Eleonore Ribordy & Rosi Pickard: Verbier Language School

We caught up with them in between lessons to get more a feel for what they do and what they get up to when they're not teaching French, English, German, Spanish, Italian, Swedish or Russian....

Tell us a little bit about your business, how it started out and where you're based...

We, Eléonore and Rosi, met in Verbier whilst teaching languages for Les Elfes. We share a love of languages and similar ideas and so over an aperitif (or three) one night, decided to open a language school together [Verbier Language School]. 7 years on, we are now open all year round in the centre of Verbier and have students of all different levels and of all nationalities and ages.

What makes Verbier a special place to be for someone in your profession?

Verbier is full of really interesting people from all walks of life and the mix of nationalities makes is a great place to live

What are the best bits about your job?

Meeting lots of different people, being able to help people improve their languages, we're always learning new expressions and phrases

And the worst bits?

Everyone wants lessons at the same time, after skiing at 16.00!

What is in store for the future with your business, any exciting projects in the pipelines that you can share with us?

A new website, new brochure, expanding our tutoring service, new languages...

What are you personal and professional goals for the future?

Learn a new language, travel more

What's your favourite piste or off-piste area & top tip to go skiing?

Ski touring up to Chez Dany - not too far, but plenty of time to chat with friends and by the time you've got there, you deserve your bottle of wine and chocolate dessert!

Where would you send someone who was after that something 'something special' in resort, to stay, eat or drink?

After a language lesson with VLS, I would send them to Fer à Cheval for an apéro and then suggest Les Chamois for the best steak in town.

Your favourite place for lunch or dinner?

Catogne for fondue royale

Where will we find the best coffee or hot chocolate?

La Cucina for a quick stop, Milk Bar for milkshakes and cake

What has been your best ever day in Verbier?

This season: Up earlyish with the sun shining and new snow, brisk walk, followed by a facial and then sitting in the spa for 3 hours reading and swimming and then après-ski with a quick dance on the bar to finish it off

Do you remember your first trip to this resort?

Rosi: Yes. We came on a group ski holiday and stayed at the Verbier Hotel in Place Central. We skied every day in brilliant conditions and the après was amazing too. Knew I would be coming back, didn't know I'd be moving here permanently though

Eléonore: I come from Sembrancher and used to come up to Verbier for nights out, and then I got a job as a waitress at Relais des Neiges - even with all the travelling I've done, I still love Verbier

What's your favourite thing to do in resort when not skiing or snowboarding?

Spa, drinking pink bubbles and dancing on tables

What do you do in the summer?

Make the most of the longer days and go and sit on a terrace after work for an apéro

Which is your favourite shop in resort?

Arts Decos

Where are we most likely to find you for après-ski?!

Nelson or Fer à Cheval or anywhere where you get canapés so you don't have to cook dinner!

Skiing or snowboarding? What's your preference & why?

Skiing. We don't like having our feet stuck together!

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Thanks ladies!

Here are a few of the courses you might want to sign up for with Verbier Language School:

French Conversation Classes in Cav & Art - Tuesdays from 6pm

Unipop Classes - Wednesdays from 7.30pm

Winter group French Lessons

New beginner German class - Wednesdays from 7.30pm

Swedish classes are also available in private lessons.