European Snowsport

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

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    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!

    Elevate Your Corporate Experience

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    Luxury Ski Trips for Teams and Clients with Maison ENA Events and European Snowsport

    In today’s competitive business landscape, nurturing meaningful relationships—both within your team and with your clients—is key to long-term success. At Maison ENA Events, we specialise in crafting bespoke luxury experiences that go beyond the ordinary, providing exceptional value and unforgettable memories. Together with European Snowsport, we offer exclusive corporate ski trips that serve dual purposes: they’re perfect for enhancing team cohesion and morale, and also ideal for deepening client relationships in a unique and inspiring setting.

    Why a Corporate Ski Trip Makes Smart Business Sense

    A corporate ski trip isn’t just a luxury; it’s a strategic investment in your company’s future. Here’s why it’s an effective tool for both team building and client engagement:

    • Strengthen Team Bonds and Boost Morale: An adventure in the Alps provides the perfect backdrop for developing stronger connections within your team. By taking your team out of the office and onto the slopes, you encourage collaboration, improve communication, and increase overall morale—all of which directly impact productivity and job satisfaction.
    • Impress and Engage Clients: A bespoke ski trip offers a unique way to engage your clients, demonstrating your commitment to them in an unforgettable setting. Hosting your clients on the slopes builds relationships beyond the boardroom, fostering loyalty and creating advocates for your brand.
    • ROI through Enhanced Relationships: Investing in experiences that are memorable and meaningful leads to stronger client loyalty and higher employee retention rates. Both of these factors contribute to a tangible ROI by reducing turnover costs, increasing client retention, and driving new business opportunities.

    How Maison ENA Events Maximises the Value of Your Ski Trip

    At Maison ENA Events, we understand that a successful corporate ski trip should deliver measurable benefits. Here’s how we craft each trip to maximise your ROI:

    1. Tailored to Your Business Objectives: Every trip begins with an in-depth consultation to understand your business goals. Are you looking to reward your team, win over key clients, or celebrate a milestone? We customise every element—from activities to dining experiences—to align with your objectives.
    2. Carefully Selected Destinations for Maximum Impact: Our team works closely with European Snowsport to select the perfect resort for your needs, whether it’s the sophisticated ambiance of St. Moritz or the dynamic energy of Chamonix. We help you choose a destination that reflects your company’s culture and appeals to your guests, ensuring the best possible experience.
    3. Curated Itineraries That Deliver Results: We design itineraries that balance adrenaline-fueled adventures with opportunities for relaxation and networking. From private ski lessons and competitive slalom races to curated wine tastings and après-ski gatherings, we create moments that matter. These shared experiences build trust, foster open communication, and lead to stronger bonds—both internally and with clients.
    4. Comprehensive Planning and Management: From accommodation and transfers to lift passes and private events, we handle every detail, so you don’t have to. This seamless coordination allows you to focus on what really matters: building relationships and achieving your business goals.
    5. Tracking Success and Measuring ROI: We work with you to set clear goals and objectives before the trip, and provide post-event analysis to measure its success. Whether your aim is to increase employee satisfaction, improve client retention, or generate new leads, we ensure you can clearly see the return on your investment.

    European Snowsport: Elevating the Ski Experience

    Our partners at European Snowsport add an extra layer of excellence to your corporate ski trip. With top-tier instructors, personalised lessons, and deep knowledge of the best slopes, they ensure an unforgettable experience for skiers of all levels. From expertly guided runs to insider tips on the best après-ski spots, they bring unmatched expertise and local knowledge to every trip.

    A Bespoke Itinerary to Maximise Your ROI

    Imagine this: a perfectly balanced itinerary that offers both team bonding and client engagement opportunities, designed to deliver on your objectives.

    • Day 1: Arrival and VIP Welcome
      Arrive at a luxury resort and enjoy a private welcome reception, offering the chance for team members and clients to mingle in a relaxed setting.
    • Day 2: Morning Business Session and Afternoon on the Slopes
      Begin the day with a strategic meeting or workshop, followed by skiing sessions tailored to all levels with European Snowsport instructors. This combination of business and pleasure fosters a productive yet relaxed environment.
    • Day 3: Team Building and Client Engagement Activities
      Host a friendly ski competition or team-building event on the slopes, followed by a private après-ski networking event, complete with gourmet tastings and local entertainment.
    • Day 4: Leisure and Luxury Experiences
      Offer your team and clients a range of bespoke experiences—from a scenic helicopter tour and spa day to snowshoeing through untouched terrain or an exclusive fine dining experience.
    • Day 5: Departure with a Difference
      Depart with a farewell brunch, where teams and clients can share their experiences and solidify connections formed during the trip.

