OUR TEAM
MEET THE TEAM
In our team you will find teachers dedicated to children, certified professionals in multiple disciplines, able to offer targeted lessons, guides who will take you away from the crowd and show you the most beautiful places, as well as former athletes capable of pushing you to the limit.
MADDALENA
Nickname: Madda
Where are you from: Bolzano, Italy
Age: 48
Spoken languages: italian, german, english
Sport you teach: ski, crosscountry, snowkite
Why did you become snow sport instructor: I love teaching; I love to make people feel good. Doing sport is very important for people’s health, in particular outdoor sports, so teaching outdoor sports is really what I like to do
Favourite type of lessons to teach: beginner ski, snowkite, kids ski lessons
How you spend your days off when not working: meeting friends and enjoyng people I love
What do you do in summertime: work at my kitesurf and windsurf school in Sardinia
Sports you like: rugby, triathlon, functional training and of course all the sports I teach
What are your passions and interests: physics and biology
Brief CV: I am Graduated in physics, I worked as a reasercher at the National Council of Reasearch in Milan; professor in Physics (Mechanics and Thermodynamics) at the University Politecnico of Milan at the engeneering department; specialization in Medical Physics and worked in the Radiation Oncology departments in different Hospitals in Milan. I played as rugby player in the highest division in Italy for 7 Years; I practiced 7 Years thriathlon and Ironman distance. Ski, kitesurf and windsurf instructor
Link: sportspardise-kitesurf.com
ALESSANDRO
Nickname: Benni, Banana
Where are you from: Valtellina, Italy
Age: 43
Spoken languages: Italian, English, Spanish
Sport you teach: Snowboard, Ski and Mtb
Why did you become snow sport instructor: because i love to share my passion and my skills with the other peoples
Favourite type of lessons to teach: my favorite is freestyle but I like also introduce beginners to the snow sport
How you spend your days off when not working: when the conditions are suitable I love to search for new lines in the wild nature
What do you do in summertime: bike guide
Sports you like: biking, climbing, slacklining, surfing
What are your passions and interests: spirituality, meditation, healthy nutrition
Brief CV: Maestro Snowboard Instructor, Arianna Tricomi’s coach (3 times World Champion Freeride World Tour). Mtb’s instructor
Link: Instagram
LUCA
Nickname: Rampik
Where are you from: Valtellina, Italy
Age: 51
Spoken languages: italian, english, french, spanish
Sport you teach: rock and ice climbing, mountaineering
Why did you become snow sport instructor: because it has been my passion since I was a child
Favourite type of lessons to teach: climbing for children, I like to see the enthusiasm of young people
How you spend your days off when not working: I open new route in the mountain, I’m a director of mountain films, communication manager for the Alpine Guides (in Lombardia) and I write about the history of mountaineering on Italian web magazine
What do you do in summertime: in recent years I have mainly worked with climbing for children and summer climbing camp
Sports you like: tennis, I played quite a bit before I started climbing
What are your passions and interests: my interests are always related to the world of the mountains, I have been practicing Thai Chi for a few years
Brief CV: I’m a UIAGM Mountain Guide, expert of communication and history of mountaineering, I wrote many books and articles for climbing magazine, and I’ve a long curriculum as mountaineer in the Alps, Patagonia and Karakorum. I’ve been working with some TV and film productions for 20 years, behind and in front of the cameras
Link: Instagram Fb
SARA
Name, last Name: Sara Sala
Where are you from: Biella, Italy
Age: 41
Spoken languages: italian, english, german, french
Sport you teach: alpine ski, windsurfing, kitesurfing
Why did you become snow sport instructor: it represents the union between my two passions: teaching and sport in general
Favourite type of lessons to teach: “first snow”, that is, never put skis on, because it’s a good challenge
How you spend your days off when not working: skiing!
What do you do in summertime: I teach kitesurfing and run the school on Lake Como, in Dervio
Sports you like: ski (alpin and cross country), kite/windsurf, triathlon, rugby…
What are your passions and interests: I love reading, immersing myself in nature, cycling, and relaxing with people who put up with me!
Brief CV: I am a certified instrucotr with teaching experience, in private and group lessons, with students of all ages and levels: from the age of 3 to adults, beginners and advanced.
