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    Good Advice for skiers

    10 Reasons Why You Should Take Ski Lessons

    by

    The web is full of content that will teach you how to ski. You can learn everything from snow plough to parallel without ever getting off the sofa.

    But reading is often very different from doing. And there are still a bunch of reasons why you should take ski lessons. Here we have laid out the reasons why ski lessons are essential.

    Let’s get to it.

    1) Skiing is a feeling-based sport

    I have worked as qualified a ski instructor for over a decade. In that time, I have seen many self-taught beginners try to ski. It does not work.

    Skiing sounds easy in theory. The technique is very simple. And you can visualise the movements at home. But all bets are off once you’re on the snow. This is because skiing is a physical sport. You need to get a feel for the snow. There is no alternative.

    You need to learn by doing. And a good ski instructor will teach you how to apply your knowledge on the snow.

    Transitioning from watching YouTube videos to actually being on snow is massive. You simply cannot do it alone.

    2) Skiing is dangerous

    Skiing comes with risk. Especially if you don’t take a lesson. The main role of a ski instructor is to keep you safe. That’s even more important than helping you learn.

    Nobody has fun when they get injured. And that’s a fact.

    One of the biggest reasons why you should take ski lessons is to learn about mountain safety. This is about more than just ‘not falling over’. You need to learn the basics about where to stand on the slope. How to traverse safely, and what to do when you see an accident. These are essential mountain skills that new skiers rarely learn if they don’t take a lesson.

    Don’t ruin your holiday by getting injured on the first day. Hire a ski instructor instead.

    3) Self-taught skiers pick up bad habits

    Skiing is a very habitual sport. Muscle memory lasts a lifetime. Building a solid technical foundation is essential. Skipping over the basics can cost you in the long run.

    Skiers who teach themselves tend to make basic mistakes like leaning back too much. Once you train yourself to ski this way it’s hard to break the habit. Foundational errors like this put ceiling on your ability. You will reach a ceiling and need to go back to basics again before you progress.

    The best way to avoid bad habits is to not develop them in the first place. Taking ski lessons will set you up with a good foundational technique. Master the basics and your skiing will be awesome for years to come.

    4) A ski instructor will see your faults

    The keen eye of a ski instructor should not be underestimated. Even a couple of hours with a good instructor can improve your technique immensely. The problem is that it’s really difficult to analyse your own skiing. Even if you are a seasoned professional. But having an outsider take a look at your skiing will immediately give you areas of improvement. You can then take these pointers and apply them during your ‘free skiing’ time.

    With zero guidance – you will never improve. Periodic lessons are a great idea. Even for experts.

    5) Ski lessons build confidence

    I often like to joke that a ski instructor is almost like a psychologist. Fear plays a huge part in ski performance. And scared skiers do not produce their best skiing. That feeling of nervousness can spell disaster. It causes people to completely abandon proper technique and revert to beginner mistakes. This does not bode well for anyone trying their hand at a new slope.

    Instructors are there to encourage and instil confidence. Just knowing you have a professional alongside you will give you a boost of confidence. You will find it within yourself to reach new levels.

    I always recommend taking a lesson if you are attempting a new type of terrain. Learning how to ski moguls or powder for the first time should always be done with an instructor. These are terrains that require specific skills and a lot of safety advice.

    6) You will learn faster

    Here’s a secret: Skiing becomes more enjoyable as your ability improves. Taking lessons is the best way to see fast progress. You will get tailored advice on exactly which areas to improve. This will propel your progress.

    Ski instructors have taught countless lessons. They know how to get you going, fast. No instructor wants to see you hanging around on the beginner slope for days on end.
    They are motivated to get you up the mountain. And they will make sure you learn quickly.

    7) You will meet other skiers

    Ski lessons are more than just learning. Group lessons are a great place to meet new people.

    You will be with skiers who match your ability. Everybody is looking to improve their technique. You are all in the same boat.

    Ski schools work hard to make sure the whole group has similar goals and abilities. That way it creates a positive learning environment. You will be encouraged and motivated by your fellow students.

