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    Zermatt Unplugged

    by

    As the season begins to wind down in April, there is still so much to look forward to. Each year we have Zermatt unplugged, which this year ran from April 8-12. A 5-day acoustic music festival held in April each year. Unplugged has been running yearly since its debut in 2007 – aside from a couple of missing Covid years.  

    To prepare for the event, busy workers transform the ice rinks located in central Zermatt into a whole festival arena. An entire village, mini hotel and circus tent appear in the middle of town. As with every other festival, multiple stages are built. There are also loads of food stands, and activities like a free photo booth! 

    Events and music 

    The wonderful part of Zermatt Unplugged is that many venues across the whole of the mountains and town also take part. So there are many events outside of the festival area itself. You will find bars on the mountain such as Blue Lounge and Cervo hosting bands early in the day. This means you are able to begin your festivities as early as 12:30. The lineups are also thoughtfully designed to help you make your way down the mountain. So you ski from one spot to the next with time to get to each act. 

    After a day of skiing, enjoy apres-ski seeing some great bands play. Many acts also play multiple times during the week, so if you miss one, you have another shot at seeing them. Similarly, if you really enjoy watching someone, you’re able to see them again before they leave Switzerland!  

    Many spots in town also host events, with Manud (a coffee shop) transforming into a venue for music and dancing. Hotels also host music nights such as Hotel Post and Beausite with Jazz and Blues bands performing. Ronnie Scott’s Jazz club is also a popular destination for great music and atmosphere. No festival would be complete without an afterparty, hosted by Club Vernissage, you are able to keep enjoying the festivities until 4am or later. 

    Atmosphere 

    The village atmosphere changes, with everyone gathering to enjoy the good music. The Unplugged village itself is uncovered, so you are able to hear the acoustic acts performing during the day. At the same time you are smelling all the great street food offered like burgers, bao buns, pizza and more. 

    It feels like a different experience to other music festivals, as people are there to really appreciate the music and enjoy the bands performing, whether they know them or not. Depending on the music playing, you’ll find a few people dancing at the front, with many people surrounding them appreciating the music, or sitting in the background enjoying the music as they chatter quietly.  

    This year, Zermatt was lucky with the weather, with the sun shining for the whole week. It means you can watch the acts in the Village with an incredible view of the sun setting over the Matterhorn in the background. In 2024, though, Zermatt Unplugged fell during the final snowfall of the season. With the acoustic music and cosy village atmosphere, the snow only added to the experience, with spirits high even with grey skies. 

    Packages 

    Unlike other music festivals, there is no camping at unplugged as April in the mountains is still just a little too cold. Instead, many hotels offer unplugged packages, including hotel rooms, some meals and the tickets. That way, you are able to book everything simply with just a few clicks and the stress, you also do not need to travel far if you are in a hotel hosting events themselves. 

    Tickets for Zermatt Unplugged 2026 are already available. If you pre-book accommodation and an Unplugged pass, you get exclusive 48 hour pre-sale access to the headliners. 48 hours gives you a bit more time once the big acts are announced. For next year, the dates to put in your diary are 4-11 April.  

    As with festivals, the main headliners can often be the main selling point. This year, Zermatt welcomed Mika, Amy Macdonald, Stephan Eicher, UB40, Clueso and many more. These acts are exclusive for ticket holders, offering you a great experience in the main tent for a seated show. 

    Tickets are also available, however for all the other acts in town. The Unplugged pass is available for around 80chf, giving you access to all other acts, afterparty events, and the Unplugged village. With this, there are around 130 acts at your disposal. 

    Good to know 

    If you are not able to find a place to stay in town, the train running from Zermatt to Visp runs later especially during the Unplugged week. Whilst normally the final train is at 10pm, during Unplugged, extra trains are put on to midnight and later, so you can enjoy the events without time pressure.  

    For the locals, one way to get more involved with Zermatt Unplugged is to volunteer. Each year, Unplugged accepts hundreds of volunteers to help the event run smoothly. Volunteering means you get a staff pass with access to many of the events as well as soon as your shift is over. It means you are also in on the action, able to listen to music all day. Or night, depending on where you are posted.  

    Otherwise, get a ticket, but be aware that the big names are really popular so you need to be fast!

