Archives for 11 月 2010
Kids Academy Testamonial
Interview with Matt Rivers
* Why do you choose to teach snowsports?
Teaching snowsports has allowed me to meet many amazing people and travel the world. To pass on my love for the sport and the mountains is the motivation for me. There is nothing better than helping people achieve their goals, whether the goals are passing Instructor exams or exploring the mountains for the first time.
* What do you do in the summer?
Can’t remember! My last Summer was in 2004 as have been on snow on the flip side since then, Australia and New Zealand.
* Favourite part of Verbier/Zermatt to ski/ride
Wherever the snow falls. The landscape and conditions change all the time opening up new options!
* Favourite restaurant or mountain restaurant in Verbier/Zermatt
Chez Dany, hidden in the trees with some great food.
* Why did you choose Verbier/Zermatt?
Initially just for the amazing skiing that the resort has to offer but have grown to love the charm of the resort and enjoy working with a great team at ES. The resort has something to offer everyone who loves the snow.
* What’s your top handy hint for anyone visiting Verbier/Zermatt
Get the balance right! Verbier has some of the best Apres Ski and night life in the Alps but don’t let this affect your experience of some of the best skiing in the Alps. Best thing to clear the head is a good ski!
Interview with Shaggy Thomson
* Why do you choose to teach snowsports?
I have always loved teaching sports from an early age, during my first season courchevel I realised that teaching skiing gave me the same rewards as rugby, hockey and swimming. Teaching diving in the summer and skiing in the winter gives me the perfect break to be just as excited to teach each season as I was 8 years ago. I also teach a few uni-drinking games in après-bar from time to time!!
* What do you do in the summer?
My last 5 summers have been spent managing and teaching scuba diving in Dahab, Egypt, a truly beautiful place both in and out the water. A little quieter than Verbier!! This year I took my RYA power boat licences and eventually nailed a carve jibe on an 80 litre windsurf board, not bad when you weight 100kg!!
* Favourite part of Verbier/Zermatt to ski/ride
When it’s really snowing you can skii all the way down medran, past the lifts down the main road and straight into the fur cheval, brilliant!
* Favourite restaurant or mountain restaurant in Verbier/Zermatt
ostrich steak at Le Carrefour, not many birds out in the middle of the Sinai desert!
* Why did you choose Verbier/Zermatt?
got a bar job, loved it met all the ES instructors, loved them, changed jobs, love the job, the town, the skiing, the people; however i now have to pay for my drinks ;(
* What’s your top handy hint for anyone visiting Verbier/Zermatt
Never ask for free drinks,just tip the barman & the shots will roll in!!
Interview with Emily Williams
* Why do you choose to teach snowsports?
Because it’s fun and life is too short to dread going to work each day.
* What do you do in the summer?
I work as a Primary School teacher. A hazard of the job is getting long summer holidays, so I get the chance to travel a lot. In the past couple of years I have been to India, South Africa and America.
* Favourite part of Verbier/Zermatt to ski/ride
Col de Mouches…because it was where i achieved my first off-piste run without falling over…because my brother proposed to his wife at the top of it….and because “Mouches” sounds like bouche (which means mouth which means cake – Yummy!!)
* Favourite restaurant or mountain restaurant in Verbier/Zermatt
The Hot Sandwicherie – their steak, cheese and chips baggette is immense!
* Why did you choose Verbier/Zermatt?
Verbier chose me, it was like a calling!
* What’s your top handy hint for anyone visiting Verbier/Zermatt
Women, don’t wear heels as it can be very icy…men, the same applies.
Interview with Freya “Freddie” Kingsley
* Why do you choose to teach snowsports?
I wanted to be a ski teacher from a very young age, from the first time I put those skis on. A good friend of mine was an inspirational ski instructor and sadly his life was cut short but I vowed to keep the dream alive and make sure everyone enjoyed skiing as much as he did. For me it is a great reward to see the smiles on faces all over the mountain as people learn to ski and feel the excitement and freedom that it brings. I love taking people skiing and watching them light up as they conquer their fears or their dreams – it is the most amazing sport.
* What do you do in the summer?
In the summer I am an English teacher at Verbier’s renowned international school, Les Elfes! I also fill my time with mountain biking, climbing and plenty of mountain hikes. The summer’s are almost as good as the winter and sometimes I even go for a ski in Zermatt or Saas Fee but I am always on the lookout for the new snow on the top of the mountain peaks no matter which month of the year.
* Favourite part of Verbier/Zermatt to ski/ride
I love skiing all over Verbier and the 4 valleys. It has so many hidden gems – off piste and on. I love Savolyeres and Bruson for their gentle runs and peaceful feel and the most amazing views but I also love skiing with a mountain guide to remote locations and putting in those first tracks into pure white fluffy stuff. I could tell you where to go but …. it’s more fun if you discover it yourself!
* Favourite restaurant or mountain restaurant in Verbier/Zermatt
La Marlenaz is very special, perched on the side of the mountain with an amazing view of the town. The atmosphere is cosy and the food delicious. For something with more of a buzz, Al Capone’s is fab. Both restaurant’s are owned by perfect gentlemen.
* Why did you choose Verbier/Zermatt?
I lived in France for two years in Meribel which is a place where I’d grown up skiing. I didn’t really know any other major resorts. One day I shared a room with an employee of ES and she told me “you must go to Verbier and work for ES, you will love it” she was totally right – I swear she had magic powers!
* What’s your top handy hint for anyone visiting Verbier/Zermatt
If you decide to visit Verbier for your skiing holiday this winter, book a ski instructor from ES and you won’t be disappointed. ES has every kind of instructor you could need. It is a good idea to have an instructor who can show you all the best places to ski at your ability, especially on your first day. ES employees are all fun, adventurous spirits and will give you all the information you need to put a permanent smile on your face.