    Your new friends will be there to help pick you up when you fall. And laugh when you do something silly.

    8) Learn about ski equipment

    Ski instructors are knowledgeable people to ask about equipment. They will give you advice on how well your ski boots fit. And show you how to buckle them more efficiently. Having skis that match your skiing style and ability is also vital. And a good instructor will be happy to talk about which brand is best for you.

    Don’t hold back from asking questions about ski clothing during your lesson. You can get great information about the best ski jackets, gloves, helmets and more.

    Keep in mind that you can only learn so much online. Reviews are great. But the real-world advice you can get during a lesson is invaluable.

    9) Learn how to navigate the mountain

    Ski instructors know the mountain like the back of their hand. The best European ski resorts are huge. World-renowned areas like Zermatt and Verbier cover hundreds of kilometres of skiable terrain. You will be guided around the mountain during your lesson. Discovering your favourite slopes along the way.

    You will learn more than any piste map could ever show you. Instructors know all the secret spots and quiet slopes.

    Getting advice on where to head for après ski is another reason why you should take ski lessons. Don’t forget to buy your instructor a drink at the end of the week.

    10) Ski lessons are fun

    Some of the best times I had growing up on the mountain were during ski lessons. Every aspect of a lesson is enjoyable. From meeting fellow skiers to joking with your instructor. You are there to have fun.

    Many of us take skiing far too seriously. Me included. Remember that lessons are supposed to be fun. You are on holiday!

    A great ski instructor will provide an exciting lesson. Engaging chats on the chairlift and enjoyable exercises on the slopes. You will be skiing with a smile during your lesson.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Are ski lessons worth it?

    Ski lessons are worth it for skiers of all abilities. Learning from an instructor makes every aspect of skiing more enjoyable. Better technique means you get less tired. Your ability will advance quickly so you can enjoy more of the mountain. Skiing is a sport that gets more enjoyable as your skills improve. Taking lessons will speed up that process.

    Do I need ski lessons for my first time skiing?

    Ski lessons are essential for first time skiers. YouTube videos and blog posts are great. But you simply cannot get around taking a lesson. Being on snow is totally different from sitting in your living room. You can learn, read and watch all you want at home. But there is no substitute for sliding down the slope while an instructor gives you advice.

    How many ski lessons does a beginner need?

    Beginners need at least 10 full-day lessons to be proficient on the mountain. This means you should be in lessons for the entirety of your first couple of ski holidays. By the end of the two weeks, you should know how to turn and stop safely on blue slopes. With your skis starting to become parallel.  You will have a solid understanding of ski safety and be confident enough to explore the mountain. After this initial period, you should still take lessons to keep improving your skills. But you could reduce it to half-day lessons or intermittent day lessons. This gives you more free skiing time.

    Can you ski without lessons?

    You should not ski without lessons. Skiing is a dangerous sport. You can injure yourself and others if you are not in control. Beginners must take lessons until they learn to control their speed, stop and turn. You can start to reduce the number of lessons you take once you are confident on blue slopes. I recommend even advanced skiers take some lessons. There are always areas that you can improve and even a short one or two-hour private lesson can advance your technique.

    Final thoughts

    Taking lessons with a good ski school makes all aspects of your trip more enjoyable. You will learn new skills, find the best slopes and have a laugh with your instructor. Great ski schools get booked well in advance so I recommend organising your lessons before you arrive in the resort. Remember that you cannot learn everything online. There is some great information out there – but you really need a professional to provide tailored advice if you want to improve. Now the only thing left to do is book your ski lessons and get your lift pass. Have a great ski trip.

    James King

    James is a certified ski instructor and the founder of SnowSunSee. He started skiing when he was five years old and has been a qualified ski instructor for 11 years. He has taught skiing in many countries, including UK, Europe, Japan, China and Canada. When he’s not on the slopes, James spends his time travelling the world and dreaming about snowsports.

    The CERVO Mountain Resort talks ‘sustainability’

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    The CERVO Mountain Resort talks ‘sustainability’

    Read our interview with CERVO’s Sustainability Manager, Madeleine Dias de Rezende, where she reveals her top tips for a sustainable holiday in the mountains.

