European Snowsport

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

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    Archives for September 2019

    Luxury winter rentals -Verbier.co

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    Verbier.co are an established accommodation partner and have been providing high end chalet and apartment rentals to clients from all over the world for almost 20 years.

    Modern properties from 3 to 7 bedrooms are available on a self-catered or fully serviced basis and all clients are offered a comprehensive concierge service to help organise all aspects of their Verbier ski holiday. This includes discounted lift passes, ski rental and ski lessons. From the moment you are personally greeted on arrival, our year round resort staff will be on hand to help ensure an enjoyable and memorable holiday.

    Residence Breithorn

    ‘We had a wonderful time in Verbier. The apartment was wonderful. It had everything you needed. The beds were comfortable. The location was excellent. The quality of services you provided was excellent. I would recommend you and your service very highly. I have no suggestions for improvement. Thank you so much and we look forward to returning soon’ – feedback from client January 2019.

    The accommodation allows you to enjoy free WIFI, local cable television, firewood and a Nespresso coffee machine as well as cleaning and linen changes.

    Additional services can include a pre-arrival shop, to avoid the stress of finding the supermarket upon your arrival. Private or group ski instruction, mountain guiding, in-house massage, private chefs, airport transfers and child care.

    Ski or snowboard lessons with European Snowsport

    European Snowsport have always helped ensure our clients have had the ultimate Verbier skiing experience, and we are very pleased to have had this longstanding relationship with such a trusted partner. We very much look forward to continuing this relationship, and working together to welcome more clients to these wonderful mountains !

    Please click HERE to view the pricing and availability of all our properties for this coming winter season. Or get in touch with ES to find out how you can combine your Verbier Co. stay with our quality ski lessons.

    Equipment checklist for the first time skier or boarder

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    What clothing and equipment do I need as a beginner? A first timer’s guide and checklist. It may seem daunting, but with this guide you will feel comfortable and ready for your first lesson!

    Happy skiers

    Clothing
    Let’s start from the inside and work our way out.

    1. Ski socks are essential, they are expensive for socks but worth the investment. A good pair will keep you warm, wick the sweat away, and allow your feet to move slightly inside your boots. Thicker is not better. The right pair of socks will be warm but also allow your feet to move slightly in your boot so that the blood circulates and keeps you warm. Don’t wear multiple pairs of socks to compensate for not having invested in the right pair, it is not a good substitute.

    2. Sports underwear will keep you comfortable as you move. Next to your skin wear thermal ski layers. Natural fibres have come a long way in the last 20 years and are usually most comfortable but there are also some good manmade alternatives. You will usually need leggings and a long sleeved thermal top.

    3. On top of that most people wear a fleece or mid layer that is warm but not waterproof. Breathable is better. It shouldn’t be too bulky, as remember you will have another layer on top and need to be able to move, but on a cold day a puffer layer can be the best solution.

    A good quality mid layer can double up for skiing and other mountain activities such as winter walking!

    4. On top of this wear a waterproof and windproof outer layer. As ski instructors, we prefer a good quality goretex outer layer as it is waterproof and breathable.

    5. On your hands, you will need waterproof gloves and on a cold day a pair of thin undergloves can keep you warm to the tips of your fingers. Waterproof mittens can also work, but are generally better for snowboarders as skiers need to be able to hold ski poles and this can be trickier with mittens.
    Skis or snowboard and boots.

    6. Boots. There’s no need to go out and buy boots for your first time. Getting a good pair of boots new off the shelf can be costly and time consuming. Head to a trusty rental shop and get fitted properly. The boots should be snug but not cutting off your circulation. You should be able to wiggle your toes when flexed in the boot but have no heel lift, this can affect your performance on snow.

    7. We recommend renting for your first time on the snow and work with trusted partners in our resorts. We recommend Mountain Air in Verbier, Glacier Sport in Zermatt and Premier Alpine Centre in Nendaz.

    Glacier Sport Zermatt t

    Their staff have a great range of kit and are experts, and you can trust them to help you find the best equipment for your needs. Ask their advice and take it! They have a good range of quality kit and will help you to find the best fit for your first day. If you find it isn’t working out for you, they are also happy to help you change to another choice until you find the best solution.

    8. Give yourself time. Usually allow about half an hour to get kitted out if you plan to do this on the first morning of your holiday.

    9. Pre book. If you are travelling in a busy week, do book ahead and try to pick up your kit the evening before you start on the snow to avoid stress.

    10. Poles or no poles? Beginner adult skiers should take skis, boots and ski poles. For beginner children, poles are not needed on the first day. Beginner snowboarders need snowboard and boots.

    Other kit
    11. On your head, wear a helmet. It should fit snugly so that it doesn’t move, but not rub or press. Our ski school policy is that all our instructors should wear helmets to set an example. It is not cool to be unsafe 😊

    The European Snowsport Instructor look

    12. And then goggles. In fog, yellow or orange lenses give better visibility. Sunglasses are less good as they don’t protect as well from glare or wind, and wearing them inside a helmet can be uncomfortable. You do need eye protection as the glare and reflection are intense in a snowy environment.
    Your goggles go on after the helmet with the strap on the outside of the helmet.

