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.

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.

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