European Snowsport

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    Cirkel Supply Clothing Rental

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    How to Hire Ski Clothing

    Ski holidays are about making memories, not lugging heavy suitcases. If you’d rather travel light, avoid shopping stress, or simply don’t want to buy an expensive outfit for a week on the slopes, hiring ski clothing is the best solution. European Snowsport partners with Cirkel Supply, Switzerland’s specialist in premium ski clothing rental. Here’s everything you need to know.

    Photo: Ortovox

    Why hire ski clothing instead of buying?

    Travel lighter – no need to haul heavy bags of bulky ski clothing on your journey to the mountains.

    Save money – skiwear is costly and if you’re not skiing frequently, rental is a better option for you that also reduces your luggage fees.

    Try before you buy – if you’re learning to ski or want to try a new outfit, rental is the perfect way to access high quality kit with low commitment.

    Photo: Houdini Sportswear

    How does skiwear rental work?

    Hiring with Cirkel Supply is simple:

    1.    Choose your outfit online before you travel (3-days or more in advance).

    2.    Delivery to your hotel in Verbier, Zermatt, St. Moritz or any Swiss destination.

    3.    Ski in comfort – Cirkel only rents premium quality clothing, designed for the mountains.

    4.    Leave it at reception at the end of your stay. Cirkel Supply will collect, clean and prepare it for the next skier.

    Cirkel Supply also has great delivery options for those staying in private accommodation or rented accommodation without a reception.

    Photo: Namuk

    What kind of ski clothing can I hire?

    Cirkel Supply offers ski clothing for men, women, teens and children. They only stock high performance brands including Patagonia, Ortovox, Picture, Mammut, Houdini, Hestra and Jones snowboard clothing. Cirkel’s comprehensive assortment includes:

    Ski jackets and ski pants

    Midlayers and fleeces

    Gloves, hats and backpacks

    Photo: Namuk

    What size should I choose?

    Getting the right fit is simple thanks to Cirkel Supply’s innovative sizing tool where you simply enter your age, height, and weight, and adjust the avatar to look like your body. The tool then recommends the best size for you on each product page, including commentary on how e.g., a medium will fit versus a large.

    And if you still have questions? Cirkel’s friendly support team is always there to help fine-tune your choice before your outfit is delivered.

    Where can I hire ski clothing in Switzerland?

    Cirkel delivers across Switzerland including resorts where European Snowsport operates such as Verbier, Zermatt, St. Moritz and Nendaz.

    Final tip

    Hiring ski clothing lets you spend more time skiing and less time shopping. With Cirkel Supply’s service, your kit will be ready when you arrive, leaving you free to enjoy the mountains.

    Ready for rental? Visit cirkelsupply.com to rent your favourite outfit today.

    Luca Pellegrinelli – Skiing and Surfing in Australia

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    I’m Luca and when the snow season is over, I go to the ocean. Surfing, spending time in the water is my reset between winters.

    I was in Australia this summer and I usually head up to the Sunshine Coast, chasing waves at Noosa National Park. This is in Northern New South Wales, on the East Coast of Australia. I go from First Point all the way to Granite Bay, or Sunshine Beach and Coolum, wherever the waves are best.

    Activities I usually do

    I Love paddling out at sunrise, the salt water, hanging out with mates on the beach, hoping for the swell. Or else climbing and scuba diving, I’m always outdoors, snow or sun. I love the mix of skiing and surfing in Australia.

    Summertime/Wintertime in Australia

    I’ve done several back to back winters as an Instructor down in Thredbo, during the Aussie winter.

    I also work for the APSI (the Australian Professional Snowsport Instructors) as a trainer and examiner. This means I am running courses and sharing the stoke with new instructors. I love helping them achieve their ski instructor qualification levels. This involves travelling around the Snowy Mountains to Perisher, Falls Creek, Hotham, Mt Buller, wherever APSI needs me. With the APSI, I have also travelled to Japan for courses and exams.

    About Teaching

    I teach all skiers, from kids to elders, from their first turns to race coaching and mogul to high end skiers, and young athletes competing at any level.

    I love that feeling of helping someone nail their goals and the smile that comes with it. In Zermatt I especially love guiding people to the best snow and terrain and showing them the mountain for a fun day on the slopes.

    In the Winters

    My name is Luca, and I am originally from Italy. I started skiing when I was 3 years old. Skiing quickly became my passion and eventually my career becoming a ski instructor as well as a trainer-examiner for APSI. Beyond skiing, I enjoy all sorts of outdoor activities like surfing, scuba diving and climbing.

    I love travelling and, with this job I’ve been lucky to explore various skiing destinations across Europe, Canada, and Australia where I have gained over 10 seasons of experience.