    Take Your Corporate Events to New Heights

    Transform your next corporate event into a strategic investment with a luxury ski trip that brings measurable results. Partner with Maison ENA Events and European Snowsport to create a memorable experience that goes beyond the slopes, driving both team cohesion and client engagement.

    Estelle Nigioni, the writer of this article and founder of Maison ENA Events, is renowned for her unmatched expertise in luxury & tech event planning. With a passion for creativity and an unwavering commitment to excellence, Estelle curates extraordinary experiences that exceed expectations. Maison ENA Events stands out for its personalised service and dedication to sustainable practices, making it the premier choice for clients seeking truly unforgettable events. Collaborate with Estelle to bring your vision to life with sophistication and refinement.

    Adam Jakab – living the perfect outdoor life in Lofoten, Norway

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    Adam is a ski instructor with ES in Zermatt in the winters, and here he tells us about his summer – hiking, camping and surfing in Lofoten, in the north of Norway.

    Contact us to book ski lessons with Adam in Zermatt.

    From back to back winter seasons to Nordic summer

    As a ski instructor I have to deal with the same issue as anyone from this industry: What do I do in the summer?! Previously I would refuse to let go of the snow and continue the ski season on southern hemisphere, but after doing this twice already I found out that you can in fact do too much skiing. Besides, it’s good to give your legs a rest for the summer and give your body a chance to regenerate.

    In the summer 2023, my girlfriend and I decided to go to Norway together, to experience life in a Nordic country. We worked for Hattvika Lodge, an outdoor stay oriented accommodation with a restaurant. I worked as a hiking guide and as a dishwasher. The jobs where not easy, but days off in beautiful Lofoten were definitely worth it. Lofoten is truly a unique place with lots of beautiful views and unusual astronomical events, such as polar nights/days and northern lights.

    Above are two pictures of the town Ballstad, where we spent 4 months living and working. If you are an outdoorsy person who enjoys either hiking, kayaking, fishing or photography, it’s the place to be! 

    Above you can see the view from Reinebringen, a hike definitely worth doing, especially during sunset.

    Mountains in Norway look like alps rising from the ocean.

    On the picture above you can see Skottind, 671m – my favorite peak from Lofoten, which I could see from my bedroom window.

    Volandstind, the mountain you see above, got nicknamed “Matterhorn of Norway”, but it’s only 457 m high.

    Mosken island pops up in the middle of the ocean. Since about two years ago, you can travel between the mainland of Norway and Lofoten islands with a ferry for free.

    Best thing about Midnight sun in the summer – you can go hike whenever you feel like it, because it doesn’t really get dark. However, it might come at a cost of sleep deprivation.

    Sea kayaking is another popular activity in Lofoten. The photo above was taken by one of our guides – you can get so close to killer whales! Encounters like these happens rarely, though.

    In our days off we often went camping, and found some amazing spots. My favorite place in Lofoten is Kvalvika beach. There is a really impressive movie called North of the Sun. It is about two surfers surviving a winter on this beach.

    Jami is a chef, so our camping trips always included at least a 3 course outdoor camping menu.

    A ski instructor is someone who lives by the seasons and can sense when winter is approaching. That’s why some of us seek summer sports to stay in shape. For me it’s slacklining or surfing. Both are really difficult but super rewarding.

    Surfing in Norway – it’s a thing! You just need to cover absolutely everything on your body in a thick wetsuit and be lucky with the conditions. I have to say, the temperature, lack of crowds, color of water and views made it my most memorable surfing experience.

    Although Norway is beautiful country to surf in, it can be quite expensive. After our time in Norway finished, I went on a holiday to Morocco, to get better at surfing. The goal was to get at least 2 surf sessions in per day, and catch as many waves as possible.

    In Morocco I met up with another ski instructor in Zermatt, Juan, who shared the same goal as I did. Surfing was a great way to end the summer, and I feel energized to start the winter in Zermatt!

    If you want to hear more about my adventures AND become absolutely amazing at skiing, feel free to book me!

    Adam learned how to ski at the age of 6. Very soon after that he decided that one day he must become a ski instructor. At the age of 23 he became a certified ski instructor and started teaching in his home country, Slovakia. Traveling was also his hobby, so he decided to teach skiing all over the world. Besides Slovakia, he taught in Canada, Australia and Switzerland.

    Adam is happy to teach all styles of skiing to all age groups and levels. Skiing moguls and freestyle with his friends are his favourite free time activities. He speaks fluent English, basic German, Slovak, Czech and a little bit of Polish

    Contact us to book ski lessons with Adam in Zermatt.

    Gaston Rossi – skiiing and travelling in Patagonia

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    Gaston is a ski instructor with with ES in Zermatt in the winters, and here he tells us about his summer, skiing, teaching and travelling in Patagonia.