    Zoe Pfaller

    Back2Back Verbier: April. But Make It Verbier.

    by

    Verbier — a name that resonates with world-class skiing, vibrant après-ski, and an unmatched alpine lifestyle — got a brand new tradition on April 12th. The occasion? The very first edition of Back2Back Verbier, a celebration that mixed snow, style, and community into one epic spring day.

    What started as an idea to gather locals before the season wound down quickly turned into a full day of competition in the middle of the mountain !

    From a team slalom between local businesses to a freestyle showdown on a towering Big Air Bag, Back2Back was a fresh stage for both Alpine and freestyle skiers to shine.

    Speed Meets Style: The Heart of Back2Back

    Back2Back isn’t just another end-of-season event — it’s for the people who keep Verbier buzzing year-round. Think ski instructors, bartenders, rental techs, resort staff — all coming together not just to compete, but to connect.

    The morning kicked off with a team slalom race, a knockout-style tournament featuring 16 teams of three riders each. From ski schools to gin brands, and everything in between, it was a high-energy showdown of turns, tactics, and team spirit.

    From left to right, Klara M, Klara G, Beth, JT, Mattia, Duncan, Hugo

    The Teams:

    • European Snowsport (ES)
    • ESSV (École Suisse de Ski de Verbier)
    • Verbier Tourism
    • Faction Skis
    • Fjork
    • Téléverbier
    • No.1 Sport
    • AXA Assurance
    • Pub Mont Fort
    • Gust
    • Kudos Unlimited
    • Verbier Gin
    • RouxXtrême
    • Verbier Location
    • Le Rouge
    • Virya+

    Our Dream Team: JT, Klara & Mattia

    From left to right, Mattia, Klara M, JT

    Representing our ski school in the Back2Back Verbier was a powerhouse trio of instructors — James Taylor, Klara Mortberg, and Mattia Frigerio, our Assistant Director. Each brought their own story, skillset, and spark to the race: 

    James Taylor (JT) – A skier since childhood and a coach across multiple disciplines, JT combines a degree in Sport & Exercise Science with a passion for freeride, drone flying, and community coaching. His calm, dynamic style makes him a go-to for all levels. 

    Klara Mortberg– A former elite alpine ski racer from Sweden, Klara blends deep technical know-how with contagious enthusiasm. Whether she’s coaching kids or pushing advanced students, she makes progress feel like play. Her motto? “Joy fuels progress.” 

    Mattia Frigerio – Originally from Italy, Mattia’s racing roots and international experience (New Zealand, Japan, Scotland…) make him a sharp, patient coach. He’s all about creating unforgettable mountain holidays through fun and challenge. 

    Together, they carved turns through the spring snow as spectators lined the gates, cheering on every run. 

    Slalom Showdown Results

    After some intense and good-natured competition, Verbier Gin claimed the win — their tight lines and sharp transitions securing them the cup. For us, seeing our instructors in the mix was a proud moment — not just for their skiing, but for the community they represent. 

    Big Air Energy: Freestyle Under the Sun

    As the sun rose higher and the slalom concluded, the action shifted to the second part of the Back2Back Verbier, the Big Air Bag — a huge inflatable jump set up just below Restaurant Inkontro, near Attelas. Music pulsed, the crowd gathered, and the freestyle portion of Back2Back began. 

    The categories: 

    • Ski Men 
    • Ski Women 
    • Snowboard Women 
    • Snowboard Men 
    • Under 18 

    Each athlete brought their energy — throwing down spins, grabs, and flips. The judges were watching closely, but so was the crowd, erupting in applause after every clean landing and stylish tweak. 

    Philipp Feusi: Our Snowboarder

    Philipp Feusi, ES instructor and winner of mens freestyle snowboard

    The star of the freestyle show? Our very own snowboard instructor Philipp Feusi, who took first place in the Snowboard Men category with a performance that mixed clean technique, smooth style, and crowd-pleasing flair. 

    His final tricks? A frontside underflip and a backside rodeo — landed with total control. 

    But Philipp’s story goes far beyond the jump. A lifelong snowboarder raised in the Swiss Alps, he brings over a decade of freestyle coaching experience to his lessons. As a trained secondary school teacher, he knows how to communicate with clarity and patience — whether you’re working on your first ollie or dreaming of that wildcat (not during lessons though!). 

    In summer? You’ll find him outdoors — hiking, skating, biking, swimming — always exploring, always living that mountain lifestyle. 

    “I just wanted to have fun and represent the team,” he said after the win — especially here, in Verbier, with all this energy around.” 

