How did you end up in Verbier?
When I first qualified (as an Instructor), I emailed every single ski school, (Performance weren’t around then by the way) in every single French speaking resort in Switzerland. So, completely by accident really, I guess I just got lucky!!!
What skis are you skiing on this season?
Stockli Laser SX, Faction 3.0’s
What is the best thing you’ve ever done?
Mmmm, not sure I could pinpoint just one thing as ‘the best’. I love to work and I love to travel, so, as long as I’m busy and ‘moving’ I’m extremely happy. Probably why I enjoy Verbier so much. Mind you, there’s always Lords. I do like Lords.
Your top teaching tip?
Be patient with yourself and, trust yourself. Skiing is a life thing, it takes time. On a slightly more technical side, when standing on your skis, try your best to keep your hips forward, as you would (stand) if you weren’t wearing skis.
Your favourite slope in the 4 valleys?
I think I’d have to agree with Olly and say the Jean-Pierre in Nendaz-a really good long red, snaking through the trees all the way to the village. I do also really enjoy Chassoure-Tortin and the different challenges/experiences it offers in just one run.
Favourite restaurant?
As I’m an only child I’m taking 2. Firstly, Carrefour. I know that’s a really ‘standard’ answer but it’s just good quality hearty mountain food and the service is pretty much spot on every time. Secondly, Chez Dany. I just love the location. I love the ski to it and the staff there are always super friendly!!!
Best place for drinks?
On the mountain, on a sunny day it has to be Chalet Novelly for me. However, if we’re in town you may occasionally catch me in Vinabagnes enjoying a nice quiet glass of red!!
If you’re clients need to see or do only one thing while they are in Verbier what would it be according to you?
If the conditions are right and you have the (ski) ability, make Col des Mines your last run of the day. Enjoy the silence as you traverse the top of Vallon D’Arby in the shade but then, as you pop over the Col to be greeted by a beautiful warm sun as it’s setting, with the whole of Verbier at your feet. It can be spectacular.
If you’re not quite at ‘that’ level yet, still take time to head to the top of Mont Fort or Mont Gele, the views are breathtaking and don’t worry, you can take the lift back down. If you a complete beginner, still take some time to head up, maybe for a nice lunch but it’s when up ‘in’ the mountains, you begin to understand why we all love them as much as we do.
Thank you Stu, hope you have a great winter!
Why did you choose to work and live in Verbier?
After teaching skiing for three winters in Sweden me and two girls decided to face the Alps.
A previous coach told me Switzerlands mountains would fit the type of skiing I personally like: pistes that are well looked after and great steep off piste.
I was happily surprised of the amount of sunny days we get here in Verbier and all the moguls you find along the side of the pistes so the choice was very easy in the end.
Choice of weapon this season?
Head Worldcup Rebels i.Speed & Faction Supertonic
What is the best thing you’ve ever done?
In 2006, 19 years old, me and my twin sister decided to get on a train and travel 1700km north in Sweden, to do our first ski season in Riksgränsen. For those of you who’ve never been, Sweden is a big long country and for someone being brought up in the south the differences in the North is huge.
Average temperatures of -20 degrees celsius and 1,5h sunlight/day comes with beautiful northern light and the temptation to go big mountain skiing. This trip turned out to be the beginning of a now ten year career as a ski instructor.
What is your top teaching tip?
Skiing is all about having fun on the mountain! It’s not about achieving top speed or dare to hit the most difficult run. If you have fun i will make sure to take your skiing to the next level.
Favourite slope in the 4 valleys?
Mont-Gelé itinerary taking you down to Tortin, a run between mountains away from the resort buzz and less people also means you are more likely to find fresh tracks.
Where will we find you eating?
Marlenaz, a traditional cute Swiss restaurant on a hidden away mountain side with a spectacular view over the valley.
Where do you stop for a drink?
For a hot chocolate Cabane Mont Fort, for a glass of wine in town, Vinabagnes
If you’re clients need to see or do only one thing while they are in Verbier what would it be according to you?
With or without skis, make it to the top of Mont Fort!
The view from up there is AMAZING, you will see all the way from Mont Blanc in south west to Matterhorn in the east and on a very clear day you will also see the Geneva lake.
Thank you Bea and hope that you have a great winter!
How did you end up in Verbier?
When I was 17 I qualified to become a ski instructor. I knew I wanted to teach so started looking for jobs straight away. I had an interview with a company that were willing to believe in me even though I was so young. Just by chance the job happened to be in Verbier! Luckily for me it just happened to be the best place I could have gone. 12 years later and with lots of people’s support, I’m still here!
What are your favourite skis?
Black crows all mountain ski (pink ones),
Fisher RC4 piste/race ski.
What is the best thing you have ever done?
I have been very lucky and been a lot of places but probably this was all due to me moving abroad when I was 16. Probably the best thing I have ever done! To take the leap and leave school and the country, started me off on a great life of adventure.
Also Have to mention what I see as one of the biggest achievements in my life, passing my euro test (A race test that is part of the top level qualification for ski instructors).
Your top teaching tip?
Keep it simple….
Everything we do in our skiing is derived from our very basic skiing technique. Therefore if it is wrong In the basics it will be wrong when you get faster on harder terrain.
Don’t over complicate, pick one thing to change and work on it from slow to fast till you have achieved what you were after.
I know there is probably a few but what is your favourite slope?
Fontanet. All routes 😉! Especially when it’s busy and you want to avoid the ‘M25’ on your way home.
Best meal on the mountain?
Carrefour, Rosti creblet is unbeatable.
