Verbier Ski School

Yes of course! Zermatt boasts some of Europe’s highest skiing and its glacier welcomes skiers 365 days a year. In November usually only the Klein Matterhorn side is open, but it is sometimes possible to ski over the border to Cervinia in Italy, depending on snow conditions. With the altitude and beginning of winter, temperatures in the resort can be pretty low, so it’s important to wrap up.

Zermatt’s high street is lined with luxury jewellery, watch and clothing brands and this does give the town a reputation. But it doesn’t have to be as expensive as one might think. There are many great ways to enjoy the town on more of a budget, with some tremendous self-catered accommodation to choose from, Swiss rail pass deals and free skiing for kids up to the age of nine. You can also take the free buses around the village so you don’t need to pay for an electric taxi.

We have some excellent beginner terrain in Zermatt. The resort’s mascot, Wolli the Sheep, has his own beginner area, with a number of magic carpet lifts, open to all ages. With ES that’s where we will get started with beginner kids groups and private lessons. From there, skiers can progress onto their first blue runs with chairlifts and beyond. It is a nice progression and your first chairlifts start not far from the beginner area. As a beginner, you will start skiing from the Sunnegga area, and so it can be helpful to have accommodation nearby.

In Verbier the main languages spoken are predominantly French and English. Verbier is located in the Suisse Romande, the French speaking part of Switzerland.

Typically the main winter season in Zermatt will end in late April. If it’s a particularly good winter season, then it may last a little longer. Similarly, if the snow is melting quicker, the season may be shortened. However, the glacier area is open 365 days a year, so skiing is always possible in Zermatt.

Zermatt is regularly voted as one of the world’s most beautiful ski resorts. It’s not only the Matterhorn that catches people’s eye though, but there are also many 4000m peaks in the area, many of which are higher than the Toblerone Mountain. When skiing up on the glacier one is greeted with views into Italy to the south, jagged Swiss peaks to the north and beautiful blue ice showing through. You have a great variety of runs from beginner slopes to expert, and a huge ski area that means you can keep exploring even if you return time after time.

Zermatt is most famous for the Matterhorn and, in particular, its historic first summit by Edward Whymper on the 14th of July 1865. The race to become the first to climb the pyramidal peak gave the small farming town global recognition and slowly it developed into the town we know today. Plenty come to climb or see the famous mountain still today. The ski area is huge, varied and usually has fantastic snow, due to the altitude.

Zermatt became car-free to preserve its postcard Matterhorn views. Locals were concerned that too much air pollution might disrupt the famous skyline. Near silent electric vehicles now trundle about the streets and help to maintain the town’s low sound pollution also. There’s even a rule that noise must be kept down after 10 pm which adds to Zermatt’s idyllic, chocolate box feel. Most of Zermatt is pedestrianised so to get around you can walk, take an electric taxi, or hop on one of the small electric buses that take people for free around the resort. There is a convenient and quick train service that takes you right into the centre of Zermatt, so leave your car behind.

Zermatt isn’t really like anywhere else. Car-free streets, alpine chalets and Matterhorn views, it’s a pretty unique town. When you arrive at the train station, you are immediately in amongst it all. Electric taxis are waiting to whisk you away to your accommodation or there are also two electric bus routes. The town is nestled in a valley with high walls to your right as you look up to the Matterhorn and the length of the ski resort to your left.

What do you think of first when someone says Switzerland? Most likely broad open meadows, cowbells and chocolate all come to mind. Zermatt is no exception. Summer sports enthusiasts come to hike, mountain bike, climb and fly during the summer months. The highest peaks retain their snow, and the long glaciers reveal deep crevasses. Lifts and railways continue to run throughout the summer to give access to spectacular views. Zermatt is almost as popular in the summer as in the winter, with lots of people coming for hiking, as well as just enjoying the views. Almost forgot to mention, you can also ski in Zermatt in the summer. Just ask us and we are happy to arrange an instructor for you.

There are two main stations in Zermatt town. When you first arrive, you will disembark at the main station or Zermatt Bahnhof. Then right across the street is the Gornergratbahn, the world’s 10th highest railway. The cog rack train climbs to an elevation of 3090m. This train is open to walkers and skiers alike.

