JoJo is a ski instructor with with ES in Zermatt in the winters, and here she tells us about her summers, as a rope access technician climbing high above London.
Contact us to book ski lessons with JoJo in Zermatt.
On the Dorchester Hotel in London
If you look up as you walk along Park Lane, opposite Hyde Park in central London, you might be able to spot JoJo this summer. Working as an independent contractor, at the moment she is hanging on ropes on the side of the Dorchester Hotel at 53 Park Lane. JoJo’s job is to reach difficult spots on tall buildings by ropes access, helping to make sure that they are checked and maintained.
Maintaining big buildings
We don’t usually think about how this is done, but tall buildings need maintenance as well. This summer, working as part of a team, JoJo has been maintaining the Dorchester, to keep it safe. Earlier in the works, JoJo drilled big steel beams so that they could be taken out. The next part of the works was taking out the structural steel beams and slinging them to a crane for removal.
JoJo is now working on installing big gallows brackets to support a structural platform that will be used to do further works on the building. A gallows bracket is a right angled triangular bracket that can be used to support a platform. Its name comes from the shape, which looks like an old fashioned gallows, where criminals were hung.
What is it like working high above the ground?
Sometimes JoJo works on inspection visits, checking and testing to see what maintenance works are needed. Other times, like now, she works on big structural projects that require many days of ropes access work.
Most importantly, JoJo needs to minimise the risks associated with working at heights, following safety protocols and procedures. And at the same time, she solves the problems of access, inspection and maintenance. JoJo’s great strength is in delivering consistent results while under pressure with concentration, and while working in challenging environments.
Planning and preparation
JoJo plans and executes the rigging setups to get her into position for jobs. She needs to work smoothly in a team, where everyone depends on each other. As a level 2 qualified rope access technician, she also mentors level 1 team members on the job.
100 metres above London
Last summer, JoJo worked on the Trellick Tower in Notting Hill, doing concrete inspection and rebar testing. Rebar testing is ensuring the quality and compliance of the steel reinforcement bars used in construction.
The Trellick Tower is 98 metres tall, 120 metres including the communication tower, and is a Grade II listed building. It was completed in 1972 and is a Brutalist tower block designed as social housing.
In the winters
In the winters, JoJo is a level 3 qualified ski instructor with ES in Zermatt. She was based in Banff, Canada before moving to Zermatt. She has a positive and energetic approach to teaching, and combines this with patience and encouragement for a great outcome for her clients.
The first words used to describe JoJo are energetic and enthusiastic. Not only is she fun, she is also relaxed and patient and brings this approach to her teaching. Originally from London, she discovered her love for all things cold after learning to ski, age four, in the Alps. JoJo, earned her qualifications in Banff, Canada, where she stayed on for two additional seasons. She enjoys all aspects of skiing, and is happy to always embrace any challenge on the slopes. If she’s not on the slopes you will still find her doing adventurous activities outdoors all year-round.
JoJo’s clients say; “My experience with JoJo was amazing! Not only did I gain a lot of confidence in improving my technique and posture, but we also did exercises that helped me become more aware of my body and balance. And all of this in just two fun sessions!
She constantly challenged me to push my limits, and I learned so much along the way. Meeting her made me really happy, and I’m already looking forward to coming back to Zermatt to continue improving my skills with her.
Thank you, JoJo, for your patience and dedication! If you’re looking for someone who will make you feel safe on the slopes while keeping the experience fun and relaxed, I 100% recommend JoJo!“
Contact us to book ski lessons with JoJo in Zermatt.