Skiing since the age of five and passionate about all things snow. On a mission to bring you the latest updates, news and features from all of our resorts.
After bidding farewell to Georgia, our Meribelresort specialist, in July, we knew we had big boots to fill. Luckily we’ve welcomed Katie Durack and Libby Hunting to the team just in time to gear up for winter 2018/19.
We chatted with both of them to find out what they love about skiing and managed to get some insider tips on their favourite spots in Meribel and Val d’Isere.
What Katie did next....
Katie worked for us in winter 2016/17 as a chalet host in Indiana Lodge, Meribel. In between whipping up mouth-watering afternoon teas and keeping the chalet spik-and-span she could be found on the slopes, skiing every day no matter the weather.
“If I had to describe Meribel in three words I’d pick beautiful, energetic and traditional. A contradiction in terms perhaps, but the old French buildings hum with energy throughout the season. On a bluebird day I used to love catching first lifts to the top of Saulire and skiing down Creux, a long blue run which winds its way over to the Courchevel valley. Whilst you’re round there the hammocks by the Altiport are a lovely spot to stop and soak up some sunshine, before hopping back over to Meribel and ending the day with apres in Ronnie’s.”
Teacher's pet
Libby is new to the VIP SKI family but brings a wealth of experience to the sales team, having gained a BASI level 2 qualification in Val d’Isere. We’ve already booked her instructing services for our end-of-season staff trip and can’t wait to be pulled up on the bad habits we’ve all picked up over the years.
“My season in Val d’Isere was a blast from start to finish. After a long day of training we’d all pile in to Blue Note, a seasonaire bar which has to be the best kept-secret in Val d’Isere. If you go between 5pm and 6pm they lay on free dips and nibbles which you can enjoy alongside a beer pêche. The hill above the Folie Douce was another favourite spot for a picnic and hours of hilarity watching the madness which would ensue from 2pm every afternoon.”
Three's a crowd
With girls now outnumbering the boys in the office 7:3 we’re lucky that Andy Sorenti has also rejoined us, fresh from a summer season in Morzine. If you’re looking for a summer chalet holiday then call Andy for the low-down on mountain biking, parapenting, hiking, road cycling, swimming…he really did cram everything in to the summer and needs a few months behind a desk to recover!
Between the team we’ve been to every resort, stayed in every chalet and can confidently steer you towards the best option for your holiday. We love nothing more than a good chat about all things skiing.
Libby, Andy, Katie, Lou, Lottie & Jonnie are ready and waiting to pick up your calls on 0208 875 1957.
Skiing since the age of five and passionate about all things snow. On a mission to bring you the latest updates, news and features from all of our resorts.
The 2018 summer season has now sadly come to an end. Although we can’t contain our excitement for the winter ahead, now is the perfect time to reflect on a jam-packed summer.
We’ve been catching up with some of our summer staff members and just had to share a few of their amazing photos. Whether mountain biking, hiking, parapenting, riding or even skiing (believe it when you see it) they’ve shown that the Alps are just as beautiful without snow.
Harry worked in Morzine and sent us this amazing picture of Lac Montriond. The perfect spot for an afternoon of paddle boarding, swimming, or simply relaxing with a good book.
Tim and Andy also spent the summer in Morzine and managed to fly down the slopes on their skis AND their bikes. They both loved being able to pop over to Les Deux Alpes to ski the glacier in the middle of summer, though had to watch out for serious goggle tans.
Matt, our executive chef, spent his summer cooking and rock-climbing in Val d'Isere. This view of the lake at the bottom of valley shows the last vestiges of the immense 2017/18 season snowfall.
The biggest thrill of the summer came when the Tour de France passed within touching distance of our Alpe D'Huez chalets this July. Geraint Thomas won the stage, and eventually the whole event, for Team Sky. He might have missed these views on the epic climb, but Andy took a more relaxed approach and stopped to capture the lake.
