Team

Our Team

The international team of Prime instructors contains a width of languages, knowledge and experiences.

Our team is build by full time instructors, part time instructors, and instructors working extra at causual occations. Most of our instructors are staying with Prime for several years.

↓ our Ski Instructors

↓ our Snowboard Instructors

Office:

Beat Gautschi
Beat Gautschi
Managing Director

Beat is our managing director that always has new ideas and a big smile on his face. You will find him anywhere, teaching on the slopes, solving an urgent issue on the go or behind the desk at the office. Beat started his ski instructing career when he joined Prime in 2017.

“Stay curious!”

Denise Rohrer
Denise Rohrer
Administrative Management

You will find Denise in the office with a coffee in her hand, solving any problem that is given her. She is our queen of administration and one of our bike guides. She has been a part of Prime since 2010.

“Would you like to have a coffee?”

Michèle Evangelista
Michèle Evangelista
Administration

Michèle keeps everything running smoothly in the office and brings balance to the team. As a yoga teacher and ski instructor, she loves exercise — whether on the slopes, on the mat, or out in nature with her dog. Her energy and joy are contagious.

“Go with the flow!”

Nala
Nala
Allrounder

Nala is our quiet observer in the office. At first she is reserved, but then she stays loyally by your side— she watches over the team, loves cozy places, and ensures harmony in everyday life with her calm manner.

Ski Instructors:

Aliane El Ouarti
Aliane El Ouarti
German, Dutch, and English

Alian remains calm and relaxed, even when things get hectic around him. His motto, “Le cose fatte in fretta non vanno bene.” accompanies him every day. With his relaxed manner and clear focus, he is the epitome of a true “chill guy” for many — reliable, thoughtful, and always in control.

Corinna Trommler
Corinna Trommler
German & English

Corinna discovered her love for endurance sports at an early age. She spends a lot of time on her road bike in the summer and cross-country skiing in the winter.
In her Prime jacket, you’ll find her either on the cross-country trails, the ski slopes, or snowshoeing through deep snow.

“Bleibe leuchtend!”

David Murer
David Murer
German & English

David’s friends describe him as an optimistic, friendly, and humorous person. His motto is “Take risks and hope for the best” – with openness, courage, and a good dose of confidence.

Elly Olsson
Elly Olsson
Swedish, English & German

For Elly, skiing has always been her big passion. She was alpine ski racing as a child and has been competing at Freeride World Qualifier for several years. Now, her biggest focus is to spread the joy of the sport to others and to keep developing herself as a skier and instructor. Elly joined the Prime team in 2023.

“I believe that bringing out the joy, being playful and slowly building up confidence will create a skier that never wants to stop skiing.”

“You become the best skier when you are having the most fun!”

Emilia Hidegren
Emilia Hidegren
Swedish & English

Emilia is a dedicated ski instructor doing her first season with Prime. She started her ski instructing career in 2021 and has been teaching in Sweden and Switzerland since. Filled with energy and passion, she loves to help her guests fall in love with skiing.


India Hinton
India Hinton
German & English

India lives for skiing. In the past, when it got too warm for her in Engelberg, she would travel to New Zealand to work as a ski instructor. Now she sometimes spends a summer in Switzerland hiking in the Alps and swimming in the cold mountain lakes. Other years, she is drawn back to New Zealand to ski.


James Hill
James Hill
German & English

James has Swiss roots but grew up in England and is working with us as a ski instructor for the first time this winter season. With great dedication and a clear vision for his guests, he teaches skiing according to his motto: “Safety, fun, learning—in that order!!!”

Jan Hölzl
Jan Hölzl
German and English

Jan is a medical doctor doing his first season with Prime. When he is not practicing medicine or teaching at the slopes, he stays close to nature, surfing in the ocean or exploring the mountains.

“Always keep calm and things will work out!”

Johanna Nygård
Johanna Nygård
Swedish, English and German

Johanna started her ski instructor career 2014 and has been a part of Prime since 2018. Johanna is also a climbing guide.

“The best thing in Engelberg is connecting with the angel shaped mountains that are always seen in a beautiful light.”

“If you can dream it, you can do it. True fact!”