ISABEL
Name, last Name: Isabel Venturini
Nickname: Isa, Isi, Ace
Where are you from: Val Gardena (Dolomites), Italy
Age: 28
Spoken languages: ladin, italian, german, spanish, english
Sport you teach: ski, snowboard, snowkite
Why did you become snow sport instructor: since I was very young I’ve always loved to be surrounded by mountains and forests, I love skiing since I can remember so why not make it become my job
Favourite type of lessons to teach: I love to teach small groups or one to one. Most of all I like to empower women and girls of every age who’d love to feel comfortable on skis or on a snowboard
How you spend your days off when not working: I do sports I love to do if the weather conditions permit it, if not, I take a nice good rest day at home reading, sleeping, listening to music…
What do you do in summertime: I am a kite surf instructor and I live on Garda Lake in Italy
Sports you like: snowboarding, kitesurfing, wing foiling, hiking, yoga and agro yoga and many more
What are your passions and interests: other than loads of sports I enjoy music and to play music, drawing and reading. I travel a lot, thanks to my job that allows me to get connected with beautiful places and it’s various people
Brief CV: I studied at the Ski-college “Raetia” in Ortisei for 3 years of high school, then I changed school and finished high school at the Professional Institute for commercial and tourist services Claudia de Medici in Bolzano, commerce and tourism class. In 2014 I graduated as an accountant and tourism technician. I’ve worked for a year as accountant. I am also a judoka, I’ve been competing since I was about 6 years old and quit the judo career as I graduated. I was a judo teacher afterwards for a few years. I am a licensed VDWS level 3 kite surf instructor with Italian powerboat license and I have the Swiss Kids Assistant Ski Instructor certificate. Since 2022 I also have the STCW license to work on board of boats as a deckhand
Link: Instagram
KATJA
Name, last Name: Katja Kürten
Nickname: Kat
Where are you from: Australia
Age: 27
Spoken languages: english, german, italian
Sport you teach: ski, snowboard, snowkite
Why did you become snow sport instructor: I grew up snowboarding in a little team in Australia. It was by far my favourite thing to do as a teenager so naturally when I finished school I wanted to continue, and instructing allowed me to make my passion also my career. I feel so lucky to live this life travelling around in beautiful natural spots and couldn’t imagine doing anything else!
Favourite type of lessons to teach: I enjoy teaching all types of lessons, my greatest joy is seeing someone push their boundaries and achieve their goals, no matter the age or ability
How you spend your days off when not working: if I am not teaching I am usually out hiking the park or hunting for fresh powder
What do you do in summertime: for the last 8 years I have done back to back winters in both hemispheres, so no summertime for me
Sports you like: between winters i love to hike, surf, skate, climb, kite board and travel by bike camping in amazing natural parts of the earth
What are your passions and interests: I am always so astonished by nature, so anything and everything outdoors! I love travelling to strange parts of the world and experiencing new environments and cultures
Brief CV: this will be my 10th season working as an instructor, during this time I have taught in Australia, China, Japan, France and Switerland. APSI level 3 snowboard, BASI level 1 ski
ALESSIO
Name, last Name: Alessio Maritano
Nickname: Ale
Where are you from: Turin, Italy
Age: 32
Spoken languages: italian, english, french
Sport you teach: ski, snowboard
Why did you become snow sport instructor: I always loved the mountains and I feel that doing snow sports is a wonderful way to experience this environment at its best. I find it incredibly rewarding to share my knowledge and passion with others
Favourite type of lessons to teach: I love teaching every type of lesson. I am super patient with beginners, but I also love helping experts to refine their techniques on slope, off-piste or in the park
How you spend your days off when not working: freeriding, doing splitboarding / ski mountaineering and studying
What do you do in summertime: I don’t have any summers! During our summer I teach snow sports in New Zealand and Australia. During autumn and spring I love spending time in the mountains or traveling the world with my bike
Sports you like: climbing, mountaineering, cycling, swimming
What are your passions and interests: I am very passionate about the natural environment, gardening and exploring weird corners of the world
Brief CV: I have a Bachelor of Physiotherapy, University of Turin. My snow sports instructor certifications are: Maestro di Snowboard full-cert (AMSI-Italy), Snowboard Examiner (APSI-Australia), Rookie Snowboard Evaluator (CASI-Canada), Ski Instructor Level 3 ISIA (APSI-Australia). During my life I have been teaching in Italy, France, Switzerland, Japan, China, Australia and New Zealand. In Australia and China I work also as a Trainer/Examiner, teaching and certifying other instructors
ROMINA
Name, last Name: Romina Carolli
Where are you from: San Cassiano (SO), Italy
Age: 48
Spoken languages: italian, english
Sport you teach: alpin ski, kitesurf, snowkite
Why did you become snow sport instructor: I chose to become a ski instructor because I love skiing and I want to share this passion with others, helping them discover the joy of skiing and improve their skills on the snow
Favourite type of lessons to teach: I love ranging from private lessons with adults or children to group lessons
How you spend your days off when not working: I practice outdoor sports, I also like spending time with family and friends, sharing moments of relaxation and fun
What do you do in summertime: I teach kitesurfing on Lake Como, in Dervio
Sports you like: ski, kitesurf, football
What are your passions and interests: gardening and good cooking
Brief CV: ski instructor with 20 years of experience in teaching at all levels, I have had the opportunity to work with children, adults and groups of all abilities, helping them to develop their skills and achieve their goals, my experience has allowed me to develop personalized teaching that is adaptable to the needs of each student, ensuring safe and fun learning.
