Here at Ski In Luxury, we like to work with the best of the best and we don’t just mean chalets. We work with a number of ski schools across the Alps, including the very personable and highly recommended Matterhorn Diamonds. Rowena Phillips, the Director of the Matterhorn Diamonds has kindly agreed to guest blog for us:
Matterhorn Diamonds Ski School was founded in 2011. We discovered from discussions with our clients a need to offer exclusive lessons designed specifically to fit each guest’s needs, rather than a one-size-fits-all philosophy.
To ensure the highest quality and the best service for our guests, we recruit only the best-qualified snow-sport instructors with experience in the ski region of Zermatt, so that your favourite time of year is exactly that.
I have lived and worked in Zermatt for 12 winter seasons and for me, Zermatt remains the jewel in the Alpine crown. I moved here because it ticked all the boxes for me; a beautiful village but with enough of a buzz to entertain even the most social of butterflies. This, combined with a huge ski area, north facing, snow-sure slopes from November through to the start of May, and the ability of skiing to Italy! Throw in the reliability and attention to detail that the Swiss inherently provide and you have one perfect resort.
It’s hard to pin down a favourite ski run as there are so many, but the White Hare, from Hohtälli to Gant comes close. It’s a red run that follows the first section of the Gornergrat ridge, before dropping away to the right, and winding around the bowl below. Its sweeping left and right handers are great, gravity-defying fun and the slope is usually empty, especially first thing, when the snow is perfect.
Zermatt’s reputation for nightlife is well known, but a little different from the usual dancing on tables ambience of many resorts … although the Hennu Stall below Furi ticks that box if you’re in the party mood! However, most apres-ski bars in Zermatt have an atmosphere as chilled as the waiting champagne.
Cervo, combining Swiss tradition with a modern upgrade nestles at the bottom of the Sunnegga- village run. Its terrace commands uninterrupted views of the Matterhorn and the cosy interior with chill out music makes it a hard place to leave, especially after a few home made Gluhwein!
My top kit tip would be to make sure you have comfortable, well-fitting boots, nothing spoils a day quicker than blisters! And if you struggle with cold feet invest in some boot heaters! Sheer luxury on a cold morning at 3800m!
My top ski tip is to get as fit as you can before the ski holiday, so you can make the most out of it, nothing worse than having to bail early because you’ve missed leg day at the gym! That, and always challenge yourself; if you are just schussing along a flat section, use it to practise doing small quick turns, tilting your edges, or hopping from one ski to another. You’ll notice the difference and you’re making the most of your time on the mountain!
Ski In Luxury would like to thank Rowena for writing this guest blog. If you would like more information on the Matterhorn Diamonds and if you fancy a ski holiday in Zermatt, check out our Zermatt Luxury Chalets or you can email us or call us on 0044 (0) 1202 203650.
