European Snowsport

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

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

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    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

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    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:

    1. 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.
    2. 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.
    3. 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.
    4. 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.
    5. 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

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    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.

    Contact us to book ski lessons with Adam in Zermatt.

    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

    Contact us to book ski lessons with Adam in Zermatt.

    Swisstainable classification for ES

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    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!

    Top 5 Hotels in Zermatt

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    Here at ES we are proud to work with many beautiful chalets and hotels. There’s quite a lot of choice in Zermatt too! Award winning architecture, luxury spas and Michelin starred restaurants. You name it. Here are our top 5 hotels in Zermatt. 

    Cervo

    cervo

    The best on our list for a reason. A beautiful collection of apartments scattered around the woods with truly spectacular views of Zermatt and the Matterhorn. Cervo pride themselves on the finer details whilst allowing you the flexibility to tailor your stay. Every day they provide some of the best après ski in town whilst you watch the sun set behind the Matterhorn on their stunning sun terrace until 7pm, when the music stops you are almost instantly enveloped by the magic of Zermatt at night. Whether the moon is out or not you will be captivated by the lights of Zermatt, the twinkling stars and the almost total silence the location of this hotel provides.
    As well as being able to ski back to your hotel you will be able to sit back, relax and enjoy either of the 2 restaurants on offer, the beautiful design of the buildings and their interiors, the numerous music events and if you are really lucky you might even find their hidden “Speakeasy” called Grapes and Juniper.
    A truly top hotel (winner of best hotel in Switzerland in 2016). We cannot recommend a better place to stay in Zermatt.

    The Omnia

    omnia

    Perched just above the centre of Zermatt, the Omnia offers some of the best views whilst also great access to the fantastic shops, bars and restaurants the town has to offer. The hotel itself is renowned as having the best service in town, striving to make your stay as perfect and relaxing as possible. This added to the great facilities and the Michelin starred restaurant staying here is a no brainer.

    The Firefly

    Hotel firefly Zermatt 1050x700

    Located just 5 minutes’ walk away from the town centre this bespoke private hotel offers something a little different to usual. The Firefly’s owners have designed the hotel to look and feel like the coolest mountain lodge you’ll have been to. The bar in the hotel is a great place to while away those après ski hours before dinner. They serve the best cocktails in town (try a Moscow Mule!!) in a relaxed atmosphere or play pool in a Harley Davidson themed games room or even smoke fine cigars in their smoking room. This is a top-quality hotel that once you have been, you’ll find it hard not to comeback every year.

    The Mont Cervin Palace/Petit Cervin

    mont cervin

    This is one of the more traditional hotels in Zermatt but don’t be fooled by the classic exterior. It hosts a number of fantastic restaurants, the most incredible ski room and also a top-class spa and swimming area. If this hasn’t convinced you then maybe being picked up by a horse drawn carriage and taken to the front entrance of the hotel will! Located in the very centre of town means that your access to everything that Zermatt has to offer is unparalleled. Combine this with probably the best concierges in town and it becomes a true contender for top hotel in Zermatt.

    The Schweizerhof

    61159 01

    Having been refurbished very recently, this is a new arrival on our list. Situated a very short walk from the train station means getting around will be easy and the nearest ski lift is only 200m away. When you enter the hotel, you will be bowled over by the beautiful lobby/bar/reception area. This is a great place to chill and try a number of their tasty cocktails (keep an eye out for the coolest oven/grill spitting out flames by the kitchen). With all the modern amenities of any top hotel, the Schweizerhof tops them with friendly staff, good food and beautiful design.
    I truly think this hotel will continue to rise up our list over the next few years.
    ​

    Top 5 qualities your ski instructor must have.

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    We have been running ski schools in the top resorts in the Alps for quite a while now, and in our view, a successful instructor is one who clients want to ski with. Pretty simple when you think about it.  After all, it is not up to me or anyone else to tell you how to enjoy your time on the snow. Our job is to match you with the perfect person to help you explore what you want and then get it!

    This is not a generic product like a bag of flour: a ski lesson is precious time that you can choose to spend with your instructor to get more out of your holiday. So here are the 5 key factors that we believe make a successful instructor:

    1. Personable: your instructor needs to be someone that you want to spend time with. Not a dour, jaded, fellow in a jacket who wants to show off, but someone who is genuinely interested in people, learning, and their sport. You will find that skiing down also involves taking the lift up and this is time to explore your motivation, goals, and learn more about the amazing mountains and resort you have chosen to visit. The best instructor doesn’t just give you a few tips about your parallel turns, but helps you to understand why and how you learn, and why you are doing it in the best resort in the world (we are all very loyal to our resorts).

    2. Prepared: different slopes are better at different times of day and in different conditions. Different slopes are also appropriate to different levels. Your ski instructor should know the resort extremely well, and will have checked the open lifts, weather report and also know of any regular or special events that are on while you are in resort. In addition to knowing all the pistes, they should also know the restaurants, cafes, specialities, and how to avoid the crowded slopes and lift lines if you are travelling at a busy time.

    3. Punctual and polite: no one wants to waste a second of their holiday time so your instructor should be there before you are in the morning, kitted up and ready to go. They should be sensitive to your needs and design the lesson around what you want to achieve. They should step back when you want them to, and step forward when needed. This sounds simple but in fact if takes years of teaching experience to achieve the right balance between too much and too little, so that you won’t even notice their perfect manners.

    4. Passionate: why do we spend winter after winter in the mountains? It isn’t because of the career progression or the pension plan, but because we love it! The best instructors can share that love so that you feel it too, from introducing you to their favourite views, coffee stops, and tree runs, and bringing you into the life of the resort so that you feel like a local when you are with them.

    when to book family ski holiday

    5. Perceptive: are you a listener or a talker? Do you learn by doing or watching? Are you intuitive or analytical? Do you have other skills that can help your skills on the snow? The right instructor will be aware of all of these elements and more and use them to help you understand and progress. The best instructor will tailor your learning experience to how you learn, and will have a range of exercises, explanations and experiences to help you get there.

    At ES we pick our instructors because of their ski teaching qualifications and experience. We also look beyond that to life experience and the person themselves. We choose people with interesting stories to share, and who have become ski instructors not just because they love to ski, but because they love to teach. If you would like to book a private lesson with one of our carefully chosen instructors get in touch with us here.