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    Julius Mohren – Keeping the Summer Ski Pistes Open in Zermatt

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    Right after the end of the winter, Julius headed up to the highest point of the Zermatt ski area again. While the rest of us were putting away our winter clothes and gloves, Julius was maintaining his winter kit. He needs it to help keep the summer ski area open on the ski slopes of the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise.

    This ski area is the highest in Europe, which means it can stay open all year round, including through summer. The area goes up to 3883 meters above sea level on the Theodul Glacier so the snow stays year round.

    lift to summer skiing

    Summer Ski Pistes

    There are 21km of groomed pistes on the glacier. At this time of year, they are open for summer skiing from early in the morning until around lunchtime. As the summer moves into autumn, the glacier ski slopes are kept open longer into the afternoon. Conditions are best in the morning, as the snow gets coldest overnight, and then softens as the day goes on.

    The area includes a new area with snow tubing and beginner ski activities on the border with Switzerland and Italy. Julius worked here earlier in the summer. Now he has moved to working on the T bar area. Here there are blue and red runs great for intermediate summer skiers looking to do some carving and improving technique.

    You might find Julius working as a lift attendant, helping you to board the ski lift safely and elegantly. Or he might be helping to disembark safely at the top. In winter, he will be your instructor sitting next to you, helping you to do the same thing.

    The summer ski area also includes a freestyle snowpark, with kickers, rails, and boxes for trying tricks and improving your park technique.

    The area is also suitable for experts, and you will often find national teams training on the glacier getting ready for the winter season.

    How do I get to the Summer Ski Area?

    To get to the summer ski area, start by taking the Klein Matterhorn Express, which takes you up via Furi to the slopes above, arriving at Trockener Steg. From Trockener Steg, you have access to the summer ski area. This link will show you the opening times, which vary as the summer goes on; Operating hours at Matterhorn Paradise| Zermatt Bergbahnen

    How Much Does it Cost to Ski in Summer?

    For tickets, you can buy at the bottom of the ski lift. Or you can buy online using this link; Tickets and prices Matterhorn Paradise | Zermatt Bergbahnen

    Zermatt operates a variable pricing model, based on demand, so it isn’t possible for us to say how much your ticket will be. Usually it is best to travel at low season times, and to book earlier rather than later. The summer lift pass is usually around 100chf for an adult, with teen and child discounts available.

    Should I Take a Ski Lesson in Summer?

    This is a great question and of course the answer is, yes! Here at ES we offer summer as well as winter ski lessons and you can contact us here to arrange a lesson. Contact European Snowsport .

    Whether you are a beginner looking to try skiing for the first time, or an expert looking to improve in a focused way outside the main season, we are happy to help. Taking a ski lesson for the first time as part of your holiday is a great way to share some fun memorable moments with family or friends, and have some stunning photos to remember it by. The Matterhorn is always right there in Zermatt, so you can be sure to have some spectacular photos to share. As well as a new sport to come back to, summer or winter

    Behind the Scenes – Snow and Ice

    A lot of work goes into keeping the summer ski area working well, and Julius has been involved in clearing and moving snow to get the ski area in the best possible condition.

    He might be shovelling after a big snowfall to make sure the entrances and exits to the lifts are clear and usable. Or after a storm, he might be throwing a line over an iced up t bar to knock the ice off. These can get stuck in position with big ice buildups fixing them in place.  

    Even in summer, Zermatt experiences snowfalls and ice storms overnight. These can keep the lift team busy from early in the morning getting things ready to open on time.

    Behind the Scenes – Covering the Glacier

    Julius has also been involved in a programme of covering sensitive areas of the glacier with big white covers, to help keep the snow in good condition right through the summer months.

    If you see these big white covers, they are used to help prevent melting during the summer months. The white colour reflects sunlight back off the snow (just like the snow would, however the covers prevent some of the heat making its way through to the snow).

    This slows and prevents melting of the glacier, meaning that there is a better base for skiing next winter. It can help prevent the glacier shrinking in the longer term. The programme takes a lot of work, but studies have shown that it is effective in slowing and preventing summer melting when temperatures rise. It helps keep the glacier in good condition for the future.