    More Than a Competition: A Community Showcase

    What truly made Back2Back special was the collaboration between local businesses — not just competing, but contributing to the experience. Each team brought their own flavor to the day: 

    ESSV – Veteran instructors and community icons.  

    Verbier Gin – Carving turns and crafting cocktails. Their dual role on and off the snow made them one of the day’s highlights. 

    No.1 Sport & AXA Assurance – From tuning skis to managing policies, these teams showed that passion and precision go hand in hand — both on the slopes and in their day jobs. 

    ES (European Snowsport) – Their blend of global talent and local charm brought a polished, fun-loving edge to the competition. 

    Pub Mont Fort & Le Rouge – Icons of the après scene. Their presence on the snow was all about good vibes and great turns. 

    Why Back2Back Matters

    Verbier is iconic for its terrain. But what truly defines it is its people — the ones who open the lifts, fit your boots, teach your kids, and pour your drinks. Back2Back was a celebration of them. 

    It was also a beautiful transition — from winter to summer, from powder turns to sun-drenched hangouts — reminding us that while the snow may melt, the spirit of Verbier never fades. 

    Looking Ahead

    As the first edition of Back2Back Verbier wraps up, one thing is certain: this is just the beginning. Bigger freestyle setups? More business teams? Live music? Food trucks? Why not. 

    The potential is massive — but the heart of it will always be the same: people coming together to celebrate the mountain and each other. 

    Léopoldine Durand

    Zermatt para turistas Brasileiros

    by

    Dicas para a sua primeira vez em Zermatt:

    Zermatt é uma cidadezinha pitoresca com algumas das vistas mais deslumbrantes que você pode encontrar na Suíça. Como se estivesse entrando em um cartão postal, as montanhas ao redor de Zermatt são magníficas. E a melhor parte  é que elas são super acessíveis. Graças ao extenso sistema de teleférico e gôndolas, você não precisa ser um esquiador especialista para poder ver diretamente a geleira ou tirar fotos incríveis com o Matterhorn.

    Somando-se ao charme, Zermatt, é uma cidade sem carros. Você encontrará pequenos táxis elétricos ou até mesmo carruagens puxadas por cavalos ajudando os turistas a ir da estação de trem até seus hotéis. Grande parte da cidade foi modernizada, mas o conselho tem o cuidado de preservar esse aspecto de Zermatt, todos os edifícios ainda são construídos principalmente com madeira, tornando a cidade em si pitoresca, não apenas as montanhas ao redor. Você se lembra das origens humildes de Zermatt, especialmente ao caminhar pela cidade velha, onde pode ver as casas e celeiros originais de quase 500 anos atrás!

    Como chegar a Zermatt?

    Localizada no final de um vale, Zermatt fica escondida no final da linha do trem. Como é uma cidade sem carros, você precisará pegar um trem para chegar ate lá. Você pode pegar o trem direto de Visp, com grandes janelas e vistas incríveis do vale por todo o caminho. Outra opção é dirigir até Täsch, estacionar o carro lá e então pegar o trem, que dura cerca de 15 minutos, a apenas 1 parada de Zermatt. Se preferir, em Täsch também se pode pegar um táxi.

    Aqui está o melhor aplicativo para passagens de trem

    Preocupado que apenas os bons esquiadores consigam fotos com o Matterhorn? Não se preocupe!

    Mesmo no Wolli park, que é a área de iniciantes, você terá vistas incríveis e ininterruptas de uma das montanhas mais icônicas do mundo. Tire uma foto sua esquiando com o o Matterhorn ao fundo ou aproveite as vistas com uma pausa para chocolate quente em um dos restaurantes próximos. Apenas uma das razões pelas quais Zermatt é um ótimo resort para todos, não esquiadores, iniciantes e especialistas!

    Quantos dias passar em Zermatt?

    Embora você possa facilmente passar uma semana inteira em Zermatt, recomendamos pelo menos 3 dias para explorar completamente o resort e tudo o que ele tem a oferecer. Isso lhe dará tempo para aproveitar as pistas de esqui, explorar a cidade encantadora, fazer belas caminhadas, compras e relaxar em spas.

    O que há de diferente em esquiar em Zermatt?