    CERVO’s top tips for a sustainable holiday in the mountains

    In your opinion, what makes a hotel “sustainable”? 
    Sustainability is built on the basic pillars of ecology, economy, social responsibility and leadership. If this is translated to the hotel industry, the topics of energy (heating, cooling, electricity, and water), healthy economies ( job security, mutually beneficial relationships with suppliers), social responsibility (local projects, fair supply chains, donations), and a holistic management approach (employee culture, flat hierarchy, training opportunities). These pillars form part of our holistic and sustainable concept.

     

    Were you always pro-environment since you opened in 2009, or did sustainability become the core of CERVO when you reopened in 2020? 
    Sustainability has been part of our philosophy since the founding of CERVO Mountain Resort in 2009. However, with the reopening in 2020, we have focused on it even more and intensified our efforts.

    Tell us more about the steps that CERVO is taking to drive sustainability and how sustainability is incorporated in the resort’s daily operations.
    Achievement of the ibex fairstay certification and the Platinum Award last autumn, has moved us a huge step closer to our goal. In the coming years, the focus will be to optimize our food waste, supply chain, and waste reduction. Another central focus will be the reduction of our CO2 emissions. 
    We renewed our energy heating system with our 2020 remodel and have been heating with geothermal energy and an integrated heat recovery system since then. This allows us to generate 99% of our heat ourselves. 
    Since 1 January 2023, we have switched to 100% hydropower from the Zermatt hydropower plant. This energy concept has enabled us to take an enormous step toward renewable energy sources. Nevertheless, we will always remain open to integrating new ways and innovations into the hotel operation. All restaurants have an integrated water filter system and in addition 10% of our water income is donated to the Water is Right foundation.
    Our hotel rooms and the entire hotel area are furnished in zero-waste style, while we are always trying to test and exchange new products. 
    We are constantly in exchange with our producers to avoid packaging waste and we select suppliers with a reduced packaging policy. Through implementing regular training, employees are always aware of the need to correctly separate waste. 

    How do you raise awareness amongst your guests, during their stay at CERVO, as well as when they go back home? 
    Before our guests arrive at CERVO they have already enjoyed a completely sustainable experience,  travelling to the hotel by electric car and they are able to offset the CO2 emissions of their overnight stays at the time of booking. The hotel environment has been created using local, natural and handmade materials. Everywhere in the hotel, there are messages and small notes that draw attention to our initiatives, from the hotel rooms to the breakfast buffet to the gastronomic and cultural offers in the entire hotel. Our guests will find hidden notes and information all around the hotel and their hotel room.

     

    Do you see an increased interest in the environment and sustainability from your guests?
    Yes, our guests are generally searching for more conscious ways of traveling. We find that they react very positively to our practices, as we avoid imposing them on anyone. What we do, we do out of conviction. Our guests enjoy the experience through appreciation of our practices and do not have to forfeit the quality of their stay, making it even more beautiful and easier.

     

    What are your best tips for a sustainable holiday in the mountains? 

    Ask yourself if you really do need fresh towels every day. 

    Why not try a vegetarian dish every now and then? 
    Better walk twice to the breakfast buffet than having excess food on your plate which has to be thrown away.
    Check in advance whether the hotel you plan to go to is committed to sustainability.

     

    Tips to make your holiday eco-friendlier.

    by

    ECO SKIING

    It is hard not to think about our environmental impact nowadays, so why would your holiday in the mountains be an exception? There are great alternatives out there: from transport, to lodging without forgetting activities and gear rental. Read our article to learn more about it!

     

    Source: European Snowsport

    So where does your sustainable journey in the mountains begin?

    Some resorts are particularly working on being more sustainable and the best examples in Switzerland are probably Zermatt, car-free since 1970, and Verbier, where almost all the resort is powered by local hydro-electric power.

