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  There are three elements to a good holiday (four if you count the snow conditions, which we rarely have to worry about in Val):
ease of booking
great staff in resort
accommodation is exactly as you paid for (and more!)
 






 
       
  We are a small company and we care about our clients. As sole owner of Mountain Rooms and Chalets, I am in resort to work very much hands on with the staff to ensure that you have a memorable holiday with us and more importantly, that you will book again and tell your friends about us. It is a full time job ensuring you're happy and that the properties are up to scratch. It is madness on Saturdays and I try to visit every single property prior to your entry to ensure everything is clean and ready for you. Anyone who has worked with me will tell you that I am very passionate about cleanliness, preparation and delivery of my product.

You will be delighted with our service. We all have our responsibilities in resort and we all know what we are doing.
   
     
> Service Lead    
  When I started Mountain Rooms I ran the majority of the business myself. This had to change as we grew (as has the name, now Mountain Rooms & Chalets). I come from a service industry background where client satisfaction and delivery is paramount. I expect the best from our staff and with training and careful selection, I have been able to work with a great team of people. So rest assured, if you need something, we ensure you get it or if you have a question, we answer it and if you have a problem, we sort it out immediately. With management in resort, there is no head office to call to make a decision, no waiting for answers and no messing about.    
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> Great Staff    
  Mel Crawford manages our Reservations in London, who is a seasoned Val d’Isere worker who knows the town and the slopes inside out. This can also be said for our portfolio of properties as honest and accurate selling is our mantra in the office! Mel & I are dedicated to answering all enquiries by giving as much information to you as possible to help you choose the right accommodation for you. We will look after you from the moment you enquire to the day you travel.    
 
Sarah MacDonald, our Operations Manager along with her team handle the logistics of the weekly changeover, visit clients, purchase lift passes and manage the day to day running of the resort. This is a huge task and not easy to recruit for. They have to have so many strings to their bow. We have a resort office open 9-12 and 4-8pm 7 days a week enabling clients to visit and check in with us for whatever reason at all times. We are the only company that operates a high street resort office open daily
 
Chalet Hosts have to have a cooking qualification and they also have to do a test meal to prove their skills. And it doesn't stop there. They also need to have additional skills; to interact with guests, to present their accounts, to manage their property, to be able to clean! We guarantee you will eat great food, served by friendly, personable people. We have signed up some fantastic hosts so far, male and female, with lots of experience and a variety of backgrounds.
 
Phill Robinson in accounts works hard to keep the books balanced and the money in order, along with his assistant.
 
Cleaners: Those who travel on a self catered basis can relax as we train our cleaners how to use a tooth brush behind the toilet and how to remove the last weeks guests leftovers from the fridge! We believe that cleanliness is one of the most important elements of our service. First impressions count.

All our cleaners are full time employees on a full time package. This means they don't watch the clock and we don't just hire them once a week as other companies do. They are not ski bums looking to make a few €'s on a Saturday. They are all very much part of our team.
       
  Handymen: This one speaks for itself. Another essential role to keep the properties going. We have a sister company called Val Service who we contract to do all our plumbing, electrical and general maintenance. Our guys are invaluable to us and the chalet girls who end up bribing them to do jobs in return for a slice of cake!    
       
  That about covers our structure. Book a holiday with us and see how it works for you.    
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> Resort Office    
  We are the only operator with a full time high street office that is open seven days a week. We have this facility for your benefit. Past clients have loved the fact they can drop by the office whilst out shopping or en-route for an apròs ski drink to ask any one of numerous questions. We are at your service. We are located in the 4 Property/Mountain Hub office in the centre of town (see Arrival Notes for map details) making it convenient for clients to pop by. Despite having the 'front desk', we still visit clients to check everything is ok on a Tuesday and to perform a check out on a Friday. The office is a facility that has been invaluable to our service lead approach so we hope you will take full advantage of it..    
 

I hope you enjoy looking through our website and will book your ski holiday with us. You won't be disappointed.

   
       
     
> Meet the Team      
  debbieDebbie White
Position: Director

Background: An Isle of Wight girl, I worked in London in various marketing agencies as an account handler before deciding to do a ski season in ’93. I didn’t work that season, just saved my money to ski every day. The seasons have never been the same since! This lead to the launch of Mountain Rooms & Chalets several years later having met Paul (see below) and wanting to stay in Val. Slowly but surely I built up the business with the moral support from Paul and here we are today. Through a journey of blood, sweat & tears, MR&C continues to grow and we work hard to deliver our promise to every single client. I have the privilege of working with some amazing people and meeting unforgettable clients along the way. One thing I am grateful for - thank god I did business studies at college!

Your favourite ski run in Va: OK, La Daille (too many years skiing with Paul!)

Favourite MR&C propert: it has to be Angelique in La Daille. I want an open fire, sitting area and a 4 poster bed in my bedroom!

What you will be skiing on this coming winter: ‘Core’ Free’s…..an awesome ski on and off-piste.

When not working, I am skiing, mountain biking, sailing, playing tennis, doing yoga and perfecting my boules technique

Favourite drink :Bellini

Ultimate goal: too many to mention but to be as fearless downhill on my mountain bike as I am climbing, to do the perfect kick back from crow (yoga move!), to put my skins on the right way round (don’t ask!) and to achieve time travel – I would like to be in too many places at once!