LORENZO
Name, last Name: Lorenzo Munari
Where are you from: Bormio, Italy
Age: 40
Spoken languages: italian, english
Sport you teach: snowboard, ski, windsurf
Why did you become snow sport instructor: I grew up in a mountain town and going skiing in the winter was always one of the best things I could do since I was a child. Turning a passion like this into a job was easy and natural
Favourite type of lessons to teach: In snowboarding I like to teach freestyle. With skis I like to teach the moment you switch from snow plow to parallel skis and carving
How you spend your days off when not working: I like to travel, often to surf and do sports in general
What do you do in summertime: in the summer I have a windsurfing and kayaking school in Puglia, on the Gragano
Sports you like: snowboard, ski, climbing, windsurf, surf
What are your passions and interests: I like doing outdoor sports in nature and travelling
Brief CV: I was born in Bormio on 01.31.1985. I have been a snowboard instructor since 2009 and a ski instructor since 2018. I am a windsurf instructor in the summer and owner of the Campi School on the Gargano in Puglia. Before becoming an instructor I was a snowboard athlete, specialized above all in freeriding.
CHIARA
Name, last Name: Chiara Verlini
Nick name: Chià, Chiarè
Where are you from: Rome, with origin from Veneto
Age: 31
Spoken languages: italian, german, english
Sport you teach: alpin ski and telemark
Why did you become snow sport instructor: Becoming a ski instructor meant rediscovering myself and this sport. When I was little, I practiced skiing at a competitive level, when I was 19 years old I started the instructors course and to work as a ski instructor. From that point I started to appreciate skiing and the mountains in a different way… finally not just competitions! Teaching, seeing the progress of my clients, both adults and kids, and transmitting my passion for the mountains is something beautiful and rewarding!
Favourite type of lessons to teach: I have no preferences. The important thing is to have fun together
How you spend your days off when not working: When I’m not working I go skiing, I do ski tours or I spend time with friends doing telemark. The important thing is to do outdoor sports
What do you do in summertime: I work as a hostess, cook/sailor on private boats. I love the sea and sailing. I’m learning to kitesurf
Sports you like: Climbing, yoga, slackline, kitesurfing and of course all winter sports
What are your passions and interests: Playing the drums, doing crosswords, cooking and following a healthy and sustainable lifestyle
Brief CV: Ski and telemark instructor. I worked in the restaurants for several years. I work as a hostess on a boat
LUCA
Name, last Name: Luca Bizzotto
Nickname: Bizzo
Where are you from: Rosà, close to Bassano del Grappa, Italy
Age: 29
Spoken languages: italian, english, spanish
Sport you teach: alpin ski, telemark
Why did you become snow sport instructor: Since I was a child I have dedicated my life to sports including skiing, after the period of competitions I felt I was ready for the masters course to become ski instructor during the ski instructor course I began to see the mountains from a more complete point of view, becoming more and more passionate about it
Favourite type of lessons to teach: the important thing is to do sports outdoor and share the passion with adults and children
How you spend your days off when not working: ski tours or telemark
What do you do in summertime: I like life at the sea side and have jobs related to the the sea
Sports you like: I like everything that is in direct contact with nature (skiing, slackline, wingfoil, windsurfing)
What are your passions and interests: I’m passionate about camper vans, road trips and curious about visiting new places
Brief CV: I did different kind of jobs in hotels, supermarkets and as masseur. I worked with a children’s sports association for 360 degree mountain activities. I have a MTB riding license and a lifeguard license.
