European Snowsport

Outstanding, independent ski schools in Verbier, Zermatt, Nendaz, St Moritz and Chamonix

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    Verbier Resort Guide

    Adaptive skiing with ES

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    “Adaptive skiing is one of the most incredible sides to our sport. Those who take part in it are full of pure determination and never give up.”

    ES Adaptive ski school is a non-profit organization, linked to European Snowsport –a company based in Verbier, Zermatt, Nendaz, St Moritz and Chamonix. This link has developed from the growing interest of existing ES instructors in adaptive techniques as well as for providing greater access for skiing to all individuals.

    • English speaking, fully ‐qualified BASI (British Association of Ski Instructors) Adaptive Ski Instructors.
      • Bespoke one‐2‐one ski tuition and guiding at excellent value including equipment hire (costs are covered, but no profit made)
      • Advice regarding the booking of your holiday and practicalities of access in the resort for those with ambulatory
      Difficulties – e.g. knowledge of how easy or difficult access is to hotels restaurants, ski lifts, transport facilities and leisure facilities.
    • Detailed local knowledge of the mountains to ensure our clients gain the most from their time in resort. Our instructors can advise on mountain restaurants with suitable access and appropriate toilet facilities. They can choose the most appropriate terrain or variety of abilities and for practicing new skills, whilst ensuring that you enjoy the full ES adaptive experience and ski as much of the area as possible.

    In Verbier we have a great range of equipment to suit your needs, including a variety of sit-skis and outriggers. We can also source adaptive equipment for lessons in Zermatt.

    Photo: Samual Bernard

    Here are some great pieces of feedback from adaptive skiers that have skied with us over the years.

    • “After a couple of operations on my back, my calf muscles were very weak and I thought that my skiing days were over. However thanks to ES I took up adaptive skiing and I am now back up the mountain and skiing down to the bottom without too many falls. (My instructor) has helped me enormously for the last few years and she is a great teacher, enthusiastic, challenging and, for a Scot, a surprising sense of humour! Without her I would never have made the progress that I have made.”
    Photo: Samual Bernard
    • “I am a C5 quad and although I was an avid skier before my accident this is only the second time I’ve used an adaptive ski. I cannot recommend ES enough. From the moment I arrived at the resort until the time I left I felt extremely well taken care of and in very safe hands. As most wheelchair travellers know there is always a bit of apprehension before embarking on a new adventure, however I can honestly say that this was the smoothest, glitch-free holiday I’ve ever had.”

     

    • “My name is Dr Mark Barnard and I’ve had MS for over 30 years. I’m currently wheelchair bound but live independently. Before my legs became too weak I skied at least once a year and being on top of a mountain in the snow was my favourite place to be.
      So given the opportunity to adaptive ski in Verbier by the great charity Ski4All was both elating and very very scary.
      Year 1 was learning the ropes (or tethers) in difficult snow conditions. Year 2 I met my new instructor. Her Scottish drawl was intoxicatingly reassuring as we talked about my competence and goals-to ski tether free. My main concern, for me and her, was how a young slip of a girl was going to control a lump of a guy like myself. I needn’t have worried. Her abilities shone through and by the end of the week I was skiing black runs confidently. Only illness prevented me going tether free on the last day.
      Importantly she easily integrated with my group of family and friends but was not afraid to abuse me when she shouted “left”and I turned right! …5 star rating for giving me back my ability to do my favourite hobby!”
    Photo: Charlotte Devlin
    • “I have skied and coped with my disability in a certain way for 35 years but (my instructor) has really changed my whole attitude in just 3 lessons. He was able to pin-point where I was going wrong and made me understand why I did it that way and what effect that had on the rest of my body and balance. I really look like a different skier now. I’m definitely going to start next season with a few more lessons.”

    Check out the ES Adaptive page to find out more here.

    If you or someone you know would be interested in giving adaptive skiing a go, get in touch with the European Snowsport office here and book your lesson with one of our great ES adaptive instructors this winter. 

    Women’s Ski Clinics

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    “Yes I ski like a girl -try to keep up!”