John Schuler
John Schuler
German and English

John is a former alpine ski racer and Engelberg local. He is a big fan of the ski alpine world cup and to ski on slalom skis, but also enjoys freeriding. He has been a part of the Prime family since 2021.

“I just love to be in the mountains. My best time to ski, is just before the lifts closes and you are almost alone on the mountain.”

“Every ski day is a good day.”

Justin Gielen
Justin Gielen
German, Dutch & English

Justin is an enthusiastic, optimistic, and adventurous person who quickly connects with others thanks to his open nature. He is always in a good mood, enjoys taking on new challenges, and sees the positive in every situation.
He loves motivating people and offering them a safe yet exciting experience on the slopes. He is flexible and attentive to the needs of his guests, and his warm, energetic manner ensures that every ride is not only fun but also memorable.

Kimi Gottwald
Kimi Gottwald
German and English

Kimi learnt to ski as a young kid and did alpine ski racing before starting his ski instructing career. He has been a part of the Prime family since 2023.

“I like to meet new people and to guide my guests to develop their skills. For me, it’s important that my guests feel safe and have fun. My favorite things in Engelberg are the steep slopes, and the people around here.”

“Enjoy every moment!”

Kiran Zimmermann
German, French & English

Kiran is always motivated when skiing! His most important goal as a ski instructor is to pass on his love of skiing. He knows Engelberg inside out, as he lives here and has skied here many many times. His qualities include patience with his students, being open minded and his positivity (even on steeper slopes ;)).

eat.sleep.ski.repeat

Klea Kriz
Klea Kriz
German, Czech and English

Klea learnt to ski in Engelberg – and practically grew up on the slopes. Today, she teaches others how to ski down the mountain in style.

“Day by day, slope by slope – ski you later!”

Kris Thuesen
Kris Thuesen
Danish and English

Kris is an ISIA certified ski instructor, off-piste guide and one of our internal trainers. He started his ski instructor career in 2015 and has also done many ski seasons in New Zealand during European summer. Kris has been a part of Prime since 2020.

“Early mornings at the glacier slopes is a favorite.”

“If you don’t go, you won’t know.”

Kristin Gerber
Kristin Gerber
German & English

Kristin’s personality can be described as a wild mix of positive energy and cheerfulness with a big heart.
On the slopes, you can see how much she enjoys snow sports. She always gives her all, both when teaching and during training sessions.

“Keep it simple”

Kristina Hård af Segerstad
Kristina Hård af Segerstad
Swedish and English

Everyone calls her Kicki and she enjoys the fact that she lives right next to the cross-country ski trail. She alternates between alpine skiing and cross-country skiing almost every day and also teaches both sports.

Leo Goodwin
Leo Goodwin
English, German and 日本語

Leo learnt to ski as a small kid on a volcano in New Zealand and started teaching skiing and snowboarding in 2003. He became a part of the Prime family in 2009 and as well as teaching in New Zealand and Switzerland, he has also been teaching in Japan.

“My favorite ski areas are Engelberg, La Grave, Ohau and Furano.”

“Good skiers don’t fall over; they might just hug the mountain sometimes!”

Marielle Bucher
Marielle Bucher
German and English

Marielle joined the Prime family in 2021 and is teaching both alpine skiing and cross country. In her free time, she likes to do other outdoor sports, to travel and to spend time with her family.

“I am teaching as a change to my regular job as a biomedical analyst. This is for me the perfect combination of work and hobbies.”

“See the beautiful side of life!”

Merry Haberl
Merry Haberl
German and English

“The mountains have the best stories, if not now – when?”

Monika Wüest
Monika Wüest
German and English

Monika loves the diversity of the Swiss seasons. In winter, she inspires her students on the ski slopes with her passion and expertise. As soon as the snow melts, she seamlessly switches to the bike trails around Engelberg, where she passes on her love of outdoor sports. Whether on skis or a bike, Monika knows how to pass on her enthusiasm for exercise and nature to others and ensures that every lesson is an unforgettable experience.

Moritz Seidenader
Moritz Seidenader
German, English and Spanish

Moritz has been part of Prime since 2022. When he’s not on his skis, he’s traveling the world on his surfboard. In addition to his top skiing skills, he has a real talent for baking – his homemade pizzas are legendary and a real treat for everyone.

