good advice

Zermatt for Brazilian tourists

3 April 2025 by Patricia Scholtz

Tips for your first time in Zermatt

Zermatt is a quaint little town with some of the most stunning views you can find in Switzerland. Like stepping right into a postcard, the mountains surrounding Zermatt are magnificent. If you are a tourist on your first time in Zermatt, you will be thrilled by all the photo opportunities. The mountains are spectacular. The best part? They are so easy to see up close. Thanks to the extensive lift and gondola system, you do not need to be an expert skier to be able to see right into the Glacier or get amazing pictures with the Matterhorn. Adding to Zermatt’s charm, it is a car free town.

On your first steps out of the station in Zermatt, you will find small electric taxis or even horse drawn carriages helping tourists get from the station to their hotels. Much of Zermatt has been modernised, the but council is careful to preserve this aspect of Zermatt, so all buildings are still mostly built with wood, making the town itself picturesque, not just the mountains around. You are reminded of Zermatt’s humble beginnings, especially when walking through the old town where you can see the original homes and barns from nearly 500 years ago!

How do you get to Zermatt?

Located at the end of a valley, Zermatt is hidden away at the end of the train line. Since its a car free town, you will need to take a train to get there. As a tourist to Zermatt, we recommend arriving by train. The views are fantastic. You can either take a direct train from Visp, with large windows and amazing views of the valley all along. Or, you can drive to Tasch and park there and then take the 12 minute train journey just 1 stop to Zermatt. You can also take an electric taxi from Tasch to Zermatt if you prefer.

Here is the best website for train tickets

Worried that only the good skiers get pics with the Matterhorn? Don’t!

Even in the Wolli park beginner area just above Zermatt, tourists have amazing uninterrupted views of one of the world’s most iconic mountains. As a beginner skier, you can get a cool pic of you skiing with it in the background, or enjoy the views with a hot chocolate break at one of the nearby restaurants. Just one of the reasons why Zermatt is a great resort for everyone, non-skiers, beginners and experts!

How many days should you spend in Zermatt?

While you could easily spend an entire week in Zermatt, we recommend at least 3 days to fully explore the resort and all it has to offer. This will give you time to enjoy skiing, explore the charming town, and take part in activities like hiking, shopping, and relaxing in spas.

What is different about skiing in Zermatt?

A large portion of Zermatt’s skiing area is located on a glacier. It has the longest chairlift built directly onto a Glacier. Due to its high altitude, it also means that it is possible to ski in the summer. Meaning you can ski for a few hours and then head down and sunbathe or enjoy many other summer activities. You get the best of both worlds!

Skiing in Zermatt also offers the unique opportunity to ski across a border. You can easily ski from Switzerland to Italy and back, enjoying sunshine and pasta in Italy before returning to Switzerland—all in one day! This cross-border skiing experience adds an exciting twist to your Zermatt adventure.

What is the food like in Zermatt?

You can get all sorts of food as a tourist in Zermatt. It is definitely worth trying traditional Swiss food like fondue, raclette and rösti. There are also many Italian restaurants in Zermatt since the Italian border is so close. Otherwise it is possible to find many different cuisines such as Japanese, Turkish, or Chinese.

What other activities should you try in Zermatt?

As well as being a ski paradise, there is so much more to do in Zermatt. Here are just a few ideas:

Shopping: Zermatt’s Bahnhofstrasse is lined with luxury boutiques, sportswear stores, and souvenir shops. It’s perfect for shopping enthusiasts, and there are plenty of cafés and restaurants nearby to relax after a shopping spree.
Spas: If you’re seeking relaxation, you’ll find several hotels in Zermatt with amazing spas. Notable places like Cervo Mountain Resort, Grand Hotel Zermatterhof, and The Omnia offer wellness experiences. Some hotels, such as Silvana Mountain Spa and Alpenhof, also offer day passes for external guests, so you can enjoy the spa experience without needing to stay at the hotel.
Gornergrat train: The Gornergrat Railway is one of the highest cogwheel railways in Europe, offering panoramic views of the Matterhorn. It’s an unforgettable way to experience the mountains, with the option to stop at various stations, including Riffelberg, or go all the way to the top. Don’t miss the restaurant on the terrace, where you can enjoy a meal with a view.
Paragliding : For an adrenaline rush, enjoy gliding through the air on a 30-45 minute flight with the best views of the mountain whilst flying in the sky. It’s a surreal experience to see the world from a bird’s eye view. Book here
Sledding: If you are looking for a little thrill. Try sledding! You can do this at Gornergrat, right after your relaxing train journey up. The sled run is over 2 kilometres long and a lot of fun! No prior experience is needed, and you can rent your sleds in town or right up there.
Ice skating: During the winter months (December-March), Zermatt has a fantastic ice skating rink. Skates can be rented locally, and you can enjoy some free skating in the town center.
Hiking: Even in the winter, it is possible to hike all around Zermatt with many winter trails open. If you’ve got winter boots, many routes are open for you to explore.