Zermatt’s electros (electric taxis) are the main form of transport around town. Regular cars are not allowed, apart from exceptional circumstances (such as ambulances, or those with written permission from the police). Those who wish to drive to Zermatt can find parking in Tasch and then take the train shuttle or a taxi the last, short leg of the journey. Once in Zermatt, you can either walk, take an electric taxi, or use the village’s free small electric bus service to get around.

Geneva, Zurich or Sion are the main airports for Zermatt. From Geneva, catch a train from the airport train station. It should take approximately four hours by train or 2 hours 35mins by car. Zurich takes around 3.5 hours by train, a little more by car. Sion is closer than Geneva but offers less choice regarding flights. Sion is mostly for private aircraft. It should take 2.5hours by train or just over an hour by car.

People from all walks of life visit Zermatt. Celebrities such as Brad Pitt, Angelina Jolie, Elton John,  Robbie Williams, Nicole Kidman have all been seen in town over the years. The resort is also popular with families, corporate trips, mountaineers and so on. It’s a tremendous all-around resort.

Zermatt is located in the German-speaking section of the canton of Valais in Switzerland. It sits at the upper end of the Mattertal valley at 1620m, around 10km from the Swiss/Italian border. It is possible to ski over into Italy from Zermatt when the weather is good, and from the resort’s highest piste one can also see into France. It is about 3.5 hours from Zurich and about 4 hours from Geneva by train.

Zermatt is in the South-west of Switzerland on the map. It is situated close to the Swiss/Italian border, almost directly north of Turin. Geneva lies around 200km to the west. From the highest parts of Zermatt resort, one can see into both Italy and France. The village itself is at the top end of the Mattertal valley.

Air Zermatt is the town’s air ambulance service. They deal with everything from skiing injuries to crevasse rescues. They are based at the bottom end in the village to provide quick access to the mountain, then to hospitals further down the valley. You can also take a helicopter sightseeing flight with them, and see the Matterhorn from above. They also offer helicopter transfers to the airports.

Lift passes can be pre-ordered online, which could be beneficial as they may be discounted when you do so. Or you can buy them at the ski lift base stations at Sunnegga and Klein Matterhorn. Children under 9 years old ski for free.

That is a big question in Zermatt, though perhaps the answer is “whatever you like”. Take a walk along the main high-street at 5 pm, and you will see everything from ski gear to fur coats. For many, Zermatt is a place to make a statement and one wouldn’t be out of place showing off a Gucci handbag or Hublot watch. Then again it’s perfectly acceptable to wander around in jeans and a baggy ski jacket. Our advice is to stay comfortable and wrap up warm as it can get very cold especially in December and January.

Zermatt is most known for its proximity to the Matterhorn. You can see it from just about everywhere in the village. Although it may not be the highest peak around, it is undoubtedly the most dramatic. From the town, the summit is almost pyramidal and has inspired many artists, climbers, filmmakers, even chocolatiers. Zermatt is also famous for its ski resort and high glaciers, allowing visitors to ski and snowboard 365 days a year.

Zermatt isn’t owned by a big corporation, it is still an Alpine village. There are a number of families in Zermatt who own much of the town’s property and businesses. The Julens opened their first guesthouse in 1910 and have since run successful hotels, bars, farms and ski shops. Other well known Zermatt families are the Perrens and Imbodens. The lift company runs the ski lifts and your lift pass also gives access to the mountain railways.

The main street, the Bahnhofstrasse (station street in English) runs the length of central Zermatt. Here you can find numerous shops, restaurants and hotels. The centre is pedestrianised so you can enjoy it at your leisure. The entire town’s shape is dictated by the valley it lies in. Therefore the town is quite stretched out, either side of the central river.

Zermatt Unplugged is everywhere! The venues are all over town and on the mountain too. You can buy a wrist band that will give you access to a whole range of music events. In the centre of town, where the ice rink usually is, an Alpine pop up village is constructed with food and drink stalls and a stage. Then each evening the main event will play in the enormous circus tent just next door. There are also smaller concerts, and the atmosphere in the village is fantastic at this time of year.