    You Might Also See…

    This summer Julius isn’t the only ES Zermatt instructor working on the pistes. We also have Adam, Mauro, and Charly working with the Bergbahnen and enjoying the summers in Zermatt (almost) as much as the winters.

    Summer in Zermatt

    As well as skiing, Zermatt is also great for other activities in summer. See our summer ideas here; Summer in Switzerland – European Snowsport

    In Zermatt we especially recommend summer hiking, where the combination of picturesque trains, top restaurants and alpine walking is unbeatable. Contact us here and we can help you arrange the best combination of summer activities in Zermatt.

    In the Winters

    As for the winters, Julius is a young, energetic and relaxed ski instructor from Germany who loves being on the mountain and working with other ski-enthusiasts. He also has a passion for traveling the world and exploring new countries as well as meeting new people and experiencing new cultures. If you are looking for a young friendly ski instructor, he is an excellent choice.

    Julius has been skiing since he was three years old and instantly fell in love with it. He loves being out in the nature and he loves how versatile skiing can be. From going on fast runs and catching some adrenaline to relaxing touring experiences, everything is possible.

    Julius’s clients say; “Julius was outstanding! We had a party of 8 from the US and he took us all over Zermatt, showing us the best trails, places to eat, places to chill. It was a 10 out of 10 day. Julius kept us all together and made sure we hit the pistes that we could all handle. We had an awesome lunch on the mountain which was spectacular. I could not recommend a better ski guide for Zermatt! Great guy, awesome skiing and super friendly.!”

    Contact us to book ski lesson with Julius in Zermatt.

    Steve Hindman – Ski Coach and Life Coach

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    Steve is one of our ski instructors during the winters in Verbier. When he not helping clients get more out of their ski vacation and improve their skiing, he also works as a coach to clarify what matters to clients. The next step is to help them take action based on those priorities. Like learning to ski, this process has its ups and downs.

    Steve finds that persistence and heart lead to results that often surprise his clients. Over time, he has come to specialise in retirement and life transitions. You can find more information about Steve’s coaching here; stevehindmancoach.com

    Or, for more information about his winters, Contact us to book ski lessons with Steve in Verbier.

    Welcomed into the herd

    This June, Steve travelled to Bend, Oregon, to co-facilitate a three-day retreat. Firstly, the retreat focused on helping each participant meet themselves where they are. Secondly, this led them to uncover and imagine what they want next. Then, it was possible to begin moving towards that next reality in some small way.

    During the retreat, the group got up close and personal with a herd of amazing horses. The herd vetted and then welcomed them in a non-verbal but undeniable fashion. During the interaction, they experienced what unequivocal boundaries and clear leadership felt like. They were then accepted in the presence and care of each individual and the alpha mare.

    Exploring below the Oregon Cascades

    Together and alone, they explored the rivers and forests beneath the Volcanoes of the Oregon Cascades. They listened to what their bodies wanted and needed while looking, listening, and feeling for a glimpse of what their lives and souls have to say. Over the three-day retreat, they built the connections and trust necessary to feel comfortable having deeper conversations with themselves in front of others. All the participants developed a new appreciation for being alive, for themselves, and for each other. Each of them left the retreat with a deeper understanding in their hearts and minds about what’s next.

    Touring Gruyère Castle

    Family and friends

    As a bonus, Steve enjoyed the sweetest visits with his daughter and brother and their families on his way to Oregon after heading into Seattle. He also connected with a variety of friends heading to and from Bend, visiting some he hadn’t seen in 30 years. The warmth and joy of seeing friends and family continued after he returned to Geneva, with visits from his sister-in-law and nephew, as well as a friend he had known since high school, along with his wife.

    In Steve’s words

    “These meaningful and joyful connections with friends and family resulted from work I did with my coach several years ago. They helped me realize I could continue living in Switzerland and maintain and deepen my relationships with friends and relatives in the US. I am now doing whatever I can to make that happen.”

    “The richness of these recent visits with friends and family over the last month confirms the power of both commitment and patience. It affirms that this coaching stuff works!”

