Navigating mountain ranges can be difficult, even for the most experienced skiers and snowboarders. Planning routes, runs, viewpoints and places to stop at can also be time-consuming.
What if there were dedicated, professionally guided ski and snowboard sessions led by people with unrivalled local knowledge? Experts who know exactly which runs to ski and when, which areas to avoid and where to find those hidden viewpoints you simply wouldn't discover on your own.
Thankfully, that's exactly what Neilson Mountain Experts (NMEs) offer. Better still, these sessions are complimentary and exclusive to Neilson guests. Every session is led by an NME alongside a fully qualified local ski instructor, combining expert route planning, guiding and helpful coaching throughout the day.
Think of it as your own personal mountain chauffeurs, allowing you to focus on the white road ahead, making new friends and cruising at a pace that suits you.
But how do NME sessions work? Who can join the sessions and what can you gain from them? Recently, we sat down with one of our very own NME’s, Joss, who spent last winter in Les Menuires, France, at Neilson Hotel Le Menuire & Spa, who explained everything there is to know about being an NME and NME sessions.
How did you first get into skiing or snowboarding? And if you do both, why do you prefer one over the other?
I was lucky enough to grow up skiing often with my family, so I have learnt to be a confident skier. I also really enjoy wakeboarding and surfing in the summer, so while I was on my ski season I tried snowboarding (thinking they were similar!). By the end of winter I was confident enough to guide snowboard sessions too.
When did you first hear about Neilson, and what made you want to join the team?
I first heard about Neilson when I was younger, after my sailing instructor became a Neilson Beach Club watersports instructor. This seemed so cool at the time, so I couldn’t wait to be old enough to work abroad, teach my favourite sports and explore new countries.
What's your favourite thing about being an NME?
I really love the ‘fast tours’ – the red and black tours. Carving through the three valleys with guests that love skiing as much as you do can’t be beaten. But I also love the evening entertainment; it brings all the guests and guides together, and you really get to know everyone on a more personal level.
What can guests expect from a typical week with a NME?
Guests can expect some of the best skiing on the mountain, without a doubt. Weaving through the ski school queues meant we were often first onto the lifts without needing a super-early start.
Because the NMEs know the mountains like the back of their hand, they also know which runs catch the morning sun first, when the snow is at its best, and which slopes are likely to become icy later in the day. It's all down to experience and local knowledge.
How would you describe an NME session? Is it similar to a lesson, more about skiing as a group and discovering the best runs, or a bit of both?
An NME session is all about discovering the best runs with other skiers and snowboarders of a similar ability. It's really sociable too, and a great way to meet new people, whether you're chatting on the chairlift or over a coffee stop. Quite often, guests carry on skiing together after the day's tour, which is really nice to see.
Sessions are also a great opportunity to pick up a few tips and improve your technique but they're not a replacement for proper lessons.
You mentioned ‘fast tours’ – the red and black sessions. Can you explain how the different colour grades work?
Yeah, sure, so all our sessions follow the same colour grading as the runs themselves. Find Your Legs and Cruising Blues are more relaxed, mainly on blue runs. We also have our Exploring sessions, which take you further around the ski area and give you a chance to ski new places. Racing Blacks is for those who fancy pushing themselves a bit more and there’s also Boarders Without Borders for snowboarders on blue and red runs.
We try to run each session once or twice a week, so everyone gets a good chance to join the ones they like and that suit their ability.
If you had to describe the NME experience in one sentence, what would you say?
Making the most of every ski day, without any of the pressure of planning it yourself.
What's the feedback you hear most often from guests after an NME session?
I'm often told guests have enjoyed the tours so much they're already asking when the next one is. Even better, a few have insisted on buying me a drink afterwards to say thank you – and who am I to argue?
What makes the Neilson Mountain Expert programme unique?
The consistency. NMEs are on transfers to and from the airport, at afternoon tea, on tours, hosting the quiz and so on. There aren’t many ski guides that are there to answer questions for you the second you arrive on your holiday, to the minute you leave.
If someone was feeling nervous about joining an NME group, what would you say to put them at ease?
We head to the best slopes with guides who really know the mountain. You’re also always with people skiing at a similar level, and the nice thing is that there's no pressure – if you’re tired or ready to go, you can peel off at any time. It’s your holiday to enjoy too.
What's your favourite memory from being an NME? (Feel free to share more than one!)
I have a few! The tour of the secret valley (Orelle, Val Thorens) is definitely one. It was the first week of the Easter holidays, and, in my opinion, the best tour of the season.
It was blue skies and three inches of fresh powder, sitting on top of a solid base of snow. We took the first lifts straight to Orelle and it was completely quiet. Just me, my fellow NME, and five guests bouncing around fresh powder all morning. Bliss!
Away from the slopes, half-term disco bingo was a highlight for me. After heavy snowfall, first lifts were delayed, so everyone, guests and staff, were at disco bingo. We were having so much fun that we played another round and before long it was karaoke time!
I must also mention the final tour of the season: the tour of the three valleys. We cruised over to Courchevel and stopped for a drink in the sun to celebrate the end of the season. It was a beautiful tour to finish on.
Is there anything else you'd like to add about being an NME that we haven't covered but you think is worth sharing?
Don't apply to be a Neilson Mountain Expert... because you'll never want to go back to a 'proper' job again!
How do I join an NME session?
Quiet tree-lined pistes, panoramic mountain viewpoints, the perfect spot for a hot chocolate and hidden gems that only the locals know about. Doesn't sound too bad, does it?
If Joss's stories have left you wondering where an NME session could take you, discover more about the Neilson Mountain Expert experience and where it could lead you on your next trip to the mountains.
