European Snowsport

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

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    Zermatt

    Ski Touring – Sustainable choices

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    What is Ski Touring?

    Ski touring is going up the mountain on your skis before you go back down. You climb up using “skins” which attach to the underside of your skis. Originally these were made of sealskin. The fur of the seal points down and enables your skis to grip the snow as you walk up. Then at the top of the mountain you take off the skins and ski down. Just to reassure you, the skins are now synthetic and no seals are needed.

    To help walking up the mountain, ski touring bindings have a detachable heel for while you are climbing. Your ski boot remains attached at the toe, and the heel is free to move as you walk. The bottom part of the heel piece can be adjusted depending on the steepness. Then at the top you attach the heel again so that you can ski down as in a normal binding.

    Usually ski touring skis are lighter than alpine skis, so that the walk up is easier. This means they have less performance than an alpine ski, but are easier to go up with.

    With ski touring, the fun of the sport is seeking the untouched snow. The appeal of this low-impact activity is the challenging walk up and the isolated un-pisted ski down.  

    There is something about touring that really gets you up close to the mountains. Touring gives you a deeper appreciation for the landscape we are privileged enough to have access to. By touring up to hidden areas, not only can you really earn your ski down, but the ski itself is a lot more rewarding when the snow is completely untracked and all for you! 

    Why is it sustainable?

    For an industry that that relies heavily on good snow conditions, it is becoming increasingly important that we do our bit to preserve the long winters. With Glaciers melting at an alarming rate, and spring emerging earlier each year, what can we do to reduce our impact to keep our cherished winters, whilst still enjoying alpine tourism and the sports that we love?  

    Not just for the industry, it is important we can do what’s possible to slow the rate of climate change. One way we can do this is by embracing ski touring – not only a fun activity, but a crucial way we can help reduce our carbon footprint.  

    It goes without saying that ski touring is one of the most sustainable ways you can enjoy the mountains, relying solely on you own strength to get you up. The biggest users of energy in ski resorts are the ski lifts and the fuel required to run the SnowCats that groom the slopes. Although many resorts are making the switch to hybrid or electric groomers, the fact remains that they are still high users of energy.  

    With the warming weather, many resorts also rely on artificial snow to keep the trails topped up and the winters extended for as long as possible. Snowmaking has a self-destructing element, as in order to keep the snow coming, it has to rely on energy intensive machinery. Although this is a good short-term solution to allow people to keep skiing even without natural snowfall, there is a Catch 22 element here.

    Ski Touring Technology

    Once, the equipment involved in ski touring was bulky and heavy, putting many people off. However big improvements have been made recently. Here are just a few examples;

    Bindings – Nowadays, you are able to find a range of bindings for touring skis depending on your preference. Pin bindings are the most lightweight bindings, not adding any extra weight that is needed to ski touring and making the walk up considerably easier. These bindings are designed with simplicity in mind, adding no extra bulk, and ensuring a smooth, effortless climb. Alternatively, Duke PT bindings, are a good hybrid option offering the best of both worlds. You can enjoy a lightweight binding for your ski up, and a high performance, more secure binding for your ski down too, looking just like regular ski bindings from the outside.

    Boots- Hybrid touring boots are also a great option for skiers who do not want to buy or travel with multiple boots.  You are able to enjoy all the technology of touring boots with the boots in walk mode for your ascent, whilst still enjoying the stiffness of the boots for the ski down or your regular alpine skiing. 

    Clothing

    Apparel– Many ski wear brands now cater to the tourers of the mountains. Jackets and trousers are lightweight, easy to carry and offer full range of motion. Unlike some ski jackets which are designed for maximum warmth, shells are thin, breathable and equipped with large vents. The vents are a great way to allow tourers to fully regulate their body temperature. Some even come with pocket specifically designed for holding avalanche transceivers, making carrying them more comfortable and non-invasive.  

    We are big fans of Black Diamond kit. Black Diamond have supplied our instructor uniforms for years now and provide waterproof and windproof lightweight breathable solutions with big pockets. Big pockets are essential for all those extras your instructors need to have, like their first aid kit, spare buffs, tissues…

    Avalanche gear

    Avalanche gear- Whilst ski touring offers freedom and beautiful views, it cannot be forgotten that there are dangers on mountain. For this reason, carrying avalanche safety equipment is vital for ski touring outside the slopes. Avalanche gear stripped down includes a shovel, probe and transceiver, but depending on your expertise and risk taken, more can be added. For those who take on more challenging and remote terrain, additional safety equipment such as airbags can provide extra protection. This gear now is more lightweight than ever, making it much easier to carry in a backpack.