    For more information about Steve’s coaching, you can visit his website here; stevehindmancoach.com

    In the winters

    In the winters, Steve is a qualified ski instructor with ES in Verbier. Steve has shared the joy of sliding on snow on alpine, cross-country, and telemark skis for over 40 years. After working for most of his career in the Western US, Steve now teaches in Verbier. He meets each client where they are and helps them learn and grow by guiding them beyond their comfort zone.

    Steve’s clients say;

    “I was fortunate to have Steve as my instructor in Verbier this winter. Each afternoon with him was carefully planned, taking me down specific runs best suited to improve my technique. His method of teaching is clear and adaptive and I felt a massive improvement in my skiing throughout the week . Towards the end of the week we tackled more challenging slopes and explored the high peaks of the resort, an experience I truly enjoyed and felt comfortable with having Steve by my side. It has been a pleasure incorporating Steve’s unique analogies into my skiing and I have ended the trip with a strong foundation to take my skiing further!”

    “We had the pleasure of taking lessons with Steve this past week, and we can’t say enough great things about our experience! From the moment we stepped into our ski boots to the end of each session, Steve’s attention to detail and thorough approach stood out. He is friendly, professional and tailors each lesson to suit individual skill levels and needs. Our little one, in particular, made remarkable progress over the week and kept asking to ski more. We would happily recommend Steve to anyone looking to improve their skills and have an amazing time on the slopes!“

    Contact us to book ski lessons with Steve in Verbier.

    JoJo Gill – rope access technician high above London

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    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.

    Aurélie Garcin – private chef on the water

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    Aurélie is a ski and snowboard instructor with with ES in Verbier in the winters, and here she tells us about her summers, as a private chef on a 30m motor yacht in the Med.

    Contact us to book ski or snowboard lessons with Aurélie in Verbier.

    End of winter = start of summer

    Straight talking and full of energy, Aurélie goes direct from her winter season in Verbier at the end of April to the South of France to start her summer season. There she works as a private chef on a Riva 30m motor yacht through to the end of November. The boat was built in 2023 and has 4 ensuite cabins for up to 8 guests. It also has lots of toys including stand up paddles, waterskis, and a jetski.

    Travels in the Med

    As one of 4 crew, Aurélie is responsible for planning, stocking, and preparing menus based on guest wishes. And of course, she cooks for guests during charters, and for the yacht’s owner when they are on board. She also helps with service, and docking the boat when they arrive in port.

    Already this summer she has visited the Cannes film festival and the Monaco Formula 1 Grand Prix. At the time of writing, she is in Porto Vecchio on the South East coast of Corsica, about to cross to Porto Cervo in Northern Sardinia.

    What is it like cooking on a private yacht?

    Charters can be anything from 2 days to 3 weeks, so Aurélie needs to keep menus fresh and interesting, and be attentive to guests’ requests and preferences. On a recent charter, she was serving “anti-hangover” burgers at 5am each morning, after guests returned from their nights out.

    At other times, she might be asked for detox menus, gluten free, or other specialist requirements. With a certificate in dietetics, Aurélie understands the science of good nutrition to help maintain and promote health.

    Aurélie used to work on larger yachts, but she finds that on a 30m yacht with smaller crew, she not only cooks, but also helps with manoeuvres, and interacts more with the guests. This means she can do things like show guests the best snorkelling spots and (sometimes) teach them how to jump from the flybridge.

    Overall, Aurelie prefers to prepare modern, sophisticated and healthy menus. She favours market cuisine with local products and likes to integrate interesting textures and subtle flavours. As she is from the South of France, her roots are in French cuisine, however she also loves Italian, Lebanese, Thai Nikkey and Japanese cuisine. Drawing on her travels, her cooking has fusion influences.

    In the past, Aurélie has worked extensively on both motor and sailing yachts, as well as being a land based private chef in Megève, Courchevel, Méribel, Cannes, Mougins, St Tropez and St Jean Cap Ferret. Outside Europe, she has also travelled and worked in New Zealand and Byron Bay, Australia.