Geneva is approximately 200km from Zermatt. You can catch a train from the airport train station and arrive in Zermatt in around four hours. By car, the journey should take 2 hours 35mins. If arriving by car, you need to park in Tasch and take the train up to resort, unless you use a local taxi company. The drive is very scenic as you travel through beautiful Swiss valleys, passing lakes and peaks as you go.

It very much depends on what you are looking for. The obvious choices are Christmas, New Year, and Easter. If you want to celebrate the occasion surrounded by snow, then that could be ideal. However, if you want quiet slopes and excellent snow, my recommendation would be January and March. Though the temperatures are often quite cold in January, the conditions mid to late January are often fab! March has longer days and usually lots of sunshine. Perfect for some time on a sunny terrace.

The winter season in Zermatt tends to start late November. The resort opens fully from early December, with access to the Sunnegga and Gornergrat areas to as well as the Glacier (which is open all year round). The winter season tends to last until late April, good snow permitting. The resort has extensive artificial snowmaking facilities to combat low snow seasons. Even after the winter has finished, you can ski on the glacier all year round.

Snow can come to Zermatt at any time of year although it’s most likely to start snowing significantly in November/December. Then it should continue well into April, sometimes May. Because of the height of the glaciers, rain down in the town during summer can fall as snow up high. So you can get snow on the tops of the mountains even in July and August.

Zermatt Unplugged is a music festival. It typically happens in mid-April, when the weather is warmer, and spring skiing is well underway. Visitors can enjoy the music in the sun on the terraces of many mountain restaurants.  There are also acts performing in the Alpine music village in the centre of town. The dates for each year are advertised online and you should try and get tickets early, as the acts can be very popular.

Zermatt is located in the Swiss Canton of Valais. The capital of the Valais is Sion, some 38 km from Zermatt. Languages spoken include German, French and Swiss German. Though the Matterhorn may be the Canton’s most famous landmark, other points of interest in the Valais include the Aletsch Glacier, Furka Pass, and Grimsel Pass. Zermatt is in the German speaking part of the canton of Valais.

Verbier is an alpine village located in south-west Switzerland, not far from the French and Italian borders. It is a holiday resort and ski area in the Swiss Alps. Verbier is recognised as one of the premier backcountry ski resorts in the world. It has breathtaking views, and usually great snow, due to its high altitude and a large investment in snowmaking. It is around 1 hour 45 minutes by car from Geneva.

Verbier’s ski area ranges from 1500m in Verbier village, up to 3330m at Mont Fort. Here you will find a panoramic view of the Alps, the Matterhorn Cervin, Dom, Dent Blanche, Dent d’Herens, Grand Combin and Mont Blanc massif. From the top of Mont Fort, you can take a zipline back down to the bottom of the lift.

Verbier is famous for its advanced and off piste skiing. It also has breathtaking views and wide, steep slopes. Verbier is known for two main aspects: the notorious and challenging itinéraries as well as its nightlife. Après ski is offered in many venues in the village, and there are many bars and nightclubs. The three main places for Après ski are Le Rouge, Pub Mont Fort and Farinet.

Verbier is a highly accessible resort. The train runs right up to Le Chable where you will find a 10-minute cable car ride to the centre of Verbier. This lift runs from 0515 in the morning until 1145 at night. There is also a bus service to get you up to resort from Le Chable. The closest airport is Geneva and the transfer time is under 2 hours by car. In winter, ski trains also run, which are direct trains from Geneva to Verbier.

256.9km. Milan to Verbier takes around 3h 15min by car, however, if travelling by train, around 4h 30mins.

127km. Zermatt to Verbier takes around 1h 45mins by car, however, if travelling by train, around 3h 30mins.

64.2km. Chamonix to Verbier takes around 1.15 hours by car. However, if you are travelling by train, you should allow about 2.5 hours. It it s beautiful trip, around the shores of Lac Leman (Lake Geneva).

162km. Geneva to Verbier takes around 2 hours by car. However, if you are travelling by train, around 2h 30mins. It is a beautiful trip, around the northern shore of Lac Leman (Lake Geneva).

158km. Geneva airport to Verbier takes around 1h 45mins by car, however, if travelling by train (final stop in Le Chable), around 2h 30mins. In Winter an express train also runs on some days direct between  Geneva Airport to Verbier.