     

    Both Zermatt and Verbier, as well as pretty much every ski resort in Switzerland is accessible by train which is by far the greenest way to travel. The Swiss train company runs direct trains from Geneva to Verbier every weekend. You arrive into the same area where you take the ski lift and can go directly to the slopes.  Zermatt has good connections from both Zurich and Geneva, and you arrive into the centre of Zermatt village.

    On average, a train journey emits twenty-seven times less CO2 and requires six times less energy than travel by car. There is also something magical about reaching the resort you’re visiting by train, looking at the beautiful landscapes and the majestic mountains outside the window.

    Did you know that to travel even more lightly and comfortably by train, you can send all your luggage to your destination for a very small fee? Check out all the SBB luggage services on their website.

     

    Eco hotels and ski chalets are becoming more and more popular in the ever-competitive world of attracting winter holiday makers. Why not choose an accommodation that is solar powered and made from renewable materials? The ultra-modern and energy self-sufficient Monte Rosa Mountain Refuge near Zermatt, or the “carbon negative” Mad Mount Hotel in Nendaz are great options. If you are looking for more upscale accommodation, Lagom properties in Verbier source their items responsibly and retain 1% of all revenue to contribute towards local sustainability and community projects. Last but not least, CERVO’s unique concept around nature in Zermatt is one of a kind. 99% of its energy is geothermal and all the waste heat is reused in the hotel operations.

     

    Source: Design Hotels Cervo Mountain Resort

    Now that accommodation and travel are sorted, let’s talk about your snow gear. Most of us just spend one or two weeks per year in the mountains, so why not try something new and start renting? This is a much more sustainable choice than buying new ski & snowboard clothes every other year, doesn’t take up space in your wardrobe at home and allows you to have fun wearing a different outfit every time you go on your skiing holiday! Simply choose your outfit on the Cirkel’s platform, confirm your dates, and Cirkel will deliver the rental package directly to your destination. Also, renting your skis or snowboard and boots allows you to be equipped with the latest and best gear on the market.  In Verbier we recommend renting at Mountain Air, in Zermatt Glacier Sport and in the 3 Vallées White Storm. Ski equipment is still very hard to recycle, but on a promising note: last fall Rossignol launched The Essential Ski, the first recyclable skis on the market.

     

    Time for some fun on the snow now!

    We offer a week-end club in Verbier, for likeminded skiers to ski together on Saturdays.  Or how about booking a kid-friendly instructor in one of our resorts so that your little ones can discover the joys of skiing or snowboarding?

    We have all been witnessing how climate change is affecting the nature around us, so if you are interested in understanding the mountains better, how to read the snow and gain some avalanche awareness, book an experienced instructor who will be happy to share their knowledge.

     

    Source: European Snowsport

    Is there any better way to finish a great day on the slopes than with a delicious meal shared with friends or family? Probably not, and here again your choice can make a difference. More and more restaurants try to work with local ingredients and put vegetables at the centre of their dishes. It is also a great way to experience the local gastronomy and the creativity of a new generation of chefs. Some of our favourite ones are Stockhorn by the Rex and VegiStube in Zermatt, and in Verbier Cuisine 22 or Arctic Juice.

     

    We hope you enjoyed reading this article and that you will try out some of these ideas next time you plan your holiday!

     

    Source: European Snowsport

    How to ski again after a long break

    by

    Take a lesson

    I’ve used my softest, kindest voice when I greet them in the rental shop; Two women, friends, both nervous about coming back to skiing. Neither has skied for two years, maybe three.  I can tell they’re fearful; we head upstairs in the ski shop, drink a little coffee, and then we walk to the ski lift.

    I offer to carry the more frail of the two’s ski’s. Naturally, she refuses; what modern woman would accept? Then in a conspiratorial tone, I lean in and explain, in a whisper, that if I’m seen by any other instructors, not carrying her skis, it will cause me some big problems later on, back in the locker room. We chuckle; I take the skis.  ” Don’t be jealous”, I joke to the other one “It’ll be your turn tomorrow”.

