By Giles R.

I first travelled with Powder Byrne when I was two years old, in 1988. Skiing has been part of my life ever since. 

Those early holidays came at a time when Powder Byrne was beginning to shape its children’s programmes, before the Yeti Club became such a familiar part of the week for so many families. By the early 90s, I was one of the first Yetis. I can still remember the feeling of being part of something that was made for us as children. The skiing, the snow, the friends, the sense of adventure and the independence that came with it. 

One memory that has always stayed with me is winning the Yeti Race in Grindelwald. I remember the excitement of it, the pride of taking part and the way those childhood moments seemed to matter so much at the time. Looking back, they did matter. They helped make skiing something that stayed with me for life. 

To return now with my own children feels very special. This time I was travelling as a solo dad, with my daughter in the Yeti Programme and my three-year-old son in Yeti Primer, both full of energy and curiosity. I wanted them to experience the same joy I remembered, but I also wanted the week to work practically. Travelling alone with young children can be wonderful, but it can also be full on. I hoped there might be moments to ski, breathe and enjoy the mountains myself too. 

From the first morning, I remembered exactly what Powder Byrne does so well. The team got to know them quickly, which made all the difference. They were welcomed, encouraged and gently folded into the rhythm of the week without fuss. 

My daughter made friends almost immediately, which helped her settle into the rhythm of the group from the very first day. As the week went on, her skiing grew stronger, but what mattered more was how happy she was. She came back each afternoon full of stories about where they had been, who she had skied with and what had made them all laugh. 

For my son, Yeti Primer offered a gentler introduction. It gave him time on the snow without asking too much too soon. He could try, play, warm up, reset and come back the next day still excited. 

For me, the trust was everything. I knew they were being looked after properly and having a brilliant time, which meant I could relax into the week rather than simply manage it. 

Having previously served as an officer in the Army, I also know when a good operation is being run properly. So much of what Powder Byrne does appears effortless, but of course it does not just happen. Beneath the calm service is a well-drilled team, careful planning and a level of professionalism that is easy to take for granted because everything runs so smoothly. 

Perhaps the greatest pleasure was seeing my children take part in something I know can stay with them for life, as it did with me, which is wonderfully moving. Powder Byrne has come full circle for me in that sense. More than 40 years later, they are still absolute professionals, still doing what they do best. 

Helping children find a love of skiing for life.