    When I am not in Zermatt, I work in Thredbo in Australia. This means I have both Northern and Southern Hemisphere’s winter season, so the warmth of summer usually lasts only for a couple of months for me.

    I love all types of skiing; from off piste to moguls and race carving.

    Why did you choose Zermatt?

    I chose Zermatt because It’s in a great location with reliable snowfall and fun terrain and as a bonus it allows me to ski into Italy for a great meal that tastes like home.

    Contact us here to book ski lessons with Luca in Zermatt

    Sergio Gonzalez; Kitesurfing and Outdoor Life in Aveiro, Portugal

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    This summer Sergio has left the heights of Zermatt to volunteer in the Aveiro region in Portugal. Aveiro is on the central west coast of Portugal just south of Porto, facing out into the Atlantic for some big winds.

    There he has been helping out with kitesurfing lessons, wakeboarding, boat charters, and maintenance on the hotel. Of course this means he has lots of fantastic photos to share with you!

    Kitesurfing Around Aveiro

    Aveiro in Portugal is well known as a summer and winter kitesurfing destination and there are a few areas that are especially suited, with steady winds. The Aveiro lagoon is a protected area with flat water inside the lagoon, great for beginners, freestyle and freeride. It is protected from the waves and offers great flatwater conditions. The Praia da Barra and Costa Nova are also well known kitesurfing beaches in the area.

    The lagoon area is big enough that it is also known for kayaking and birdwatching, with lots of local wildlife sharing the space.  

    Peak season for kitesurfing is now, from May to September, and after that Sergio will be heading back to Zermatt, where he will be happy to ski with you this winter!

    When not on the water, Sergio has been cycling, roller skating, hiking around the local area, and perfecting his minigolf swing.

    Aveiro Town and Surroundings

    Aveiro in summer is itself is also worth exploring, with canals running through the city. You can take a trip along these in one of the “moliceiros”, traditional boats once used for seaweed harvesting. The canals are bordered by Art Nouveau buildings, making Aveiro a charming destination, even if you are not a kitesurfer.

    Sergio made sure to visit the local festival “festival do canais” (festival of canals) in Aveiro town, with lots of concerts, music and dancing.

    Traditional Industry, Salt Production

    The main industry in the area used to be salt production, and you can visit the salt pans. Salt production in Aveira is an over 1000 year old industry. The seawater is fed into evaporation ponds. Sun and wind cause evaporation, and the salt is left when the water has dried off. Then the salt is harvested for use, and originally this was done using wooden tools.

    But what for? Traditionally, this salt was used for preserving cod and meat in the age before freezers.

    Nature and the Mountains

    One of the highlights of Sergio’s summer was a full moon bivouac, sleeping outdoors under the stars in just a sleeping bag in the mild summer conditions.

    He also visited the National Park Serra da Estrela (Mountains of the Stars) and Berlengas Natural Reserve, with lots of rivers, waterfalls and wildlife.

    Serra da Estrela is the highest mountain range in mainland Portugal with it’s highest peak (Torre) is at 1993 meters. If you are in Zermatt, that is just a few metres above Furi. For Verbier locals, it is around the height of the Au Mayen restaurant, just under the Mayentzet chairlift.

    The rivers and glacial valleys at Serra da Estrela support local wildlife, with everything from vultures and storks to tiny flycatcher birds. There are many butterflies, and you might even see the rare Iberian wolf, which is returning to the area.

    Festival in Galicia

    Originally from Spain, Sergio also made time to visit the O Marisquinho festival in Vigo, Galicia. This is a culture and extreme sports festival, with lots of demos of BMX and skate, held over 3 days in August. As well as sports, you can see breakdance, graffiti, live concerts and DJ sets.

    In the Winters

    Sergio and has been involved in skiing his whole life all around the world. Adapting his experience to every place and person he meets makes every day a new story. That is what motivates him to give his best energy and attitude, building the confidence to improve technically and have fun at the same time.

    Sergio’s clients say;

    “After my second season skiing with Sergio, he’s become more than just a great instructor—he’s a great friend. His passion, skill, and energy make every lesson an incredible experience. We can’t wait for 2026 to hit the slopes with him again and make it another unforgettable season!“

    “Sergio was a great guide. My son and I ski all over the world and know a good guide. Sergio took us all over Zermatt. 9 to 330. We got to test our skills on piste and off piste. A perfect day. I would highly recommend Sergio.“

    Contact us to book ski lessons with Sergio in Zermatt.

    4 Unexpected Sports to Improve Your Skiing

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    Winter is coming! This week, flakes of snow have landed in some of ES’s top resorts. The arrival of snow signals a change in the seasons; ski aficionados begin to gather and we finalise the selection process for your team of instructors this winter. We’ve been preparing for the season all summer. You can prepare too, with these top activities for skiing that will help you get ready for winter.