Basic Swiss German

Switzerland has 4 national languages, Swiss German, French, Italian and Romansch. Swiss German being the most widely spoken one in the country in 19 out of 26 cantons. Zermatt is located in Valais, in the Swiss German speaking part of Switzerland. This is a dialect of German, so it is not the same. Swiss German is not a written language so they still learn and read and write German in school, but Swiss German is spoken.

Each canton in Switzerland also has a slightly different version of Swiss German, with different accents, pronunciation and words used depending on where you are in the country! Valais is a duel language canton, with French and Swiss German -and the Swiss German there is notorious for being one of the thickest accents in the country! As a tourist in Zermatt, no one expects you to speak German, but it is fun to try. So good luck.

Although Zermatt is a hub for many nationalities, and English tends to be the lingua franca, locals still prefer to speak their native tongue, of course. We have instructors speaking many languages on our team.

A few words

Here are just a few basic Swiss German words to get you started, you will notice that some words are similar to French and English, not just German!

Good morning- Gueta Morga

Hello ( in Valais ) – Tagwohl

Thank you – Merci/Danke

How are you? Wie gehts dir?

I’m good: Es geht mir guet

Good evening: Guetan Abe

What are you doing today? Was machsch hito?

I’m going skiing – I ga go ski fahre ( Ski pronounced shi)

And here are some Portuguese words that are almost the same!

Caputar: Kaputt

Benzina: Benzin

Salada: Salat

Banco: Bankli (bench) or Bank (bank)

We hope these tips will give you the confidence to visit. If you have any questions, our helpful team will be happy to answer; you can contact us here.

Zoe Pfaller

Ski Touring – Sustainable choices

31 March 2025 by Laura Shadbolt

What is Ski Touring?

Ski touring is going up the mountain on your skis before you go back down. You climb up using “skins” which attach to the underside of your skis. Originally these were made of sealskin. The fur of the seal points down and enables your skis to grip the snow as you walk up. Then at the top of the mountain you take off the skins and ski down. Just to reassure you, the skins are now synthetic and no seals are needed.

To help walking up the mountain, ski touring bindings have a detachable heel for while you are climbing. Your ski boot remains attached at the toe, and the heel is free to move as you walk. The bottom part of the heel piece can be adjusted depending on the steepness. Then at the top you attach the heel again so that you can ski down as in a normal binding.

Usually ski touring skis are lighter than alpine skis, so that the walk up is easier. This means they have less performance than an alpine ski, but are easier to go up with.

With ski touring, the fun of the sport is seeking the untouched snow. The appeal of this low-impact activity is the challenging walk up and the isolated un-pisted ski down.

There is something about touring that really gets you up close to the mountains. Touring gives you a deeper appreciation for the landscape we are privileged enough to have access to. By touring up to hidden areas, not only can you really earn your ski down, but the ski itself is a lot more rewarding when the snow is completely untracked and all for you!

Why is it sustainable?

For an industry that that relies heavily on good snow conditions, it is becoming increasingly important that we do our bit to preserve the long winters. With Glaciers melting at an alarming rate, and spring emerging earlier each year, what can we do to reduce our impact to keep our cherished winters, whilst still enjoying alpine tourism and the sports that we love?

Not just for the industry, it is important we can do what’s possible to slow the rate of climate change. One way we can do this is by embracing ski touring – not only a fun activity, but a crucial way we can help reduce our carbon footprint.