    The most lightweight avalanche safety gear you can take with you, though, is knowledge. So, ensure you are aware of the risks you are taking and what you can do to reduce them. 

    See more about our off piste lessons here.

    How do I get involved?

    Ski touring can seem daunting to begin with, especially with the idea of heading off to an isolated area of the mountain. The beauty of ski touring, though, is you can definitely start small. There are many trails you can take in Zermatt and Verbier alike which are beginner friendly. Many rental shops offer touring gear, and you can begin by touring along the side of trails.  

    See our partners at Mountain Air in Verbier for good advice and a good selection of gear.

    Getting away from the crowds isn’t only reserved to those going to isolated areas, the easiest way to get the slopes to yourself is to hike up early in the morning to catch the sunrise. That way you can enjoy the freshly groomed corduroy before everyone else, all from the safety of the controlled pistes.  

    If you are looking for more of an adventure, or simply someone who knows the mountain like the back of their hand, you can get a lesson in touring with one of our Brevet qualified instructors.

    Already a seasoned ski tourer? Check out the Patrouille des Glaciers, a ski touring race from Zermatt to Verbier that runs every 2 years. You can see a short video on our instructors competing here  

    Sustainability tips

    Although Ski touring is more eco-friendly option than taking chair lifts, here are some more ideas to reduce your impact. Use reusable water bottles as opposed to plastic ones, take all your litter with you, take the train to resort. You can also find ski clothes made from recycled materials or second hand.  

    See our partners at Cirkel Supply Co for clothing rentals.

    Remember, although touring offers you the opportunity to find secluded spots, make sure you stay outside of protected areas. Birds, Ibexes, Chamois and marmots all need their space, so areas are cordoned off for their protection. Respecting these areas is vital to ensure the wildlife are still able to thrive. 

    See here for more information about our Swisstainable classification and here for more about snow shoe and nordic skiing.

    European Snowsport offers private lessons for ski touring.

    To book a lesson, just contact us here. We will be happy to help you enjoy the mountains even more.

    Zoe Pfaller

    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

    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.

    Tips to make your holiday eco-friendlier.

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    ECO SKIING

    It is hard not to think about our environmental impact nowadays, so why would your holiday in the mountains be an exception? There are great alternatives out there: from transport, to lodging without forgetting activities and gear rental. Read our article to learn more about it!

     

    Source: European Snowsport

    So where does your sustainable journey in the mountains begin?

    Some resorts are particularly working on being more sustainable and the best examples in Switzerland are probably Zermatt, car-free since 1970, and Verbier, where almost all the resort is powered by local hydro-electric power.

     

    Both Zermatt and Verbier, as well as pretty much every ski resort in Switzerland is accessible by train which is by far the greenest way to travel. The Swiss train company runs direct trains from Geneva to Verbier every weekend. You arrive into the same area where you take the ski lift and can go directly to the slopes.  Zermatt has good connections from both Zurich and Geneva, and you arrive into the centre of Zermatt village.

    On average, a train journey emits twenty-seven times less CO2 and requires six times less energy than travel by car. There is also something magical about reaching the resort you’re visiting by train, looking at the beautiful landscapes and the majestic mountains outside the window.

    Did you know that to travel even more lightly and comfortably by train, you can send all your luggage to your destination for a very small fee? Check out all the SBB luggage services on their website.

     

    Eco hotels and ski chalets are becoming more and more popular in the ever-competitive world of attracting winter holiday makers. Why not choose an accommodation that is solar powered and made from renewable materials? The ultra-modern and energy self-sufficient Monte Rosa Mountain Refuge near Zermatt, or the “carbon negative” Mad Mount Hotel in Nendaz are great options. If you are looking for more upscale accommodation, Lagom properties in Verbier source their items responsibly and retain 1% of all revenue to contribute towards local sustainability and community projects. Last but not least, CERVO’s unique concept around nature in Zermatt is one of a kind. 99% of its energy is geothermal and all the waste heat is reused in the hotel operations.