    Even when the resort is not covered in snow and packed with people heading to the slopes, our central office in the quaint village of Le Chable stays buzzing with activity : our sales team takes reservations year-round, and the places are filling up!

    To help you engage with winter all year round, here are our top activities that you can do in the inter-season to improve your skiing. Our instructors can vouch for them as really helpful for the balance, strength and agility that will take your skiing or snowboarding to the next level.

    Slacklining

    Although it’s not a mainstream sport, slacklining combines many of the key skills of skiing. The art of balancing on a thin strip of fabric suspended off the ground is thrilling, and requires a level of bravery – indeed, conquering your fears is a large part of getting down a slope. Even getting on the slackline is a step towards more confident, improved skiing or snowboarding.

    But the mental challenge is by far not the only benefit of slacklining to your skiing. The most obvious benefit to your physical skills will be the much improved balance that comes with practicing slacklining. It’s an activity that requires spatial perception, knowing where your body is and which direction to move it in order to stay balanced and moving forward. Skiing and snowboarding are similar in this way : all your weight is going through small points in your legs and feet. An incorrect sense of balance on the snow won’t necessarily result in dramatic or sudden changes, but it will hinder your progress and style. In slacklining, the feedback is immediate and obvious : you are either on the slackline… or you’re not.

    Yoga

    Practiced all over the world, yoga is an activity that has exploded in the last decade : studios have popped up worldwide, and according to chatgpt, the most viewed yoga video worldwide has amassed almost 58 million views. It’s something for the adventurer just as much as it is for the worker from home. All it requires is floor space and willingness, so it is unsurprising that this slow, meditative practice has taken over the feed of millions.

    Indeed, it’s hard to think of a benefit that yoga doesn’t have : it centers the mind, stretches the joints, and builds the kind of slow strength that is key to maintaining good health into later life. Practicing yoga is less about direct skill improvement, and more about building bodily awareness, learning where your limits lie, and how to push them in a way that pulls you out of your comfort zone, but keeps you safe and healthy. Holding that uncomfortable stretch for ten seconds longer and finding your mental groove can build your confidence and help you remain calm and humble when in difficult situations on the mountain. Of course, if you are with an ES instructor, you won’t be in those difficult situations.

    For our summer yoga programme, just get in touch and we are happy to help.

    Road cycling in the summer in the Swiss Alps

    Cycling

    We’ve all been there. Panting, sweaty, holding on to the railing for dear life, and looking back at a seemingly harmless set of stairs.

    “When did I get so unfit?”.

    Office workers typically spend 85% of their day sitting down, which, if not counteracted with regular movement and exercise, can lead to a variety of health issues. Most notably, it contributes to a rapid decline in cardiovascular endurance. This type of endurance is what allows you to keep running or walking for long periods of time: it’s what means that some people can ski the whole slope without stopping, where some might prefer to take a few breaks on the way down.

    Here, cycling can help. It’s not for nothing that Tour de France cyclists look the way they do : cycling is one of the most leg-heavy sports out there. It requires muscle, fitness, and perseverance. Luckily, if you already own a bike, it’s also remarkably easy to integrate into your daily routine. For the city-dwellers, revolutions in bike design such as the Brompton bike allow you to safely cycle and store your bike, fitting seamlessly into an office commute. As urban awareness of sustainable city development grows, so do the number of cycle paths. This makes cycling in cities safer than ever before! For the more adventurous out there, the development of e-bikes also provides a sweat-free alternative to lugging yourself up a mountain, with more and more people choosing to come to the Alps in the summer as well for some accessible VTTing.

    If you would like to improve your technique, or just have someone show you around by road or mountain bike in Verbier, just let us know and we are happy to help.

    Surfing

    A wise man once said surfing is the Yin to skiing’s Yang.

    This sport is indeed different to skiing in many ways : it’s a summer activity, for starters. It requires an entirely opposite set of conditions, and couldn’t look more different to skiing. However, behind all its facades of apparent difference, the skill set is actually very similar. If anything, skiing could be a practice sport for surfing. Not only is the surface beneath your feet actually moving when you surf, the sea also decides your speed and the intensity of your run. Where in skiing you can choose to slow down, surfing is all about accepting the conditions you have been given and making the most of them. This laissez-faire attitude has great applications to skiing : sure, the snow might not look exactly how you’d like, but your experience on the water has taught you adaptability.

    Surfing is also a summer sport, which makes it perfect for those looking for year-round activity. While cycling may be better suited to cooler summer days, you can surf even on the hottest days of the year, provided you are somewhere with waves. Our instructors have written here about other summer activities they do to complement their skiing – why not take inspiration from the best?

    Clara Griffiths, Verbier

    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.