Downhill Only Ski Club

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Ski Club

Since 1925

Sensational Ski Leading

Experience some of the best ski leading in the Alps with the DHO

Finding high quality ski leading in Europe is becoming more difficult as some of the traditional ski organisations have found it more difficult to provide quality facilities for the more advanced skiers.

Here in Wengen we don’t have this problem as the DHO provides avid Skiers the opportunity for a wide variety of ski leading across one of the best ski areas of the Jungfrau, which includes Wengen, Grindelwald and Mürren. Joining the ski leaders with the DHO will provide you with all the exhilaration you need and leave you wanting to return for more! Look at some of the benefits below that joining our groups will give you:

Highly experienced ski leaders available for all sizes of groups

  • Because of the wide variety of skiing you will improve your technique rapidly
  • Become an expert in the whole area rapidly
  • Enjoy the camaraderie of great groups and fun loving ski leaders
  • No need to worry about getting lost or not getting the most from your holiday on Day 1
  • Find the best places not just to ski, but also enjoy lunch on the mountain
  • Finish your day off with a visit to our special clubhouse in the center of Wengen
  • We take real care with mountain knowledge and your safety is always paramount.

Table of Contents

Cost

Skiing with the group is free for DHO members. Non DHO members are welcome to join the group for an introductory day to see if it is for them. Contact Mark Hughes the Wengen Manager for more details, either during the club office hour 6pm – 7.30pm or by calling Mobile +41 79 259 30 70 (WhatsApp)

For more days Join the DHO for just £90 a season!

Members are expected to pay for their own ski passes, lunches, equipment and any other incidental expenses. A disclaimer needs to be filled in and signed before skiing with the group.

The regular Ski Leading weekly schedule

  • Sunday, 09:30am – Get your ski legs back A gentle start to the week, steady pace Kleine Scheidegg or Mannlichen
  • Monday, 08:45am – Building the pace and the distance Mannlichen – Grund – Kleine Scheidegg
  • Tuesday, 08:45am – Exploring more – First or Murren Possibility for off piste, depending on conditions
  • Wednesday, 08:45am – Exploring more – First or Murren Possibility for off piste, depending on conditions
  • Thursday, Race Day – DHO Members race day (register Wednesday evening 18:00 – 19:30)
  • Friday, 08:45am – Ski Leading and also possibility Off Piste with a Mountain Guide (Cost of hiring a guide shared between the group)
  • Saturday – Ski Leading or Avalanche Training upon request

Our groups typically have a range of skiing abilities but the guide will ensure no one is left behind. The minimum standard is to be able to ski a red with reasonable.

If you are interested in finding out more about the DHO and what we offer, call into our clubroom near the railway station above the Eiger restaurant.

Non members can register at the DHO for a free trial day 18:00 – 19:30

The ski programme is flexible; members are welcome to discuss options with the Wengen Manager.

In the event of bad weather/snow conditions the programme will be subject to change.

All persons wishing to ski with the DHO are required to have insurance, including 3rd party liability.

Wengen Manager +41 79 259 30 70 (Mark)

Find out more

To find out more, just fill in the simple form below and let us know your ski-level and main requirements and we will be right back in touch!

Meet the Team

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Mark Hughes
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Mark Hughes
From
December 11, 2022
Until
April 16, 2023

As the Wengen Manager, I spend the winter in resort, organising the ski leading programme and weekly races.

I enjoy all conditions and sharing my stories and experiences with others.

I look forward to meeting you in the club room or out on the slopes!

I have spent my whole career working and playing in the outdoors, mountaineering and water sports in the summer, skiing in the winters.

I live in Switzerland year round with my wife Louise, we have three adult children.

I look forward to welcoming you to the club and sharing some great skiing with you!

BASI level 3 (ISIA) Ski Instructor and BASI Race Coach

Winter season: Mobile +41 79 259 30 70 (WhatsApp)

Office telephone: +41 338 55 13 75 (18:00hr - 19:30hr)

DHO Office, CH 3823 Wengen, Switzerland

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Ruth Marshall
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Ruth Marshall
From
December 17, 2022
Until
December 30, 2022

I spent most of my working life flying long haul for British Airways so remaining in one place for more  than a few days at a time took some getting used to.  Life in the Cotswolds however has presented it's opportunities and I now coach horse riding to adults with physical and learning difficulties and also help with schooling ponies at my local branch of Riding for the Disabled.
My big challenges at the moment are improving my golf game and disciplining myself in practicing the piano (!) but volunteering in our local community shop, yoga, singing with a community choir, walking with a village group and belonging to a French social group seem to take up a lot of time too!

