No one would dare dispute that downhill skiing in the United Kingdom leaves a lot to be desired.  Yet Brits are arguably the most enthusiastic skiers in all of Europe with an insatiable appetite for powdery slopes.  For generations, UK skiers have migrated east for ski time in the Swiss, French, Austrian and Italian Alps. Today’s generation of British skiers seek not only powdery adventures in the European Alps but now head across the pond to North America and even further afield to Japan. One such company has been making our time on the slopes that much more special by providing a cadre of indulgent experiences from posh chalets, private chefs, dedicated concierges and oh so much more. In short, they literally travel to the ends of the Earth to take the worry out of the slightest detail that the most demanding skier could consider. That company is The Oxford Ski Company and is led by CEO and Founder, Rupert Longsdon.

Picture this if you will. The bright mountain light breaks through a gap in the curtains. You roll out of bed and enjoy a coffee on the balcony while your ski boots toast gently on the boot warmers. Straight from the ski room you head out for an early morning glide, pounding powder until your stomach growls loudly for attention. As you return to your wood-adorned lodge, you kick off your gear and wrap yourself in a cashmere blanket. Your family is sitting sleepily in the dining room, eyeing up the vast breakfast spread laid out by your private chef. As you tuck into your warm pastry, you gaze at the breath-taking mountain vista framed by your floor to ceiling windows. With only the crackle of the fire and the chatter of your nearest and dearest to fill the silence, you breathe a sigh of relief and settle into another morning of mountain bliss. Experts in creating bespoke experiences such as these, tailored perfectly to their clients’ needs, The Oxford Ski Company has been industry-leading experts in ski holidays for many years.

The Oxford Ski Company has specialised in luxury ski chalets since 1998 and boast 22 years of impressive industry knowledge with destinations spanning seven countries. Starting out as an operator in boutique Swiss ski resort Crans-Montana, The Oxford Ski Company quickly expanded their expertise and superior service offerings across the Alps. A step up from a good host or hostess, their luxury ski chalets house gourmet chefs to take guest mealtimes to the next level. Coming from his own ‘chaotic’ family of four, Rupert knows the stresses involved in getting the children ready and that happy children equate to happy parents. Seeking to showcase serenity in every aspect, guests of the Oxford Ski Company can expect their suitcases unpacked for them and the children enrolled into a morning ski school, allowing parents to enjoy a relaxed break from reality.

Sophisticated Ski Holidays: Staying with The Oxford Ski Company

Although resort hotels can give guests a world of luxury, there’s something extra special about The Oxford Ski Company’s chic chalets. The Oxford Ski Company prides itself on being able to find the perfect chalet for every client’s needs, with a flexible service that promises incredible and unforgettable ski holidays.

Rupert’s face lights up as he describes the joys of having your own home in the Alps for a week. ‘Playing house’ almost, guests can settle in beside the crackling fire with their family and friends at their side and come in from a full day of skiing to find a piping hot supper waiting for them. The experienced staff at The Oxford Ski Company know that the best holidays are all about downtime, and they go the extra mile to give their clients a relaxed retreat they’ll never forget. Rupert believes you can relax more in a chalet, as a hotel room is ‘still only really a room, even if it’s a luxury suite’. A sophisticated chalet has plenty of extra spaces where travellers can relax and recline, and many now offer swimming pools, saunas and gyms. With all the luxuries of a five-star resort in a private space, ski chalets offer a peaceful stay with exceptional comforts.

An Expert’s Guide: Rupert Longdson’s Recommended Slopes

Although travel companies often direct their clients to the Alps’ better-known resorts of Meribel, Courchevel and Chamonix, Longsdon’s heart lies in the smaller villages, the ‘gems’ of this majestic mountain range.

Val d’Isere – Chalet Calistoga

Despite admitting that there’s no one perfect ski resort, Val d’Isere will always be high on Rupert’s list. His destination of choice from his early ski years, the CEO spent winter seasons here working in the service industry before he was inspired to create The Oxford Ski Company. Building up many life-long friendships there, Rupert continues to return to ski the reminiscent slopes, now bringing his family to share in the experience. Visitors delight in Val d’Isere’s Savoyard charm, and Chalet Calistoga invites them to experience French sophistication in an exclusive setting.