It goes without saying that ski touring is one of the most sustainable ways you can enjoy the mountains, relying solely on you own strength to get you up. The biggest users of energy in ski resorts are the ski lifts and the fuel required to run the SnowCats that groom the slopes. Although many resorts are making the switch to hybrid or electric groomers, the fact remains that they are still high users of energy.

With the warming weather, many resorts also rely on artificial snow to keep the trails topped up and the winters extended for as long as possible. Snowmaking has a self-destructing element, as in order to keep the snow coming, it has to rely on energy intensive machinery. Although this is a good short-term solution to allow people to keep skiing even without natural snowfall, there is a Catch 22 element here.

Ski Touring Technology

Once, the equipment involved in ski touring was bulky and heavy, putting many people off. However big improvements have been made recently. Here are just a few examples;

Bindings – Nowadays, you are able to find a range of bindings for touring skis depending on your preference. Pin bindings are the most lightweight bindings, not adding any extra weight that is needed to ski touring and making the walk up considerably easier. These bindings are designed with simplicity in mind, adding no extra bulk, and ensuring a smooth, effortless climb. Alternatively, Duke PT bindings, are a good hybrid option offering the best of both worlds. You can enjoy a lightweight binding for your ski up, and a high performance, more secure binding for your ski down too, looking just like regular ski bindings from the outside.

Boots- Hybrid touring boots are also a great option for skiers who do not want to buy or travel with multiple boots. You are able to enjoy all the technology of touring boots with the boots in walk mode for your ascent, whilst still enjoying the stiffness of the boots for the ski down or your regular alpine skiing.

Clothing

Apparel– Many ski wear brands now cater to the tourers of the mountains. Jackets and trousers are lightweight, easy to carry and offer full range of motion. Unlike some ski jackets which are designed for maximum warmth, shells are thin, breathable and equipped with large vents. The vents are a great way to allow tourers to fully regulate their body temperature. Some even come with pocket specifically designed for holding avalanche transceivers, making carrying them more comfortable and non-invasive.

We are big fans of Black Diamond kit. Black Diamond have supplied our instructor uniforms for years now and provide waterproof and windproof lightweight breathable solutions with big pockets. Big pockets are essential for all those extras your instructors need to have, like their first aid kit, spare buffs, tissues…

Avalanche gear

Avalanche gear- Whilst ski touring offers freedom and beautiful views, it cannot be forgotten that there are dangers on mountain. For this reason, carrying avalanche safety equipment is vital for ski touring outside the slopes. Avalanche gear stripped down includes a shovel, probe and transceiver, but depending on your expertise and risk taken, more can be added. For those who take on more challenging and remote terrain, additional safety equipment such as airbags can provide extra protection. This gear now is more lightweight than ever, making it much easier to carry in a backpack.

The most lightweight avalanche safety gear you can take with you, though, is knowledge. So, ensure you are aware of the risks you are taking and what you can do to reduce them.

See more about our off piste lessons here.

How do I get involved?

Ski touring can seem daunting to begin with, especially with the idea of heading off to an isolated area of the mountain. The beauty of ski touring, though, is you can definitely start small. There are many trails you can take in Zermatt and Verbier alike which are beginner friendly. Many rental shops offer touring gear, and you can begin by touring along the side of trails.

See our partners at Mountain Air in Verbier for good advice and a good selection of gear.

Getting away from the crowds isn’t only reserved to those going to isolated areas, the easiest way to get the slopes to yourself is to hike up early in the morning to catch the sunrise. That way you can enjoy the freshly groomed corduroy before everyone else, all from the safety of the controlled pistes.

If you are looking for more of an adventure, or simply someone who knows the mountain like the back of their hand, you can get a lesson in touring with one of our Brevet qualified instructors.

Already a seasoned ski tourer? Check out the Patrouille des Glaciers, a ski touring race from Zermatt to Verbier that runs every 2 years. You can see a short video on our instructors competing here

Sustainability tips

Although Ski touring is more eco-friendly option than taking chair lifts, here are some more ideas to reduce your impact. Use reusable water bottles as opposed to plastic ones, take all your litter with you, take the train to resort. You can also find ski clothes made from recycled materials or second hand.

See our partners at Cirkel Supply Co for clothing rentals.

