Tamsin Roberts
We ’d just come out of lockdown after the pandemic when I had a chance conversation with a friend about holidays. They’re a precious commodity and can be lengthy research projects with hours spent searching for that ideal place. With 3 children in tow and little time to breathe I was (and still am) firmly in the recommendation camp. And this is how we ended up in Verbier – a tip off from a seasoned skier friend who said ‘stay near Place Central and put your kids in European Snowsport Ski school– it’s the best. You might even have a break’
Sold. The following month we were off to Verbier.
First day of Kids Academy
There were some excited nerves on day 1 as the children gathered in Place Blanche eagerly waiting to meet the instructors. They were 6,10 and 12, all 3 beginners and eager to get on the slopes. The eldest was the most concerned, worried she was too old for the class and asked why we hadn’t taken them as toddlers. This would have made things much less embarrassing apparently.
However, any fears or nerves evaporated instantly as soon as they met the instructors. Kate, leader of the kids lessons greeted us with smiles and warmth and any inhibitions were quickly forgotten. ‘See you at 4.30’ Kate said. Yes, we had gone all in and opted for full day lessons. With big smiles and waves off they went to the Medran lift, to begin their ski journey.
To think we had a whole day ahead of us seemed like a luxury. The lazy lunch and vin chaud stops top of the list. To decide where to start and to study the piste map we had a coffee in the cafe by the ski school meeting point. A cool, Scandi style coffee shop right in the middle of an uber trendy shop Mountain Air, alongside the ski rental and storage. So convenient was this set up I wondered how we’d hit on such a great place.
As we started to get boots on, I heard little voice in my head reminding me how I hadn’t skied for a few years, be careful of the steep slopes, don’t go too fast you might break a leg. Yikes. Whether it was a few years off skiing due to covid or maybe just a ‘mummy thing’ I realised I was frightened. There was only one thing for it – get a lesson and get a grip.
I didn’t need to look far for help. ES is right there, in the middle of Mountain Air (just by the nail bar and barber of course – mental note taken for any non-ski days.)
My lesson
The instructor was paired to my ski level with all my needs carefully relayed so they could find the best person for me, to maximise my time. One step towards combatting my fear. So off I trot to Medran lift for my own private lesson. To get my ski legs back. I asked my husband where he might ski on his own – ‘undecided, another espresso first’. It really was starting to feel a lot like a holiday.
To say the children had a great time that week is an understatement. The Kate we met on the first day was now their idol. She got our kids from spaghetti legs beginners to skiing the mountain. She is a brilliant instructor who can keep the most energetic children focused and safe whilst making it fun at the same time. I worried the days would be too long for them. I needn’t have. They came back every day full of smiles, never wanting it to end.
For myself, calm and patient Mattia was perfect for my needs. He reassured me I could ski and got my technique back on track. After listening politely to my stories of losing confidence since having children, he took me down a steep red so I could prove to myself I could still do it. He read me perfectly.
Turns out after the second espresso spurred on my husband to take a boarding lesson. He hopped from cafe to barber to book the lesson. And raved about it at dinner. Turns out I wasn’t the only one who needed to get their ski mojo back.
It was quite simply the best family holiday we’ve had. The goodbyes and thank yous to the instructors were filled with hugs and talk of maybe coming back next year.
Coming back to Verbier
When next year arrived there wasn’t really a discussion – it would be back to Verbier because happy kids equals happy parents. The second year did not disappoint. There was wonderful Kate again and Oscar and Petra this time, 2 delightful Swedes with impeccable English, bags of patience and a good sense of humour.
The third year of return was getting embarrassing. Whereas I wouldn’t class myself as a creature of habit here we were back in Verbier and full day lessons at ES. I didn’t need to remind myself why – the classes are small (max 6), all the instructors are English speaking ( the Swedes have better English than many of us native speakers ) and the teaching is first class. And the proof was in the pudding – by the end of year 3 the children are carving.
As for myself I enjoyed lessons with Benito and Neal among others. Once again all instructors tailored lessons to my needs – the lack of confidence disappearing and the paralleling reappearing.
Just before Christmas was our 4th year. No longer embarrassed but now proud to know what works for our family dynamic. The older 2 dropped to half days to ski with us, only to promptly rebook on the afternoon. Turns out its way more fun and they covered much more piste on and off than with their parents.
On our last day this year it was the 10 year old who took us to the 4 vallees and told us which slopes to ski and where had the best view, How did he know ‘because I’ve been with Kate’. And boy was he right – we had the best day!
So, its not its ranking as one of the best ski resorts in Europe or its chocolate box beauty or even the chance to glimpse a Royal or two. No, what keeps us coming back to Verbier is the ES Ski and Snowboard school and its wonderful team of instructors. Bring on a fifth year.
Tamsin Roberts