    We are bringing something new for the ladies at European Snowsport this winter. We have specially selected female instructors with a great range of experience and skills to deliver our new women’s two day ski clinics. Their infectious enthusiasm for all mountain skiing will help you to find confidence and enjoyment on snow.

    Reach your personal best in a safe and motivating environment where ALL women are treated equally as you expand your terrain and develop your skills.

    So why make the move to an all girl group?

    It’s not a hard fact that guys and girls approach things in a different way, but it’s not unusual to see girls evaluating the risks a little more when it comes to skiing. We’ve all been in a situation where we aren’t feeling ready to try the task but others in the group are pushing the pace and putting on the pressure. Everyone learns differently right? You might be a listener, watcher, feeler, thinker, doer. You might be all of the above. But how we process information personally affects the way we learn.

    We take this all into account on the women’s clinic ski days.

    Some people respond well to being pushed and there’s loads of inspirational female athletes out there who are shredding everyday to prove it. Take Mikaela Shiffrin, Lynsey Dyer or Lindsey Vonn for example.

    Mikaela Shiffrin has won world cup races in slalom, giant slalom, super-G, downhill and alpine combined. At the age of 23 she became the youngest skier (men or women) to win 50 world cup races.

    What is important to realise is that women’s strengths can lie in different places to men’s. In place of height and strength (although of course some girls have this too) technique, tactics and head space all come to the forefront. With these skills any slope can be tackled.

    At the start of each day, enjoy a fresh pressed fruit or vegetable juice. Here the group can discuss goals for the day before heading out onto the hill.

    Then out on the snow you can learn at your pace in a no-ego, non-pressure environment. These sessions are aimed at all levels. Whether you’re looking to improve your piste performance, mogul skiing, or try your hand at off piste and itinerary routes, anything’s possible. Because the camp is based on individual coaching, everyone can improve their confidence and technique, no matter what your level is.

    On the first afternoon, after skiing yoga is included, designed especially for skiers. Gently stretch out those well-used ski muscles so you can head out on the second day feeling refreshed.

    These sessions aren’t just about your technical skiing, they include sessions on reading the mountain terrain, choosing your route, and being prepared for the conditions.  Think coaching, rather than lessons; our women’s clinics will help you master confidence at any level of skiing.

    If you would like to join one of our women’s clinics get in touch! We look forward to skiing with you soon.

    Resorts; Verbier and Zermatt

    Levels; intermediate and above

    Cost; 400chf per person for the 2 days

     

     

     

     

     

    The Big Five Challenge

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    Having listened to the feedback from our clients over many years, we know there are a lot of good skiers and snowboarders out there. They often know Verbier well, having stayed here over many years, and are advanced level or expert on the snow.
    So we have developed the “Big 5 Challenge”, a special day out with an ES instructor who will guide you to the best unpisted runs, with the best snow. And we will give you a “Big 5 Challenge” certificate and gift at the end of it, if you complete the challenge.

    Ski the top 5 unpisted trails (“itineraries”) in Verbier, the freeride capital of Europe.
    -The Steepest
    -The Longest
    -The biggest moguls
    -The best tree skiing
    -The most beautiful itinerary runs

    Here is your day;

    1. Start with the itinerary that is the best kept secret in the 4 Valleys, through the trees in the morning on Les Otanes, on the Bruson side. If snow conditions permit, you can go all the way down to Le Chable.

    2. From here, take the lifts back up on the Verbier side, past Lac de Vaux to the top of Tortin.
    This run is legendary for its steepness, length, and bumps! You can dive straight down or, depending on conditions, take the trail off to the side, to tackle the soft moguls that can get as big as cars, with famously good snowholding on the north facing slope.

    3. Three lifts take you back up again to the top of Mt Gele (“Frozen Mountain”), where all of the ways down are steep and unpisted. Depending on conditions there are different options; all of them are steep, empty and wild.

    4. Take the swooping run in to your next itinerary, Gentianes. Play in the natural half pipes and fabulous snow, heading down towards Siviez and the other valleys past Verbier.

    5. Two more lifts take you back up and then you will finish by heading down the narrow track, often with over a meter of snow piled on either side, that takes you into Vallon D’Arbi. This long, steep, wooded itinerary takes you into terrain many Verbier regulars have never seen, finishing in La Tsoumaz. Take lift back out, then be last off the mountain on the long run back to Verbier.

