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    Z instructor articles

    Luca Pellegrinelli – Skiing and Surfing in Australia

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    I’m Luca and when the snow season is over, I go to the ocean. Surfing, spending time in the water is my reset between winters.

    I was in Australia this summer and I usually head up to the Sunshine Coast, chasing waves at Noosa National Park. This is in Northern New South Wales, on the East Coast of Australia. I go from First Point all the way to Granite Bay, or Sunshine Beach and Coolum, wherever the waves are best.

    Activities I usually do

    I Love paddling out at sunrise, the salt water, hanging out with mates on the beach, hoping for the swell. Or else climbing and scuba diving, I’m always outdoors, snow or sun. I love the mix of skiing and surfing in Australia.

    Summertime/Wintertime in Australia

    I’ve done several back to back winters as an Instructor down in Thredbo, during the Aussie winter.

    I also work for the APSI (the Australian Professional Snowsport Instructors) as a trainer and examiner. This means I am running courses and sharing the stoke with new instructors. I love helping them achieve their ski instructor qualification levels. This involves travelling around the Snowy Mountains to Perisher, Falls Creek, Hotham, Mt Buller, wherever APSI needs me. With the APSI, I have also travelled to Japan for courses and exams.

    About Teaching

    I teach all skiers, from kids to elders, from their first turns to race coaching and mogul to high end skiers, and young athletes competing at any level.

    I love that feeling of helping someone nail their goals and the smile that comes with it. In Zermatt I especially love guiding people to the best snow and terrain and showing them the mountain for a fun day on the slopes.

    In the Winters

    My name is Luca, and I am originally from Italy. I started skiing when I was 3 years old. Skiing quickly became my passion and eventually my career becoming a ski instructor as well as a trainer-examiner for APSI. Beyond skiing, I enjoy all sorts of outdoor activities like surfing, scuba diving and climbing.

    I love travelling and, with this job I’ve been lucky to explore various skiing destinations across Europe, Canada, and Australia where I have gained over 10 seasons of experience.

    When I am not in Zermatt, I work in Thredbo in Australia. This means I have both Northern and Southern Hemisphere’s winter season, so the warmth of summer usually lasts only for a couple of months for me.

    I love all types of skiing; from off piste to moguls and race carving.

    Why did you choose Zermatt?

    I chose Zermatt because It’s in a great location with reliable snowfall and fun terrain and as a bonus it allows me to ski into Italy for a great meal that tastes like home.

    Contact us here to book ski lessons with Luca in Zermatt

    Sergio Gonzalez; Kitesurfing and Outdoor Life in Aveiro, Portugal

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    This summer Sergio has left the heights of Zermatt to volunteer in the Aveiro region in Portugal. Aveiro is on the central west coast of Portugal just south of Porto, facing out into the Atlantic for some big winds.

    There he has been helping out with kitesurfing lessons, wakeboarding, boat charters, and maintenance on the hotel. Of course this means he has lots of fantastic photos to share with you!

    Kitesurfing Around Aveiro

    Aveiro in Portugal is well known as a summer and winter kitesurfing destination and there are a few areas that are especially suited, with steady winds. The Aveiro lagoon is a protected area with flat water inside the lagoon, great for beginners, freestyle and freeride. It is protected from the waves and offers great flatwater conditions. The Praia da Barra and Costa Nova are also well known kitesurfing beaches in the area.

    The lagoon area is big enough that it is also known for kayaking and birdwatching, with lots of local wildlife sharing the space.  

    Peak season for kitesurfing is now, from May to September, and after that Sergio will be heading back to Zermatt, where he will be happy to ski with you this winter!

    When not on the water, Sergio has been cycling, roller skating, hiking around the local area, and perfecting his minigolf swing.

    Aveiro Town and Surroundings

    Aveiro in summer is itself is also worth exploring, with canals running through the city. You can take a trip along these in one of the “moliceiros”, traditional boats once used for seaweed harvesting. The canals are bordered by Art Nouveau buildings, making Aveiro a charming destination, even if you are not a kitesurfer.

