Emma Cairns

BASI Trainer Emma - Private ski instructor Verbier

 


MEET EMMA


 

Emma grew up skiing in the hardy Scottish mountains before moving to the Alps nearly 20 years ago.

She started ski teaching at the age of 22 in Verbier and loved it so much she hasn’t left. But while she’s been living here she’s also occasionally ventured to other resorts like Val d’Isere to teach, but she’s always pulled back to this fabulous resort.

This is her 14th season in Verbier and she loves living in the mountains all year round, which is why she founded Element with Guy. She is a British Examiner for BASI, and also fully qualified in the Swiss and French systems.

Emma is really motivated to inspire everyone’s love of skiing, especially women. She wants more female skiers to progress and adventure into more of the mountains which is why she set up our Women’s Camps.

But when she’s not training and examining instructors or running Women’s Camps Emma also loves teaching private clients – from beginners through to off-piste lessons.

Emma’s love of teaching and skiing is passed onto the people she trains, always inspiring them to achieve their goals, discover the mountains and, of course, having a great time.

When she isn’t skiing down mountains in the winter, she loves exploring and hiking up the mountains in the summer – normally with her dog Indie!

 


 

QUALIFICATIONS:
BASI Level 4 ISTD
Swiss Brevet Federal
BASI Trainer (examiner)
AGE:
40
SEASONS TEACHING:
18
LANGUAGES:
English speakers

ENGLISH

 


 


SOME LOCAL KNOWLEDGE:

WHAT’S YOUR FAVOURITE MOUNTAIN RESTAURANT?

“For restaurants, up the mountain it’s a hard choice between the Dahu, Chez Danny and Carrefour… but I think it has to be Carrefour!

For me it has everything for an epic lunch – a great terrace, amazing food, fabulous wine list and awesome views.

But make sure you ask your instructor to book your table in advance, because on sunny days it’s always full.”
 

WHAT’S YOUR FAVOURITE SKI AREA?

“I love taking clients down Eteygeon off the backside of Greppon Blanc.

It often has untouched powder and lots of cruisey terrain so clients always love it!

Not many people go there as you end up at the bottom of the valley floor and have to get a bus back to Thyon so it feels like a real adventure.”

 

WHERE’S YOUR FAVOURITE PLACE FOR APRES?

“I love going to Vina-bagnes for a drink when its chilly, or Le Rouge later in the season when its sunny. Both have a great vibe after skiing!”

 

WHAT’S YOUR BEST TIP FOR A HOLIDAY IN VERBIER?

“If you want to experience the true hidden gems of the mountains then book a great instructor early so it’s an adventure to remember.”