    Instructor Beth Lloyd in the trees! Photo by James Rushforth.

    Depending on mountain conditions, including avalanche risk and run closures, some runs may be replaced with others on the day. For example, Vallon D’Arbi may be replaced with Col des Mines, a beautiful itinerary with spectacular views that takes you back into Verbier in the afternoon sun.

    Worth it for a certificate? Of course not, but this experience will stay with you for a lifetime.

    The “Big 5 challenge” is 595chf for the day. The price does not change if your friends and family join in, so you can invite others to share the experience with you. We guarantee there will be plenty to talk about for the rest of your holiday!

    By Laura Shadbolt

    8 Reasons why Verbier is Europe’s Premier Snowboarding holiday resort.

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    Everyone has a different idea of what they want from a Snowboarding holiday. If you’re going to spend your hard earned cash and accumulated holiday time, you want it to be an awesome holiday experience.

    With an abundance of pistes, totalling 56, and the longest being 15km long you can see why Verbier is a world renowned luxury resort. Throw in some epic snow and a crew to shred with, and you’re half way to heaven. From perfect groomers, a freshly shaped terrain park and world quality off-piste terrain, its difficult to see why Verbier doesn’t make all top 10 snowboard resort lists. It’s an absolute undiscovered gem of quality riding that only the few know about.

    Here’s why Verbier is probably Europe’s best snowboarding resort.

    1. WEATHER

    The amazing weather that Verbier offers is second to none. If you want sunny and warm conditions then this resort delivers. The town and a number of slopes are south facing so sunshine is not a problem to find. Perfect for some softer snow on a cold morning or for aprés beers after a long day of shredding.

    2. ENDLESS SNOW

    If fresh snow is what you desire then the slopes around Verbier have this covered. With lifts going up to 3300m, there is no problem finding fresh snow. Verbier town is situated at 1500m, giving a total vertical descent from the top lift to town of 1830m. If you are unsure of where to go and find untouched freshies, why not get a backcountry day. You might even pick up a tip or two.

    3. LIFT NETWORK

    A good lift is essential, and a network of lifts is even better. Verbier has 150km of pistes divided into roughly 45% easy, 45% intermediate and 10% advanced slopes. Verbier has an enormous ride area when joined with Nendaz,(links?)Veysonnaz, La Tzoumaz, Thyon and Val de Bagnes to create the 4Vallees. 94 lifts and over 400km of pistes all on one pass. It’s hard to see why Verbier is the most underrated for snowboarding in Europe.

    4. FRESH, UNTRACKED SNOW

    The off piste terrain is so incredible they hold the final of the Freeride World Tour here! Verbier is a freeride mecca and has been known as Switzerland’s version of Chamonix, with its high peaks and endless backcountry.

    5. A BIT OF A CHALLENGE

    If you are looking for a challenge then look no further. Verbier has a number of marked and controlled off piste routes for the more advanced rider. If you’re looking for a variety of terrain within one resort, Verbier’s itineraries has it covered.

    6. SNOW PARK

    Verbier hasn’t had the best reputation for its terrain park in the past, but over the last few years even more money has been put into improve the jumps, boxes and rails. There are many new features each year and the freestyle area continues to advance leaps and bounds.

    Here are the stats that are changing Verbier’s freestyle image. Located at 2250m, the La Chaux snowpark delivers guaranteed snow and sunshine. The park is suitable for all levels and is maintained daily. The park includes 2 starts, 5 lines, 1 airbag and a boarder cross race track.
    Features include:
    Green line (woops)
    Blue line consisting of 3 kickers and boxes for beginners.
    Red line consisting of 3 kickers and 9 rails.
    Pro/black line consisting of 2 kickers and 5 rails.

    7. APRÉS SKI

    Verbier has an endless amount of places to party after a long (or not so long) day on the hill. Up the mountain you’ll find Chalet Carlsberg, Bar 1936 and IceCube to name a few, with live music and DJs. To end a long day with a sunset then Le Rouge (Café del Mar Ibiza vibe) is the place to go, and you can ride right to the door.
    If you prefer to sing and dance your heart out then in the centre of town you will find the Farinet Aprés Ski bar. This place will blow your aprés expectations into the next universe. Live bands perform every day of the season with a new band every week. Verbier has 4 night clubs, so partying on until the early hours is possible no matter what your taste. If you are looking to party hard Verbier has got what you need.