I'm very much looking forward to returning to Wengen in January both for the skiing and for meeting up with my DHO friends on the slopes and/or in the club room

Johnny McIntyre Picture
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Johnny McIntyre
From
December 31, 2022
Until
January 13, 2023

I started skiing in my home country of Scotland when I was at school, now I spend most of  the winter in the alps.  As well as leading for the DHO, I lead for the SCGB and am a BASI and IASI instructor.  The most important things for me on a leading day are safety, smiles and miles. I always enjoy driving to the resorts from Scotland as a grand touring road trip.
The rest of my year is involved in clay target shooting, for the last 17 years I’ve been capped for Scotland in the Home International.

Andrew Davies
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Andrew Davies
From
January 14, 2023
Until
January 27, 2023

That's me, always has as his focus; everyone being safe and having fun.

I love skiing. With others mostly, although I do enjoy the occasional solo cruise.

Following 9 winters as the DHO Wengen manager I am fairly familiar with the Jungfrau Ski Region. Each day you ski with me I will seek to facilitate great fun, adventure and group camaraderie. When not skiing I work in tourism and personal development with all sorts of people so whilst we ski, we can chat about almost anything. Hopefully see you in Wengen sometime.

Colin McAllister
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Colin MacAllister
From
January 28, 2023
Until
February 10, 2023
Home is near Glasgow and I was fortunate growing up, as Glenshee, Aviemore and Glencoe were all within reach for a day trip to the slopes.
I am ultra enthusiastic about all things skiing and love introducing people to the sport.  No longer racing, I spend more time looking for off piste and ski touring opportunities but still get a buzz out of cruising newly groomed runs.
I am a BASI qualified ski instructor and Alpine Performance Coach, having taught at home, USA, Spain, Italy and Wengen.
My proudest achievement in skiing came in 2016 when I coached a young woman with learning difficulties and attended the Special Olympics GB Championships in France where she won 2 bronze and a silver medal.
I am a Rep for the Ski Club of Great Britain and worked in Murren in 2020 where I met a number of DHO members on the mountain.
Season 2022/23 will be my second year leading for the DHO and I am looking forward immensely to meeting and skiing with you. Here's to a great season ahead!
Marguerite Nice Picture
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Marguerite Nice
From
February 11, 2023
Until
February 24, 2023

I love Wengen and have skied in the area regularly for nearly 20 years. On piste, off piste, powder, gates, sunny terraces, goulasch, glühwein, lots to enjoy and with the best scenery in the Alps.

David Mair
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David Mair
From
February 26, 2023
Until
March 24, 2023

James Vickers will be assistant leader from the 5th to 12th of March 2023

Born in Dufftown, Scotland, I first skied aged 6 when a family friend gave me skis, sticks & boots, plus one lesson! My first turns were on nearby distillery and sheep fields every time snow appeared!

In 1980 I joined the Scottish Norwegian Ski School, Aviemore, as a trainee ski Instructor under the late Mr Eilif Moen. My goodness did he help me think about my skiing and how to improve.

In 1983 I moved to Courmayeur to further my ski teaching and technical skills and reach BASI Grade 2.

In 1990 I pursued another career - Scotch Whisky! I retired in 2020 and have returned to my first love, skiing. I’m scheduled to reach BASI Alpine Level 3 by the end of November this year.

I’m excited, honoured and humbled to be a DHO Ski Leader for this Winter and look forward to meeting you and to skiing with you soon.

Maureen Fanshawe
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Maureen Fanshawe
From
March 25, 2023
Until
April 7, 2023

I’ve been leading guests around the slopes of Wengen, Murren and Grindelwald for 26 years now and never tire of it all. I started skiing when I was 5.  Coming from an outdoor family almost every holiday was camping in the Lakes or Scotland walking and climbing in all weathers! I’ve changed, now motorhoming instead and in recent years walking in the Pyrenees in Spain. Other holidays are far and wide wild life watching. At home I love the garden.

The role of DHO Ski Leaders

All of our ski leaders are very familiar with all of the slopes around Wengen, they help out the DHO Wengen Manager in a variety of ways. The most important of these is acting as a ski leader, the next most important is as a race assistant, of course they also represent the club within Wengen and the surrounding area.

Ski Leading

With both the Wengen Manager and a Ski Leader, the DHO is able to offer it’s members a variety of led skiing options, during busy times or when there is a significant difference in what sort of skiing members want to do, we offer two skiing groups each day, thus one group may head off for an off piste day whilst the other has a more leisurely time on piste. Sometimes we find that we have enough members to need two groups in which case whilst covering the same general area we may split the members into those who wish to go fast and those who don’t, often meeting up at a restaurant for lunch.

Race Assistant

Every Thursday during the Ski Season and occasionally on other days the DHO organises a number of Ski Races, the Ski Leader typically assists the Wengen Manager with the setup and running of these races, but since such races are typically in the morning they may be available to ski with after the race.

Want to be a Ski Leader for the DHO ?

We are always looking for potential new ski leaders, if you think you might be up for the role please contact the DHO Wengen Manager for further information.

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Ski Club

Since 1925

The Downhill Only Club

The Director’s Office,
Imperial Hotel,
London
WC1H 0DG

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