    On the lift, I keep the conversation light and away from skiing,   careers,  hobbies, families, kids,  husbands, sports, holidays – past and future – anything but skiing.  Maybe I add in a bit of local history, some of the sights, the mountain peaks, perhaps my theory of how Carthaginian general Hanibal Barca and his 38 Elephants, may have passed through here in 217 BC. He really may have, but this is for another blog.

    I’m trying to keep their mind off the skiing and inside the telecabine. My goal is to reduce, as much as possible, any nerves. As we get out of the telecabine I keep this going.  I lay their skis on the snow. We clip in and do a little jiggly warm-up and a light stretch.  More laughter at my terrible jokes, and some silly dance moves.  “Another Coffee?” I jest, keeping it light, we’re laughing now, we’re having fun, and just when they’re not expecting it, I set off.

    Skiing After Covid
    Skiing After Covid

    “Come on, let’s go” I say, the client nearest to me, she slides forwards after me. I make sure they’re looking at me not down at their skis, maintaining eye contact, “you can ski well “, I say, and I mean it; she smiles, hasn’t looked at her skis but is following, skiing; we’re off.

    I’ve timed this well; there is no one skiing past, the run is as clear as can be, and it’s sunny too, we are off, skiing, down the mountain. I do a nice slow round turn, and they follow me well. I throw in a compliment, another joke, then turns two, three, four, and five and were off! The slope is gentle, the rewards immediate.

    I’m looking back as they do every turn. I’ve set my speed just a little slower than they want for this first run, it’s all easy, and it’s all accessible. One, is slightly slower than the other; I go at the slower skier’s pace, the faster of the two doesn’t mind; she is kind, they are friends and the faster one can be let off the reigns later. And who knows how their respective confidence and abilities will progress through the rest of the holiday. For now, we want to minimise the differences, we are  building trust and bonding the team.

    As the run opens up, I accelerate a little; they stay with me, they’re smiling,  were skiing again; it’s joyful and exciting. It’s nice to be back; they’re enjoying this piste. The rest of my week will be a lot easier after this confidence-building first day.

    Why we ski and how it comes back

    • But what will it be like for these ladies and for you, skiing again after a big gap?
    • Will your legs know what to do?
    • Will the skis veer off uncontrollably towards the ravine?
    • Will you have the style flow and panache on skis that you once had?
    • And How can you prepare for this potentially first run in two years?

    First, let’s remember why we ski? It’s brilliant, the simple physical sensations of skiing at any level are wonderful and accessible to everyone. Second, it’s something you can nearly always do as a family; there are challenging runs for the adrenaline seeker and long smooth open runs through the trees for those happy to slide along in amongst the most beautiful nature people can access. You can do it alone, with your family, with friends, with people from work. Skiing is almost unique in its reach, flexibility and inclusiveness as a sport or activity.

    You might be surprised that even ski instructors, especially those that don’t work in the southern hemisphere during the summer ( their winter ) find that the first turns of the season are a little nerve-racking. Some have routines for the first few runs, and others spend months on the glaciers in Europe during the autumn refining their skills, preparing for the winter and exams.

    Luckily skiing is like riding a bike, skills stay with you but the details of the movements slowly, over time, evaporate. Luckily they quickly come back but only if you make it easy for them; the easiest way to do this is to take a refresher ski lesson with ES.  If you don’t do this, make sure you choose an easy run for your first few days.

    Before you get to the slopes, check your equipment, your feet may have changed shape or even grown. The boots you had in 2019 might not be a good fit anymore; if you rent skis, go for something five to ten centimetres shorter than you had before. This will make everything a lot easier.

    European Snowsport ski instructors

    The key is to start on what YOU think is an easy run. Not what your husband, wife, partner or friends think is easy, but what is easy for you.

    Do a few runs, gentle turns, side to side  and take it really easy.  Add back in the pole plant after a few runs. Practice some skidded stops. Remind yourself how long it takes to stop as you approach the lift line. Judging distances and controlling speeds can be difficult after a long break.

    The movements you have to make to ski will soon come back; your nervous system, brain and muscles all can remember how they were coordinated before.

