• Meet the Team

our team

at the centre of the collective is our exceptional team, hand picked to ensure you receive the very best of care from the minute you arrive in zermatt

we are passionate about skiing and snowboarding, and we are dedicated to providing exceptional instruction and unforgettable experiences on the slopes. 

We are a small group of expert, independent instructors working together to give you the ultimate experience in Zermatt. All of our team have worked in the industry for over ten seasons and are qualified with the ISIA stamp and Swiss Equivalence.

Emma Spruce

ski instructor

Swiss Snowsports brevet fédéral, basi istd, basi trainer

started teaching: 2014

"My love for skiing started young, when I learnt to slide as soon as I could walk. I feel very grateful that my passion has become my career! I have spent the last 8 years developing my skills and qualifications within ski instructing to enable me to deliver the best possible experience for anyone of any level wanting to develop their skills on the mountain! My teaching style encourages development in a relaxed, fun and supportive environment."


Casey Purdie

Ski instructor

Swiss snowsports IK + VT + TR, Swiss Snowsports School Director, BASI ISIA

started teaching: 2015

experience

5 seasons in zermatt, switzerland
3 seasons in perisher, australia
1 season in niseko, japan 
3 seasons in aosta, italy

"Skiing is more than a job for me, it’s my entire life. Born in Scotland, I was introduced to skiing at the age of 3 by my parents. After my first season, I got hooked on the mountain lifestyle and my ‘gap year’ soon got extended.

Having spent the last 10 seasons teaching and coordinating in Italy, Japan, Australia & Switzerland, I am beyond privileged to say that snowsports is my career. I've recently stepped away from years of working in snowsports operations to return to my true passion of teaching and delivering training to avid skiers.

Lessons with me are whatever you’d like them to be. Whether you’re looking for fun and interactive lessons for your children, you’re a bit nervous and would like to build confidence and skills steadily or if you’re fired up and ready to shred the entire mountain – I can help you become a better version of your current skiing self.

I know Zermatt through and through and can’t wait to show you all it has to offer on and off the slopes."

 


Niamh Gale

snowboard instructor

Swiss snowsports IK + VT + TR, BASI ISIA, IASI Trainer

Started teaching: 2013

Experience

  • 7 seasons in Zermatt, Switzerland
  • 3 seasons in Perisher, Australia
  • 1 seasons in Niseko, Japan 
  • 4 seasons in Banff, Canada

"I have always loved the mountains, only truly discovering just how much when I ditched the skis, age 17 and swapped them for a snowboard. I absolutely adored it from the offset and knew almost instantly a life in the mountains, riding every day would be the only path I’d follow.

Over the last 10 years I’ve ridden and taught in some of the world’s most incredible resorts including Canada, Japan, Australia & now Switzerland. From my many years of experience, I’ve grown to know what works for different guests and the best way to make you improve no matter your age, gender, background or specific goals."


Ally France-Hayhurst

ski instructor

Swiss Snowsports brevet fédéral, basi isia

started teaching: 2014

I have been a qualified ski instructor since 2014, and have skied across the European Alps and Australia. I have extensive experience teaching people of all ages and experience levels. As a ski instructor I enjoy helping my clients build their confidence and reach their personal skiing goals, whether that be completing their first blue run; shredding off piste; or being able to ski to your favourite restaurant for lunch. There is no goal too big or small, lessons with me are centred around you.


need additional instructors?

If you have a large group and require more instructors, we work closely with other independent teachers that we can arrange to join us!