    Sergio made sure to visit the local festival “festival do canais” (festival of canals) in Aveiro town, with lots of concerts, music and dancing.

    Traditional Industry, Salt Production

    The main industry in the area used to be salt production, and you can visit the salt pans. Salt production in Aveira is an over 1000 year old industry. The seawater is fed into evaporation ponds. Sun and wind cause evaporation, and the salt is left when the water has dried off. Then the salt is harvested for use, and originally this was done using wooden tools.

    But what for? Traditionally, this salt was used for preserving cod and meat in the age before freezers.

    Nature and the Mountains

    One of the highlights of Sergio’s summer was a full moon bivouac, sleeping outdoors under the stars in just a sleeping bag in the mild summer conditions.

    He also visited the National Park Serra da Estrela (Mountains of the Stars) and Berlengas Natural Reserve, with lots of rivers, waterfalls and wildlife.

    Serra da Estrela is the highest mountain range in mainland Portugal with it’s highest peak (Torre) is at 1993 meters. If you are in Zermatt, that is just a few metres above Furi. For Verbier locals, it is around the height of the Au Mayen restaurant, just under the Mayentzet chairlift.

    The rivers and glacial valleys at Serra da Estrela support local wildlife, with everything from vultures and storks to tiny flycatcher birds. There are many butterflies, and you might even see the rare Iberian wolf, which is returning to the area.

    Festival in Galicia

    Originally from Spain, Sergio also made time to visit the O Marisquinho festival in Vigo, Galicia. This is a culture and extreme sports festival, with lots of demos of BMX and skate, held over 3 days in August. As well as sports, you can see breakdance, graffiti, live concerts and DJ sets.

    In the Winters

    Sergio and has been involved in skiing his whole life all around the world. Adapting his experience to every place and person he meets makes every day a new story. That is what motivates him to give his best energy and attitude, building the confidence to improve technically and have fun at the same time.

    Sergio’s clients say;

    “After my second season skiing with Sergio, he’s become more than just a great instructor—he’s a great friend. His passion, skill, and energy make every lesson an incredible experience. We can’t wait for 2026 to hit the slopes with him again and make it another unforgettable season!“

    “Sergio was a great guide. My son and I ski all over the world and know a good guide. Sergio took us all over Zermatt. 9 to 330. We got to test our skills on piste and off piste. A perfect day. I would highly recommend Sergio.“

    Contact us to book ski lessons with Sergio in Zermatt.

    Julius Mohren – Keeping the Summer Ski Pistes Open in Zermatt

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    Right after the end of the winter, Julius headed up to the highest point of the Zermatt ski area again. While the rest of us were putting away our winter clothes and gloves, Julius was maintaining his winter kit. He needs it to help keep the summer ski area open on the ski slopes of the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise.

    This ski area is the highest in Europe, which means it can stay open all year round, including through summer. The area goes up to 3883 meters above sea level on the Theodul Glacier so the snow stays year round.

    lift to summer skiing

    Summer Ski Pistes

    There are 21km of groomed pistes on the glacier. At this time of year, they are open for summer skiing from early in the morning until around lunchtime. As the summer moves into autumn, the glacier ski slopes are kept open longer into the afternoon. Conditions are best in the morning, as the snow gets coldest overnight, and then softens as the day goes on.

    The area includes a new area with snow tubing and beginner ski activities on the border with Switzerland and Italy. Julius worked here earlier in the summer. Now he has moved to working on the T bar area. Here there are blue and red runs great for intermediate summer skiers looking to do some carving and improving technique.

    You might find Julius working as a lift attendant, helping you to board the ski lift safely and elegantly. Or he might be helping to disembark safely at the top. In winter, he will be your instructor sitting next to you, helping you to do the same thing.

    The summer ski area also includes a freestyle snowpark, with kickers, rails, and boxes for trying tricks and improving your park technique.