    Contact us to book lessons with Gaston in Zermatt.

    Skiing in Patagonia

    In the summer, I travelled back to my hometown of Bariloche in Patagonia, Argentina. There, I teach skiing in the resort of Cerro Catedral, in the Andes. The ski season opened on the 30th of June and ran until the 15th of October. This is quite a long Southern Hemisphere winter, of 3.5 months.

    Cerro Catedral is 19km from Bariloche and it is within a national park. It has 120km of pistes, so it has the biggest area of lift accessed ski terrain of all the South American ski resorts. From the ski area, you can see the Nahuel Huapi lake, which makes for fantastic views while skiing.

    At Cerro Catedral, we have the most days with snowfalls in all of Argentina. The skiing is between 1030m and 2100m of altitude.

    The snow really motivates me to get up early every day and go skiing. I love skiing fresh corduroy on the slopes, or also skiing the new snow off piste if it has been snowing. 

    I now have over 20 ski seasons of ski teaching experience but I still love every day on the snow. What I love about ski teaching is that I am sharing my passion with others. I enjoy seeing how people improve their skills and get more and more out of the sport as they improve. 

    Hiking in Patagonia

    At the end of the winter season, I enjoy some hiking and the sunsets on the lakes, while I wait and look forward to starting the season again in Zermatt. In this area in the summer you can also go hiking and rock climbing and there are mountain huts and a camping area near the highest point in the resort.

    This October I took a trip to the ocean in Chile. This was a little road trip to Bahia Mansa, Chile, a little fishing town at a similar latitude to Bariloche, to change the mountains for the ocean a few days before coming back to the altitude of Zermatt.

    Gaston is now back in Zermatt already, and back on the snow ready for another great winter. 

    Gaston Rossi

    I grew up in Argentina Patagonia, by the Andes mountains, where I started to ski at the age of 10. Nowadays, after more than 20 years skiing I’m still motivated to keep learning and sharing my knowledge with others. This sport gave me many friends and the possibility to travel a lot, so I will always be grateful for this. I also like any other outdoor activity. Hiking, going to a beach or just walking around to discover new corners in town is always a good plan.

    Contact us to book lessons with Gaston in Zermatt. 

    Stef Schipper – Sustainable Kitesurfing in Holland

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    Stef is a ski instructor with ES in Verbier in the winters, and here he tells us about his summers, working with Harlem Kitesurfing, who are based in Holland.

    Contact us to book ski lessons with Stef in Verbier.

    Heading home

    As the days grew longer and the snow began to melt in Verbier, it was time to put a storage wax on my skis and head for the Dutch coast. I live in a town called Zandvoort (see photos below), famous for it’s racing circuit. I caught up with some friends and family, but not for too long, since I had a quick transition back to work the following Monday.

    Harlem Kitesurfing

    In the summers I work for a kite brand named Harlem Kitesurfing. We produce all essential gear that is required for an enjoyable kitesurf session out on the water. I’m in charge of the communication with all the factories where our gear is produced. I also maintain the software and business processes behind the scenes. My work involves making sure we order the right amount of gear, maintain the highest quality possible and stay on top of technological and sustainable innovations. At the same time, I ensure all day to day activities run smoothly in the office.

    Our peak season is during the summer, allowing me to teach skiing in Verbier during the winter months.

    Surfing, kitesurfing, wing foiling and gymnastics

    During my free time, I practice various water sports. Depending on the conditions and company, I either go surfing, kitesurfing, or wing foiling. Given the variable nature of these sports, I find it nice to keep doing regular exercise as well. After many years, I rediscovered my passion for gymnastics, and now every Tuesday evening, I join a training group for 1.5 hours to play around, learn new skills and stay in shape.

    One of the most exciting aspects of my summer was my involvement in an ambitious project with Harlem Kitesurfing. Already since November ’22, we were on a mission to transition to the most innovative, sustainable production facility for kites and wings. It is called Brainchild Production and is based in North Macedonia. In March we managed to start producing there, and in August we launched our first product from this new factory. See the photos for the colourful result!

    Now that winter is approaching, I’m more than excited to get ready for the ski season again. Summers at home are fun, but winters in Verbier are something else!

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    Stef was born and raised on the flat terrain of Holland but that didn’t stop him from seeking out and exploring the mountains. Learning to both ski and snowboard at an early age, Stef would originally only go to the snow for one week per year but eventually, after spending a whole season in Revelstoke, Canada he got hooked by the allure of the ski industry for good. As a CSIA and CASI certified instructor Stef is a passionate instructor, more than capable of bringing your skiing to the next level. For him, teaching is about having the right balance between learning and having as much fun as possible.

    Contact us to book lessons with Stef in Verbier.