European Snowsport

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

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    Ski School Chamonix

    European Snowsport’s 15th Birthday Party

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    Happy 15th Birthday European Snowsport!

    It’s not every year we get to celebrate Our ski school’s birthday but this year is a pretty special one! In 2003, European Snowsport director, Julian Griffiths, had the idea to open a ski school in Verbier that specialised in private lessons from experienced instructors with intimate local knowledge.

    European Snowsport 15 years
    Long-standing team members, Graeme and Elias.

    Fifteen years later in 2018, ES provides ski lessons to some of the most exclusive accommodation providers in Switzerland, including Bramble Ski and Richard Branson’s The Lodge. We also offer lessons in a range of languages, have our very own Swedish ski school in Verbier and run top-class training programmes for instructors wanting to progress their careers. ES has also spread across the Alps; we also operate in Zermatt, St. Moritz, Chamonix and most recently, Nendaz. We’re also incredibly proud of our kids group lessons.

    European Snowsport 15 years
    ES instructors Charlotte, Lucy and Luke.

     

    European Snowsport 15 years
    Some of our Swedish instructors, Robert, Johan and Timmy.

    Anyway, to celebrate this milestone anniversary, what else could we do than have a bit of a knees-up and treat our staff, friends and business partners to a night out? Our commercial manager, Charlotte, pulled out all the stops, organising ES champagne flutes for the occasion and delicious ES cocktails.

    European Snowsport 15 years
    Two of our fabulous office team, Helle and Rosie, showing off the ES glasses!

     

    European Snowsport 15 years
    Ski school director Julian Griffiths taking to the mic.

    Everyone turned up to Bottle Brothers in Verbier, immaculately dressed and ready to party. It was great to have an excuse to dress up and everyone was looking fabulous. The evening started out with a few casual drinks, canapés and a some words from the man himself, Julian. Special thank yous were in order for Charlotte and head of sales Laura. There was also a special mention to some of ES’s longest-standing team members, Maryse, Jonas and Neal, who have been with us since the start. Thanks for sticking with us! Then the party really started with live music from ES Chamonix director Jon Wilson‘s band, the Snow Drifters.

    European Snowsport 15 years
    The multi-talented Jon Wilson who heads up European Snowsport in Chamonix.

     

    European Snowsport 15 years
    Commercial manager Charlotte with a few of our Italian instructors, Luca and Matteo.

    We’d like to say a massive thanks to everyone who came down to celebrate with us, it was a great night! We’d also like to say a massive thanks to Bottle Brothers for hosting and to Charlotte for organising such a great evening.

    European Snowsport 15 years
    Maryse, who has been with ES since the start, receiving some beautiful flowers.

    You can view the full photo collection HERE. See if you can recognise any of our instructors out of their ski gear!

    If you’d like to book some ski, snowboard or telemark lessons with European Snowsport, don’t hesitate to get in touch! We offer fun, flexible private lessons, as well as group lessons for kids.

     

    What Goes on at ES Chamonix?

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    Chamonix is one of the worlds’s most renowned ski resorts. It’s home to Mont Blanc and the infamous Aiguille du Midi, is hailed as the birthplace of alpinism and attracts skiers, climbers, wing-suiters and general thrill-seekers from all over the world. For the past two years, it’s also been home to our smallest ski school, ES Chamonix. But don’t let the term ‘small’ fool you. Resort manager and instructor, Jon Wilson, runs a tight ship with a hand-picked team of highly qualified, multi-lingual and passionate ski instructors. We caught up with Jon to find out why skiing with ES in Chamonix is the best.

    Hi Jon! You’ve taught skiing all over the world. Why did you decide to settle in Chamonix?

    Chamonix offers such a wide choice of terrain to ski. From a dedicated beginner’s area in the centre of town to scaling the heights of the Aiguille du Midi and the skiing Vallée Blanche. It’s a great place to teach all levels.

    Aiguille du Midi
    One of Chamonix’s most iconic views – the top of the Aiguille du Midi
    What can someone who’s never been to Chamonix expect from it in terms of the skiing, lifestyle and the town? Should you believe the hype?

    The mountains do the talking in Chamonix. It’s the first and last impression people get when they visit the resort. Although the town is also unlike most ski resorts, it has so much going on. From live music to street shows, there is something different every night and some big-name shops if you’re wanting to splash the cash.

     

    Tell us a bit about how you operate and about the team.

    We focus on quality and this allows me to hand pick the team which is very important. We have a lot of languages between the instructors which is also key when you have a small team. The most important thing is that we all love skiing!

    Aiguille du midi chamonix
    The view from the Midi
    What’s a standard lesson with ES Chamonix like?

    Our lessons change from client to client and we try our best to fit to the client’s needs and expectations. But if all else fails we have fun!

     

    There are strict laws about instructor qualifications in France, does it change how the ski school works?

    It does when it comes to who we choose to join the team. We only choose fully qualified instructors who also hold the Carte Professional. This is a tough qualification to hold so the team we have ranges from a ex-World Cup racer to an aspiring mountain guide. All very experienced and experts in all things Mountain…

    Chamonix town centre
    The stunning Chamonix town – glacier and all!
    What else is there to do in Chamonix besides skiing?

    Chamonix offers some great experiences besides skiing. From a trip up to the Aiguille du Midi to climbing Mont Blanc; taking a run down the luge course in town to dog sledding with huskies; taking the Montenvers train to the ice caves on the Mer Des Glacé to ice skating. There is plenty to do!

     

    We know Chamonix can get pretty packed! Does it have any well-kept secrets in terms of its ski area?

    It does, but it’s best to take an instructor or a guide to show you. Chamonix is a place where it’s best to take someone that knows where they are going as there is lots of freeride terrain. Not only for safety, but to experience the best the resort has to offer.

     

    And finally, we’ve heard you’re in a band! Where can your clients go to see you play?

    We play in a few different venues mainly the Maison des Artistes which is a great Jazz club in the centre of town. Or you can try the Delice in Les Houches and the Office in Argentière. We also play every Thursday night in the T-bar in Verbier…

     

    Jon Wilson ES Chamonix
    To book lessons with Jon and the team at ES Chamonix, get in touch! We’re available by phone or email to answer all your questions and pair you with your perfect instructor in Chamonix.

     

     

     

    Chamonix Ski School Location :: European Snowsport

    130 Rue de l'Église, 74310
    74310 Les Houches
    France
    Phone: +41277716222
    Email: info@europeansnowsport.com