    The area is also suitable for experts, and you will often find national teams training on the glacier getting ready for the winter season.

    How do I get to the Summer Ski Area?

    To get to the summer ski area, start by taking the Klein Matterhorn Express, which takes you up via Furi to the slopes above, arriving at Trockener Steg. From Trockener Steg, you have access to the summer ski area. This link will show you the opening times, which vary as the summer goes on; Operating hours at Matterhorn Paradise| Zermatt Bergbahnen

    How Much Does it Cost to Ski in Summer?

    For tickets, you can buy at the bottom of the ski lift. Or you can buy online using this link; Tickets and prices Matterhorn Paradise | Zermatt Bergbahnen

    Zermatt operates a variable pricing model, based on demand, so it isn’t possible for us to say how much your ticket will be. Usually it is best to travel at low season times, and to book earlier rather than later. The summer lift pass is usually around 100chf for an adult, with teen and child discounts available.

    Should I Take a Ski Lesson in Summer?

    This is a great question and of course the answer is, yes! Here at ES we offer summer as well as winter ski lessons and you can contact us here to arrange a lesson. Contact European Snowsport .

    Whether you are a beginner looking to try skiing for the first time, or an expert looking to improve in a focused way outside the main season, we are happy to help. Taking a ski lesson for the first time as part of your holiday is a great way to share some fun memorable moments with family or friends, and have some stunning photos to remember it by. The Matterhorn is always right there in Zermatt, so you can be sure to have some spectacular photos to share. As well as a new sport to come back to, summer or winter

    Behind the Scenes – Snow and Ice

    A lot of work goes into keeping the summer ski area working well, and Julius has been involved in clearing and moving snow to get the ski area in the best possible condition.

    He might be shovelling after a big snowfall to make sure the entrances and exits to the lifts are clear and usable. Or after a storm, he might be throwing a line over an iced up t bar to knock the ice off. These can get stuck in position with big ice buildups fixing them in place.  

    Even in summer, Zermatt experiences snowfalls and ice storms overnight. These can keep the lift team busy from early in the morning getting things ready to open on time.

    Behind the Scenes – Covering the Glacier

    Julius has also been involved in a programme of covering sensitive areas of the glacier with big white covers, to help keep the snow in good condition right through the summer months.

    If you see these big white covers, they are used to help prevent melting during the summer months. The white colour reflects sunlight back off the snow (just like the snow would, however the covers prevent some of the heat making its way through to the snow).

    This slows and prevents melting of the glacier, meaning that there is a better base for skiing next winter. It can help prevent the glacier shrinking in the longer term. The programme takes a lot of work, but studies have shown that it is effective in slowing and preventing summer melting when temperatures rise. It helps keep the glacier in good condition for the future.

    You Might Also See…

    This summer Julius isn’t the only ES Zermatt instructor working on the pistes. We also have Adam, Mauro, and Charly working with the Bergbahnen and enjoying the summers in Zermatt (almost) as much as the winters.

    Summer in Zermatt

    As well as skiing, Zermatt is also great for other activities in summer. See our summer ideas here; Summer in Switzerland – European Snowsport

    In Zermatt we especially recommend summer hiking, where the combination of picturesque trains, top restaurants and alpine walking is unbeatable. Contact us here and we can help you arrange the best combination of summer activities in Zermatt.

    In the Winters

    As for the winters, Julius is a young, energetic and relaxed ski instructor from Germany who loves being on the mountain and working with other ski-enthusiasts. He also has a passion for traveling the world and exploring new countries as well as meeting new people and experiencing new cultures. If you are looking for a young friendly ski instructor, he is an excellent choice.

    Julius has been skiing since he was three years old and instantly fell in love with it. He loves being out in the nature and he loves how versatile skiing can be. From going on fast runs and catching some adrenaline to relaxing touring experiences, everything is possible.

