Switzerland - Weekend Skiing from London

Sports and Hobbies
41
On Sally Chapman's site www.inspiredtoski.com she says she was a director of the Ski Company from 1988-2003.

The only other company called 'The Ski Company' in the early 1990's was offering Chalet holidays. If the Greenwich company was using the name 'The Ski Company' back then, they certainly were not offering ski courses at that time.

Looking at companies house, the only company called 'The Ski Company' is Dissolved.

42
They've never offered Chalet holidays, nor ski courses (although they work closely with the Torgon ski school, which is in the same building, and the Head being his cousin. They started organising ski trips for schools in 1984. They also do weeks in several other resort, renting accom on a weekly basis, Haute Nendaz, Verbier, Crans Montana, Leysins, Gstaad and Arosa, on request- but they own the chalets and apartments in Torgon. Why not check their website. www.skicompany.net . The owner has dual nationality, and his partner is Swiss nationality, and now lives in CH, so it is possibly registered here, with an office in Greenwich (under Goldtest). I am sure your friends run fabulous courses, but both companies represent totally different businesses. So may them all continue to do well, in their very different ways- they offer totally different 'products' so not in competition with each other.

They also produce ski clothing and skis, including for the Swiss Ski School- Goldtest brand. As said, I have used them for ski trips for my schools, for friends and family for 20+ years.

43
I did look at the site, the first time you linked it, I hit school & got ski lessons.......

I don't think it's registered anywhere, as it's not a Limited company in the UK no need to be registered. It's not registered in Switzerland either, so it's not a 'Swiss' company or owned by a self employed Swiss as it would have to include his real name.

44
Struuf, you do have a bee in your bonnet- They are Atol protected and used by the Met every year Probably registered under Goldtest- and perhaps in his Swiss partner's name. They are brilliant- and I'd wholeheartedly recommend them, Punkt Schluss

They do not run ski courses- as said, but they organise ski and snowboarding lessons with the Torgon Ski School, as part of the package.

BTW, most of the staff are Brits, Ossies and Kiwis- and the atmosphere is great. Some of the schools and groups I introduced to the Ski Company still go year after year- some for 30 years Look at the testimonials.

45
May I perhaps suggest something completely off the beaten track - but nevertheless within reach of an extended weekend excursion:

http://www.braunwald.ch/en/index.cfm

Why: suitable for beginner and intermediate level skiers great scenery off the beaten track - if you are looking for the hideaway in the mountains the city slickers will not know about, then this is it ! Even people in Zurich tend to overlook this place.

.....so hidden away from the world, that they have not even completed translating their entire website.

46

Hmm, don't remember saying it was a budget destination, and are you suggesting that because I was looking at Switzerland, money isn't an issue?

I should be so lucky. In fairness, it was the straw that broke the camels back, so to speak, at some point the deal just isn't worth it, and that's what happened.

I did actually do that, but no joy...it's always worth a punt.

Where there's a will there's a way!

However, last night, decided to postpone this trip, as it was always gong to be a stretch organising at such short notice, and I did literally know nothing at the start. I was all set to book, but flights went up, work got busy, and had to bail.

I agree, which is why we have decided to take some lessons here, so we can get to a basic standard, and even if it's not quite as good as the real thing, it should help. I'm lucky in that I have a ski place just 5 mins down the road, Skiplex, (Indoor rolling slope) heard of them, any opinions??

But to all who posted, a big big thank you, with all the info I have now gleaned, will be planning (ahead!) to visit, hopefully mid March, snow allowing.

Am looking forward to it already

Quick note to mention,

For anyone else looking to do the same or similar, I spoke with the Switzerland Tourist Office, London branch, really helpful and friendly, and you can get the var. train passes direct from them, including the free Family Card, which enables kids to travel free, however 1 adult needs to be holding a minimum of a Transfer Ticket.

47
One rather nice thing about Klostermatte at Engelberg - if you get bored with the beginner's area, and want something more challenging, you can upgrade your 22CHF Klostermatte ticket for a few extra CHF, and ski on the rest of Brunni. The advantage of Brunni http://www.brunni.ch/ over the other side is that it is much sunnier! The disadvantage is a consequence of that - less snow.