Where do you go for drinks?
Two favourites.
The Loft is a firm favourite of mine (friendly and fun staff), you can go there anytime and feel welcome. If you want a more expensive glass of wine from time to time then definitely head to Vina Bagnes.
Must do in Verbier?
Savoleyre sledge run!
Thank you Hetti and hope that your sledge is waxed and ready for the winter!!
Why did you choose Verbier over other resorts?
After my first season in Canada I wanted to experience the European Alps as an instructor. I researched where was good for freeride skiing and Verbier kept coming up time after time. Reviews often added that Verbier had a lively party scene which was the ‘cherry on top’ for me, Verbier it was…. and still is.
What are you skiing on?
This season I will skiing on piste on Rossignol Hero Master M16, and off piste; Armada Magic J’s.
What is the best thing you’ve ever done?
Hhhmm tough, I think it would have to be the decision to exchange a life working ‘in the city’ for a life in the Swiss alps.
What is your top teaching tip?
Stance and balance, the essence of all skiing. Learning to be balanced over the skis, understanding how the different joints effect your stance and realising your ability to adjust your stance and balance to the continuously changing terrain is paramount.
Favourite slope in four valleys?
On piste would have to be Jean-Pierre in Nendaz, a long winding red pitch that snakes through the trees to the village of Nendaz, lovely! For the more advanced skier it would have to be Gentianes – Tortin, a super long, reasonably steep off piste run. A real adults playground with natural half pipes, little hits and lots of moguls.
Where do you recommend to eat?
In Verbier itself it has to be Carrefour, hot stone all the way. Heading out into the 4 vallees I would always recommend Chalet des Alps in Prarion which is just over the other side of Plan du Fou. Just check that the lifts back are running before you head over!
Where do you drink?
The Loft bar; the last bastion for the Verbier seasonaire, great staff, great atmos, great tunes. Pub Mont Fort must always get a mention however, a Verbier institution which is still world class after skiing, good darts facilities too I hear.
One thing to do when you are in Verbier?
Whether you’ve never skied before or you are Candide Thovex the view from Mont Fort is still phenomenal, a must if you’re in Verbier for the week. If you are a competent skier, conquering Chassure – Tortin is a rewarding experience and a good test of your skiing ability and fitness.
Thank you Olly and we wish you all the best at the dart board this season!
How did you end up in Verbier?
I moved over to Verbier after spending two seasons in the 4 valleys neighbouring resort of Nendaz. Whilst in Nendaz, I spent a lot of time taking my clients over to Verbier anyway as the snow conditions were usually better, so it was a no-brainer to make the move across the valley!
What do you ski on?
On piste: Rossi Hero Elite ST
Off piste: Rossi Star 7 (best off piste skis ever!)
Favourite thing you’ve ever done?
Tricky question! I have a few to choose from but the earliest would be a family holiday to Australia when I was 12. We spent 6 weeks exploring the east coast in a camper. I still have such clear memories from that trip and it’s definitely given me the love to carry on travelling!
What is your best tip for skiing?
Do not put too much pressure on yourself. Much easier said that done, but usually improvement comes when you’re enjoying yourself and not trying too hard.
Favourite run in the 4 valleys?
I have two! (Is that allowed?!) The first is the black FIS run in Verbier. If the snow is good, it’s an amazing run to carve top to bottom. It’s also a good slope to take clients on for their first experience of a black run. Second is the red running from the top of Savoleyres all the way to La Tzoumaz. It’s really long and takes you through the trees.
Best restaurant according to you?
Favourite restaurant is Dahu. Amazing, quick service and a nice little sun trap!
Where will we find you with a drink in your hand?
Loft Bar. Relaxed atmosphere and friendly staff. You can find the whole Performance crew there on a Saturday evening!
If you’re clients need to see or do only one thing while they are in Verbier what would it be according to you.
Stay in one of the Cabanes for a night! A great experience for all ages.
Thank you Kim and good luck with your final exam this winter!
How did you end up in Verbier?
After my ski exams I wanted to get straight into teaching, I had been to Verbier once before and loved the town and the huge ski area it has to offer, so it was a no brainer for me to come back, and that I do, year after year for the past 12 years now.
Weapon of choice?
Piste: Head I Speed World Cup Rebels
Off Piste: Salomon Q-Lab
Best thing you’ve ever done?
Get a job with Performance obviously! Apart from that, travel. Travelling has allowed me to see and experience sights like the barrier reef in Australia, wild dolphins in the Mediterranean seas, penguins at Doubtful Sounds in New Zealand, the list is endless!
Your top teaching tip?
Move – skiing is a sport whether its fast paced or a slow chilled cruise, we need to move constantly allowing us to make efficient movements using the design of the ski and staying on them, meaning less sore muscles at the end of the day and a lot more fun!
Absolute favourite slope in the 4 valleys is?
Vallon Darby
Favourite restaurant?
Dahu, best pizzas on the mountain, along with a lot more yummy delights!
Best place for drinks in Verbier?
The Loft Bar will always be my favourite, awesome people behind the bar with a chilled atmosphere, I also love a cocktail every now and then, so Farinet Lounge is my favourite place for one (or two) of these.
If you’re clients need to see or do only one thing while they are in Verbier what would it be according to you?
Go up to Mont Fort, even if your skiing abilities are not quite up for the ski down, (you can take the lift back down), the views from here are amazing. In the evening head up to Marmotte restaurant for fondue then sledge back down to Verbier, be sure to eat lots of fondue, it makes your sledge go faster, true fact
Thank you Kate, see you on the slopes this winter!
