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Veronique Waterschoot: Commercial Director of Magic in Motion

Could it be Magic?

featured in Meet the locals Author Ellie Mahoney, Val Thorens Editor Updated

Bad 'Take That' references aside, we like to hear about local businesses doing well and expanding, and Magic in Motion ski school is no exception. 

They're a well known ski school in the 3 Valleys already, but this year they're expanding into Val Thorens. Just before the season kicks off and they're too busy to talk to us, we caught up with Veronique Waterschoot who tells us a bit more about the history of the business, and of course shares some top tips about what you should do when you come to Val Thorens.. 

Hi VeroniqueTell us a little bit about your business, how it started out and where you're based etc...

Our ski and snowboard school Magic in Motion has existed for 25 years in Meribel, Courchevel and La Tania. This year we have started a new venture in Val Thorens. We are a small to medium sized school with 10 qualified ski and snowboard instructors from France and Italy, offering the highest quality of tuition with groups limited to 6 people maximum.

How long have you been in your current role / how long have you been with the company?

By the time the article goes online I think 3 months now, but I have been working for 9 years with different ski schools.

What makes this resort a special place to be for someone in your profession?

Val Thorens is the only French ski resort with 80% of foreigners. Its a nice mixture of people from all over the world speaking many languages.

What are the best bits about your job?

The relationship I have with the clients, the locals and the reps from the tour operators.

And the worst bits?

Go riding on my day off ;-)

What is in store for the future with your business, any exciting projects in the pipelines that you can share with us? 

Developing our brand over the 3 Valleys and far beyond.

What are your personal and professional goals for the future?

For the moment I have only one thing on my mind and that is spreading the Magic everywhere I can. [Ed: ha ha nice pun!]

What's your favourite piste or off-piste area & top tip to go skiing?

I love the ‘Boismint’ sector and to go down to Plan de l’eau where you can still find some unspoilt nature. For the off piste you should ask my instructors as there are so many spots to reveal...

Where would you send someone who was after that something 'something special' in resort, to stay, eat or drink? Your personal favourite place for lunch or dinner?

Chez Pépé Nicolas between Val thorens and Les Menuires, Chalet the Thorens and by night ‘Le Vieux Chalet’ and ‘Les Enfants Terrible’ at the Altapura Hotel. For saisonnaires, and with more affordable prices, try Café de Péclet and ‘Le Rendez-vous’.

Where will we find the best coffee or hot chocolate?

In our office of course ;-)

What has been your best ever day in this resort?

The off piste from Col du Thorens with one metre of fresh pow...

Do you remember your first trip to this resort?

Definitely with my parents, we stayed in Meribel for several years and we always came skiing over to Val Thorens. No trees and very crowdy but the best snow quality ever.

What's your favourite thing to do in resort when not skiing or snowboarding? 

The toboggann ride down from Péclet, the aqua centre with sauna and hammam to total relax and hanging out with my friends.

What do you do in the summer?

Working hard to keep the Magic going ;-)

Which is your favourite shop in resort?

'Good Vibes' just because it is different from all the other ski shops.

Where are we most likely to find you for après-ski?!

In Tango, Frog and Shamrock but the place to be is the Snesko bar with Magnuss live band.

Skiing or snowboarding? What's your preference & why?

Skiing always and at any time ;-)

If someone was coming here for the first time, what would you suggest they absolutely must do or see in resort?

To do: the toboggan ride. To see : the view from Cime Caron

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Find out more about Magic in Motion in Val Thorens - their Ski School, Private Instructors and Ski Guides

Location

Map of the surrounding area