Remember, although touring offers you the opportunity to find secluded spots, make sure you stay outside of protected areas. Birds, Ibexes, Chamois and marmots all need their space, so areas are cordoned off for their protection. Respecting these areas is vital to ensure the wildlife are still able to thrive.

See here for more information about our Swisstainable classification and here for more about snow shoe and nordic skiing.

European Snowsport offers private lessons for ski touring.

To book a lesson, just contact us here. We will be happy to help you enjoy the mountains even more.

Zoe Pfaller

5 Reasons Combining Skiing and Play Works for Under 6’s

8 November 2024 by Laura Shadbolt

If you’re hitting the slopes with little ones, or any holiday for that matter- you know it’s all about balance: making sure children are having fun and get enough downtime – and that goes for parents too! It should feel like a holiday for everyone.

That’s exactly why ES Penguins and Petit Verbier’s After Ski Kids Club teamed up in 2012 and have been making holidays magical for hundreds of families over the past 12 years. At Petit Verbier, we provide nannies to children of all ages, rent out equipment and run our After Ski Kids Club in partnership with European Snowsport. Here’s why this approach not only works but actually enhances the ski experience for young kids (and makes it easier for parents too!).

1. Keeping Skiing Fun with Outdoor Play

At Petit Verbier, we create a setting where kids can still be outdoors in the afternoon and continue the mountain fun, but add in other activities, creativity and play. Learning to ski should always be exciting and enjoyable—especially for young skiers. By following skiing in the morning with other outdoor activities in the afternoon, kids remain engaged and experience being in the mountains and snow, without becoming overly tired, and skiing is something to look forward to the next morning.

We pick up children from Ski School, head to our base for lunch indoors and then our afternoon activities are primarily outdoors, followed by a snack and creative activity or storytime at our base to finish the day. We strongly believe that being in nature is wonderful for children and love to get outdoors as much as possible.

2. The Right Balance of Activity and Downtime

The ES Penguins team are brilliant at teaching young children. Their instructors know all about teaching little ones to ski, how they learn and making sure they have the right combination of ski time and breaks. We also know that for young kids, skiing is thrilling but can be a lot to take on! Which is why the penguins groups run from 9.30am-12.30pm, as it’s really hard for under 6s to concentrate on learning a new skill for the full day.

Our After Ski Kids Club is designed to fit perfectly with ski school, no need to race down the mountain for pick up time- we’ve got it covered! So by the time you come to pick up your little one at 4pm they have had a full morning of skiing and an afternoon of activities and the downtime they need. We understand energy levels vary at this age. With skiing lessons in the morning, children can then wind down with us in the afternoon, enjoying a mix of gentle activities that let them recharge without being overstimulated.

3. Encouraging Love for the Outdoors Beyond Skiing

Spending time outside, in nature, and away from screens is a big part of our philosophy at Petit Verbier. After ski lessons, kids join our team for activities that allow them to keep exploring the mountain environment in different ways—from sledging and snow play to treasure hunts in the forest. It’s an approach that lets them form a lasting connection with the mountains and leaves them excited to return each day.

We tailor our plans according to the weather and have a whole host of activities up our sleeve that incorporate play, movement, creativity and exploring the resort. Your little one will probably end up seeing more of the town than you and letting you know which bus to take to get to Medran!

4. Your Kids will have a Fantastic Day like this

Mornings kick off with ES Penguins instructors, where kids get their fill of skiing basics and snow fun. After their lessons, our club leader will pick the children up and head back to our base for a hot two course lunch. We have an afternoon snack time and offer a variety of food including fruit and veggies.

While we love for kids to continue exploring the outdoors, we also integrate rest and quieter activities so they have time to relax. Some typical activities might include:

Snow Play: Building snowmen, tobogganing, and snow painting to keep the winter fun going.
Creative Crafts: Indoor crafts or simple group games for those needing a break from the cold.
Story Time and Quiet Play: A cozy corner where kids can listen to stories or play calmly, allowing them to recharge after an active morning.
Themed days and Dance Parties: We love to incorporate themes, as well as movement and dancing so don’t be alarmed if you come to pick up your little ones and we are busy singing and dancing our hearts out and playing musical statues.

We create a flexible structure that adapts to the needs of each group. Whether they need more time to burn energy or a few more quiet moments, we are ready to make the afternoon exactly what each child needs.

