History, Method & Values
Over 50 years of skiing, independence and innovation in Villars.
Villars Ski School was founded in 1974, when Jacques Stump created a new ski school in Villars based on what was, at the time, a revolutionary approach to learning: the Evolutive Method (GLM®).
At the time, it was the first independent ski school in Switzerland.
That independence remains an essential part of our identity today.
In 1990, Jacques Stump handed over the school to Thierry and Patricia Chevalley. Over the next 17 years, they continued to develop the school and introduce new ways of teaching: Villars Ski School became the first ski school to offer snowboard lessons and was also among the pioneers of carving instruction.
In 2007, the adventure continued when former instructors took over the school. Alongside developing its ski and snowboard activities, Villars Ski School began organising mountain experiences for groups and companies.
In 2014, the school was taken over by one of them and continued to evolve while preserving what had defined it from the beginning: independence, innovation and strong roots in Villars.
A NEW CHAPTER
In 2026, a new generation took over the school.
A new chapter begins, with the ambition to keep Villars Ski School moving forward while preserving what has shaped its identity for more than 50 years: its independence, family spirit, teaching method and passion for sharing the mountains.
Today, as always, we want to remain a personal, human-sized ski school, close to both our guests and our instructors, where everyone can find their place and progress at their own pace.
Generations change. The spirit remains the same.
OUR METHOD: EVOLUTIVE (GLM)
Villars Ski School was founded in 1974 around a different approach to learning to ski: the Evolutive Method (GLM®), developed by Jacques Stump.
For beginners, this teaching method has the advantage of being simple and consistent, helping to remove the apprehension associated with gliding on snow and its potential risks.
Learning begins with very short skis, approximately one metre long. Easier to manoeuvre, they allow beginners to start learning parallel skiing from their very first day, without going through the long stages traditionally associated with learning to ski.
As you progress, the length of your skis gradually increases and adapts to your level.
This progression allows each skier to develop their feel for the snow, build confidence and improve naturally, while enjoying skiing from their very first runs.
More than 50 years after its creation, this philosophy remains at the heart of the way we teach: a simple, consistent approach adapted to each individual, where enjoyment and confidence come first.
OUR SNOW GARDEN
First turns with Cooky 🦊
Located in Bretaye, our Snow Garden is entirely dedicated to children’s first experiences on skis.
Together with Cooky the fox and our instructors, children discover the snow, learn to glide and gradually build their confidence in a fun environment designed especially for them.
Because those first experiences matter, we focus on play, discovery and enjoying the snow before performance.
OUR VALUES
Learning is fun!
At Villars Ski School, there is one thing we have believed for more than 50 years: we learn better when we’re having fun.
Whether it’s a child’s first experience on skis, discovering snowboarding, regaining confidence on the slopes or improving technique, we want every lesson to be a positive mountain experience.
Our role goes beyond teaching technique. It’s also about building confidence, sharing our passion and giving everyone the opportunity to progress at their own pace.
That’s why we are committed to remaining an independent, human-sized ski school, with small groups and a team that stays close to its guests.
The way we teach matters just as much to us as the quality of the teaching itself: with care, professionalism, friendliness and, above all, enjoyment.
Since 1974, our philosophy has remained pretty simple:
Have fun, learn and progress.
Learning is fun!
THE TEAM
Above all, Villars Ski School is a team of ski and snowboard instructors who love the mountains and enjoy sharing them with others.
Some have been part of the school for decades, while others are beginning their first season. Some even learned to ski with the Yellows themselves before going on to become instructors.
Different generations and different backgrounds, brought together by the same spirit: to teach, to share and to inspire a love of the mountains.