At Links, our directory is pure gold – a curated selection of the absolute best, meticulously tried and tested for all your PA, EA, and Office Management needs. As the ski season unfolds, join us for an intimate look at one of our top directory entries, featuring the opinions of CEO & Founder, Rupert Longsdon and Head of Marketing and Communications, Felix Hemsley.
1. In a few sentences, tell us what the Oxford Ski Company does?
Oxford Ski Company is the leader in luxury alpine escapes, representing the finest properties across The Alps. From opulent luxury catered chalets to “Palace” status hotels, we’re proud to represent over 1,000 properties catering to the most discerning traveller.
We have been leading the industry since 1998 and are especially proud of the influence we have had in shaping the luxury ski market over the past quarter of a century.
2. PA, EAs and Office Managers of what kind of companies should absolutely bookmark Oxford Ski Company?
We have catered to all facets of businesses over the years and are increasingly seeing alpine escapes being leveraged as corporate incentives. Whether it is a small group staying in a chalet for a week or larger groups on rotation with one of the leading hotels, it is easy to see the appeal and indeed the value in truly stepping away from the office and seconding your team to the tranquil surroundings of The Alps. With everything on-hand, from Michelin starred private chefs to world class après venues and bars, there’s no limit to the how big the experience can get.
3. How can Oxford Ski Company make a PA, EA or Office Manager’s life easier?
With a single point of contact in the Oxford Ski Company team, with no call centres and no button-press switch board, we are always just a phone call away and will always be on top of your booking. Over the past 25 years we have worked tirelessly to build the most efficient, effective, and professional team to support our clients, agents, partners, and networks ensuring our service is un-matched. We understand the needs and pressures which PAs, EAs and Office Managers face daily, and we will always have these factors front of mind when we’re requesting information or proposing options to make their lives as smooth as possible. As an agile team, we are also able to act quickly and effectively for all enquiries, so if something changes, we’re here to support clients in their hour of need.
4. What are some of the top resorts trending for this year?
Operating across the whole of The Alps, it is often hard to see or gauge significant shifts in resort popularity, however over recent years we have definitely seen more attention being given to Switzerland and Italy, the latter having some of the most exciting developments in luxury property and resorts anywhere in The Alps. Of course, The Three Valleys remains a firm favourite amongst our guests, boasting such a vast ski area and offering a level of hospitality scarcely exceeded. Here in the office we all, of-course, have our favourites having completed ski seasons across The Alps.
For me, Val d’Isere will always have a special place in my heart. Having lived there and skied there with my, then, young family it truly does feel like a second home, and one I am always yearning to return to time and time again – and shall do so in just a few months time.
5. Tell us more about your Luxury Catered chalets?
A question I am often asked and one which I can wax lyrical about, yet to truly appreciate these magnificent properties, you need to experience it. From the moment you arrive you know you’re in for something very special, with staff immediately on hand to assist with anything and everything. What these properties are all about is taking the strain away from everyone, whether it is a family or a corporate group, everything is taken care of. Internally luxury ski chalets are as varied as they are opulent – from the lost in time traditional chalets crafted from natural materials to the latest high-fashion, cutting edge design properties. Of course, when it comes to putting your feet up, it’s hard to think of somewhere better to do this, whether it’s a dip in the private pool, a soak in the alpine view hot-tub, an evening in the cinema room, or even getting competitive on the in-chalet bowling alley – yes you read that right! Luxury ski chalets truly are a no holds barred showcase of pure indulgence and are exactly what keep people coming back time and time again.
6. Which Admin Professions would love the Luxury Catered chalets? (what kind of companies, what size companies, what kind of sectors)
The reality is that there is something for everyone! With ample space and a multitude of options, keeping things formal and work focussed is easily achieved in these fabulous properties, or if you’re looking to get away and reward your team for a job well done, then the mountains await – and for non-skiers, there’s plenty for them too, from luxury dining to haute couture shopping.
We are also seeing a significant shift in properties taking a more active stance on their sustainability credentials, making them even more feasible for business travel where these factors are being considered more than ever before. As for capacity or size, there are a number of options here. Typically a luxury catered chalet will have between 6-8 bedrooms, but many of our chalets are conveniently located to be booked collectively to expand capacity and also provide more freedom to plan meetings and activities between the group. Of course, for those bigger groups, our network of over 175 luxury hotels present an ideal opportunity for those looking for a more traditional business environment, nestled into the authentic charm of The Alps.
7. Tell us more about the Luxury Ski Hotels?
Our collection of luxury ski hotels provides the perfect platform for either single families, for whom a chalet would simply be too big, or at the other end of the spectrum, for business group travel when keeping everyone together is key and as such multi-chalet stays may not be the right solution – it all depends on what the client is looking for. As you would expect, the hotels themselves boast world class dining and first-class accommodation in sumptuous comfort. With all the facilities you would expect from a 5-star hotels, these properties cater to every aspect of your stay, with gyms, spas, fine dining and much more. Unlike chalets, hotels also offer greater flexibility in your stay, where perhaps a short escape is all that is needed. Typically, chalets will be booked on a weekly basis, hotels however, can be booked for 2,3,4-night stays, often making them better suited long weekends.
8. How can you accommodate clients who have never skied before?
Everyone starts somewhere and you’re never too old to learn. Ski resorts themselves are equipped for people who have never skied before but would like to give it a go. We work closely with ski schools across The Alps in every resort, with both private and group lessons on offer. But we appreciate that skiing is not for everyone, as are the resorts. With bustling village centres, mountain view bars, world-class dining and a broad array of alternative activities, there is something to keep everyone engaged and entertained.
9. What sets you apart from your competitors?
Our experience, expertise and service. We love what we do and we know that we do it well. Our team is built up of skiers who want to help others enjoy the mountains as much as we do. Their knowledge and experience is quite simply unmatched. For their intimate understanding of each property (almost all of which have been visited first hand), to the locations of lifts and amenities in relation to them. We have always put knowledge first and use this to our advantage to build rock solid relationship with our partners for both our chalet and hotel portfolio, giving us the best access to key periods and options, and as a result, ensure our clients have the best experiences. Once you’ve experienced the Oxford Ski Company way, you’ll see why so many come back to us time and time again.
Outstanding chalet available this season
Chalet Vieux Pont
Val d'Isère, France | Sleeps 10
"This property is very stylish. With excellent facilities and a simply charming location, it's hard to beat."
Chalet Vieux Pont is a beautiful chalet with a contemporary, luxurious feel situated next to Chalet Rive Gauche. This luxury ski chalet has a unique location by the Isère river in the peaceful hamlet of Le Fornet, just a few minutes drive from lively Val d'Isere with its many bars, shops and restaurants.
The interior of Chalet Vieux Pont is simply stunning; set over four floors and featuring a large open plan living and dining room on the upper floor. Below are five en suite bedrooms, including one which is built directly into the rock face of the river. On the lowest floor you'll find a stylish pool and Hammam - the perfect place for some post-ski relaxation. The property is located only 150 metres from the Le Fornet cable car, and you can ski back to the chalet door via the blue Mangard ski run.
Looking for a top spot for your boss' family this ski season or perhaps need to book a last minute corporate ski trip? Visit: www.oxfordski.com