It hardly seems possible, but the forthcoming winter will be our 28th season of operation. Many things have changed in that time, but our original idea when we started the company has not altered – to provide superb catered chalet holidays in the best ski holiday resorts in the world.
We have deliberately kept the company at the size where we can continue to offer a distinct personal service, and although we have had many opportunities to expand to other regions, we feel that the three Savoie resorts; Courchevel, Val d’Isere and La Plagne / Paradiski offer some of the best skiing in the world, and certainly have what most people look for in a skiing or boarding holiday – huge varied terrain, high altitude, stunning scenery and a lengthy snow-sure season. Confining our catered chalet programme to these three resorts has also meant that we can keep a tight grip on all aspects of our holidays and we pride ourselves on our detailed knowledge of the ski chalets, the ski areas, the ski schools and all the travel arrangements. Most of our guests seem to agree, with over 98% describing their holiday as good or excellent in the questionnaires that are completed at the end of the holiday. Our goal of course is 100%!
For our customers security we are a fully bonded. Flyers are covered under the ATOL (Air Travel Organisers Licence) scheme, whilst those who travel by train and by car are protected by our AITO (Association of Independent Tour Operators ) bond. So for everybody who travels with we offer 100% FINANCIAL PROTECTION, for details see our Financial Security page.
As we always have since we started out in 1982, take great care in selecting our staff and of course we insist on a real ‘hands on’ approach for the directors of the company. Roddy Finlay is in charge of the office in the UK, and Richard Finlay runs our programme in France. Philippe Bouron, our Courchevel and La Plagne resort director, will be with us for his 19th season and several of our seasonal staff will be returning. In the Scottish office, Judith King will be entering her 15th, Maria Oliver her 6th and Sheila Elliot her 4th. Continuity of this nature is invaluable and means that we have a wide range of knowledge and expertise to assist you with your plans.
Our aim is just the same for 2009/10 as it was in 1982/83 – first class service with the personal touch.
FINLAYS – A Brief History
Roddy and Sarah Finlay founded the company in 1982 and ran our catered chalets in Val d’Isere, France for 6 years before moving back to Scotland to manage the office. See Raton Laveur for the first Finlays’ chalet, still in our programme.
In 1988 Richard Finlay joined the company, by which time Finlays had expanded to include the resort of Courchevel. Richard runs our skiing holiday programme in France and is based in Val d’Isere all winter.
Philippe Bouron, joined us in 1990, originally as a chalet host but is now our very valued Courchevel and Paradiski (La Plagne & Les Arcs linked) resort director.
In 1994 we were joined by Judith King, she has worked with us in both the office and the ski resorts. For the forthcoming season Judith will be focusing all her considerable energies on ourweekend short break programme.
Maria Oliver, became part of the Finlays team in 2004 and is now a vital member. Maria has spent time in Courchevel, Val d’Isere and La Plagne and knows the chalets and resorts well. If you have any questions about ski school, Maria is our expert.
The total number of staff Finlays employs has changed dramatically over the years. From 4 at inception to to our current total of 56 (includes 48 seasonal staff). Applications for winter season work always welcome – see our Ski Resort Jobs page for details.
No matter who you deal with at Finlays, from the time that you request a brochure to the moment you ask for directions to the first lift, you will have the confidence of knowing you are dealing with people, both in the office and in resort, who have the knowledge, experience and expertise to ensure you receive first class service with the added dimension of a personal touch.