Beginners on the snow
Our favourite people are beginners and our favourite lessons are those where we introduce others to the snow! When we recruit, the most important question we ask is; why do you enjoy being a ski or snowboard instructor? Those who respond with chat about their own skiing, qualifications, experiences or sensations get a big NO at ES.
What we are looking for is what you are looking for; someone who is there for you. Their job satisfaction depends on your joy, progress and discoveries.
Some instructors with the right answers
Here are some of our favourite answers to this question from instructors who we employed;
Line, Verbier;
I really enjoy being a ski instructor as I find it very motivating to see the good progression clients can make in just a few sessions. It brings a lot of joy to see clients getting better and more motivated for a sport I love so much.
I really enjoy the work in it self, being around kids and nice colleagues, and being outside skiing all day is a privilege!
Furthermore I really enjoy meeting people from around the world, and being part of making their holiday memorable.
Jackie, Zermatt;
I enjoy being a snowsport instructor because it combines my love for the mountains, since I was 4 years old, with teaching others. It’s rewarding to see people gain confidence, improve their skills, and share in the fun of the sport.
Dawid, Zermatt;
I enjoy being a snowsport instructor because it lets me combine my passion for skiing with working closely with people. I love the outdoor lifestyle and being in the mountains every day. Teaching gives me a lot of satisfaction – whether it’s helping a child make their first turns or guiding an advanced skier to refine their technique, it’s rewarding to see their confidence grow. I also really enjoy the social side of the job: on the lifts there is time to talk, share stories, and often build genuine connections. Skiing is a sport that brings people together, and I find it meaningful to help people progress while also creating memorable experiences on the mountain.
You can find these instructors and others with the right answer to this question on our team pages here;
What does it feel like to be a beginner?
We do lots of training for our instructors, and one that is always popular is “second discipline” training. This is where snowboard instructors try skiing and ski instructors try snowboard, often for the first time.
Learning a new skill reminds us what it feels like to be beginner; the way everything looks steep again, the uncertainty about the equipment, having to think about our movements on the snow. It is a great reminder of how our clients feel when they get started on the snow. For our clients, there is also added uncertainty about where things are and how the resort fits together.
For those with fears like this, see our Director Julian’s blog here (a blog to send to your non-skiing friends).
Special discount
With a focus on beginners, we have a new product launching for those traveling in the low season in Verbier and Zermatt.
We will offer three 3 hour lessons in the low season for 750chf. This is a big discount off our normal price for these lessons (over 30% for the mathematically minded).
The idea is to spread our love of skiing and get more people out there on the snow and becoming lifelong enthusiasts.
In the low season, our resorts are quieter, travel and accommodation are more reasonably priced, and everything moves more slowly. This means that you can really enjoy all the benefits of being in the mountains. With all this fresh snow we are experiencing at the moment (snowing heavily outside in Verbier as I write this), conditions are going to be great for the rest of the season.
Who is this for?
For skiers, this is the perfect gift for your non skiing partner, friend or child. Get them going on the snow and set yourself up for many happy holidays to come.
For non skiers, this is the opportunity you have been waiting for. Come to one of the world’s best resorts (Verbier is consistently voted World’s Best Ski Resort) and see what it is all about.
Once you have seen it, you will be hooked and skiing independently after this beginner course.
Beginner’s promise
Over the course of 3 lessons, we promise to get you going on the snow and loving the sport.
Guaranteed!
If we fail in either of these promises, we will refund you half the price of your lessons. But we promise it will work!
To try this out, contact us here and we will be happy to help you get going on the snow this winter! Conditions are fantastic now so there is no reason to delay.
We look forward to seeing you on the snow soon!
Laura Shadbolt