    Uma grande parte da área de esqui de Zermatt está localizada em uma geleira. Ela tem o teleférico mais longo construído diretamente em uma geleira. Devido à sua grande altitude, também é possível esquiar no verão. O que significa que você pode esquiar por algumas horas e depois descer e tomar sol ou aproveitar muitas outras atividades de verão. Obtendo o melhor dos dois mundos!

    Esquiar em Zermatt também oferece a oportunidade única de esquiar através de uma fronteira. Você pode esquiar facilmente da Suíça para a Itália e voltar, aproveitando o sol e a comida italiana antes de retornar — tudo em um dia! Essa experiência de esqui interfronteiras adiciona um toque especial e emocionante à sua aventura em Zermatt.

    Como é a comida em Zermatt?

    Você pode encontrar muitos tipos de comida em Zermatt. Definitivamente vale a pena experimentar a comida tradicional dos alpes suiços, como fondue, raclette e rosti. Há muitos restaurantes italianos, devido a proximidade com a fronteira, e também restaurantes de culinárias diversas, como japonesa, turca ou chinesa.

    Que outras atividades você deve experimentar em Zermatt?

    Além de ser um paraíso de esqui, há muito mais para se fazer em Zermatt. Aqui estão apenas algumas ideias:

    • Compras! A Bahnhofstrasse, que é a rua principal de Zermatt, é repleta de boutiques de luxo, lojas de artigos esportivos e lojas de souvenirs. É perfeita para os entusiastas de compras, e há muitos cafés e restaurantes nas proximidades para relaxar após uma maratona de compras.

    • Spas: Se você está buscando relaxamento, você encontrará vários hotéis em Zermatt com spas incríveis. Lugares notáveis ​​como o Cervo Mountain Resort, Grand Hotel Zermatterhof e The Omnia oferecem experiências de bem-estar. Alguns hotéis, como Silvana Mountain Spa e Alpenhof, também oferecem passes diários, para que você possa aproveitar a experiência do spa mesmo se não for um hóspede.

    • Trem para Gornergrat: A ferrovia Gornergrat é uma das ferrovias de cremalheira mais altas da Europa, oferecendo vistas panorâmicas do Matterhorn. É uma maneira inesquecível de vivenciar as montanhas, com a opção de parar em várias estações pelo caminho, como o Riffelberg, ou ir até o topo. Não perca o restaurante no terraço, onde você pode desfrutar de uma refeição com uma super vista.


    • Parapente: Para uma descarga de adrenalina, aproveite um vôo de 30 a 45 minutos com as melhores vistas da montanha enquanto plana no céu de Zermatt. É uma experiência surreal. Reserve aqui

    • Trenó: Se você está procurando um pouco de emoção. Experimente andar de trenó! Você pode fazer isso em Gornergrat, logo após sua relaxante viagem de trem. A pista de trenó tem mais de 2 quilômetros de extensão e pura diversão! Não é necessário ter experiência, e você pode alugar seus trenós na cidade ou lá em cima.

    • Patinação no gelo: Durante os meses de inverno (dezembro-março), Zermatt tem uma fantástica pista de patinação no gelo. Você pode alugar os patins e usar gratuitamente a pista, que fica no centro da cidade.

    • Caminhadas: Mesmo no inverno, é possível fazer trilhas por Zermatt e seus arredores. Se você tiver botas de inverno, muitas rotas estão abertas para você explorar. Se você não tem, também se pode alugar.

    E claro, se você estiver planejando esquiar o dia inteiro, você ainda poderá aproveitar todas essas atividades extras em Zermatt quando os teleféricos fecharem!

    Alemão suíço básico

    A Suíça tem 4 línguas nacionais, alemão suíço, francês, italiano e romanche. O alemão suíço é o mais falado no país, em 19 dos 26 cantões. Zermatt está localizada em Valais, onde se fala alemão suíço, que é um dialeto do alemão, um pouco diferente. O alemão suíço não é uma língua escrita, apenas falada. Então nas escolas, se aprende a ler e escrever em alemão. Cada cantão na Suíça também tem uma versão ligeiramente diferente do alemão suíço, com sotaques, pronúncias e palavras diferentes. Valais é um cantão de línguas duplas, com francês e alemão suíço, que é famoso por ter um dos sotaques mais fortes do país! Então, boa sorte.

    Embora Zermatt seja um centro para muitas nacionalidades, e o inglês tenda a ser a língua franca, os moradores ainda preferem falar sua língua nativa, é claro.