Nestled in the exclusive cul-de-sac of Le Crêt, the striking Chalet Calistoga towers over its traditional Savoyard neighbours. Stretching across four floors, the cabin features 350 square meters of French elegance, inviting well-heeled travellers to experience the beauty of the Alps in complete privacy. In a beautiful culmination of contemporary design and French sophistication, guests are greeted by local stone, cool tones and generous layers of wood detailing, elegantly crafted to remind them of their breath-taking highland surroundings.

Up to ten visitors can comfortably reside in the five ensuite bedrooms, with two opening onto the private garden with sweeping views of Val d’Isere and its rolling valleys. The hub of this home from home is certainly the luxurious double height living area. The floor to ceiling windows frame stunning panoramas of the Alps’ sharp peaks and the cosy sofa and fireplace create a welcoming nook; perfect for a morning coffee or evening glass of wine.  Families can keep the children entertained for hours on end in the separate playroom full of games and a TV for quieter evenings.

Keen skiers delight in Chalet Calistoga. In the morning they head straight to the ski room to assemble their equipment and treat their toes to a pair of toasty ski boots fresh from the boot warmer. After an energetic day on the slopes, guests can rest their achy ski legs in the private spa; indulging in a massage, taking a few laps in the indoor pool or sinking into the soothing warmth of the sauna. With all the luxuries of a resort hotel in the comfort of their own home, guests of Chalet Calistoga enjoy a tranquil alpine experience away from the babble of the ski crowd.

Chalet Zermatt Peak

Rupert also cites Zermatt as having that ‘something special’. The tranquil experience of walking through the car-free streets and admiring the Matterhorn is something unique that’s not easy to find in most ski holidays. ‘The combination of Switzerland and Italy is a must-see for any skier because it has a completely different ambience to other ski resorts’. Guests seeking for the pinnacle of modern comfort in Zermatt’s glamorous centre often opt for Chalet Zermatt Peak for their ultimate alpine experience.

Firmly in the top tier of prestigious ski chalets, Chalet Zermatt Peak is just minutes from Zermatt’s centre yet creates a peaceful paradise of its own. Perched above the town, guests can enjoy panoramic views across the town, the surrounding mountain ranges and uninterrupted scenes of Zermatt’s iconic Matterhorn. With a whole host of staff at hand, guests can put their feet up as the cooking, cleaning and organisation is taken care of.

Alongside the crystal chandeliers and sleek, contemporary stylings, the chalet’s skylights allow guests to appreciate the winter wonderland which surrounds them. Featuring in the bedrooms, living area and spa; the windows invite guests to bathe in the mountain light and see the jaw-dropping sunset every evening.

With its own private spa and massage therapist, keen skiers can revitalise their muscles with a trip to the sauna and steam room or a soak in the outdoor jacuzzi, looking over the dramatic Swiss Alps. Spacious bedrooms feature faux-fur, crisp white sheets and soft lighting to intensify the romantic ambience of this unique dwelling. In a distinguished setting which exudes elegance in every room, visitors can enjoy the finer things in life while the attentive staff take care of the rest.

Japan – Hakuchozan Chalet

Rupert also shared the joys of skiing in Japan; a rising star in the skiing community. Having branched out there recently, The Oxford Ski Company’s adventurous clients enjoy the combination of skiing and experiencing Japan’s unique culture. With the help of experienced guides, visitors can enjoy amazing holidays in the diverse landscapes while soaking up the wonderful sights in Tokyo and Kyoto. For an enriching cultural experience, many guests settle on Hakuchozan Chalet.

A celebration of Japanese tradition, Hakuchozan Chalet is an ode to Oriental minimalism, without compromising comfort. Sitting in Hirafu Village, the chalet holds uninterrupted views of Mount Yotei in the comfortable living area where visitors can enjoy a glowing sunrise and picturesque sunset on every day of their stay. Ideal for large groups or family gatherings, this chalet can sleep up to 16 guests housed in comfortable ensuite bedrooms with simplistic décor and wooden interiors.

After an energetic day on the slopes, visitors can savour the view in the outdoor jacuzzi as their private chef cooks their Waygu steaks in the fire pit, and then head down to the private bar and games room for an evening of entertainment. With four butlers on hand, guests have their every need taken care of as they enter into a journey of cultural discovery.

