History of the Ski School
Ski teaching since 1933
In 1933 the Gstaad Ski School was founded by the president of the Hotelier Association Reinold Reichenbach, Hotel Oldenhorn. Hans Herrmann was the first manager of the school. 20 years later when Hans Herrmann gave up his managerial position, the Hotelier Association ceased their official function with the ski school.
Bruno Trojani was elected new director by the ski teacher association. During the term of the new ski school president between 1953 and 1966 the practice terrain was moved from the “Löli-Hubel” to the “Alpina Matte”. However, due to building on both sites, Rütti was the final terrain chosen. In 1956 the tiny ski school house had to be replaced and a new building was set up at the place where it still remains today.
Oskar Zingre took over the administrative management from 1966 to 1971.
Until 1971 it was Adolf Hauswirth who held the position of the technical manager, and he helped Oskar Zingre out as much as possible.
From 1971 to 1995 Adolf Hauswirth finally managed the entire ski school. In the following two winters Ueli Grundisch held the manager position. Due to private reasons he handed his position over to Arnold Hauswirth, son of the former director Adolf Hauswirth, for the 97/98 season. After five years he entrusted the management of the ski school to Katrin Neuenschwander.
In the 02/03 season the Swiss Ski School Gstaad was renamed gstaadsnowsports.ch. The snow sports school still holds the title „Swiss Ski School Gstaad“, nevertheless, the new name would like to point out that in addition to the popular class lessons, private lessons, snowboard and telemark lessons, snow shoe trekking etc. are offered as well. The new logo gstaadsnowsports.ch is a direct link to the home page of the snow sports school.
The ski school terrain has been extended by the 04/05 season and renamed Lernpark Rütti (new conveyer belt, ski lift and carousel). Also, the demand for private lessons increased. Childrens’ group lessons have been restructured according to the testing system Swiss SnowLeague. In the last few years, new offers (007-, racing- and freestyle classes) have been developed.
For the 07/08 season the Gstaad Ski School invested in a new electronic booking system which will be completely installed in the coming winter season.
In the 07/08 season the ski school also celebrated their 75th anniversary. Both former ski school directors Adolf and Arnold Hauswirth edited a 50-page brochure about the 75 eventful years of the Gstaad Ski School. Not only past and current pictures and interesting information about the development of the ski school, but also reports of guests and ski instructors were included to document the events of the past.
It was on February 22nd 2008 when the big Jubilee-SnowNight took place at the Rütti lift. In addition to presentations about the history of snow sports it was the show and especially the runs of the Swiss Snow Demo Team with the local Björn Brand that made an impact. Further spectacle was guaranteed by the shows of the Demo Team Saanenland and the other teams of the neighbouring snow sports schools. The following party lasted until the early morning hours…
On Saturday, February 23rd 2008 at 7pm, the doors of the Tennis hall in Gstaad opened for the Jubilee Fondue Party. In addition to interesting accounts about the development of the ski technique, guests of honour and a tasty Fondue, the Jägerchörli Lauenen and the Henchoz folk band ensured a relaxed atmosphere all evening long. The highlight, however, took place at one o’clock in the morning. A song presented by six ski instructors of the Gstaad Ski School made the audience dissolve into laughter!
We are now looking forward to the next 25 years!