Sandy has lived in Verbier for 14 years and has the highest qualification in the British and Swiss systems. A believer in making the most of your holiday, Sandy is a brilliant guide to what’s going on around town and on the slopes. After a three year sabbatical from ski instructing, Sandy is looking forward to seeing old faces and welcoming new guests to the 4 Vallées.
Oscar Van Sminia
Meet Oscar, a seasoned ski instructor with eight seasons of expertise, four dedicated to European Snowsport. With an intimate knowledge of the 4 Valleys terrain, Oscar not only excels on the slopes but doubles as your local guide. Beyond perfecting your technique, he’ll lead you to the best après-ski spots and hidden culinary gems. Oscar’s passion for snow sports and hospitality ensures an unforgettable alpine experience, blending skill development with insider tips for a well-rounded adventure. Join him on the mountains for a personalised and delightful skiing journey.
Where is your favorite part of your resort to ski/ride?
I am a big fan of the amount of touring the area has to offer.
What is your favorite restaurant/mountain restaurant in Verbier?
Best over all would have to be Dahu.
What top handy tip do you have for anyone visiting Verbier?
My top tip would be to have knowledge. If that means having a ski instructor or talking to the locals. It’s very easy to waste time on the hill wondering where to go or what to do. Every second counts, especially when the conditions are being tricky.
Julian Griffiths
Julian Griffiths started skiing in 1982, age eight. Skiing became a family obsession. A stint racing in his teens led to coaching roles and a decision to pursue a career as a ski instructor. He is now the founder, owner and boss of European Snowsport (ES).
In 1994 Julian became the youngest to pass the British Associations of Ski Instructor’s level 4 exam. Julian then enjoyed a ten-year career as an examiner and trainer of ski instructors. He now holds the top Swiss, Italian and Irish qualifications. Before Verbier, Julian worked as a ski instructor in New Zealand, Australia, The United States, France and Scotland.
Julian founded ES in 2003 after seeing a gap in the market for a high-level ski school. One that offered the sort of customer experience he’d seen outside Europe. This remains the mission. Julian is an innovator, lateral thinker and loves to teach skiing. He can be booked throughout the season in any ES resort.
Conor Tallon
Conor comes from small village called Bettsytown, 40km up the coast from Dublin. Conor started he ski career in Canada before heading to Mt Cheesman in New Zealand. After several back to back winters from New Zealand to Europe, Conor moved to Perhiser in Australia before settling last winter in Nendaz. Having now completed his level 3 ISIA stamp through IASI (Irish association of Snowsports instructors) he plans to make Nendaz his new home and has ambitions of becoming a Swiss Patente and trainer in the winters to come.
Emma Farrington
Emma has been teaching for 7 years across multiple countries, she is also an experienced adaptive instructor and race coach. Her passion and motivation for skiing and enjoyment of the mountains are evident in every lesson.
Communication and empathy have been nurtured by working with multiple demographics and overcoming language and cultural barriers, varying skill groups, climate conditions and logistics. Her love of the outdoors and skiing in particular motivates her to share her passion with others. She aims to improve the achievements of all her clients through a patient but focused approach.
Why did you choose to teach snowsports?
I had a long standing passion for teaching and sharing information and knowledge with others. I thrive best when outside as well, exploring new places. I became an instructor so that I can share with people the beauty of the mountains and the freedom and adrenaline of skiing.
What makes you special as an instructor?
My empathy and patience, as well as my passion for the mountains.
What do you do in the summers?
I still love to ski where possible either on dry slopes or down in the souther hemisphere. Otherwise I enjoy cycling, reading, baking and yoga, travelling to new places and eating tasty food.
Where is your favorite part of Verbier to ski/ride?
Savoleyres – holds the sunshine most of the day, many pistes to choose from and easy fresh powder.
What is your favorite restaurant/mountain restaurant in Verbier?
Cabane Mont Fort – the views are very beautiful.
Why did you choose Verbier?
I love ski touring and there is lots of routes around to explore, plus it is good proximity to France and Italy.
What top handy tip do you have for anyone visiting Verbier?
Wear shoes with a good grip, there is nothing worse than slipping over on ice because of poor footwear.
John Taylor
John is from Preston a small village in the north of England. He started skiing when he was 8 years old and returned to ski in Nendaz nearly every year since with his family. Being a ski instructor was always his dream job and is now living the dream travelling the world and seeing amazing places. He enjoys mountain biking, rock climbing, hiking and music however his main passion is skiing.
John’s best day skiing ever was a few years ago in Nendaz, it had snowed heavily the night before and my dad and I skied all day getting lost in the woods.