    Balance is quite hard to improve quickly, but skiing does improve it a lot. Balancing on your skis will come back rapidly in the first day or two. It’s easier to think of balance, not as a static thing but a series of movements to bring you back to the centre. Your body always moves away from the centre towards “out of balance”.  Balancing is the skill of returning to the centre as efficiently as possible. It is a continuous process that never stops for a skier.

     

    Imagine a drunken sailor swaying all over the place; their balancing movements are large, inaccurate and inefficient. You may feel like a drunken sailor for the first few turns, but rapidly the movements you need to make to stay on your skis come back. These are, of course, in combination with the terrain you can see.  So start on a tree-lined run if the weather is terrible and the visibility poor.  And as far as drinking, keep the apres-ski as much “apres” as possible…

    Ski Lessons European Snowpsort

    For this reason, it’s vital to do a run or two on super easy slopes. Also, get a simple balance board before your holiday, a circular one with a small half-dome underneath. 10 mins a day between now and your holiday will actually improve your balance. If you can’t do that, see if you can stand on one foot and lift the other up in the air, now fold your arms feel the balancing  movements getting larger, close one eye and so on, build it up over time. This alone is good enough to improve your balance and make skiing easier.

    So take a lesson, choose easy runs, check your gear, choose slightly shorter skis and – if you can – work on your balancing skills before your holiday. Do these  things and the long break from skiing will be but a nothing in your progress as a skier.

    Follow these for simple suggestions, and a 1,2, or even ten-year break from skiing will feel like you never stopped at all.

    Skiing After Covid

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    What have we learned, and what has changed?

    At ES, we have always prided ourselves on being innovators, and been first with new products, plans and people-centred ideas. But for us, like the rest of the skiing world, COVID was a complete shock that left us reacting to events as they happened.
    Eighteen months on, what have we learned, and what has changed for skiers and the ski industry?

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    What have we learned?

    Last winter, we learned from our experience here in Switzerland that, with precautions, it was possible to keep the ski resorts open throughout the winter and not trigger any major outbreaks of COVID.

    We also learned that people would follow guidelines and behave sensibly.

    We found that complying with the guidelines was much easier if the resort was set up to help. Here in Verbier, it worked really well, with distances marked on the ground for entering lifts, reminders as you got on the lift about how many people per lift, and specially recruited friendly helpers called “COVID angels” around to help everyone follow the rules.

    Businesses have learned that many jobs can be done from home. With flexibility about when and how they work, people have turned out, on average, to spend more time working and be more motivated. And, of course, it benefits everyone to cut out the commute.

    Working remotely has also become more accepted for those who work for themselves.
    With fewer “in-person” meetings, it is easier for everyone to be based far from your clients or colleagues. That includes being based in a ski resort…

    So we saw many more people either staying in resort for the season or for a longer time. With the flexibility to ski and to work, who would not be more efficient and effective during their working time?

    What has changed?

    The single most important piece of feedback we had from our clients (and felt ourselves) is that we will never take our skiing and travel for granted again! We have realised how lucky we are to be in the beautiful Alps, breathing the freshest air, seeing the shining peaks around us, exercising in the open, becoming stronger and more skilful each day.

     

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    7D8A0795

    People have realised how important their time in the mountains is, both for themselves and to relax and enjoy the company of their family and friends. This winter, we are seeing many enquiries for large family groups and groups of friends who have missed time together of the past year and have some catching up to do. For these large parties, we allocate a lead instructor who can coordinate times, places, lunches and pickup and drop off so that things run smoothly for everyone.

    Having missed a winter’s skiing, we know there will be many people who will need help rebuilding their confidence and skills. After a year out, an instructor can help you to sprint past your old ski level and reach new heights.

    As a ski school, we are reviewing our expectations for skiers on day one. Children who have missed a winter on the snow will need a gentle start with a steep learning curve as they regain their skills and confidence. Our instructors are aware of this and will help everyone to reach their potential, progressing quickly early in the trip to regain their old level, and then surpass it.