“The best skier is the one who has the most fun!”

Niklas Danielson
Niklas Danielson
Swedish, German and English

Niklas is an ISIA certified ski instructor and has a genuine passion for skiing, mountains, and hospitality. As the head of ski schools, a former member of the Swedish demo team, and manager of several mountain hotels, he has gained valuable experience in coaching and guiding skiers all around the world. Niklas has been a part of Prime since 2022.

“Every hour, speed and power.”

Pelle Hallén
Pelle Hallén
Schwedish & English

Pell is a sociable guy who doesn’t get flustered easily. He feels most comfortable in good company and enjoys spending time with others. With his calm, typically Swedish manner, he creates a relaxed atmosphere and brings people together in a natural way.

Ronald Buitendijk
Ronald Buitendijk
Dutch, German, English & Norwegian

Ronald is a social and creative person that likes to learn new things and loves to share his knowledge. He always tries to find the good side of every experience and in his role as ski instructor, he adapts to every guest in a personal way that ensures that everyone, no matter their needs, will have a blast.

“My passion for outdoor sports and learning new things is combined in the best possible way in my role as ski instructor”

Ronja Stenhöös
Ronja Stenhöös
Swedish, English and German

Ronja is an ISIA certified ski instructor and our technical leader in charge of internal team development. She started her ski instructor career in Åre, Sweden, in 2014 and has been a part of Prime since 2019. She is a former Freeride World Qualifier athlete with a big passion for playful skiing. 

“Skiing can be so much more than a perfect slalom turn! My goal as a ski instructor is to guide the guest to find his/her own efficient skiing style and to feel safe and confident at the slopes.”

“Life happens now!”

Salina Schwörer
Salina Schwörer
German & English

Salina is instantly recognizable by her broad smile. Whether jogging, skiing, cross-country skiing, or sailing, movement is her element. With her open manner and infectious energy, she makes every encounter special and every moment truly “Prime Time”.

“Eat pasta and ski fasta!”

Samuel Sakalik
Samuel Sakalik
English, Polish, Czech % Slovak

Everyone calls him “Sam.” With his calm, focused manner, he provides clarity and structure where they are needed. Thanks to his many years of experience as a ski instructor, he knows exactly what matters—whether in lessons, in a team, or in the daily routine on the slopes.

Sebastian Thunberg
Sebastian Thunberg
Swedish, German and English

Sebastian comes from Sweden and spent his first season as a ski instructor in Austria in 2018/19. He stayed there for a few years before moving to Switzerland. After his first season here, he couldn’t resist – and simply stayed.

Sophie Neumann
Sophie Neumann
German & English

Sophie is bursting with energy and spreads good cheer wherever she goes. With her open manner, she always brings the team together—whether it’s a spontaneously organized Bollywood movie night or ice skating together on a frozen lake.

“Do everything with a smile!

Stephane Junod
Stephane Junod
German, French and English

Stephane started his training as a ski instructor in 2020 and has been really hooked on the sport ever since. He probably knows every YouTube channel that deals with skiing technique and teaching methodology.

Steven Gekiere
Steven Gekiere
German, English, Dutch & Flemish

Steven is a real sports fanatic. When he’s not skiing or snowboarding, he can often be found at the gym or out and about in nature with his dog.
He is passionate about teaching and is always up for a laugh.

Commit or Quit!

Tabea Knobel
Tabea Knobel
German & English

Tabea is always in a good mood—especially when she’s on her skis. Whether cross-country or downhill skiing, she’s always enthusiastic. With her helpful nature and patience, she accompanies her guests and ensures that learning is fun.

“Life just runs better on cross-country skis!”

Tim Lustenberger
im Lustenberger
German & English

In addition to the freeride runs on Steinberg and in Steintäli, Tim also loves the Kanonenrohr on the valley run. But for him, the best thing about Engelberg is the Globi wagon on the Zentralbahn railway—a real highlight that he simply can’t do without.

