What skis are you skiing on?
Rossignal Hero SL WC 12.5r
How did you end up in Verbier?
I came for a weekend to visit a friend and immediately fell in love with the skiing and the town itself. Then by a happy coincidence I was asked to come and trail the start up of a race academy in partnership with the international school here Lemania – and that was me hooked!
What is the best thing you’ve ever done?
Realise that the Graduate, Job and city life wasn’t for me, and so i decided to come back out to the mountains!
Your top teaching tip?
I have two:
1, RELAX,JUST DO IT – I know that might be easier said than done when we are learning and concentrating, but it makes life harder when we are too tense. If my clients are nervous I tell them to tense all there muscles at the top of a run, take two deep breaths and then try and exhale all that tension. You got this!
2, Take a moment to stop and look up – we often are so concentrated on what are skis are doing when we learn that we forget to actually stop look at the scenery around us, and its pretty spectacular!! so stop, take it in, the mountains are why we are here after all!
Favourite slope in the 4 valleys?
I love a bit of the Gentianes Itinerary run, especially in the spring time with that slushy snow 🙂
Favourite restaurant?
I would have to say Namaste. The food is great, and the restaurant itself has great atmosphere, lovely staff and a great view! Great for lunch or for catching the sunset and dinner.
Best place for drinks?
It’s got to be Vignabagnes in the evening sun after a long day of skiing. It has a great little outside terrace where you can enjoy your well earned wine/beer and people watch for days!
If you’re clients need to see or do only one thing while they are in Verbier what would it be according to you.
I mean there is so much to do and see….but I would have to say take the snow cat up to one of the on the mountain restaurants like Namaste/Chez Dany/Carrfour for dinner and then sledge back down. Not only will you get beautiful views of Verbier from the mountain, but then fun for the whole family by sledging down, a great evening out!
Very excited to have you on the team Sophie, Thank you!
What skis are you skiing on?
On piste – Nordica Doberman Spitfire Pro
Off piste – Blizzard Rustler 11
How did you end up in Verbier?
I was told to come here….or convinced if you want to put it nicely…. from my wonderful colleague Johanna
Best thing you’ve ever done?
Started skiing of course, if I hadn’t I wouldn’t have met my amazing wife Ulrika
Top teaching tip?
That’s a secret, but it involves a secret turn button…….
Favourite slope in the 4 valleys?
Why choose just one?
Favourite restaurant?
Chalet Novelly…..amazing views and a really cool setting.
Best place for drinks?
Pub Mont fort
If you’re clients need to see or do only one thing while they are in Verbier what would it be according to you.
Eat dinner on the mountain and then sledge down with head torches, super fun for the whole family!
Welcome to the team Carl!
What skis are you skiing on this season?
Armada ARV 96 – don’t need anything else!
How did you end up in Verbier?
The City of London pushed me to set up my Ski Travel Agency.
Best thing you’ve ever done?
Broke a Guinness World Record at the London Marathon (most people tied together!) & Quit my City Job
What is your top teaching tip?
Enjoy yourself
Your favourite slope in the 4 valleys?
Fontanet or Piste des L’Ours
Favourite restaurant?
Bois Sauvage // Chez Dany
Best place for drinks?
Sundowner’s at Chez Dany
If you’re clients need to see or do only one thing while they are in Verbier what would it be according to you.
Come ski the 4 valleys with me and then paraglide down to Le Chable!
Welcome to the team Rory, great to have you on board!
How did you end up in Verbier:
I’ve been working in a small ski town on the other side of the valley for a few seasons. Last season I visited Verbier and had some ski touring adventures around and absolutely loved it, so I’ve come to stay!
Weapon of choice:
I am on atomic redster X9
Best thing I have ever done:
I did a solo trip around the Annapurna Circuit in Nepal, it was really challenging but so epic. Not to mention, a yak burger in the Himalayas is probably one of the best things a person could ever eat.
Top teaching tip:
Always opt for mittens, and make sure you have fun! Talk to your instructor about what you want to do most, no one gets to be world class in a week so your next best option is to have a wicked time! Fear is totally counterproductive, so just take in the mountains, a big breath and give everything your best shot!
Favourite slope in the 4 valleys:
Tortin bu bu bu bumps!
Favourite restaurant:
The Dahu! The view is mega, its a an easy place to meet up with friends and family, and the food is exactly what you need after a big session on the hill!
Best place for drinks: The Loft Bar for sure!
If your clients need to see or do only one thing while they are in Verbier what would it be according to you!:
Besides ski!!? The luge run from Savoleyres. Just 10km of excitement!
Welcome to the team Georgia, we are very excited to have you on board!
What skis are you skiing on?
Piste – Head Supershape IRallye Off piste – Faction Prime 4.0
How did you end up in Verbier
I was working in Greece (Athens & Tolon) as a tour guide doing excursions to all the ancient sites like Acropolis, Olympia, Oracle in Delphi and so on. The company i worked for did ski trips as well and they found out i was a ski instructor. I then got asked if i wanted to go to Verbier to take care of their guests as a guide there, Of course I did and i fell in love with the place and never left.
Best thing you’ve ever done
Well i guess being a dad of four kids is up there above everything else but there has been a lot of cool stuff along the way especially on skis.
Top teaching tip
Create a good foundation, your position (how you stand) on your skis is crucial to be able to add other skills, this is something that even world cup skiers keep working on throughout their careers.
Favourite slope in the 4 valleys
Tracouet – Nendaz, 800 vertical meters of pure joy, a wide rolling slope with loads of fun changes and long enough to make even the most experienced skiers want new legs….
Favourite restaurant
Restaurant Le Bois Sauvage across the Four Valleys in Hérémence, great atmosphere and fantastic food to a very reasonable price, in Verbier i love Dahu.
Best place for drink
Pub mont fort, it is the classic after ski place in Verbier, If I’m hanging out with more civilised people (which i rarely do) a good glass of vine on the Vinabagnes terrace is really nice.
If your clients need to see or do only one thing while they are in Verbier what would it be according to you.
Go ski in the four valleys, surprisingly a lot of people never get past the slopes of Verbier. Both Veysonnaz and Nendaz offers some of the best skiing you can have in this area.
How did you end up in Verbier?
After 3 seasons in Canada I got the taste of the off piste and powder skiing and heard Verbier was the place to be in Europe to do that…the rumours were true, the off piste is amazing!
What skis are you skiing on this season?
Fischer curve GS for on piste/teaching and Line ‘Sir Francis Bacon’ for off piste/park.
Best thing you’ve ever done?
I flew a small plane a few times and learnt how to do loop the loops!
Your top teaching tip?
Always look where you’re going, looking down at your skis is an easy mistake to make and throws your balance off as well as lowering your awareness of surroundings and the awesome view!
Favourite slope in the 4 valleys?
Piste de l’ours in Veysonnaz. It’s long, wide, quiet and normally perfectly groomed.
Favourite restaurant?
Carrefour, easy to get to from all slopes with great food and an incredible view from the terrasse.
Best place for drinks?
On mountain: 1936 for its comfy deck chairs and short ski down afterwards. In town: Farinet Après.
If you only had time to do one thing in Verbier what should it be?
Taking the gondola up to the top of Mont Fort and taking in the spectacular panorama including Matterhorn and Mont Blanc.
Thank you Chris and welcome to the team!