5. Personalized Care and Dedicated Club Leader

We know that building trust is crucial, especially for this age group. Our After Ski Kids Club is led by experienced, child-centered team members who get to know each child individually. Families have the chance to meet the club leader at the beginning of the week, giving parents peace of mind and letting the kids know who will be picking them up after ski school. Plus, our team are available for babysitting if parents want a little extra time on the slopes or a night out. Just get in touch with us at Petit Verbier to book, we always aim for as much consistency as possible so if our kids club leaders are available then we’ll allocate someone your child knows to your booking. We also have nannies available for mornings for younger children if you need the full day covered!

Join Us for a Winter of Fun!

Our partnership with ES Penguins promises an engaging ski holiday which we know the children love- we’ve witnessed the smiles on their faces year after year. The ES Penguins & Petit Verbier After-Ski Kids Club creates a seamless experience for families looking for that perfect mix of activity, fun, and rest for their children, all under the care of experienced professionals. Our team are fully insured, first aid trained, reference checked, police checked, highly experienced and of course love caring for children.

Feel free to reach out to book or to ask any questions about how we can make your family ski holiday the best it can be!

Elevate Your Corporate Experience

31 August 2024 by Patricia Scholtz

Luxury Ski Trips for Teams and Clients with Maison ENA Events and European Snowsport

In today’s competitive business landscape, nurturing meaningful relationships—both within your team and with your clients—is key to long-term success. At Maison ENA Events, we specialise in crafting bespoke luxury experiences that go beyond the ordinary, providing exceptional value and unforgettable memories. Together with European Snowsport, we offer exclusive corporate ski trips that serve dual purposes: they’re perfect for enhancing team cohesion and morale, and also ideal for deepening client relationships in a unique and inspiring setting.

Why a Corporate Ski Trip Makes Smart Business Sense

A corporate ski trip isn’t just a luxury; it’s a strategic investment in your company’s future. Here’s why it’s an effective tool for both team building and client engagement:

Strengthen Team Bonds and Boost Morale: An adventure in the Alps provides the perfect backdrop for developing stronger connections within your team. By taking your team out of the office and onto the slopes, you encourage collaboration, improve communication, and increase overall morale—all of which directly impact productivity and job satisfaction.
Impress and Engage Clients: A bespoke ski trip offers a unique way to engage your clients, demonstrating your commitment to them in an unforgettable setting. Hosting your clients on the slopes builds relationships beyond the boardroom, fostering loyalty and creating advocates for your brand.
ROI through Enhanced Relationships: Investing in experiences that are memorable and meaningful leads to stronger client loyalty and higher employee retention rates. Both of these factors contribute to a tangible ROI by reducing turnover costs, increasing client retention, and driving new business opportunities.

How Maison ENA Events Maximises the Value of Your Ski Trip

At Maison ENA Events, we understand that a successful corporate ski trip should deliver measurable benefits. Here’s how we craft each trip to maximise your ROI:

Tailored to Your Business Objectives: Every trip begins with an in-depth consultation to understand your business goals. Are you looking to reward your team, win over key clients, or celebrate a milestone? We customise every element—from activities to dining experiences—to align with your objectives.
Carefully Selected Destinations for Maximum Impact: Our team works closely with European Snowsport to select the perfect resort for your needs, whether it’s the sophisticated ambiance of St. Moritz or the dynamic energy of Chamonix. We help you choose a destination that reflects your company’s culture and appeals to your guests, ensuring the best possible experience.
Curated Itineraries That Deliver Results: We design itineraries that balance adrenaline-fueled adventures with opportunities for relaxation and networking. From private ski lessons and competitive slalom races to curated wine tastings and après-ski gatherings, we create moments that matter. These shared experiences build trust, foster open communication, and lead to stronger bonds—both internally and with clients.
Comprehensive Planning and Management: From accommodation and transfers to lift passes and private events, we handle every detail, so you don’t have to. This seamless coordination allows you to focus on what really matters: building relationships and achieving your business goals.
Tracking Success and Measuring ROI: We work with you to set clear goals and objectives before the trip, and provide post-event analysis to measure its success. Whether your aim is to increase employee satisfaction, improve client retention, or generate new leads, we ensure you can clearly see the return on your investment.