In the last two years in Sardinia I have worked in the rental shop of a windsurfing school
GRETA
Name, last Name: Greta Della Valle
Where are you from: Valtellina, Italy
Age: 25
Spoken languages: italian, english
Sport you teach: alpin ski
Why did you become snow sport instructor: Teaching allows me to share my passion for skiing and nature with those who want to get closer to this wonderful world. I love being in contact with people and guiding them step by step, helping them discover the pleasure of sliding on the snow and the charm of the mountains
Favourite type of lessons to teach: I love working with both beginners and more experienced skiers, I particularly like helping advanced skiers to improve their technique, to discover the true pleasure of skiing with fluidity and without physical effort. I believe that fun and satisfaction come precisely from feeling safe and in harmony on the slopes
How you spend your days off when not working: I love spending moments with friends and I love hiking, always looking for a higher place from which to admire breathtaking views. It is precisely in those moments that I find inspiration and gratitude for what I do every day
What do you do in summertime: I work in the mountains and I like to do outdoor activities in contact with nature
Sports you like: I like almost all sports: skiing, climbing, skating, walking…
What are your passions and interests: I like music, having fun with friends, venturing to new places and having new experiences
Brief CV: I have a diploma in Construction, Environment and Territory, which has allowed me to deepen my knowledge of the mountains, and years of experience in catering especially at high altitudes, I have transformed my love for the mountains into a profession, combining study, practice and dedication
JESSICA
Name, last Name: Jessica De Stefani
Nickname: Je
Where are you from: Chiavenna, Italy
Age: 31
Spoken languages: italian, german, english
Sport you teach: ski and snowshoes
Why did you become snow sport instructor: I became a teacher because I want to share my passion for skiing to children, as my instructor did with me when I was 6 years old
How you spend your days off when not working: I always spend my free time in the gym or doing sports in nature
What do you do in summertime: in summer I never sit still: I love travelling, hiking in the mountains and surfing. I get carried away by the current of the waves
Sports you like: gym, alpine skiing, ski touring, surfing, bouldering, mountain biking, swimming and football
What are your passions and interests: I love cooking and spending time with my animals: two dogs and two cats and I love taking pictures of nature, especially of the sky
Brief CV: I studied accountancy in Italy once I got my certification, I left Italy to begin my studies of German Language in Berlin, after which I have always worked in Switzerland as a waitress and seller of athletic equipment.
Swiss Ski Kids Instructor
ERIK
Name, last Name: Erik Flekander
Where are you from: Melbourne, Australia
Age: 33
Spoken languages: english, spanish (only a little)
Sport you teach: ski, snowboard, cross country, adaptive
Why did you become snow sport instructor: I became an instructor because I love the lifestyle that comes with it. I get to spend all of my time in the mountains interacting with many interesting people
Favourite type of lessons to teach: I enjoy teaching all types of lessons, but some of the most rewarding are where a first timer develops their skills and a love of the sport
How you spend your days off when not working: Often more skiing and snowboarding. I also enjoying hiking and exploring. On a lazy day I’ll be at home reading a book
What do you do in summertime: More winter! In summer I am home in Australia teaching here in my local ski resort
Sports you like: obviously there is skiing and snowboarding, but I am also a big fan of football, running, and cycling
What are your passions and interests: outside of teaching snowsports, I am a keen runner. I try to fit in a few half marathon running events each year
Brief CV: I have taught snowsports for a combined 18 seasons, spanning over 12 years. This career has taken me through Switzerland, Canada, Japan, and Australia. I am qualified to teach snowboard (APSI level 4), ski (APSI level 3), adaptive (APSI level 2), and cross country (APSI level 1). In Australia I am also an APSI snowboard trainer/examiner. Before this I studied to be an architect, but now I find snowsports to be much more fun!