Lessons are essential for beginners, it is the only way to get going on the snow safely and with confidence. Gentle guidance through those first few steps with an instructor can save you time and money, avoid unnecessary embarrassment and prevent injury. If you can already ski to a reasonable level, a lesson could give you the little bit of help you need to escape your most recent learning plateau.

Whether it’s the first time you’ve clipped into a ski binding or you’re looking for a way to tackle the moguls for the first time, an experienced instructor can ensure you stay safe, grow in confidence, and avoid picking up bad habits. Even if you don’t want to learn anything specific, taking an instructor to guide you around the resort and show you the best runs and restaurants will make sure that you make the most of your time on the mountain and find the best snow and best runs for your ability.

Private lessons are all about you. People learn in different ways, at different speeds. This becomes particularly apparent when progressing away from the beginner slope. A private lesson can be tailored flexibly to you. Take the lesson in the direction you want and discuss your goals with your instructor more closely. Private lessons do not have to be one-on-one either; with European Snowsport, the cost of a private lesson doesn’t go up if you add more people!

Verbier is a huge resort with a range of skiing for all abilities. If you are a beginner, you will master and practise the essential skills at Les Esserts. There is also a good range of intermediate runs, with some nice long cruising pistes. If you are an expert skier, you will love the itinerary runs These are unpisted runs that are usually steep, soft and full of bumps. However Verbier is most famous for its steep and wild off piste skiing.

Whether you’re on the slopes or just strolling through the streets of Verbier, between November and early March can be a cold time of year in the mountains. We recommend you layer up. Start with thermals and wear a thick and waterproof ski jacket, glove and a hat. We also recommend suitable boots for walking through the snowy village. Verbier is a pretty relaxed place, and the feeling is not about showing off, just having a great time. Verbier is south facing, and this means it is one of the sunnier ski resorts. So don’t forget your sunglasses and sunscreen.

How long is a piece of string? There is always more to learn, so there is no set number. For some people having a week’s worth of lessons so they can ski from one hot chocolate stop to the next is just right. For others, a top up lesson on the first afternoon of a week’s holiday every year can be enough to get the legs going again. If you are a beginner in resort for a week, we recommend a minimum of 5 days or half days to get going on the snow.

If you already do other sports, you may be a natural! For some, the movements and balance needed for skiing may come quickly, in which case you may need a few introductory lessons to get started. For others, it may take a little longer. Either way, your first lesson will be spent getting used to the sensation of standing and sliding on your skis. Then you can begin to control your speed and direction. From your very first lesson, you will start to see why being a skier is so special.

A full day private lesson can be a fantastic kickstarter for your skiing. As a beginner, the first lesson can be tough on the legs, so it’s worth taking a few breaks throughout the day to keep yourself energised. It is entirely possible that by the end of the day you will have a good grasp of stopping on your skis and maybe turning too.

Skiing is an extreme sport, so it’s best to start in the right area on the mountain and know a little about the equipment to make the best use of it. To make good progress, you really do need lessons. Although it’s possible to muddle through these first steps without an instructor, it’s certainly not easy, and it can lead to unnecessary injury. Bad habits picked up along the way can have a knock-on effect later on, and they can be challenging to unpick later in the process.

Of course! It doesn’t matter what age you are or what experience you have. Everyone can learn to ski. It may take longer for some than others, but with the right guidance, anything is possible. We run many programmes that cater for all ages. We also teach sessions for adaptive skiers too, who are less able, so there’s no need to feel held back when you get onto snow for the first time.

Dry slopes are a great way to try out the basics back home before booking a holiday on snow. The material you learn on, however, is a little different to snow though. So although the technique is the same, it can be a change going from dry slope to snow. Luckily it is easier to ski on snow, making it quite a smooth transition.

We do not recommend it. But you can learn to ski while pregnant yes. There are safety concerns associated with skiing while pregnant. Many ladies request a gentle, patient instructor to help them learn. Skiing doesn’t have to be fast or scary, and you can learn well within your comfort zone and enjoy the experience!

Learning to ski is often a case of mind over matter. Anyone can learn, no matter their age. Here at ES, we teach little ones as soon as they can stand, all the way through to their grandparents who want to share a snow experience with their families. You are never too old to learn to ski.

