RUARIDH STEVENSON

Skis & Bikes

Tell us a little about yourself. Where are you from, and how did you end up in Verbier?

I’m originally from Scotland, and I first came to Verbier about 10 years ago for my first winter season job with Warren Smith. After that winter, I naturally ended up staying! I taught skiing with Warren for nine years before joining Mountain Air, and it’s now been almost two years since I joined the team. Skiing was the main reason I stayed, but after all these years in the mountains, I’ve also come to love mountain biking and climbing in the off-season. Plus, working here comes with great perks like access to gear, and the team is amazing. It’s a big, diverse group from all over the world, which makes it really fun and interesting to work with everyone.

When it comes to sports, what is your favorite thing to do?

Skiing and climbing, hands down. I started skiing when I was just 2.5 years old, so it's been a huge part of my life. Living in the mountains led me to start climbing and mountain biking, which I really enjoy during the summer.

What’s your most memorable skiing adventure, and why?

One of my most memorable experiences was skiing the Petit Combin. We approached from the Cabane de Valsorey on the backside, and it was incredible because it's a mountain I've always wanted to ski. It really dominates the Verbier landscape, so getting to ski it was pretty special. Last winter, I also skied the Becca de Sery – it’s shaped like a pyramid. We did the northwest face, which was in great condition despite the warm weather at the time. That was a highlight as well.

With all the extreme sports you do, have you ever had any serious injuries? If so, how did it happen?

I fractured my skull while bouldering. A piece of the rock I was holding broke off, and when I jumped down, part of the rock fell on me. It was a rough injury and took me about 4-5 months to fully recover.

What’s on your skiing bucket list? Any dream locations or goals?

I’d love to finally ski the Combin de Valsorey – I’ve always missed it when it had good conditions. Outside of Verbier, Patagonia is a dream for me. Skiing and climbing there is definitely on my bucket list. I also want to spend as much time in the mountains as possible and work towards getting my Swiss Mountain Guide qualification one day.

If you could swap jobs with any other staff member for a day, who would it be and why?

Honestly, I love my job, so I’m pretty happy where I am! I wouldn’t want to swap actually!

CHARLOTTE COPLEY

Sportswear

Tell us a little about yourself. Where are you from, and how did you end up in Verbier?

I’m from Clermont-Ferrand, France, and before moving to Verbier, I spent nearly two years in Zermatt. In April 2024, my boyfriend and I decided to make the move to Verbier. It’s actually the place I had always wanted to come to first, so I’m thrilled to finally be here!

When it comes to sports, what is your favorite thing to do?

Right now, I’m studying to become a personal trainer, so I spend a lot of time in the gym. It’s perfect for getting ready for ski season too! I also love climbing and hiking, and skiing has been a big part of my life since I started at the age of 3.

How do you like working at Mountain Air?

After spending 10 years working in 5-star hotels across places like Megève, the French Riviera, and the Savoy Hotel in London, I realized how much I missed being in the mountains and surrounded by nature. So, I’m really happy to now be working in a sports shop—it’s a big change but a great one! It’s been almost a month since I joined Mountain Air, and I’m loving it. Being able to work around sports, equipment, and all the different aspects of outdoor activities has been a refreshing and exciting experience for me. This winter, I'll also be teaching skiing with Element School, which makes it the perfect combination for me!

Have you ever had any serious injuries? If so, how did it happen?

Unfortunately, the past two years have been tough, as I spent a lot of time in the hospital recovering from surgeries after breaking my tibial plateau. It really limited my ability to do anything, but now I’m fully recovered and excited to get back to skiing and all the adventures that lie ahead!

What’s your most memorable adventure and why?

A solo trip to Asia where I visited Singapore and Japan stands out as my most memorable adventure. I loved diving into the cultural differences and, of course, indulging in the amazing food! Traveling alone made it easy to meet new people, and I had so many great encounters along the way. I got lost quite a few times, which, in hindsight, was pretty funny, but those moments taught me a lot about navigating unfamiliar places. Overall, it was an unforgettable experience.

Do you have any goals for the near future?

To focus on my studies and finish them, while also preparing for my ski exams. Also, my boyfriend and I are planning to buy a van and convert it into a camper. That's our main goal right now, and we're both really excited to start this adventure!