European Snowsport: Elevating the Ski Experience

Our partners at European Snowsport add an extra layer of excellence to your corporate ski trip. With top-tier instructors, personalised lessons, and deep knowledge of the best slopes, they ensure an unforgettable experience for skiers of all levels. From expertly guided runs to insider tips on the best après-ski spots, they bring unmatched expertise and local knowledge to every trip.

A Bespoke Itinerary to Maximise Your ROI

Imagine this: a perfectly balanced itinerary that offers both team bonding and client engagement opportunities, designed to deliver on your objectives.

Day 1: Arrival and VIP Welcome
Arrive at a luxury resort and enjoy a private welcome reception, offering the chance for team members and clients to mingle in a relaxed setting.
Day 2: Morning Business Session and Afternoon on the Slopes
Begin the day with a strategic meeting or workshop, followed by skiing sessions tailored to all levels with European Snowsport instructors. This combination of business and pleasure fosters a productive yet relaxed environment.
Day 3: Team Building and Client Engagement Activities
Host a friendly ski competition or team-building event on the slopes, followed by a private après-ski networking event, complete with gourmet tastings and local entertainment.
Day 4: Leisure and Luxury Experiences
Offer your team and clients a range of bespoke experiences—from a scenic helicopter tour and spa day to snowshoeing through untouched terrain or an exclusive fine dining experience.
Day 5: Departure with a Difference
Depart with a farewell brunch, where teams and clients can share their experiences and solidify connections formed during the trip.

Take Your Corporate Events to New Heights

Transform your next corporate event into a strategic investment with a luxury ski trip that brings measurable results. Partner with Maison ENA Events and European Snowsport to create a memorable experience that goes beyond the slopes, driving both team cohesion and client engagement.

Estelle Nigioni, the writer of this article and founder of Maison ENA Events, is renowned for her unmatched expertise in luxury & tech event planning. With a passion for creativity and an unwavering commitment to excellence, Estelle curates extraordinary experiences that exceed expectations. Maison ENA Events stands out for its personalised service and dedication to sustainable practices, making it the premier choice for clients seeking truly unforgettable events. Collaborate with Estelle to bring your vision to life with sophistication and refinement.

Adam Jakab – living the perfect outdoor life in Lofoten, Norway

9 August 2024 by Patricia Scholtz

Adam is a ski instructor with ES in Zermatt in the winters, and here he tells us about his summer – hiking, camping and surfing in Lofoten, in the north of Norway.

From back to back winter seasons to Nordic summer

As a ski instructor I have to deal with the same issue as anyone from this industry: What do I do in the summer?! Previously I would refuse to let go of the snow and continue the ski season on southern hemisphere, but after doing this twice already I found out that you can in fact do too much skiing. Besides, it’s good to give your legs a rest for the summer and give your body a chance to regenerate.

In the summer 2023, my girlfriend and I decided to go to Norway together, to experience life in a Nordic country. We worked for Hattvika Lodge, an outdoor stay oriented accommodation with a restaurant. I worked as a hiking guide and as a dishwasher. The jobs where not easy, but days off in beautiful Lofoten were definitely worth it. Lofoten is truly a unique place with lots of beautiful views and unusual astronomical events, such as polar nights/days and northern lights.

Above are two pictures of the town Ballstad, where we spent 4 months living and working. If you are an outdoorsy person who enjoys either hiking, kayaking, fishing or photography, it’s the place to be!

Above you can see the view from Reinebringen, a hike definitely worth doing, especially during sunset.

Mountains in Norway look like alps rising from the ocean.

On the picture above you can see Skottind, 671m – my favorite peak from Lofoten, which I could see from my bedroom window.

Volandstind, the mountain you see above, got nicknamed “Matterhorn of Norway”, but it’s only 457 m high.

Mosken island pops up in the middle of the ocean. Since about two years ago, you can travel between the mainland of Norway and Lofoten islands with a ferry for free.

Best thing about Midnight sun in the summer – you can go hike whenever you feel like it, because it doesn’t really get dark. However, it might come at a cost of sleep deprivation.

Sea kayaking is another popular activity in Lofoten. The photo above was taken by one of our guides – you can get so close to killer whales! Encounters like these happens rarely, though.