    Julius’s clients say; “Julius was outstanding! We had a party of 8 from the US and he took us all over Zermatt, showing us the best trails, places to eat, places to chill. It was a 10 out of 10 day. Julius kept us all together and made sure we hit the pistes that we could all handle. We had an awesome lunch on the mountain which was spectacular. I could not recommend a better ski guide for Zermatt! Great guy, awesome skiing and super friendly.!”

    Contact us to book ski lesson with Julius in Zermatt.

    JoJo Gill – rope access technician high above London

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    JoJo is a ski instructor with with ES in Zermatt in the winters, and here she tells us about her summers, as a rope access technician climbing high above London.

    Contact us to book ski lessons with JoJo in Zermatt.

    On the Dorchester Hotel in London

    If you look up as you walk along Park Lane, opposite Hyde Park in central London, you might be able to spot JoJo this summer. Working as an independent contractor, at the moment she is hanging on ropes on the side of the Dorchester Hotel at 53 Park Lane. JoJo’s job is to reach difficult spots on tall buildings by ropes access, helping to make sure that they are checked and maintained.

    Maintaining big buildings

    We don’t usually think about how this is done, but tall buildings need maintenance as well. This summer, working as part of a team, JoJo has been maintaining the Dorchester, to keep it safe. Earlier in the works, JoJo drilled big steel beams so that they could be taken out. The next part of the works was taking out the structural steel beams and slinging them to a crane for removal.

    JoJo is now working on installing big gallows brackets to support a structural platform that will be used to do further works on the building. A gallows bracket is a right angled triangular bracket that can be used to support a platform. Its name comes from the shape, which looks like an old fashioned gallows, where criminals were hung.

    What is it like working high above the ground?

    Sometimes JoJo works on inspection visits, checking and testing to see what maintenance works are needed. Other times, like now, she works on big structural projects that require many days of ropes access work.

    Most importantly, JoJo needs to minimise the risks associated with working at heights, following safety protocols and procedures. And at the same time, she solves the problems of access, inspection and maintenance. JoJo’s great strength is in delivering consistent results while under pressure with concentration, and while working in challenging environments.

    Planning and preparation

    JoJo plans and executes the rigging setups to get her into position for jobs. She needs to work smoothly in a team, where everyone depends on each other. As a level 2 qualified rope access technician, she also mentors level 1 team members on the job.

    100 metres above London

    Last summer, JoJo worked on the Trellick Tower in Notting Hill, doing concrete inspection and rebar testing. Rebar testing is ensuring the quality and compliance of the steel reinforcement bars used in construction.

    The Trellick Tower is 98 metres tall, 120 metres including the communication tower, and is a Grade II listed building. It was completed in 1972 and is a Brutalist tower block designed as social housing.

    In the winters

    In the winters, JoJo is a level 3 qualified ski instructor with ES in Zermatt. She was based in Banff, Canada before moving to Zermatt. She has a positive and energetic approach to teaching, and combines this with patience and encouragement for a great outcome for her clients.

    The first words used to describe JoJo are energetic and enthusiastic. Not only is she fun, she is also relaxed and patient and brings this approach to her teaching. Originally from London, she discovered her love for all things cold after learning to ski, age four, in the Alps. JoJo, earned her qualifications in Banff, Canada, where she stayed on for two additional seasons. She enjoys all aspects of skiing, and is happy to always embrace any challenge on the slopes. If she’s not on the slopes you will still find her doing adventurous activities outdoors all year-round.

    JoJo’s clients say; “My experience with JoJo was amazing! Not only did I gain a lot of confidence in improving my technique and posture, but we also did exercises that helped me become more aware of my body and balance. And all of this in just two fun sessions!

    She constantly challenged me to push my limits, and I learned so much along the way. Meeting her made me really happy, and I’m already looking forward to coming back to Zermatt to continue improving my skills with her.

    Thank you, JoJo, for your patience and dedication! If you’re looking for someone who will make you feel safe on the slopes while keeping the experience fun and relaxed, I 100% recommend JoJo!“

    Contact us to book ski lessons with JoJo in Zermatt.