The Manoir terrace is the ideal spot to enjoy spectacular alpine sunsets before an alfresco dinner. Chef Tim caught this snap between evening prep.
With that it's sundown on another amazing summer.
If you've been inspired to visit the Alps next summer then contact the sales team to discuss our flexible approach. Whether you'd like the ease of a catered holiday, the flexibility of B&B or the freedom to self-cater we will have a property to suit your requirements.
We pride ourselves on listening to our guests and evolving every day. So, after many requests last winter, we’re thrilled to announce we will be offering a charter flight from Birmingham to Geneva for the coming season.
Provided by Jet2, the flight will serve the resorts of Morzine, Les Gets, Avoriaz, La Plagne and Val d’Isere for just a small supplement of £35pp.
We do only have an allocation of 20 seats each week, so if you’re looking for the convenience of flying from your local airport we advise booking early to secure a seat.
A regional airport near you
We understand that travelling isn’t the most enjoyable part of a holiday, that’s why we also provide charter flights from London Gatwick and Manchester, as well as scheduled flights from London Heathrow on selected dates. If, however, you’d prefer to fly from another regional airport, we’ll endeavour to find a suitable flight for you.
Our charter flights include seats on our coach transfers and where possible, we’ll reserve a seat on our transfer if you’re arriving from a regional airport. We can also pre-book private taxis or smaller shared transfer services on your behalf, just ask our Sales Team for more information.
If you prefer to book your own flights and transfers, we can offer up to £150pp independent travel discount.
Book now and save
To celebrate the launch of our new Birmingham flight, book before the end of May and we'll waive the £35pp flight supplement. For more information about our travel options, click here or call our team on 0208 875 1957.
Rachel rejoined the VIP team after a season as a Chalet Host in Val d'Isere. Look out for plenty of exciting blog posts and lots of useful information!
Love cooking but lack experience or confidence? Nervous about the up-coming season? Or just interested to improve your cooking skills so you can impress your friends? Read on…
Our Head Chef from Hotel Montjola, Joachim Richards, is excited to share his wealth of knowledge and passion for cooking with those looking to train as a chalet host this summer
Joachim, also known as Joe, started his career as a chef 10 years ago. Since then, he has worked in a range of restaurants, including a prestigious Michelin star establishment. His love of food and determination to provide outstanding hospitality lead him to direct a successful business offering high-end catering for weddings, corporate functions, festivals and events. We were thrilled when he accepted the job with us in St Anton this winter.
Our chalet host cookery course
Joe is delighted to be a part of the training team this summer and will be leading our Chalet Host cookery courses on 23 & 30 June. The course covers all aspects of life as a chalet host, in a real chalet environment.
The course is delivered in the Alpine resort of Morzine. Based in one of our luxury chalets (with a hot tub!) it provides the perfect learning environment; you’ll be cooking in a chalet kitchen, at altitude, and with similar hours to that expected of you in a chalet host role.
Guaranteed interview
All participants of the course will be offered the opportunity to interview for a chalet host role with us for the 2018/19 winter season.
How much?
Alongside Joe, the course is delivered by experienced chalet hosts offering you their knowledge and guidance in a relaxed environment and with a maximum of 8 participants in any one session. It is designed to encourage you to interact, ask lots of questions and learn, not just about cooking but also life in general as a chalet host.
£645 per person in a shared twin room
£745 for single occupancy of a double room
Please note that flights are NOT included. We will be providing a return transfer service so do ask about this upon booking.
Book now
Places are limited so do get in touch if you have any questions regarding the course. Call our team on 0208 875 1957 or email ski@vip-chalets.com
Click here to read more about what’s included and to read the full course details.
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The Association of Bonded Travel Organisers Trust Limited (ABTOT) provides financial protection under The Package Travel and Linked Travel Arrangements Regulations 2018 for APS Select Ltd, trading as VIP SKI (No 5240). Please note that bookings made outside the EU are only protected by ABTOT when purchased directly with VIP SKI.
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