Archives for Dicembre 2019
ES Verbier Opening Party
ES Zermatt Opening Party
Skiing for Teenagers
That time has come. Your precious little one is now too old for children’s group lessons but still too young to be learning with adults. They are pushing for independence, but in a mountain setting that can seem pretty daunting for parents. ES recognises that teenagers need freedom but in a safe, fun environment, so that’s why we have ES Freeski.
ES Freeski is a programme for teen skiers that allows them to learn with like-minded teenagers and challenged on the snow with an instructor/guide who they can relate to all whilst being in a environment designed to prevent injury and keep them safe.
TOP TIPS FOR SKIING WITH TEENAGERS
Lessons -ES Freeski.
Lessons are a great way to improve in a safe environment. ES Freeski is designed to build on skills gained in conventional ski school lessons and for having fun learning how to make the most out of new terrain. Teens can learn to master moguls, tackle jumps, rails, and boxes in the ski park, and hit the powder.
Why ES Freeski?
Max 6 teens per instructor
No bibs, but tracked by GPS
Fun flexible sessions
Intro to park
Safe intro to avalanche awareness
Jumps, bumps and powder
Friends
Helmets are compulsary
Safety is a key concern and each skier receives individual coaching in a small group; there is no compulsion to attempt anything, and no peer pressure. The coach teaches safely, responsibly, and in a way that builds confidence and technique in a controlled fashion.
Each week ends with an awards ceremony, and our Freeski teens are each given a medal and certificate.
Family time vs freedom.
Your teens will still want to spend time with you, that said balancing family time with a bit of freedom will keep everyone happy. Letting them ski with friends in clearly defined boundaries (Back in time for lunch, meeting places, no off-piste) can make all the difference for young skiers wanting to spread their wings.
Lessons are also a great way to allow them to spend some time apart, whilst leaving you happy in the knowledge that they are in safe hands. All of our ES instructors are experienced working with a range of ages, know their home mountains well and their sport even better. You can kick back for a few hours or ski for yourself without worry!
Food.
Any parent knows that teenagers eat a lot. Trying to satisfy an endless appetite can be expensive at the best of times and in a ski resort this can be an even more daunting.
Why not try to stay somewhere a little closer to the slopes? Easy access to the chalet could mean popping home for a big pasta lunch could save you a lot of money on mountain restaurants.
During the day pack their pockets with snacks. Cereal bars are a great source of energy that fit easily in jackets and salopettes.
If you fancy lunch together on the hill self service restaurants can also be a great option with teenagers. Good size portions without breaking the bank.
Big resort excitement vs small resort safety.
Some of the Alp’s biggest ski resorts are famous for their multiple ski areas, lively night life and extra non-ski activities, which could be an endless source of entertainment for anyone! But it can be a worry for parents, wondering if their kids will make it back in time for tea…
A smaller resort make things easier in terms of keeping track of the family, but often this comes with less “extra entertainment”.
It’s a good idea to research the resort you have chosen to visit, what there is on offer in the evenings and on the slopes too. Many resorts have great snowparks and special race courses, activated by your lift pass that will give you a time -Hours of fun for competitive skiers. Off-snow there can be plenty to do including ice rinks, glacial cave tours, sledding, cinemas and escape rooms.
Stay in touch.
Family group chats and mobile phones are a great way to keep in touch throughout the day. Just a little text to know their alright can put your mind at ease. Make sure if the teenagers are going off exploring that they have their phones with them, switched on and in range of signal -you’d be surprised how good phone reception is in the mountains! Also most lifts and lift stations have WIFI.
Safety in numbers.
Skiing in a group is a good idea no matter what age you are. Lessons are a great way to guarantee this. Knowing that your son or daughter is with an instructor can be a great weight off the mind. If they go off with friends or siblings it is much safer than going alone. They will feel more independent and so will you!
So there you have it! Sound like something your teen would be keen to get involved in this winter? Get in touch here, we are happy to answer any more questions you may have. See you on the slopes!
Top 6 mountain restaurants in Zermatt.
To make a compact list of every great mountain restaurant in Zermatt is a near impossible task. The resort is renowned for its culinary charm and has views to match. Almost any place you choose to stop will have a great menu but there are a few extra special ones dotted around which we think you should make sure to visit. Here’s six of our favourite mountain restaurants:
Telephone: 027 967 25 52
Top of the list for many visiting Zermatt, Chez Vrony is world famous for it’s modern sophisticated eating in a traditional setting. Beautifully designed with furniture by Heinz Julen and a view to challenge any other. The service is excellent, food great, and you can even buy the rug you snuggled under with your house coffee watching the sun go down behind the Matterhorn.
New this year is their online booking system!
“Allow us to pamper you and enjoy the lovingly prepared dishes and carefully selected wines. From a traditional recipe, to a delicious classic and speciality dishes prepared with a touch of international flair.”
Telephone: 027 967 25 88
Findlerhof, or Franz and Heidi’s as it’s affectionately known, is in a stunning location with marvelous views of the Matterhorn. It has a very rustic inside with a brilliant ‘Winter Garden’ so eating al fresco in February is possible. The menu and wine list will have you wanting to return again and again to try it all. Finding it is the key, so look for the little white church, unclip and then follow your nose…
Telephone: 027 967 20 45
For many Zum Zee is the finest dining on the mountain. Oysters by the dozen, Dover Sole, fillet steak, and of course their famous crème schnitte call all be enjoyed in a secluded courtyard, nestled chocolate-box style in the middle of a tiny hamlet. Hidden from the slopes you need to know your way, although the collection of skis parked out on the snow are a not-so-subtle hint.
Telephone: 027 967 20 96
If you want a traditional Swiss feel then head to Blatten. Gourmet dining with no pretence, no ego, no fuss. Daily specials are scribbled on the chalkboard attracting the passing skiers like bees to the honeypot. The intimate dining room is great for a cold, snowy day, or when the sun shines have fun watching skiers careering down past you from the outside terrace. Great food is mixed with genuinely warm hospitality.
Try the mushroom soup covered with puff pastry!
Telephone +41767788987
New for winter 2018/19 The Aroleid Kollektiv has already successfully joined a proud tradition of gourmet experiences in Zermatt. Their contemporary, shared-style dining experience sees a menu put together from the finest ingredients, displayed with care on their own hand crafted plates and bowls. The restaurant is just a 10-minute gondola ride from Zermatt at Furi, a ski in ski out location with beautiful surroundings.
They also make their own coffee, well worth a try after dessert.
Telephone: 027 966 05 07
Just below Al Bosco is the very Swiss Alphitta. Oozing rustic charm, skins, horns, and lashings of cheese is a slice of traditional Switzerland. The wallisertelle is both generous and tasty and the puddings are a generous size. Book in advance as it gets busy in the cozy confines of the inside.
On sunny days there’s often live music!
For all of these ES will happily book them for you in advance – simply contact the Zermatt office or ask your instructor and we will take care of it all for you.