John is one of the Co-Director’s of European Snowsport Zermatt and is fully certified in both the Swiss (Brevet Fédéral) and British (BASI 4 ISTD) ski instructor systems. This is John’s eleventh season in Zermatt. He’s been an active person from a young age, enjoying most sports but particularly skiing and football. This led to him becoming a ski instructor and football coach.
He learned to ski when he was 4 and since then has skied all over Europe and Australia, switching between Zermatt and Mount Buller in Australia. John now teaches all year round in Zermatt.
Why did you chose to become a ski instructor?
I chose to teach skiing because I wanted an outdoor career and to share my passion for the sport. I like seeing others improve and begin to really enjoy themselves while skiing.
Where is your favourite part of Zermatt to ski?
My favourite place to ski is on the Sunnegga side. My two favourite runs are here (9 Tuftern and 8 Obere National) and a lot of the best restaurants in Zermatt are here too. With the funicular train being on this side, there is the added bonus of it being quick and easy to get straight up onto the slopes!
What is your favourite restaurant in Zermatt?
My favourite restaurant is Blatten. The food is exceptional and the views on the mountain are incredible too. In town my favourite is Schäferstube, they do a great fondue!
Why did you pick Zermatt?
I chose Zermatt as it is widely regarded one of the best ski resorts in the world. It is also very hard to ignore the draw of skiing under the Matterhorn.
What handy tip do you have for anyone visiting Zermatt?
It’s best to always book restaurants well in advance as they can be booked up from early on in the season. Finally, if you’re walking through town, watch out for the electric taxis as you don’t always hear them coming!
Monika says
Wow! I am amazed by the experience of being trained by John. I have a fear of heights and obviously I had to face a lot of challenging situations being so high up in the Alps. John from the very first moment made me feel safe. The more safe I felt the more I could start enjoying the experience. His balance of positive encouragement and challenging me, made me learn to ski on red slopes and skiing parallel on the third day of training. John is a great teacher, patient and kind. A true gentleman who carried my skis and helped with my boots. I am grateful and will never forget this experience. Mostly thanks to John.
Louis says
John was an amazing teacher for me and my sister he taught us more in three days than we had ever learned I managed to do my first parallel turns and my sister became more in control with her skiing he made us feel safe and more confident in our abilities especially on bigger slopes with my fear of heights thank you John aka Jim jam for this wonderful experience