    Aqui estão apenas algumas palavras básicas do alemão- suíço para você começar. você notará que algumas palavras são semelhantes ao francês e ao inglês, não apenas ao alemão!

    Bom dia – Gueta Morga

    Olá (em Valais) – Tagwohl

    Obrigado – Merci/Danke

    Como vai? – Wie gehts dir?

    Estou bem – Es geht mir guet

    Boa noite – Guetan Abe

    O que você está fazendo hoje? – Was machsch hito?

    Vou esquiar – I ga go ski fahre (Ski pronunciado shi)

    Zermatt for Brazilian tourists

    by

    Tips for your first time in Zermatt

    Zermatt is a quaint little town with some of the most stunning views you can find in Switzerland. Like stepping right into a postcard, the mountains surrounding Zermatt are magnificent. If you are a tourist on your first time in Zermatt, you will be thrilled by all the photo opportunities. The mountains are spectacular. The best part? They are so easy to see up close. Thanks to the extensive lift and gondola system, you do not need to be an expert skier to be able to see right into the Glacier or get amazing pictures with the Matterhorn. Adding to Zermatt’s charm, it is a car free town.

    On your first steps out of the station in Zermatt, you will find small electric taxis or even horse drawn carriages helping tourists get from the station to their hotels. Much of Zermatt has been modernised, the but council is careful to preserve this aspect of Zermatt, so all buildings are still mostly built with wood, making the town itself picturesque, not just the mountains around. You are reminded of Zermatt’s humble beginnings, especially when walking through the old town where you can see the original homes and barns from nearly 500 years ago!

    How do you get to Zermatt?

    Located at the end of a valley, Zermatt is hidden away at the end of the train line. Since its a car free town, you will need to take a train to get there. As a tourist to Zermatt, we recommend arriving by train. The views are fantastic. You can either take a direct train from Visp, with large windows and amazing views of the valley all along. Or, you can drive to Tasch and park there and then take the 12 minute train journey just 1 stop to Zermatt. You can also take an electric taxi from Tasch to Zermatt if you prefer.

    Here is the best website for train tickets

    Worried that only the good skiers get pics with the Matterhorn? Don’t!

    Even in the Wolli park beginner area just above Zermatt, tourists have amazing uninterrupted views of one of the world’s most iconic mountains. As a beginner skier, you can get a cool pic of you skiing with it in the background, or enjoy the views with a hot chocolate break at one of the nearby restaurants. Just one of the reasons why Zermatt is a great resort for everyone, non-skiers, beginners and experts!

    How many days should you spend in Zermatt?

    While you could easily spend an entire week in Zermatt, we recommend at least 3 days to fully explore the resort and all it has to offer. This will give you time to enjoy skiing, explore the charming town, and take part in activities like hiking, shopping, and relaxing in spas.

    What is different about skiing in Zermatt?

    A large portion of Zermatt’s skiing area is located on a glacier. It has the longest chairlift built directly onto a Glacier. Due to its high altitude, it also means that it is possible to ski in the summer. Meaning you can ski for a few hours and then head down and sunbathe or enjoy many other summer activities. You get the best of both worlds!

    Skiing in Zermatt also offers the unique opportunity to ski across a border. You can easily ski from Switzerland to Italy and back, enjoying sunshine and pasta in Italy before returning to Switzerland—all in one day! This cross-border skiing experience adds an exciting twist to your Zermatt adventure.

    What is the food like in Zermatt?

    You can get all sorts of food as a tourist in Zermatt. It is definitely worth trying traditional Swiss food like fondue, raclette and rösti. There are also many Italian restaurants in Zermatt since the Italian border is so close. Otherwise it is possible to find many different cuisines such as Japanese, Turkish, or Chinese.

    What other activities should you try in Zermatt?

    As well as being a ski paradise, there is so much more to do in Zermatt. Here are just a  few ideas:

    • Shopping: Zermatt’s Bahnhofstrasse is lined with luxury boutiques, sportswear stores, and souvenir shops. It’s perfect for shopping enthusiasts, and there are plenty of cafés and restaurants nearby to relax after a shopping spree.
    • Spas: If you’re seeking relaxation, you’ll find several hotels in Zermatt with amazing spas. Notable places like Cervo Mountain Resort, Grand Hotel Zermatterhof, and The Omnia offer wellness experiences. Some hotels, such as Silvana Mountain Spa and Alpenhof, also offer day passes for external guests, so you can enjoy the spa experience without needing to stay at the hotel.
    • Gornergrat train:  The Gornergrat Railway is one of the highest cogwheel railways in Europe, offering panoramic views of the Matterhorn. It’s an unforgettable way to experience the mountains, with the option to stop at various stations, including Riffelberg, or go all the way to the top. Don’t miss the restaurant on the terrace, where you can enjoy a meal with a view.
    • Paragliding : For an adrenaline rush, enjoy gliding through the air on a 30-45 minute flight with the best views of the mountain whilst flying in the sky. It’s a surreal experience to see the world from a bird’s eye view.   Book here
    • Sledding: If you are looking for a little thrill. Try sledding! You can do this at Gornergrat, right after your relaxing train journey up. The sled run is over 2 kilometres long and a lot of fun! No prior experience is needed, and you can rent your sleds in town or right up there.
    • Ice skating: During the winter months (December-March), Zermatt has a fantastic ice skating rink. Skates can be rented locally, and you can enjoy some free skating in the town center.
    • Hiking: Even in the winter, it is possible to hike all around Zermatt with many winter trails open. If you’ve got winter boots, many routes are open for you to explore.

    Basic Swiss German

    Switzerland has 4 national languages, Swiss German, French, Italian and Romansch. Swiss German being the most widely spoken one in the country in 19 out of 26 cantons. Zermatt is located in Valais, in the Swiss German speaking part of Switzerland. This is a dialect of German, so it is not the same. Swiss German is not a written language so they still learn and read and write German in school, but Swiss German is spoken.

    Each canton in Switzerland also has a slightly different version of Swiss German, with different accents, pronunciation and words used depending on where you are in the country! Valais is a duel language canton, with French and Swiss German -and the Swiss German there is notorious for being one of the thickest accents in the country! As a tourist in Zermatt, no one expects you to speak German, but it is fun to try. So good luck.

    Although Zermatt is a hub for many nationalities, and English tends to be the lingua franca, locals still prefer to speak their native tongue, of course. We have instructors speaking many languages on our team.

    A few words

    Here are just a few basic Swiss German words to get you started, you will notice that some words are similar to French and English, not just German!

    Good morning- Gueta Morga

    Hello ( in Valais ) – Tagwohl

    Thank you – Merci/Danke

    How are you? Wie gehts dir?

    I’m good: Es geht mir guet

    Good evening: Guetan Abe

    What are you doing today? Was machsch hito?

    I’m going skiing – I ga go ski fahre ( Ski pronounced shi)

    And here are some Portuguese words that are almost the same!

    Caputar: Kaputt

    Benzina: Benzin

    Salada: Salat

    Banco: Bankli (bench) or Bank (bank)

    We hope these tips will give you the confidence to visit. If you have any questions, our helpful team will be happy to answer; you can contact us here.

    Zoe Pfaller

    Why we keep coming back to Verbier

    by

    Tamsin Roberts

    We ’d just come out of lockdown after the pandemic when I had a chance conversation with a friend about holidays. They’re a precious commodity and can be lengthy research projects with hours spent searching for that ideal place. With 3 children in tow and little time to breathe I was (and still am) firmly in the recommendation camp. And this is how we ended up in Verbier – a tip off from a seasoned skier friend who said ‘stay near Place Central and put your kids in European Snowsport Ski school– it’s the best.  You might even have a break’

    Sold. The following month we were off to Verbier.

    First day of Kids Academy

    There were some excited nerves on day 1 as the children gathered in Place Blanche eagerly waiting to meet the instructors.  They were 6,10 and 12, all 3 beginners and eager to get on the slopes. The eldest was the most concerned, worried she was too old for the class and asked why we hadn’t taken them as toddlers. This would have made things much less embarrassing apparently.   

    However, any fears or nerves evaporated instantly as soon as they met the instructors.  Kate, leader of the kids lessons greeted us with smiles and warmth and any inhibitions were quickly forgotten. ‘See you at 4.30’ Kate said. Yes, we had gone all in and opted for full day lessons. With big smiles and waves off they went to the Medran lift, to begin their ski journey.

    To think we had a whole day ahead of us seemed like a luxury. The lazy lunch and vin chaud stops top of the list. To decide where to start and to study the piste map we had a coffee in the cafe by the ski school meeting point. A cool, Scandi style coffee shop right in the middle of an uber trendy shop Mountain Air, alongside the ski rental and storage. So convenient was this set up I wondered how we’d hit on such a great place.