SARO
Name, last Name: Saro Costa
Where are you from: I’m Swiss/Italian boy
Age: 35
Spoken languages: italian, german, english
Sport you teach: ski touring, alpinism, trail running
Why did you become snow sport instructor: because I love to follow my dreams
Favourite type of lessons to teach: entry level, off piste skiing, avalanche course
How you spend your days off when not working: skiing and running
What do you do in summertime: I work as mountain guide on 4000 meters peaks in the Alps
Sports you like: ski mountaineering, fast and light alpinism, skyrunning, slacklining, rock climbing, road cycling
What are your passions and interests: I dedicated my whole life to mountain sports trying to be a better athlete by training efficiently and spending so much time as possible outdoor enjoying life
Brief CV: UIAGM / IFMGA mountain guide, swiss ski instructor, swiss army alpine specialist
MANUELA
Name, last Name:Manuela Knobel
Where are you from: Switzerland
Age: 38
Spoken languages: german, english, italian
Sport you teach: snow shoe hiking, cross-country, ski, snowkite
Why did you become snow sport instructor: mountains are my home and I love to share one of my passions with other persons
Favourite type of lessons to teach: snowshoe shoe hiking and snowkite
How you spend your days off when not working: kundalini yoga, walking/hiking, biking, doing winter sports, reading
What do you do in summertime: hiking, biking, yoga, enjoy nature, swimming in the lakes
Sports you like: hiking, biking, climbing, skiing, cross-country skiing, kite surfing
What are your passions and interests: kundalini yoga, nature, homeopathy, hypnotherapy, outdoors
Brief CV: various office jobs; federal diploma in homeopathy; certificate in systemical hypnotherapy; certificate as a kundalini yoga teacher
Link: manuelaknobel.com
GIULIA
Name, last Name: Giulia Cavalli
Where are you from: Bassano del Grappa, Italy
Age: 28
Spoken languages: italian, english, a little bit of swedish
Sport you teach: ski, snowboard
Why did you become snow sport instructor: I’ve always loved the mountains and skiing, but I also love teaching and people so the best way to put everything together was to become a ski teacher 🙂
Favourite type of lessons to teach: kids classes, both individual and little groups. But I also like teaching to adults
How you spend your days off when not working: I’m an outdoor enthusiastic. I love being in the nature, hike, climb, go on my mountain bike. I also love cooking and reading. Beside being a ski teacher I have two other jobs: one in the field of “social works” (so I deal with kids with troubled lives, and many other difficult situations) and the other in a ski shop
What do you do in summertime: usually I have two months break from my two jobs and during that time I try to stay in the mountains as much as I can. I have a little yellow van and a dog, we travel around the Dolomites seeking for some adventures 🙂
Sports you like: of course snow sports are my number one but I also love hiking and climbing, biking and especially bike-packing. I love swimming and surfing
What are your passions and interests: as I said I’m an outdoor enthusiastic, I just love being in the nature. I love doing sports, any kind of sports. I truly love cooking and baking. I read a lot, historical romances is my kind of book, I never get tired of medieval stories. In my house I have tons of plants, I love being surrendered by plants 🙂 I really like gardening with some soft music in the background
Brief CV: Master’s Degree in Language Sciences and a Bachelor’s degree in Language, civilization and language sciences with international political curriculum. Assistant Ski Instructor
MATTEO
Name, last Name: Matteo De Lorenzi
Where are you from: Bormio, Italy
Age: 30
Spoken languages: italian, english
Sport you teach: alpin ski , Mtb instructor
Why did you become snow sport instructor: I became a ski instructor because the passion for this sport started since I was a child. For me skiing is not just a discipline, but a way of experiencing the mountains and feeling free
Becoming a teacher allowed me to transform this passion into a job, and above all to share with others the emotions and satisfaction you feel going down a snowy slope
Favourite type of lessons to teach: my favorite type of lesson is the one in which students learn while having fun and feel more confident with each slope. I like teaching people and children of all ages and levels, in order to enhance their
How you spend your days off when not working: In my free time I like to dedicate myself to sports according to the seasons, travel and relax, as well as spending moments with friends and family
What do you do in summertime: I work in a family B&B located in Bormio in Alta Valtellina
Sports you like: Ski, ski tours, telemark, road bike, mountain bike, climbing
What are your passions and interests: practicing outdoor sports, travelling, bikepacking, being in company, doing manual work, I like music and sometimes I play it with my accordion, I like singing, discovering new places and having new experiences
Brief CV: Diploma in hotel management at the institute “Alberti” in Bormio. I worked in the restaurants as a bartender, assistant chef and I still work in our family B&B. I worked for a period as an electrician and carpenter. I am an alpine ski instructor certified by the regional ski instructor college of the Lombardy region and I have been teaching this profession for 10 years