Introducing ES' Ski Accommodation Service

At European Snowsport we are always searching for new ways to make our clients' holidays exceed all expectations, and we know that aligning your accommodation with your ski school bookings will streamline the whole booking process. Who doesn't want to maximise your time on the snow and minimise logistical stress? Your accommodation, lessons and meeting points can all work together. That means no rushed transfers and no last-minute scramble to work out where you're supposed to be! Everything is planned around the way you and your group want to spend your time in the mountains.

For families, this means your ski school needs are understood alongside your accommodation – whether you need a location close to the kids' meeting point or a games room to keep them happy on their return from the slopes. For couples and groups of friends, it might be that you're looking for a quiet chalet with a hot tub and a lift a few minutes away. Whatever the trip looks like, we plan it to fit.

Based on the ground in heart of the Alps, our knowledge of the ski accommodation market is first-hand rather than gathered from a screen. Travel agents might know the theory and online booking platforms offer a range, but they do not know the mountains the way we do. They can't tell you which chalets catch the afternoon sun, which streets are noisy after dark, or which properties genuinely offer seamless access to the pistes. A listing may promise "ski-in, ski-out", but only someone who has skied that slope can tell you what that means in practice, especially early or late in the season.

As our clients already know, our whole team lives and breathes mountain passion! We know the terrain, the lift systems, the resorts and snow conditions across Switzerland, France, Austria and Italy, especially the resorts where we have our ski schools: Verbier, Zermatt, St Moritz, Chamonix, Nendaz, Courchevel, Meribel & La Tania. We know which areas suit beginners and which reward confident skiers, where the best après-ski is, and which quieter corners are worth the extra effort to find. We apply the same rigorous standards when selecting our clients' accommodation as we do when selecting our fantastic team of instructors. Every chalet, apartment and boutique hotel is vetted for its exceptional quality, strategic location and unique alpine character.

My name is Malcolm, and I'll be bringing all my experience and knowledge to this new service. With over 15 years in the luxury ski industry, I understand not only what accommodation is available in our resorts, but also the varying needs each different client might have. I have built an extensive network of property owners, chalet operators and hoteliers across the Alps throughout the years and I believe these relationships matter. It also means I know about the best properties often before they reach the open market, allowing me to source options you might not find elsewhere. As an independent agent I am also unbiased and impartial, meaning I can prioritise finding the perfect accommodation match for you.

My network and knowledge covers the full range of alpine accommodation. Perhaps you're looking for a luxury catered chalet stays with a team of staff, personal chef, hot tub and private spa. Maybe you prefer a boutique hotel where service and design come together, or you could be searching for a well-equipped self-catered apartment that gives your family or group the flexibility to holiday your own way. Whatever your budget, group size or style of trip, I can match you with options that genuinely suit you, rather than simply showing you what is available.

To offer you this service, I will start by listening to your needs. Simply tell me who is travelling, how you like to ski, what you expect from your evenings, and what would make the trip perfect. I can then draw on my knowledge and network to put together a shortlist for you, explaining each option honestly and impartially so you can make your decision with confidence.

If you are planning a ski trip this winter, or even looking ahead to a future season, now is the time to begin the conversation. As always, the best chalets and boutique hotels are often booked well in advance, especially for school holidays, Christmas and New Year, and the peak weeks of February. Starting as soon as possible gives you the widest choice and the best chance of securing exactly what you want.

Getting started is easy. Simply get in touch on [email protected] and tell me what you're looking for. It helps to share a few details:

·       Your preferred resort or country, or whether you'd like my recommendation

·       Your travel dates and how flexible they are

·       The size of your group and who is travelling, including children

·       Your preferred style of accommodation: catered chalet, boutique hotel or self-catering apartment

·       Must-have features such as a spa, hot tub, ski-in/ski-out access or a central location

·       Your approximate budget

Don't worry if you don't have all the answers yet. Many of our clients start with just a rough idea, and that is perfectly fine. I can help you make a clear plan and then give you a range of options that would suit you. Email me at [email protected] and we'll get started! Alternatively, when you're booking your ski school instruction, just let us know that you're also looking for accommodation and I can get in touch directly.

Like your time with us on the mountain, your accommodation should be a highlight of your holiday, not an afterthought. Allow me to use my expertise alongside our team's knowledge of the mountains, and you can be confident that your stay will be as memorable as the skiing itself.

Get in touch today to tell us about your ideal ski accommodation, and let us help you find the perfect place to stay.

Malcolm Kerr