Jiri Sopuch - Professional Mushroom Picker and Ski Instructor
Summer at Home
Hi, Jiri here!
I'm spending the summer at home in the Czech Republic with my family. Finally, our parents have time to spend with their grandson, and my wife and I have a little more time for ourselves too.
The whole family enjoys taking trips around our local area and visiting neighbouring countries. We often have barbecues in our garden with family and friends, playing games, sharing good food and simply enjoying being together.
When we're not enjoying family time, we're usually working on renovating our 310-year-old wooden house or I'm busy with my second profession: professional mushroom picking.
Following my Father and Grandfather
My father and grandfather introduced me to mushroom picking when I was around six years old.
From the beginning, it filled me with excitement. I loved searching through forests and discovering hidden treasures. At the same time, I enjoyed the peace and quiet of being out in nature, and that feeling has stayed with me throughout my life.
For me, mushroom picking is not only work, but also one of the best ways to spend time outdoors and clear my mind.
Professional Mushroom Picker
Over time, what started as a hobby became my second profession.
In the Czech Republic, professional mushroom sellers require a licence, so I completed the necessary qualifications and began supplying mushrooms to hotels, restaurants, shops and private customers.
Mushroom picking is also excellent preparation for winter. Spending long days walking through forests helps keep me physically fit and ready for another season on the mountain.
Medicinal Mushrooms
Over the years, my interest in mushrooms has continued to grow.
I have spent a lot of time learning about medicinal mushrooms and their potential benefits. Today, one of the most rewarding parts of my work is helping people through my knowledge of mushrooms.
That is why I have signed up for further education this September to become a mushroom therapist.
Family First
My other hobbies are hiking, skating, fishing, cooking and working on our house, but my biggest hobby and pastime is my three-year-old son.
Whenever I have free time, I try to devote it to him. He is our greatest joy and happiness. Spending time together as a family is something I value enormously, and these moments are what make summer so special for me.
Looking Ahead to Winter
All these activities and work help me clear my head, body and soul.
They allow me to return to each new winter season with fresh energy, both physically and mentally. That's why I am already looking forward to the next season.
I can't wait to return to Zermatt, its size, beauty, and the new projects and opportunities that every winter brings.
In the Winters
Jiri is fun, honest, and adaptable. He chose to teach snowsports because it is his lifelong passion.
His favourite area to ski in Zermatt is Sunnegga, and he believes Findlerhof is the best restaurant in the region.
“Zermatt is in my heart!”
Jiri's clients say:
"I just finished an entire day with Jiří. I am an advanced/expert and I was looking for somebody that could improve my technique. Jiří has exceeded all my expectations. Extremely technical, professional, attentive, he has given me tons of advice checked every single move I was doing. It was simply perfect, all you would expect from a top notch technical ski instructor. I highly recommend booking with him"- Google, 9 April 2026
If you’d like to ski with Jiri this winter in Zermatt, here is his instructor profile, together with feedback from his happy clients;
Jiri Sopuch | European Snowsport
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