    As we started to get boots on, I heard little voice in my head reminding me how I hadn’t skied for a few years, be careful of the steep slopes, don’t go too fast you might break a leg. Yikes. Whether it was a few years off skiing due to covid or maybe just a ‘mummy thing’ I realised I was frightened. There was only one thing for it – get a lesson and get a grip.

    I didn’t need to look far for help.  ES is right there, in the middle of Mountain Air (just by the nail bar and barber of course – mental note taken for any non-ski days.) 

    My lesson

    The instructor was paired to my ski level with all my needs carefully relayed so they could find the best person for me, to maximise my time. One step towards combatting my fear.  So off I trot to Medran lift for my own private lesson. To get my ski legs back. I asked my husband where he might ski on his own – ‘undecided, another espresso first’. It really was starting to feel a lot like a holiday.

    To say the children had a great time that week is an understatement. The Kate we met on the first day was now their idol. She got our kids from spaghetti legs beginners to skiing the mountain. She is a brilliant instructor who can keep the most energetic children focused and safe whilst making it fun at the same time. I worried the days would be too long for them. I needn’t have. They came back every day full of smiles, never wanting it to end.

    For myself, calm and patient Mattia was perfect for my needs. He reassured me I could ski and got my technique back on track. After listening politely to my stories of losing confidence since having children, he took me down a steep red so I could prove to myself I could still do it. He read me perfectly.

    Turns out after the second espresso spurred on my husband to take a boarding lesson. He hopped from cafe to barber to book the lesson. And raved about it at dinner. Turns out I wasn’t the only one who needed to get their ski mojo back. 

    It was quite simply the best family holiday we’ve had. The goodbyes and thank yous to the instructors were filled with hugs and talk of maybe coming back next year.

    Coming back to Verbier

    When next year arrived there wasn’t really a discussion – it would be back to Verbier because happy kids equals happy parents.  The second year did not disappoint. There was wonderful Kate again and Oscar and Petra this time, 2 delightful Swedes with impeccable English, bags of patience and a good sense of humour.  

    The third year of return was getting embarrassing. Whereas I wouldn’t class myself as a creature of habit here we were back in Verbier and full day lessons at ES. I didn’t need to remind myself why – the classes are small (max 6), all the instructors are English speaking ( the Swedes have better English than many of us native speakers ) and the teaching is first class. And the proof was in the pudding – by the end of year 3 the children are carving.

    As for myself I enjoyed lessons with Benito and Neal among others. Once again all instructors tailored lessons to my needs – the lack of confidence disappearing and the paralleling reappearing. 

    Just before Christmas was our 4th year. No longer embarrassed but now proud to know what works for our family dynamic. The older 2 dropped to half days to ski with us, only to promptly rebook on the afternoon. Turns out its way more fun and they covered much more piste on and off than with their parents. 

    On our last day this year it was the 10 year old who took us to the 4 vallees and told us which slopes to ski and where had the best view, How did he know ‘because I’ve been with Kate’. And boy was he right – we had the best day!

    So, its not its ranking as one of the best ski resorts in Europe or its chocolate box beauty or even the chance to glimpse a Royal or two.  No, what keeps us coming back to Verbier is the ES Ski and Snowboard school and its wonderful team of instructors. Bring on a fifth year.

    Tamsin Roberts

    Cross Country skiing, and Snowshoeing – Sustainable choices

    by

    Origins of Skiing:

    Before ski lifts were developed and before people thought skiing downhill could be much fun, cross country was the original form of skiing. People quickly realised that whether you were making your way to a neighbour’s home, exploring the polar regions, or transporting good across the country, skis were a very efficient mode of transport for countries blanketed by snow. It hasn’t always been a fun holiday sport, early forms of skiing were used by the military to travel long distances efficiently. This has now evolved into the winter Olympic sport; the biathlon, which combines cross country ski racing and shooting.

    Many people don’t know just how old this form of travel is; there is evidence of ancient people skiing dating back to over 5000 years ago in Scandinavia, China and Siberia. Unfortunately, we haven’t found any skis left from this time. But we have found cave paintings depicting people skiing on planks of wood. The sport as we know it today wasn’t popularised or made more accessible until much later in the 1800s, though.