     

    Source: Design Hotels Cervo Mountain Resort

    Now that accommodation and travel are sorted, let’s talk about your snow gear. Most of us just spend one or two weeks per year in the mountains, so why not try something new and start renting? This is a much more sustainable choice than buying new ski & snowboard clothes every other year, doesn’t take up space in your wardrobe at home and allows you to have fun wearing a different outfit every time you go on your skiing holiday! Simply choose your outfit on the Cirkel’s platform, confirm your dates, and Cirkel will deliver the rental package directly to your destination. Also, renting your skis or snowboard and boots allows you to be equipped with the latest and best gear on the market.  In Verbier we recommend renting at Mountain Air, in Zermatt Glacier Sport and in the 3 Vallées White Storm. Ski equipment is still very hard to recycle, but on a promising note: last fall Rossignol launched The Essential Ski, the first recyclable skis on the market.

     

    Time for some fun on the snow now!

    We offer a week-end club in Verbier, for likeminded skiers to ski together on Saturdays.  Or how about booking a kid-friendly instructor in one of our resorts so that your little ones can discover the joys of skiing or snowboarding?

    We have all been witnessing how climate change is affecting the nature around us, so if you are interested in understanding the mountains better, how to read the snow and gain some avalanche awareness, book an experienced instructor who will be happy to share their knowledge.

     

    Source: European Snowsport

    Is there any better way to finish a great day on the slopes than with a delicious meal shared with friends or family? Probably not, and here again your choice can make a difference. More and more restaurants try to work with local ingredients and put vegetables at the centre of their dishes. It is also a great way to experience the local gastronomy and the creativity of a new generation of chefs. Some of our favourite ones are Stockhorn by the Rex and VegiStube in Zermatt, and in Verbier Cuisine 22 or Arctic Juice.

     

    We hope you enjoyed reading this article and that you will try out some of these ideas next time you plan your holiday!

     

    Source: European Snowsport

    Top 5 qualities your ski instructor must have.

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    We have been running ski schools in the top resorts in the Alps for quite a while now, and in our view, a successful instructor is one who clients want to ski with. Pretty simple when you think about it.  After all, it is not up to me or anyone else to tell you how to enjoy your time on the snow. Our job is to match you with the perfect person to help you explore what you want and then get it!

    This is not a generic product like a bag of flour: a ski lesson is precious time that you can choose to spend with your instructor to get more out of your holiday. So here are the 5 key factors that we believe make a successful instructor:

    1. Personable: your instructor needs to be someone that you want to spend time with. Not a dour, jaded, fellow in a jacket who wants to show off, but someone who is genuinely interested in people, learning, and their sport. You will find that skiing down also involves taking the lift up and this is time to explore your motivation, goals, and learn more about the amazing mountains and resort you have chosen to visit. The best instructor doesn’t just give you a few tips about your parallel turns, but helps you to understand why and how you learn, and why you are doing it in the best resort in the world (we are all very loyal to our resorts).

    2. Prepared: different slopes are better at different times of day and in different conditions. Different slopes are also appropriate to different levels. Your ski instructor should know the resort extremely well, and will have checked the open lifts, weather report and also know of any regular or special events that are on while you are in resort. In addition to knowing all the pistes, they should also know the restaurants, cafes, specialities, and how to avoid the crowded slopes and lift lines if you are travelling at a busy time.

    3. Punctual and polite: no one wants to waste a second of their holiday time so your instructor should be there before you are in the morning, kitted up and ready to go. They should be sensitive to your needs and design the lesson around what you want to achieve. They should step back when you want them to, and step forward when needed. This sounds simple but in fact if takes years of teaching experience to achieve the right balance between too much and too little, so that you won’t even notice their perfect manners.

    4. Passionate: why do we spend winter after winter in the mountains? It isn’t because of the career progression or the pension plan, but because we love it! The best instructors can share that love so that you feel it too, from introducing you to their favourite views, coffee stops, and tree runs, and bringing you into the life of the resort so that you feel like a local when you are with them.

    when to book family ski holiday

    5. Perceptive: are you a listener or a talker? Do you learn by doing or watching? Are you intuitive or analytical? Do you have other skills that can help your skills on the snow? The right instructor will be aware of all of these elements and more and use them to help you understand and progress. The best instructor will tailor your learning experience to how you learn, and will have a range of exercises, explanations and experiences to help you get there.

    At ES we pick our instructors because of their ski teaching qualifications and experience. We also look beyond that to life experience and the person themselves. We choose people with interesting stories to share, and who have become ski instructors not just because they love to ski, but because they love to teach. If you would like to book a private lesson with one of our carefully chosen instructors get in touch with us here.