    Switzerland COVID Champion

    We had to cheer last year when Switzerland recognised that the point of closing borders and restricting entry was to keep COVID from entering Switzerland. The corollary of this was, that when another country had less COVID than Switzerland, the Swiss opened the border to it. The restrictions only remained in place for countries with a higher incidence.

    Last winter Switzerland kept the ski lifts open throughout the winter. There were fewer people per lift, and masks had to be worn in ski lifts and in lift lines. However ski lifts stayed open through the whole winter, and we could ski!

    window penguins 1

     

    You do not need an EU COVID certificate, but if your certificate is from outside the EU, you may need to have it converted to a format that is recognised in Switzerland.

    Follow this link to do the conversion, and please note that they recommend allowing 2 weeks for the process; https://covidcertificate-form.admin.ch/foreign

    There is a simple travel check that you can do to see if you can enter Switzerland; it is updated as requirements change. Follow the link here;
    https://travelcheck.admin.ch/home

    5 best sunny terraces for lunch in Verbier

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    It is that time of the winter when the blue skies and long days are just made for terraces. Or is it the terraces that are made for the blue skies and long days? Whichever came first, we are able to give you a Verbier insider’s view on the absolute best places to relax and enjoy some well earned time in the sun at lunch or after a hard day’s skiing. We all know Verbier is located in a sunny south facing bowl, so let’s enjoy!

    Our Verbier Lunch Choices

    La Marmotte

    Sunny Savoleyres has much to recommend it, from the quiet pistes and lovely tree skiing, to the altiport so that you can arrive directly onto the snow from your heli transfer. After you have enjoyed the unspoilt beauty of this area, strangely undiscovered by so many Verbier skiers, there is always time for lunch at La Marmotte. You can choose from a traditional menu with all the usual cheesy favourites, where you also get good service and fabulous views over the village below and valley beyond. With the new Planards piste now in place, you can ski down from here to Les Esserts and then through the Hameau area right to Le Rouge.

    Le Dahu

    Since opening a few years ago, Le Dahu has become more and more popular with the locals. The welcoming staff always take care to remember the regulars and serve food from a good fresh menu with vegetarian and vegan options. Accessible to non skiers as well as skiers, via the La Chaux Express, Le Dahu is a very popular lunch spot, and many are tempted to stay for longer. Thoughtful as always, they can lend you a hat so that you don’t need to go back onto the pistes until you are quite ready. Enjoy all of this with fabulous views over the valley and across to the French Alps beyond.

    Le Carrefour

    It is hard to think of a “top” list in Verbier that this shouldn’t feature on, so here it is again. Good food and good service, recently renovated but still charming, and well located so that both skiers and non skiers can have lunch together. The terrace is quite small so arrive early! Afterwards you can ski down into the village or rejoin the Mayentzet lift to head back onto the slopes.

    Le Chalet D’Adrien

    Located at the bottom of the Savoleyres lift you do need to take your skis off to lunch here, but trust us it is worth it, and afterwards you can head back onto the Savoleyres side of the mountain. This sunny terrace has a big drop below, and views over all of Verbier and the valley beyond. Top tip: Try the Sunday brunch where you can take your time over this very special meal before heading out ready to use up some of that energy on the slopes.

    Le Mouton Noir

    The terrace is bigger than the restaurant here, well done that designer! Custom built for skiers who enjoy their sun, with great views so that you can see the parapente flights soaring after their takeoff just below. Skiers and non skiers can lunch together here, with lift access from Medran. Easy to access and a great place to meet up for all levels of skiers.
    As a bonus, and highly recommended; take a parapente flight down afterwards with our friends from Verbier Summits.

    Tips for a Sunny Terrace Lunch

    • Reapply sunscreen before and after lunch, and don’t forget areas other than your face that haven’t seen the sun since last August.
    • Make sure your underlayers are looking good, it gets warm in the sun.
    • Drink plenty of water to avoid a headache after lunch.
    • Sounds obvious, but don’t forget your sunglasses.

    Look out for next month’s blog on the best sunny après ski locations in Verbier… 

    Verbier Switzerland : Our Resort Guide