    Originally, instead of a pole, skiers had a paddle-like object to help balance and steer them, since there were no such thing as edges that allowed the ski to turn independently. Some cultures even used their pole to act as a spear when hunting. Then much later on, 2 ski poles were used to improve balance.

    Cross country skiing:

    Cross country skiing is a discipline that falls under the sport Nordic skiing, but the terms are not interchangeable. Nordic skiing refers to a type of skiing, where the heel is not attached to the ski and lifts off. This includes can cross country and telemarking as well.

    The first difference between alpine skiing and cross-country skiing that you might notice is the shape of the skis. Nordic skis are much thinner and longer than downhill skis, much like traditional alpine skis from 50 years ago. The bindings are also designed so that the heel of the foot is able to lift up. This means you can manoeuvre your legs more and gain speed on flat or downhill, without the help of a downhill slope propelling you forward.

    Classic or Skating?

    There are 2 styles of cross country skiing; classic and skating. In classic cross country, the skis remain parallel, and you are able to follow the tracks of those in front of you. This is also ideal for soft or freshly fallen snow. In skating, as the name would suggest, the movement is similar to ice skating, with the skis held in a v shape. This is better for hard snow.

    With the classic technique, the experience of cross-country skiing is akin to running on snow. The speed is fast paced, and a decent amount of physical fitness is required. Hence why you will find cross country skiers often wearing their base layers and a thin jacket. It’s a full body workout, requiring endurance, agility and balance.

    We love cross country skiing now because of its health benefits, especially for those in snowy climates where sports like running are more difficult. In ski resorts now, the cross country trails are often more isolated than the ski pistes, so that you will often be going through the forest and listening to birdsong as you ski. It also means that living far from mountains or a ski resort won’t stop fans of the sport from skiing. The nature of the sport makes it perfect for those living in areas of flat terrain.

    Snowshoeing:

    What once started out as a survival tactic – developing wide based shoe to be able to walk over deep snow without sinking – has now become a well-loved snow activity for many.

    Different variations of snowshoes date back to up to 6000 years ago. Many cultures developed their own version of a wide based frame, which doesn’t sink into the snow. This meant they could walk in wintery conditions. Places with cold climates including, but not limited to, Central Asia, North America and Scandinavia all adapted a version of what is universally known as a snowshoe using a range of materials such as wood, woven grass and animal hide. Although different, they served a common purpose of walking through deep powdery snow, whether on large flat open terrain, or dense forested areas.

    Nowadays, snowshoeing has become a fun recreational activity as opposed to a hunting method or survival skill. You will find modern snowshoes made with metal and plastic, to fit regular winter boots. This makes it a fun day out suitable for everyone, and no prior experience is needed to enjoy the sport.

    So chairlifts have been invented in the last 6000 years, why would I snowshoe?

    Snowshoeing is so much more than getting to the top of the mountain. You’re able to explore areas of the mountain away from the pistes in often isolated paths where skiers cannot go. The experience is a lot more tranquil, giving you time to slow down, enjoy the views and appreciate the peace of the mountains. It’s also a good opportunity to explore off the beaten path, without needing extensive knowledge or experience in the mountains. It gives a sense of adventure to the more causal mountain visitor, where marked trails can easily be found on maps, but still taking you away from the crowds.

    You will only need snowshoes, and you can rent these easily. Otherwise, your own warm clothes are all you need to have a great day. So it’s not a huge step up from a regular country walk you may be used to outside the mountains.

    Make no mistake, although you can easily snowshoe on your first ever go, a little fitness is still required. You might find that the beautiful views you’re looking at will be accompanied by the soundtrack of your own heavy breathing. It’s a great activity for those looking for a little cardio, whilst being low impact and low risk. It also means that you’ve definitely earned your fondue at lunch!

    Luckily, you can choose your pace and terrain. Go for tracks with a nice gentle incline, or a steeper one if you’re looking for a challenge.

    Sustainability:

    As well as having an enjoyable day in the outdoors, your conscience can rest easy when snowshoeing or cross country. Think instead of its environmental benefits. This is because cross country skiing and nordic skiing don’t need ski lifts, and and only limited trail preparation. So you can enjoy these sports with almost zero carbon footprint. This makes us especially happy, and see here for the blog about our Swisstainable classification

    European Snowsport offers private lessons for both cross country skiing and snowshoeing.

    To book a lesson, just contact us here. We will be happy to help you enjoy the mountains even more.

    Zoe Pfaller