive chalets in Verbier and Zermatt. -Founded in 1998, The Oxford Ski Company have been providing the ultimate, tailor-made skiing holidays for 20 years. They understand that accommodation is a huge part of any trip and have worked to form a collection of the most exclusive properties to ensure your stay is one to remember.

    As a team we are passionate about what we do and take the time to personally visit and inspect every chalet and hotel within our portfolio. Although operating across 58 resorts worldwide, Verbier and Zermatt are destinations which remain two of the most popular with our clients.

    Chalet White Pearl’s pool

    It is important to us that we can collaborate with trusted partners for services in-resort and European Snowsport have delivered excellent service to our clients in both Verbier and Zermatt, time and time again. No matter the age or ability of the guests, we rest safe in the knowledge that European Snowsport can cover all ski requirements to ensure our clients get the very best out of their time on the slopes.

    ‘Our instructors were super in every way: excellent teachers, personable and nothing was too much trouble. The team went out of their way to help us with other things like equipment rental, repair, and reservations. Highly recommended.’ – Previous client, December 2018.

    The Zermatt chalets and hotels we have discerningly narrowed down for our collection represent what we believe to be the ‘best of the best’ that this trendy alpine town has to offer. We’ve been making our way here ever since our foundation in 1998, and work closely with the owners and operators of the best lodgings in town to ensure you enjoy a stay that can only be described as second to none. Take a look inside Chalet White Pearl, a wonderful mix of contemporary design mingled with traditional Savoyard stone and classic woodwork panelling. Built by Philippe Capezzone, owner and designer of the K2 Collections in Courchevel 1850, the chalet was conceived to answer the most demanding criteria in terms of luxury and comfort.

    Chalet Bella Coola

    An attractive Swiss town that’s deservedly earned a prestigious reputation as one of the best ‘off-piste’ ski resorts in the world, Verbier offers a lively après ski culture, distinguished dining, formidable ski runs, and so much more; including an excellent array of luxurious chalets and hotels. One of our favourite properties in Verbier is Chalet Bella Coola, a lavish and grand chalet that houses works of art from all around the world. Set back from the road and surrounded by garden in the hearts of Verbier, it is the ideal spot for a magical winter holiday in the Alps.

    Booking with Oxford Ski Company is a luxury in itself; our pre-arrival concierge work alongside our dedicated partners in resort to take care of every inch of your holiday, right from the moment you leave home.

    https://www.oxfordski.com/

    ECO SKIING: Three ways to reduce your environmental impact when skiing.

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    Here at ES we strongly believe in reducing our environmental impact and promoting a more sustainable way of life to help preserve the winters we love. So here are our top three ways to ski more eco.

    A bare winter in Italy

    For that reason it’s time to try ‘skiing eco’. Which, as it turns out, is much easier to do than one might think.
    So here are European Snowsport’s top tips for giving winter a fighting chance, where to ski, where to stay and what products to use, so that we can keep shredding for generations to come!

    1. Where to stay?

    Eco ski chalets are becoming more and more popular in the ever competitive world of attracting winter holiday makers. When before the description of your hotel would boast a Jacuzzi as part of the deal, luxury food and warm, comfortable rooms, now it may well mention that the Jacuzzi is solar powered, the food is locally sourced and the building is ‘well insulated’. Eco is fashionable, desirable and sustainable!

    Monte Rosa Mountain Refuge, Zermatt, Switzerland. This futuristic mountain refuge sits at 2,883m above sea level, waiting to welcome up to 120 guests whether they be hikers, tourers or tourists. It uses local wood in its construction and takes 90% of power from the sun. The hut sources its water from melting glaciers which is collected and stored in a large reservoir 40 meters above the hut.

    Monte Rosa Hut, Zermatt Switzerland

    Lagom. The minds behind Luxury ski brands Bramble and Haute Montagne have something new for us! Lagom, translating as “just the right amount” is a new way to tailor your holiday in a sustainable way. Properties are basic but comfortable and items within them sourced responsibly. 1% of the companies turnover will be returned to local causes. Their first apartments will open in Zermatt and Verbier.

    2. Where to ski?

    Yes that’s right, there are such things as eco ski resorts! Despite their location and close relationship with the outdoors, ski resorts are not typically the most eco places. They require a lot of energy to power their lifts, restaurants and piste keeping machinery. But there are some resorts out there that try hard to respect their snow…

    Zermatt in Switzerland is a car free resort, meaning it has a lot less air and sound pollution. A certain percentage of the town’s energy is also provided through recycled food waist. Verbier’s energy is almost all provided by meltwater and local rivers. Companies in Chamonix have devised a way to evaluate their use of transport, energy, water and waste to get an idea of how they can better their sustainability.

    3. What products to use and wear?

    Picture Organic clothing. “Ride for Future”

    Picture manage to link together great looking clothing and strong morals so you can wear their products with the knowledge that you are doing some good for the planet. As a brand they are constantly pushing to make their product more environmentally friendly. Here are just a few of the measures they go to, to make themselves one of the world’s leading eco companies:
    -Material cut offs from production are integrated into the liners of new clothing which saves them being discarded and burned.
    -They choose more environmentally efficient ways of transporting their goods from factory to the shop floor.
    -100% of the technical products are made of at least 50% of recycled polyester.
    – 100% of the Picture products are made out of biological cotton certified GOTS (Global Organic textile standard) or Organic Exchange.
    -The Picture recycling programme then allows customers to give something back personally. Instead of throwing away your beloved, worn out jacket, take it back into store and Picture will recycle it and give it a new life!

    Butta wax.


    Everyone’s got their favourite go faster solution for their skis or board. A well cared for set of planks will keep you moving and give them a long happy life.
    Butta aim to reduce their carbon footprint and preserve the places we love to shred. Every block of wax is handmade and packaged by them in their office which is 90% solar-powered office.
    Butta Eco is a 100% environmentally friendly wax with no flouro-carbons (nasty chemically things).
    Think about how much rubbish we leave behind with standard, high chemical waxes and cleaners. The chemicals found in these kind of products can be very damaging if consumed so imagine what they could do to the wildlife when it reaches the ground and local water sources when the snow’s all gone. Butta Eco avoids this completely.

     

    Poleplant ski poles.


    Bamboo is one of the most sustainable materials on our planet. Growing at a rate of almost 4 cm (1.5 in) an hour it also absorbs significantly more carbon dioxide and produces more oxygen than any other plant. This is something that the company Poleplant have tapped into. Hand crafted in the French Alps you can customize your own pair of ski poles, choosing the colour of your handles and baskets. You can even get them engraved with a phrase or image of your choice! The pole itself is strong piece of bamboo cane (At least 2x stronger than traditional aluminium poles under constant load). Each one is different from the next so your poles really are one of a kind.

     

     

    So there you have it! Where to ski, where to stay and what to use to make yourself an eco-skier. Just a few changes made could be the difference we need to keep skiing going for generations to come.