Verbier — a name that resonates with world-class skiing, vibrant après-ski, and an unmatched alpine lifestyle — got a brand new tradition on April 12th. The occasion? The very first edition of Back2Back Verbier, a celebration that mixed snow, style, and community into one epic spring day.
What started as an idea to gather locals before the season wound down quickly turned into a full day of competition in the middle of the mountain !
From a team slalom between local businesses to a freestyle showdown on a towering Big Air Bag, Back2Back was a fresh stage for both Alpine and freestyle skiers to shine.
Speed Meets Style: The Heart of Back2Back
Back2Back isn’t just another end-of-season event — it’s for the people who keep Verbier buzzing year-round. Think ski instructors, bartenders, rental techs, resort staff — all coming together not just to compete, but to connect.
The morning kicked off with a team slalom race, a knockout-style tournament featuring 16 teams of three riders each. From ski schools to gin brands, and everything in between, it was a high-energy showdown of turns, tactics, and team spirit.
From left to right, Klara M, Klara G, Beth, JT, Mattia, Duncan, Hugo
The Teams:
- European Snowsport (ES)
- ESSV (École Suisse de Ski de Verbier)
- Verbier Tourism
- Faction Skis
- Fjork
- Téléverbier
- No.1 Sport
- AXA Assurance
- Pub Mont Fort
- Gust
- Kudos Unlimited
- Verbier Gin
- RouxXtrême
- Verbier Location
- Le Rouge
- Virya+
Our Dream Team: JT, Klara & Mattia
From left to right, Mattia, Klara M, JT
Representing our ski school in the Back2Back Verbier was a powerhouse trio of instructors — James Taylor, Klara Mortberg, and Mattia Frigerio, our Assistant Director. Each brought their own story, skillset, and spark to the race:
James Taylor (JT) – A skier since childhood and a coach across multiple disciplines, JT combines a degree in Sport & Exercise Science with a passion for freeride, drone flying, and community coaching. His calm, dynamic style makes him a go-to for all levels.
Klara Mortberg– A former elite alpine ski racer from Sweden, Klara blends deep technical know-how with contagious enthusiasm. Whether she’s coaching kids or pushing advanced students, she makes progress feel like play. Her motto? “Joy fuels progress.”
Mattia Frigerio – Originally from Italy, Mattia’s racing roots and international experience (New Zealand, Japan, Scotland…) make him a sharp, patient coach. He’s all about creating unforgettable mountain holidays through fun and challenge.
Together, they carved turns through the spring snow as spectators lined the gates, cheering on every run.
Slalom Showdown Results
After some intense and good-natured competition, Verbier Gin claimed the win — their tight lines and sharp transitions securing them the cup. For us, seeing our instructors in the mix was a proud moment — not just for their skiing, but for the community they represent.
Big Air Energy: Freestyle Under the Sun
As the sun rose higher and the slalom concluded, the action shifted to the second part of the Back2Back Verbier, the Big Air Bag — a huge inflatable jump set up just below Restaurant Inkontro, near Attelas. Music pulsed, the crowd gathered, and the freestyle portion of Back2Back began.
The categories:
- Ski Men
- Ski Women
- Snowboard Women
- Snowboard Men
- Under 18
Each athlete brought their energy — throwing down spins, grabs, and flips. The judges were watching closely, but so was the crowd, erupting in applause after every clean landing and stylish tweak.
Philipp Feusi: Our Snowboarder
Philipp Feusi, ES instructor and winner of mens freestyle snowboard
The star of the freestyle show? Our very own snowboard instructor Philipp Feusi, who took first place in the Snowboard Men category with a performance that mixed clean technique, smooth style, and crowd-pleasing flair.
His final tricks? A frontside underflip and a backside rodeo — landed with total control.
But Philipp’s story goes far beyond the jump. A lifelong snowboarder raised in the Swiss Alps, he brings over a decade of freestyle coaching experience to his lessons. As a trained secondary school teacher, he knows how to communicate with clarity and patience — whether you’re working on your first ollie or dreaming of that wildcat (not during lessons though!).
In summer? You’ll find him outdoors — hiking, skating, biking, swimming — always exploring, always living that mountain lifestyle.
“I just wanted to have fun and represent the team,” he said after the win — especially here, in Verbier, with all this energy around.”
More Than a Competition: A Community Showcase
What truly made Back2Back special was the collaboration between local businesses — not just competing, but contributing to the experience. Each team brought their own flavor to the day:
ESSV – Veteran instructors and community icons.
Verbier Gin – Carving turns and crafting cocktails. Their dual role on and off the snow made them one of the day’s highlights.
No.1 Sport & AXA Assurance – From tuning skis to managing policies, these teams showed that passion and precision go hand in hand — both on the slopes and in their day jobs.
ES (European Snowsport) – Their blend of global talent and local charm brought a polished, fun-loving edge to the competition.
Pub Mont Fort & Le Rouge – Icons of the après scene. Their presence on the snow was all about good vibes and great turns.
Why Back2Back Matters
Verbier is iconic for its terrain. But what truly defines it is its people — the ones who open the lifts, fit your boots, teach your kids, and pour your drinks. Back2Back was a celebration of them.
It was also a beautiful transition — from winter to summer, from powder turns to sun-drenched hangouts — reminding us that while the snow may melt, the spirit of Verbier never fades.
Looking Ahead
As the first edition of Back2Back Verbier wraps up, one thing is certain: this is just the beginning. Bigger freestyle setups? More business teams? Live music? Food trucks? Why not.
The potential is massive — but the heart of it will always be the same: people coming together to celebrate the mountain and each other.
Léopoldine Durand