In our days off we often went camping, and found some amazing spots. My favorite place in Lofoten is Kvalvika beach. There is a really impressive movie called North of the Sun. It is about two surfers surviving a winter on this beach.

Jami is a chef, so our camping trips always included at least a 3 course outdoor camping menu.

A ski instructor is someone who lives by the seasons and can sense when winter is approaching. That’s why some of us seek summer sports to stay in shape. For me it’s slacklining or surfing. Both are really difficult but super rewarding.

Surfing in Norway – it’s a thing! You just need to cover absolutely everything on your body in a thick wetsuit and be lucky with the conditions. I have to say, the temperature, lack of crowds, color of water and views made it my most memorable surfing experience.

Although Norway is beautiful country to surf in, it can be quite expensive. After our time in Norway finished, I went on a holiday to Morocco, to get better at surfing. The goal was to get at least 2 surf sessions in per day, and catch as many waves as possible.

In Morocco I met up with another ski instructor in Zermatt, Juan, who shared the same goal as I did. Surfing was a great way to end the summer, and I feel energized to start the winter in Zermatt!

If you want to hear more about my adventures AND become absolutely amazing at skiing, feel free to book me!

Adam learned how to ski at the age of 6. Very soon after that he decided that one day he must become a ski instructor. At the age of 23 he became a certified ski instructor and started teaching in his home country, Slovakia. Traveling was also his hobby, so he decided to teach skiing all over the world. Besides Slovakia, he taught in Canada, Australia and Switzerland.

Adam is happy to teach all styles of skiing to all age groups and levels. Skiing moguls and freestyle with his friends are his favourite free time activities. He speaks fluent English, basic German, Slovak, Czech and a little bit of Polish

Swisstainable classification for ES

24 June 2024 by Laura Shadbolt

What does a Swisstainable classification mean ?

We are part of the sustainability programme Swisstainable and classified at level I –committed. This programme unites businesses and organizations through the entire Swiss tourism sector.

With our participation, we commit ourselves to sustainable business development and pursue measures in the field of sustainability. With this, we can make a concrete contribution to sustainable tourism in Switzerland.

The idea behind the programme is that sustainable travel doesn’t mean going without. However, it does mean greater awareness and more enjoyment.

How does what we do fit with Swisstainable ?

Our lessons have always been about helping you to achieve your best moments in the mountains. That is all about experiencing new things, learning, breathing the fresh mountain air, and being active. This is a great fit with the Swisstainable ideas of ;

Enjoying nature up close and first hand

Experiencing the local culture in an authentic way

Consuming regional products

Staying for longer and delving deeper

New, sustainable ideas

As part of our classification, we at European Snowsport have created some new and fun ideas to promote sustainability at ES and with our clients. We will be launching a new product for snowshoeing, where people power will take you everywhere you want to go, with freedom, fresh air and birdsong thrown in.

We will be continuing our efforts for equal opportunities in skiing, hiring carefully, and helping all of our team continue to develop as skiers and instructors.

Our longstanding adaptive programme will continue, helping everyone enjoy their time on the snow and overcome their challenges to get the same fantastic buzz we get each day.

By providing meals with some of our lessons, we have an opportunity to encourage plant based food. We will be moving to healthier and energy-filled lunch options on the mountain. In addition, we will be re-launching food and nutrition training for our instructors to help keep them consuming sustainably and on peak form for their days on the snow.

More ideas to come

We are so lucky and grateful here in the mountains to live in an environment unspoiled by pollution and over-development. Surrounded by nature, we are aware of the importance of the mountains in providing water, acting as reservoirs for food and energy and supporting biodiversity.

We are looking forward to coming up with more ideas to keep our mountains, mountain villages, and mountain people healthy, at the same time as sharing what makes them so special. We will keep you posted in our next sustainability blog!

More about Swisstainable: here

Do you have sustainable ideas for the mountains ?

Here is a link to our blog with some ideas for eco-friendly skiing.

Here is a link to our blog about Cirkel sustainable clothing rental.

And here is a link to Cervo’s top tips for sustainable holidays.

If you have more ideas, we are keen to hear them. You can contact us here

And of course, don’t hesitate to get in touch so that we can help you experience those special moments in the mountains. We look forward to seeing you soon!