Warm-Up Weekend with Ski Weekend

Returning to Val d’Isère to guide and teach for a Ski Weekend trip was something really special. I lived here for 17 years — it’s the resort where skiing became my career — so coming back with clients felt like a genuine full-circle moment. Although I’ve been based in Verbier for the last 20 years, teaching and guiding in Switzerland, Val will always feel like home.

This warm-up weekend delivered everything early season should: great snow, dramatic alpine light, and unforgettable views. The mountains kept changing mood — one minute wrapped in cloud, the next glowing in sunshine — creating that unmistakable Val atmosphere.

When the skies cleared properly we were treated to full bluebird conditions and some beautiful, confidence-boosting turns in untouched snow — the perfect way to kick-start leg strength ahead of the festive rush.

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Guiding Ski Weekend clients across this terrain was an absolute pleasure — easing everyone back into ski shape, selecting the best routes for the conditions, and sharing local knowledge from so many years skiing in Val.

And as always, Val delivered off the slopes too. Long lunches became part of the experience, with fantastic food and relaxed alpine dining — the perfect way to recharge between sessions.

Ski Weekend also has a special place in my story. My wife Emma worked for the company both in the office and in Chamonix — where we met — so being back guiding with Ski Weekend always brings back great memories while creating new ones.

I’m already looking forward to next year’s Warm-Up Weekend — it’s such a brilliant way to grab some early-season turns, sharpen your skiing, and hit your Christmas and New Year trips feeling confident and ready to shred.

If you’re keen to join the trip, you can book directly through
👉 https://www.skiweekend.com/

I teach in both Switzerland and France, so whether you’re skiing in Verbier or Val d’Isère, I’m available for private coaching, guiding, and performance training — and a return trip to Val is always possible.

If you’d like to ski with me on the Ski Weekend Warm-Up Weekend — or book any other training this season — head to roddywillis.com and get in touch to secure your Verbier Ski days on the mountain.

Verbier Winter 2025/26: The Lifts Are Rolling! 🎿

Today marked the first day of the new winter ski season in Verbier, and what a cracking start it was. I headed up for a few early-season turns this morning — Lac des Vaux was open, the snow was surprisingly good for this time of year, and the stoke levels were high.

According to the official word from Verbier 4 Vallées, the lifts will now be open every weekend until the full season kicks off in early December. Even better, more snow is on the way tomorrow, which should help open a few extra runs before long.

The mountain was buzzing this morning — a good number of skiers out, plenty of smiles, and that unmistakable first-day energy that says: winter is back.

If you’re new to skiing, or just feeling a bit rusty after summer, now’s a brilliant time to get your legs and confidence back. I’m offering early-season private ski lessons designed to sharpen your skills, boost your control, and get you ready for a full winter of fun once all the lifts open.

Early snow, good vibes, and the promise of more to come — it’s shaping up nicely in Verbier. Bring on the next storm and a few more open pistes. And if you need any help with your skiing check out my ski lessons in Verbier page.

See you on the slopes,
Roddy

Hit the Slopes and Celebrate at Snow Pride Verbier!

Are you ready for an unforgettable weekend filled with skiing, music, and celebration? Snow Pride Verbier is back from April 4th to April 6th, 2025, bringing the vibrant energy of the LGBTQ+ community to the heart of the Swiss Alps. This annual event is a perfect blend of skiing, parties, and cultural experiences that make Verbier the ultimate destination for winter fun and inclusivity.

Why Snow Pride Verbier?

Snow Pride Verbier is more than just a ski weekend—it’s a full-blown festival that brings people together from all over the world to celebrate diversity on and off the slopes. With thrilling après-ski parties, themed evenings, and live music, this event guarantees an incredible experience whether you’re carving down the mountain or dancing the night away.

Your Weekend Lineup:

Here’s a sneak peek at what you can expect during Snow Pride Verbier:

April 4th – Kickoff & Après-Ski Fun

• 16:00 – 00:00: Après-Ski @ Farinet
• 20:00 – 00:00: Welcome Party @ Lounge Farinet
• 00:00 – 04:00: After Party @ South

April 5th – Non-Stop Festivities

• 11:00 – 16:00: Animations & Concert @ L’Inkontro
• 16:00: Snow Pride Single-File Descent to Verbier
• 16:00 – 22:00: Après-Ski Snow Pride @ Lumi
• 21:00 – 00:00: Snow Pride Party @ Alp&Horn
• 16:00 – 19:00: Après-Ski @ Le Rouge
• 19:00 – 22:00: Dinner & Show @ Le Rouge
• 23:00 – 04:00: Snow Pride Closing @ Farm Club

April 6th – Brunch & More

• 12:00 – 16:00: Brunch & Bingo @ Le Crock – Table du 22
• All Day: Local Art Exhibition from Verbier Art Summit
• 20:00 – 00:00: Karaoke @ Numéro8
• 22:00 – 02:00: Hobo Noise / Techno Night @ Big Ben Pub

Ski with Roddy Willis – Your Local Ski Guide

Whether you’re an experienced skier or a first-timer looking to hit the slopes in style, Snow Pride Verbier is the perfect occasion to book a ski session with me, Roddy Willis. As a seasoned ski instructor, I can help you make the most of your time in Verbier, ensuring you experience the best runs, improve your skills, and fully enjoy the magic of the mountains.

Book Your Ski Adventure Today!

Snow Pride Verbier is the perfect mix of adventure, celebration, and community. If you’re looking to elevate your ski experience, why not book a private ski session with me? Whether it’s one-on-one coaching or a group session with friends, I’ll ensure you make the most of this spectacular event.

📩 Get in touch today via to secure your spot on the slopes!

Don’t miss out on the most colorful ski event of the season—see you in Verbier for Snow Pride 2025! 🏳️‍🌈🎿✨

Winter 24/25 Snow Forecast for Verbier: Bottomless Powder Incoming!

The days are getting shorter, and it’s time to look ahead to what the 24/25 winter has in store for Verbier. Spoiler alert: it’s going to be *big*. But this isn’t your standard snow forecast – we’re digging into the quirky signs and chaotic weather patterns that point to one epic season.

Cooler Atlantic, Warmer Mediterranean, and Pure Chaos

This year, the Atlantic is cooler than usual, while the Mediterranean is heating up. These clashing forces create a stormy, unpredictable dance in the atmosphere. Chaos is brewing, but as every skier knows: out of chaos comes the magic. And Verbier is right in the crosshairs of that perfect storm. Expect the unexpected—and lots of snow!

Calling It: Bottomless Powder

We’re predicting it now: snow so deep and fluffy, you’ll wonder if your skis even touch the ground. Mark December 7th as the day Verbier gets hit with its first mega-dump, the kind that sets the tone for an unforgettable season. The local ibex are restless, and even the cows are louder this year—it’s all adding up!

Nature’s Clues: Insects and Swimming Trout

Massive insects and trout swimming in circles? In Verbier, we take these as surefire signs of an epic winter ahead. Call it superstition, call it intuition, but when nature speaks, we listen—and it’s saying we’re in for bottomless powder.

Roddy’s Optimism: The Best is Always Yet to Come

Roddy’s forecast is simple: *optimism*. Verbier always delivers, no matter the weather. So, pack your gear, prep for deep snow, and get ready for the season of a lifetime.

Got your own snow prediction? Share it with us, and we might feature it! Until then, we’ll see you on the slopes.