    8. LOCAL SNOWBOARD SHOPS

    There are plenty of local ski and snowboard shops. If anything goes wrong, there is always a shop on hand with stock to cover all eventualities, so you can get back to riding as soon as possible.
    If you want to talk about progressing your snowboarding in Verbier, get in touch!
    If you still don’t believe us then Verbier’s British ambassador and BBC snowboard correspondent Ed Leigh will show you. He loves the snowboarding in Verbier so much he moved here with his family!

    By Matt Spragg at es-ride.com

    European Snowsport’s 15th Birthday Party

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    Happy 15th Birthday European Snowsport!

    It’s not every year we get to celebrate Our ski school’s birthday but this year is a pretty special one! In 2003, European Snowsport director, Julian Griffiths, had the idea to open a ski school in Verbier that specialised in private lessons from experienced instructors with intimate local knowledge.

    European Snowsport 15 years
    Long-standing team members, Graeme and Elias.

    Fifteen years later in 2018, ES provides ski lessons to some of the most exclusive accommodation providers in Switzerland, including Bramble Ski and Richard Branson’s The Lodge. We also offer lessons in a range of languages, have our very own Swedish ski school in Verbier and run top-class training programmes for instructors wanting to progress their careers. ES has also spread across the Alps; we also operate in Zermatt, St. Moritz, Chamonix and most recently, Nendaz. We’re also incredibly proud of our kids group lessons.

    European Snowsport 15 years
    ES instructors Charlotte, Lucy and Luke.

     

    European Snowsport 15 years
    Some of our Swedish instructors, Robert, Johan and Timmy.

    Anyway, to celebrate this milestone anniversary, what else could we do than have a bit of a knees-up and treat our staff, friends and business partners to a night out? Our commercial manager, Charlotte, pulled out all the stops, organising ES champagne flutes for the occasion and delicious ES cocktails.

    European Snowsport 15 years
    Two of our fabulous office team, Helle and Rosie, showing off the ES glasses!

     

    European Snowsport 15 years
    Ski school director Julian Griffiths taking to the mic.

    Everyone turned up to Bottle Brothers in Verbier, immaculately dressed and ready to party. It was great to have an excuse to dress up and everyone was looking fabulous. The evening started out with a few casual drinks, canapés and a some words from the man himself, Julian. Special thank yous were in order for Charlotte and head of sales Laura. There was also a special mention to some of ES’s longest-standing team members, Maryse, Jonas and Neal, who have been with us since the start. Thanks for sticking with us! Then the party really started with live music from ES Chamonix director Jon Wilson‘s band, the Snow Drifters.

    European Snowsport 15 years
    The multi-talented Jon Wilson who heads up European Snowsport in Chamonix.

     

    European Snowsport 15 years
    Commercial manager Charlotte with a few of our Italian instructors, Luca and Matteo.

    We’d like to say a massive thanks to everyone who came down to celebrate with us, it was a great night! We’d also like to say a massive thanks to Bottle Brothers for hosting and to Charlotte for organising such a great evening.

    European Snowsport 15 years
    Maryse, who has been with ES since the start, receiving some beautiful flowers.

    You can view the full photo collection HERE. See if you can recognise any of our instructors out of their ski gear!

    If you’d like to book some ski, snowboard or telemark lessons with European Snowsport, don’t hesitate to get in touch! We offer fun, flexible private lessons, as well as group lessons for kids.

     

    Verbier’s Five Best Mountain Restaurants

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    Have you ever wondered where the best restaurants in Verbier are? You might be surprised but quite a few of them happen to be up the mountain! Luca Barletta is a long-standing ES team member and founder of our Double Black program, which helps our instructors deliver the best ever ski experience to their guests. No-one knows the Four Valleys mountain restaurant scene quite like Luca, so we asked him to share with us his top five places to eat on the mountain:

    Best restaurants in Verbier le Dahu
    A relaxing atmosphere, great service and Verbier’s best pizza! Image: Le Dahu
    1. Le Dahu

    “If you fancy a proper pizza made by mother yeast and wood oven, you will find your place at Le Dahu. Even if your partner views carbs like a penguin views a white Caribbean beach, don’t worry; Le Dahu makes some of the best salads in Verbier as well.