 
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paulPaul Niwano
Position: General dog's body/French speaker/translator

Background: Following my first winter season in Courchevel in 1982 where I was employed as a 'ceramic technician' (dishwasher)!, snow shoveller and oyster opener, I acquired a passion for skiing and the mountains, learnt French and developed a refined taste for good quality shellfish! Following further seasons in Meribel and the yachting industry I finally settled in Val d'Isere in the winters. Employed by Snowfun ski shops and ski school, I was made responsible for developing the International clientelle and building a strong retail and rental team. In 12 years, Snowfun grew from 2 to 7 shops and from 10 to 65 ski instructors. Skiing began to reach a much broader market and Val d'Isere grew from 10,000 to 30,000 beds.

During the later years at Snowfun I founded 'VIP' a catered and self-catered accommodation business, which was subsequently sold on to my partners. Debbie and I met in Val d'Isere in ‘93 and she founded Mountain Rooms and Chalets a few years later. Here we are 14 years on, still passionate about our business, living proof of a 'lifestyle' industry! Winters in Val, summers in stunning Lake Tahoe and the inter- seasons spent nr St Tropez. We are still passionate about our skiing and using our years of experience to ensure that all our guests, clients and owners receive exemplary, service.

Your favourite ski run in Val: Silly question! Ask anyone who knows me where to find me........I have probably skied the OK more than anyone else in the entire resort. I could definitely ski it with my eys closed. Love sneaking onto it immediately after it has been race prepared.

Favourite MR&C property: Maison d'Angelique....having sold and help renovate the property you cannot beat the luxurious space and lovely warm, wintery atmosphere in the vast sitting room.

What you will be skiing on this coming winter: My fabulous 'Core Muscle Cars.' Not cheap, but worth every penny!!

When I’m not working, I am: skiing, playing tennis, Classic Yacht Racing (other people's yachts!), going to flea markets and finding cool stuff.

Favourite drink: Hot: ....half English, half Japanese, it has to be tea....Builder's, Earl Grey, Mint and even some of those herbal varieties! Cold: Can't beat an ice cold ginger beer.

Ultimate goal: too many to name but here are a few: Hit my forehand like Roger (this is still possible).....to type faster than Debs (forget it).........to successfully create and edit a spread sheet like Phill (highly unlikely) .....Sail the world (in comfort and on calm seas and without being violently sea-sick, none of that mad Southern Ocean stuff!).

 
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PhillName: Phill Robinson
Position: Accountant

Background: I studied computer software applications and computer systems for 2 years before getting a job in an accounts office. I was promoted to assistant to the Accountant after a year and a half at which point I started studying accountancy at night school. After 3 years of study the company had grown to the point of needing an in-house IT department and I was promoted to oversee all aspects of the company IT systems. One year later and after 2 very enjoyable ski holidays, I was hooked and when two of my friends decided to go to Val d'Isere for a season, I decided I was going with them. In my first season one of my friends worked for Debbie when her computer had a breakdown! I was called round and fixed her computer at which point I was offered a job with Mountain Rooms & Chalets. Several winters later of working for MR&C in various positions and spending my summer's in Lake Tahoe, California, Debbie needed help with the accounts, so I reminded her that part of my studies included an accounts qualification. I got the job! In July 2003 I started working for Mountain Rooms on a full time basis although I'm still lucky enough to be able to spend my summers in Lake Tahoe apart from the fact that I'm now in the office and not at the beach!

Your favourite ski run in Val: not sure I really have an outright favourite although I do really enjoy the long run down from the top of the Grande Motte to Val Claret

Favourite MR&C property: I'm not allowed out of the office enough to see the properties!

What you will be skiing on this coming winter: That depends on what I can get from the ski rental shops, going to be trying out a lot of different skis this season.

When not working, I am: playing golf, hockey, football, reading, watching films

Favourite drink: Just a plain old pint of lager for me although I do like a good glass of red wine

Ultimate goal: to beat Paul down the OK (before he’s 60!)

 
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Mel CrawfordMel Crawford
Position: Reservations Manager, London

Background: a law graduate from Aberdeen University, followed by a ski season in Val d'Isere which lead on to a total of 8.....I worked for Mountain Rooms and Chalets for a number of years in the London office before a two year stint working in the art world.  However, there is something addictive about the ski industry, and here I am , back at Mountain Rooms.

Your favourite ski run in Val: I am afraid that I am with Debbie and Paul - I love the OK (and lunch at the Fruitiere on the way down!!)

Favourite MR&C property: I'm a big fan of Angelique but also of the Aquila apartments

What you will be skiing on this coming winter: no idea........anything that will get me down the mountain!

When not working, I am: skiing, riding, playing tennis, dog walking, entertaining

Favourite drink: a chilled glass of Chablis (and if it comes with a plate of oysters, even better!) or a Moon Tyger jasmine tea

 
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All photography copyright 2000-20011 Richard Leeny & Alex Wilson, www.viewfolio.com
Contact us on Tel: UK 020 3393 0812, extension 103 for Mel Crawford, Reservations Manager
From abroad: +44 20 3393 0812, extension 103 for Mel Crawford, Reservations Manager
Email: sales@mrooms.co.uk. Fax: 020 3014 5398
Mountain Rooms & Chalets, Faccombe Lodge, Faccombe, Andover, Hampshire SP1 0DS .
Mountain Rooms and Chalets is the trading name of Mountain Rooms Limited.
Registered address: No 1 Marylebone High Street, London, W1M 3PA.
Company Registration no 3618610