Despite his penchant for smaller resorts, Rupert believes that there are so many opportunities across the board, and no one is resort perfect for everyone. Like many winter sports enthusiasts, his idea of a perfect ski holiday would be a safari across the resorts; spending a few weeks dropping into the small resorts for a day and taking on the challenges of the bigger ones too.

Crans-Montana – Domaine de la Baronne

Nostalgia takes Rupert back in time to the early days of The Oxford Ski Company. Having spent many ski holidays there in previous winters, Crans-Montana became the birthplace of the business and Rupert was passionate about sharing the Swiss sophistication and understated charm of this lesser-known resort with their very first clients. Guests looking to live like royalty on their ski holidays look no further than Crans-Montana’s Domaine de la Baronne.

A regal residence steeped in Swiss history, this prestigious chalet is the former winter destination of  Baroness Ilia van Harinxma thoe Slooten and launched The Oxford Ski Company in 1998. Perched on the edge of Crans-Montana in Bluche, its guests enjoy a serene stay in complete privacy.  Built in 1956, the building proudly bears relics of its royal past, with traditional furniture and antique oil paintings creating a characterful ambience. Open log fires warm up chilly hands and fingers after a day on the slopes, and chefs and a chalet host are always on hand to prepare gourmet meals and tailor the experience to each group’s tastes.

Children delight in having their own sitting room, filled with an array of toys and games, and parents breathe a sigh of relief to see them kept busy throughout their stay. Spacious bedrooms sleep twelve guests and look out onto breath-taking vistas of the Alps, with comfortable furnishings teeming with Swiss sophistication. Ideal for large groups, there is also a separate chalet in the garden  with four bedrooms, sleeping up to seven extra guests. A celebration of Switzerland’s rich past, Domaine de la Baronne welcomes guests to majestic mornings and noble nights spent drifting in the moon-lit outdoor pool.

The Next Level High: Heliskiing

Speaking of overcoming challenges, The Oxford Ski company can arrange a wide array of services for all types of skiers, from the novice to the expert. Squashing a popular myth in the skiing community, Rupert shared that the adrenaline-fuelled activity of Heliskiing is an amazing experience that can be enjoyed by all abilities of skiers, not just experts. After taking a panoramic flight to the top of the slopes and taking in the astounding views, guests can enjoy the most exclusive tour of the mountains. Expert guides can tailor the itinerary to suit the group, giving a heart-racing off-piste adventure for experts and a gentle glide over rolling valleys for beginners. With an array of black, blue, red and green runs, travellers can choose the challenge to suit them and learn on the job. The Oxford Ski Company partner their clients with experienced guides who source superior skis and equipment to ensure their visitors an easy glide around the magnificent mountain landscape.

Advice for Skiing During these Uncertain Times

In these times of uncertainty, Rupert Longsdon has got some expert advice for those looking to book for the upcoming ski season. For UK skiers, France, Switzerland, Austria, Italy are fantastic options this season as more and more people plan on driving to the slopes. Holidaymakers may also want to consider heading to smaller, lesser-known resorts to allow for better distancing and peace of mind.

Travellers who love to spend Easter or half term at the slopes should book the time off work as they normally would and get in touch to sort out the holiday’s itinerary. There are lots of new, flexible booking terms coming to light as well as insurance policies with specific Coronavirus cover to protect the consumer and try and ensure they have the ski holidays of their dreams, even if they need to be delayed until next year.

So, What’s next for the Oxford Ski Company?

Already spanning across seven countries, for the Oxford Ski Company it’s not about spreading wider but digging deeper so don’t expect them to sort out your next beach holiday in the Maldives. That is not their thing. They know ski holidays and know it well, the chalets, resorts and services that that affluent skier requires. In the next twelve months, they aim to continue working as market-leading specialists in the skiing industry and expand their client base further.

With more customers coming from across Asia, Australia, Brazil, the US and Europe, their excellent rapport is spreading steadily throughout the global ski market.  With a huge base of adventurous clients, The Oxford Ski Company strives daily to answer the question on every traveller’s lips; ‘where next?’