    In the winters

    As for the winters, Aurélie is a former pro snowboarder (freestyle/freeride). As a young child, she started skiing, then snowboarding, and as a teenager followed her dream to compete in snowboard events. After becoming a sponsored rider, she was then able to travel the world competing and shooting videos.

    Now based in Verbier in the winters, Aurélie teaches skiing as well as snowboarding. She speaks French, Spanish and English.

    Even though she was born in Cannes on the French Riviera, Aurelie started skiing at 2 and snowboarding at 8. At 14 her love of the mountain was so strong she only dreamt of being a pro rider. At 18 she moved to the Mecque and starts racing for Chamonix snowboard club, then got sponsored, traveled the Alps, Canada, Argentina, New Zealand …either for competing or shooting videos. When she retired, in order to stay close to her passion, she decided to transmit her love of the mountain and her knowledge through teaching.

    Aurélie’s clients say; “I had the great fortune skiing with Aurelie – she is an incredibly attentive instructor, pays great attention to detail, is untiring in thinking of new ways to clarify what’s needed. In addition, she’s a source of knowledge about skiing and about Verbier and simply great fun to be with! Anyone who gets to ski with Aurelie is in for a treat!”

    Contact us to book ski or snowboard lessons with Aurélie in Verbier.

    Discover Better Skiing with the Ski Club of Great Britain

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    The Ski Club of Great Britain is the world’s oldest and largest snow sports organisation with 17,000 members and counting. For more than 120 years the club has been connecting passionate skiers and mountain enthusiasts. Now, a new collaboration with European Snowsport makes booking premium, private ski lessons easier than ever before.

    What does it mean to be a Ski Club of Great Britain member?

    Joining the Ski Club means you’ll access a wide range of exclusive benefits. Make the most of the significant savings with members-only discounts, and ski with confidence knowing you’re covered by comprehensive ski insurance.

    Whether you’re looking for expertly crafted Freshtracks holidays tailored to your ability or want to connect with fellow skiers through the renowned Ski Club Rep service, we have something for every type of skier : ES can provide lessons for all, from the hesitant mum to the ambitious explorer (see Big Five challenge)

    Become a member today and discover better skiing with the Ski Club of Great Britain.

    Exclusive Ski Discounts

    The Ski Club partners with industry specialists to provide members with the most exclusive discounts on the market, from apparel sites to travel agents. Members save significantly with our partnerships every year. Families, in particular, save hundreds by covering every aspect of their trip, from accommodation, transfers, equipment, and kit. Receive big savings from Snow + Rock, Ski Set, Bollé, Skiworld, Skiset, and many more. 

    Comprehensive Premium Travel Insurance

    Ski Club’s Platinum Membership includes comprehensive travel insurance engineered by skiers, for skiers. With up to 60 days of winter sports cover per year including off-piste, without a guide, and outside resort boundaries as standard on all policies. The year-round cover keeps you well-looked after for the summer holidays too, so there’s no need to take out a secondary insurance!

    Ski Club Freshtracks Holidays

    The Ski Club’s Freshtracks holidays are curated to provide members with incredible experiences on and off the mountain. More than 85% of those who book a Freshtracks holiday return year after year to enjoy some of the world’s best skiing destinations.

    Explore the mountains like never before, from adventurous cat skiing to easy-going ski-and-sip safaris. The team is on hand to find the best fitting holiday for your needs, whether it’s technical progression trips or simply exploring a new region.

    Unique Rep Service

    Ski Club Reps are the face of the club in Europe and North America. They share local insights both on and off the slopes, helping members connect with one another, and encouraging them to explore the region together, often accompanied by local instructors . They’ve got your social calendar covered. Lunch meetups? Check. Après-ski extravaganzas? You’ve got it!

    Ski Club Magazine

    Keep up to date with the UK’s oldest and most established ski magazine. The Ski Club magazine publishes innovative ski stories from around the globe, provides key information about resorts, and keeps members up to speed with the newest kit technology. Members will receive four issues a year to fuel their passion throughout the seasons. 

    Find out more about the Ski Club of Great Britain and become a member today

    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!