“Friends on Powderdays”

Timea Lang
Tabea Knobel
German & English

Starting out at Prime as a bike instructor, Timea now also works as a ski instructor. Born in Engelberg and a passionate freerider, she spends every spare minute in the mountains. With her extensive local knowledge, experience, and enthusiasm, she authentically passes on this passion to her guests.


Thomas Hänseler
Thomas Hänseler
German and English

Thomas is a BBT certified ski instructor. He started his ski instructor career in Arosa 1992 and he has been part of Prime since 2008. In his youth he took part in a few mogul races but soon discovered freeriding, and his passion was awakened.

“As a snow-chameleon I love adapting to the terrain and am happy to pass this on to my guests.”

Tom Rohrer
Tom Rohrer
German and English

Tom is an experienced mountain guide who has already passed on his knowledge to numerous young talents. At Prime, he contributes his expertise as a cross-country skiing instructor – both for guests and as a coach for the cross-country team. With an impressive number of kilometers on the trail, he is our undisputed leader.

Tuva Trum
Tuva Trum
Swedish & English

Tuva is a trained dance teacher and taught in Sweden for several years before beginning her training as a ski instructor. She will start her first ski season at Prime in 2025, bringing her experience, agility, and creativity to the team—perfect for combining learning with fun and dynamism.


Snowboard Instructors:

Andy Flückiger
Andy Flückiger
German and English

As a “Snowmaker”, Andy often works the night shift, which gives him the opportunity to teach guests and train the snowboard team during the day. With a good cup of coffee, he starts every challenge full of energy – be it for lessons or training. Andy is our snowboard technical manager.

Craig Hamilton
Craig Hamilton
German and English

Craig has a quick mind and a great passion for learning new things. With his curiosity and commitment, he is constantly evolving and brings a breath of fresh air to every project he tackles.

Lara Vujovic
Lara Vujovic
German and English

Lara is a snowboard instructor and has a great passion for teaching others how to snowboard. With her calm and helpful manner, she ensures that her students feel comfortable on the slopes and constantly improve their skills.

Marius Brauchli
Marius Brauchli
German and English

It comes as no surprise that Marius, a passionate skateboarder, enjoys snowboarding in winter. What is less obvious is that he spends his free time teaching children how to skateboard. It therefore makes perfect sense that he works as a snowboard instructor in winter, passing on his enthusiasm for exercise to others.

“S passierte isch pase.”

Marius Morelli
Marius Morelli
German and English

For as long as Marius can remember, he has been a passionate snowboarder. He started his snowboard instructing career and joined the Board Local team in 2019.

I love to share my fire for the sport with others as a teacher. My favorite place to be in Engelberg, is somewhere deep and steep in the snow.

Moritz Profitlich
Moritz Profitlich
German and English

“Anyone who has learned to snowboard in Engelberg can do it anywhere.”

“Think less, do more!”

Ralf Trapp
Ralf Trapp
German and English

Ralf became a SSBS instructor and a part of the Board Local team at the age of 44 in 2014. When he is not teaching or working at his regular IT office job, he enjoys riding off road enduro motorbike.

To follow my passion and learning to snowboard and teaching other to learn it, is one of my best decisions in life. I want to inspire other to realize that it is never too late to follow your passion. Life is simply too short to be old.

“You are never too old to be young!”

Rena Pruschwitz
Rena Pruschwitz
German and English

Rena has taught more people to snowboard than anyone else. With over 15 years of experience as a snowboard instructor, she knows all the tricks to teach her guests a solid snowboarding technique. Her expertise and patience make her an invaluable teacher for anyone who wants to improve their skills on the board.

“It’s all mindset.”

Rolf Buholzer
Rolf Buholzer
German and English

Rolf says: Style matters! So he not only teaches technique, but also conveys a feeling for your own style on the slopes. After all, snowboarding is not just a question of technique, but also an expression of personality and passion.

“Style matters.”

Tobias Schär
Tobias Schär
German and English

Tobi earned his first money as a snowboard instructor and founded Boardlocal. Since the early days of the Schweizer Schneesport Berufs- und Schulverband (SSBS), he has been an expert, leading internal training courses and sharing his knowledge with passion. With his expertise, he not only promotes the personal growth of his students, but also strengthens the entire team.

“The faster you ride, the less time you spend in danger.”