Certainly! A week of lessons is an excellent way to get started. By the end of the week, you will be away from the beginner area, trying out chairlifts and seeing the sights on your skis. Everyone learns differently and at varying speeds and this means private lessons are a great way to get going. Most people are delighted with how much they have achieved after their first week on the snow.

Dry ski slopes are a great way to get started when there’s no snow around. If it’s a concern of not enough snow out in resort then why not try some guaranteed snow resorts. Look for resorts that are high enough to maintain proper conditions and have artificial snowmaking facilities. Resorts like Zermatt have some of the highest slopes in Europe meaning great conditions throughout the winter months – there’s even skiing in summer on the glacier!

Three days worth of private lessons should get you off to a good start. It’s long enough that you can start to work on your skills and with your instructor’s help, hone that muscle memory so that you can stand on your skis with confidence. Depending on how you take to the sport you may be up and out of the beginner area and exploring the mountain in no time.

No doubt! Learning to ski isn’t just for kids. Plenty of people pick up the sport at all ages, and there’s no time limit on it. Here at European Snowsport, we have a variety of instructors who can cater for any learner, confident or nervous. We make sure you can learn at your pace in a way that suits you.

Learning anything new is all about breaking it down into achievable steps. As long as these steps aren’t skipped or rushed, skiing is possible for anyone. We tend to come across learning plateaus and eureka moments throughout our skiing careers. Everyone has these, enjoy the breakthroughs and with an instructor you will get through the plateaus and onto the next level. Learning and improving is a lifelong process in the mountains.

Have you ever heard of the term “all the gear, no idea”? There’s no need to buy before you ski for the first time. It’s most important to be comfortable and warm. Proper ski socks and gloves, snow-proof trousers and a jacket and some layers underneath so you can adjust your temperature. Good goggles or sunglasses and high factor sun cream are a must too. Rental skis, boots and helmets will do you just fine to get started with. But don’t forget a lesson for your first time on the snow; an instructor will help you get started safely and with confidence.

That is entirely up to you! Skiing is a sport based on gravity, so it’s essential to learn the skills to control our speed and line. That way we can choose how fast we go. Taking lessons and starting on shallow, achievable slopes is the best way to get used to the sensation of sliding at a comfortable speed. Then as we improve our technique, we can increase the speed with confidence.

Speed is dependent on the type of slope we are on and our ability level. Olympic downhill racers can easily achieve speeds over 100km per hour! For most of us recreational skiers, we are more likely to travel around 20/30km per hour. What’s important is to travel at speeds within our ability level so that we can control our skis safely.

Skiing is great exercise! Those who ski are likely to increase their cardiovascular endurance, work on proprioception, strengthen lower body muscles, improve flexibility and receive a boost to their mood too! Skiing can also help you sleep better after a long day on the hill. Skiing is great for you!

Neither sport is more dangerous than the other. Both skiing and snowboarding come down to the person in control of the equipment, just like driving a car. Learning along the correct pathway with an instructor will ensure the safest way to do either sport. Both are great ways to enjoy the mountains!

It may come down to what you have done before. If you can already surf or skateboard, snowboarding may feel more natural for you. If you have tried ice skating or rollerblading, then skiing may be your sport. Some people like the security of having their feet attached together on a board, whereas others enjoy the independence of having two separate skis beneath them.

It shouldn’t be. If you learn in the right area, on a shallow beginners slope with the help of an instructor, learning to ski doesn’t need to be dangerous at all. It is always worth being aware of your surroundings and being vocal about your comfort zones. There are other people on the mountain too, so you need to keep an eye on what’s going on around you. Learning to ski without an instructor is more dangerous; an experienced instructor will help keep you safe and progress in the right way.

In the early 19th century the Matterhorn was considered unclimbable. Which of course attracted a lot of attention from mountaineers. Zermatt’s first Hotel opened in 1838 to support increasing interest in the area’s climbing potential. Edward Whymper’s successful summit in 1865 bought the area fame and so began its journey to become one of the world’s most wealthy tourist locations. Before this, it was just a quiet farming town with little documenting it before the 13th century. Today, there is still a charming historic centre to the village, as well as some grand 19th century hotels. For more information, you can visit the Zermatt museum in the centre of the village.