Welcome to our new Chalet Specialists

After bidding farewell to Georgia, our Meribel resort 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.

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.”

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.”

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.