    P.S. The beef tartare is just divine.”

    Le Dahu is located at the base of the La Chaux area in Verbier and is easily accessible on foot as as well as on skis. Exceptional views also make it a great lunch spot for groups with non-skiing members.

    Best restaurants in Verbier le Carrefour
    Carrefour, the ultimate restaurant for meat lovers! Image: Le Carrefour
    1. Carrefour

    “Carrefour is the main meat / beef place on the mountain. Its hot stones dishes (where you can cook your own filet or whatever else you like) are totally original and it provides a great opportunity to taste some high-quality Swiss meat. The salads and soups are amazing, too, probably some of the best up the hill.

    P.S. If you love meat, the Carrefour tataki is an absolute must during your holiday!”

    Carrefour is easy to get to either from the mountain or from Verbier town. Skiers will find it located just at the top of Le Rouge piste, while from town you can take the no.1 bus straight there. It’s also a great choice for an evening meal, with the option to sledge back to town afterwards!

    Best restaurants in Verbier Cuckoo's Nest
    Cosy, welcoming and exceptional food at the Cuckoo’s Nest. Image: Cuckoo’s Nest
    1. Cuckoo’s Nest

    “Cuckoo’s Nest is high, the terrace is big, the panorama is marvellous and it is a Porsche Club restaurant. If you have a Porsche and you show your club card or the car keys to the waiter, the restaurant will offer you a glass of champagne with your meal. Cuckoo’s Nest is a very good restaurant; the fondue Chinoise is their top dish, you can find it alongside the handmade ravioli with truffle and delicious curry.

    P.S. Do you like frogs’ legs? Christian, the owner, has a passion for them and his frogs’ legs are for sure the best ones in resort.”

    Cuckoo’s Nest is also a great option for skiers and non-skiers. It be accessed on foot by taking the Funispace from Ruinettes. It has a wonderful laid-back atmosphere, the service is impeccable and the walls are decorated with antique cuckoo clocks. 

    Best restaurants in Verbier la Marmotte
    Go to la Marmotte for the best burger in town. Image: la Marmotte
    1. La Marmotte

    “Would you like something local and tasty, but you are on the Savoleyres side of resort and you don’t want to go all the way through Verbier to eat? Don’t worry! Go to La Marmotte. All the Swiss food here is great. Fondues, meat, assiettes and potatoes… but if you really want an amazing burger this is your place.”

    La Marmotte is a little tricky for non-skiers to get to, but it’s worth the walk. You can access it on foot via a track from Carrefour, just make sure the track is open before you start!

    Best restaurants in VerbierLes Chottes
    Les Chottes is a must-do if you’re doing the Four Vallées tour. Image: Les Chottes
    1. Les Chottes

    “If you go for the Four Vallées tour, you will realise the other valleys have much more basic restaurants compared to Verbier. But you can still find something unique and delicious. The best place is called Les Chottes in the Four Vallées resort of Veysonnaz. From here you can admire the Sion valley from the most stunning point in the entire ski area. The restaurant has a quite limited choice but the management runs a family farming business in the summer; all their cured meats, cheeses and sausages are handmade and very authentic. The assiette Valaisanne brings together all the best farm products in one dish.”

    Les Chottes is located just next to the T-bar of the same name in Veysonnaz. It’s a wonderful restaurant but unfortunately it can only be accessed on skis and can take a while to get to from Verbier. Make sure you leave plenty of time before your reservation!

    And there you have it: the five best restaurants in the Four Vallées, as recommended by a seasoned Verbier foodie. If you’re having lessons with ES, our instructors will be happy to make you a reservation at any of these restaurants and more. Just let them know what you like to eat and they’ll do all the hard work for you! If you’d like to organise ski, snowboard or telemark lessons for yourself or your party, we’re just a phone call or an email away, get in touch!