    13. It is a good idea to have a face protector, buff or scarf in your pocket that you can wrap up in if the wind picks up or temperature drops.

    Instructor Lee wrapped up for high speeds!

    14. Sunscreen is also essential; don’t be caught out on a (rare) cloudy day thinking you won’t get burnt, you will! And sunburn is not a good look at après.

    So there you have it, our checklist for the first time skier.

    Also check out our piece on 5 essentials to keep in your pockets
    https://europeansnowsport.com/five-ski-essentials-keep-pockets-slopes/
    And for children, our top tips for taking kids skiing
    https://europeansnowsport.com/10-tips-for-taking-kids-skiing/
    5 common fears of first time skiers
    https://europeansnowsport.com/5-common-fears-for-first-time-skiers/

    If you would like to find out more or book a lesson contact us here on the ES website. See you on the slopes!

    Neal Wardman: Glacier trekking

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    Verbier instructor Neal Wardman tells us about his three day glacier trekking adventure across part of the famous Haute Route, a classic route that crosses the Alps between Zermatt, Verbier and Chamonix. 

    DAY 1.

    The first day started out a little misty and was slowed by numerous boulder fields over steep terrain. The group scrambled on for many hours until the Salienaz Glacier eventually came into view.

    “How much further until we get to the hut?” was the next question. “Just another 2 hours” the guide replied. “JUST!” we all muttered under our breath.

    Phew … after around 5 hours of hiking we eventually got to the Cabane Saleinaz at an altitude of 2691metres, exhausted but totally exhilarated with the days achievements. Large bowls of warm tea greeted us provided by the couple who run the cabane. They sat preparing the evening meal which everyone was really looking forward to. “Yoga anyone?” I suggested. “OK then” was the reply of five of us so we took off our shoes and socks liberating our hard working feet from the days walk.

    The team enjoyed a hearty evening meal then retired to a decent sized bunk room, with two rows of bunk beds. As expected the night was interrupted from time to time by headtorch-lit toilet trips.

    DAY 2.

    Sunrises in the mountains are absolutely spectacular and the next morning didn’t fail to impress.

    The next day was to offer cooler temperatures and the first glacier crossing -after some more rocks of course. Fuelled by a typical alpine breakfast of bread, cheese and muesli the team packed their gear back into our backpacks and set off for the next day of adventure.

    After some more precarious rock hopping they could see the glacier that they were about to cross.

    …everyone marched across the ice, sometimes stopping to admire the crystals that had formed in the rock over thousands or millions of years. A geologists dream.

    DSC00124

    After successfully crossing the first glacier the group continued on snowy ground -familiar territory for ski instructors- and enjoyed lunch in the sun, pondering wishfully if the next accommodation would have showers to welcome them after another long day.

    After lunch the ropes eventually came out and we were linked together in two groups with a guide leading each one. According to the guides it would be getting a little more dangerous so it was a good call from these experienced men of the mountains to rope up.

    This part was a psychological test for many in the team.

    We were told to put on our crampons and unleash our ice axes from their secure point on our backpacks. Now it was getting serious. All I could see was the small lake to the left of the ridge and a steep slope to the right. If we fell it could be serious. As we slowly and carefully made our way on to the ridge I could see the right drop.

    Everyone made it unscathed and still roped up, made their way towards the Cabane de Trient.

    They were welcomed by three delicious courses, served up by the two guides and a much appreciated dessert.

    DAY 3. 

    IMG 5918 3

    The next morning the team gathered outside in the cold to pose for a group photo on their last day of the trip. They had one more glacier to cross before heading to Le Tour, their final destination.

    The sun rose slowly over a peaceful moonscape of rock and ice. Once at the other side the Guide’s had a decision to make.

    IMG 5919 2

    To get down to the Le Tour glacier there was a very steep section of rock followed by solid ice. These conditions couldn’t have been predicted and the guides took the decision not to take us down the route as it would have taken too long to belay everyone down there. There was an air of disappointment but we trusted our guides.

    The decision was made to reverse the route and the group carried on in glorious sunshine with temperatures to match. The high altitude and sun exposure proved challenging but the terrain flattened out a little, giving some respite.

    The landscape was amazing with the snow glistening like diamonds in the clear air.

    At the next glacier the crevasses grew in size. Small streams snaked their way through the ice, producing cracks which had to be carefully negotiated. Eventually they reached dry land again and the ropes and crampons could be packed away once again.

    IMG 5948

    The following descent flared up some sore knees but the beautiful scenery was enough to take their minds from the worse of it.

    We meandered along the mountain side following the path that must have seen thousands of walking over hundreds of years. Some of the drops to the side were quite steep and had chains fastened to the rock for us to hold on to just for a bit of safety and peace of mind.

    The last part of the journey was to be made by chairlift -a happy sight for sore knees. This took the team down to Champex Lac for a well deserved beer or two.

    IMG 5908

    Photo credits to Marco Shapiro and Neal Wardman.

    Off Piste Equipment Guide.