The faces behind Indoor Ski and Snowboard Hall Roundhill

Indoor Ski- and Snowboardhall Roundhill in Dordrecht has been the place to learn to ski and snowboard since 2016, as well as to improve and update your skills. We spoke with manager Mark-Jan Buijs, who is happy to introduce the company to you!

Can you describe Roundhill in three words?

“It is difficult to describe Roundhill in three words, but I would say Ski lessons, Technique and Personal,” says Mark-Jan. The idea of starting a ski school actually came quite naturally. “After several years of teaching ourselves at other ski schools, it was time to put our own spin on ski and snowboard lessons. We took our knowledge and experience and improved it. From the foundation we already had ourselves and our own ideas, Roundhill was born.”

Who runs Roundhill?

“We run the company with three permanent employees along with a very nice team of enthusiastic teachers and bar staff,” Mark-Jan answers. “Ruben and Rogier are the owners and, as the business manager myself, I am on the floor a lot. Skiing and snowboarding is a passion of all of us and that is reflected in the way we teach. Our teachers are also selected for that”.

Rogier Greebe is co-owner of Roundhill and has been employed at a number of ski schools. Rogier also has another business besides Roundhill, namely a training company. In this, Rogier is often busy with such things as manners, sports and behavior. This makes him a ski instructor with a lot of feeling, people skills and empathy.

Ruben Kubbinga is his business partner. Ruben also has another business besides Roundhill. He engages in sports lessons at elementary schools, among others. These sports lessons focus on encouraging children in their personal development. Ruben is also a trainer at the Dutch ski association. This makes Ruben a technical and driven instructor. I myself work full-time at Roundhill.

I take care of the daily operations and everything related to it. I also have years of experience as a ski instructor and I can say that I have good empathy and patience. Add a little humor and you have a very relaxed instructor!” Laughs Mark-Jan.

Do you also see each other outside of work?

“The three of us set the course for Roundhill. This happens during working hours, but also definitely outside of them. The friendship between Ruben and Rogier provides a good foundation as business partners. But the three of us also go back a few years. The mutual click is very good. Weekends away together, daily mutual contact and honest communication are spearheads of this team. So a good cooperation is in order!”

And the rest of the team?

“The total team consists of a union of instructors. Some teach one evening or part of the day in addition to their regular job, driven out of hobby. Others work the entire season with us as their only job. The enthusiasm and drive among the instructors is great fun. There is a lot of sharing and helping each other where necessary. Even if it has nothing to do with work. Apart from winter sports, we often meet up in the summer, for example to go kitesurfing with some of the instructors. It is fair to say that we are a close-knit club where there is a lot of tolerance and help for each other. In all areas,” says Mark-Jan.

Do you have permanent ski instructors or does the staffing change every year?

“About 80% of the people can now be called permanent, the rest change. Sometimes we have to say goodbye to a colleague because the lessons can no longer be combined with other activities such as studies. Often, very cliché, this is not a goodbye but a ‘see you soon’. However, the goal remains the same: to prepare people as well as possible for their winter sports so that they come down safely and in a controlled manner. All at their own speed. Whether this is driven by fear, fun, lack of technique or wanting to build fitness, the goal is the same.”

What sets Roundhill apart from other ski schools?

“We differentiate ourselves from other ski schools by being our unique selves. There are more ski schools where you can learn to ski well. But what we hear back from our customers is that they like the tranquility, ambiance, friendliness and personal attention. Several of our customers come back for several seasons. And of course we are very happy with that!”

Would you like to improve your ski or snowboard skills next season? Check out the possibilities Roundhill has to offer: www.roundhill.nl