VIP SKI Avis 6

We booked a group ski holiday through VIP SKI for mid-December 2025, with instructor requirements clearly specified and paid for in advance. Unfortunately, the booking was done incorrectly by VIP SKI.

Progression SKI school later confirmed in writing that they had explicitly told VIP SKI a combined ski/snowboard instructor was not possible, yet the booking still proceeded in as snowboard only. This was never clearly communicated to us, and only appeared buried in a very confusing invoice in the fine print.

As a result, we were forced to arrange an additional instructor at the last minute, at an additional cost of approximately £2,350 for the week, to correct an issue that should never have occurred.

What was most disappointing was VIP SKI’s handling after the fact. Despite multiple follow-ups — including escalation to senior management and the founder — we received no response at all, no acknowledgment of the mistake, and no apology.

The ski school themselves were transparent and professional. VIP SKI’s silence and unwillingness to engage stands in stark contrast to the “premium service” they promote.

Had I read the existing reviews here beforehand, I would not have booked with VIP SKI.

Posting this review here as despite their website saying they post all reviews on the site they don't. They hand select the warts they want to show.

Resort: Avoriaz

Chalet: Chalet Sakami

Holiday Date: Sun 26 Jan 2025

Review Title: Repeat Guest

Review Text:
A repeat guest of VIP SKI for many years. And I’d still use them again (just maybe not in Avoriaz) This was my first time at Chalet Sakami and I’ll be the first to admit that perhaps as I get older (early 40’s) the smaller details have become more important. Service from Rachel, our Chalet Host, was amazing and she was a pleasure to have around. Thank you Rachel. Holly, Resort Manager, was absolute pleasure to communicate with. An absolute keeper! Staying in a chalet instead of an apartment like at Bear Lodge meant I had slightly higher expectations. In short, I expected it to feel more like a home! A few things that are an easy fix…. - None of the lights were dimmable in the property. Not ideal when trying to cosy down for the evening. - The ceiling pendant in our bedroom was just a collection of naked bulbs. Very uncomfortable to have on and to lay under. - Very generic “dressing” around the apartment which made it feel very staged and a little cheap. A couple of examples include fake flowers and the generic art prints. The views over Avoriaz are stunning and it would have been lovely if the apartment had been dressed with some more personalised photography of the region (just an example of what could have been done). - We didn’t sleep a full night during the stay. The mattresses are just bricks and the pillows are incredibly uncomfortable. It wouldn’t take much to upgrade the linens, pillows and mattresses. (Even toppers would go a long way). - We loved the hot tub but there was nowhere around the tub to safely place your phone/drinks etc. Just a small detail which would make a big difference. The one thing that would be more difficult to fix is the ski room. The Chalet accommodates 6 but the storage is tight. There is also only 1 tiny seat for everyone to sit on to get ready (which is also in the way of the doors). Indeed one of the guests choose to sit on the toilet in the adjoining WC to put his boots on as the seat in the ski room was 2 high. Short of an extension not an easy fix I know but maybe a consideration for future builds. Thank you again Rachel and Holly!

Holiday Rating: 3

Having experienced many catered chalets over last 27 years I think it is fair to say I can give a fair and honest review. This is not a five star experience. Whilst our hosts Kian and Grace were great at Bellevarde 2 chalet, there were too many little issues within the whole holiday experience that disappointed. 1. No hot tub for first two days 2. Twice forgotten for arranged collections for drive back to chalet. Emma was great and well organised but others running the concierge seemed to have no idea. 3. Pillows were dreadful 4. Cleanliness of bathroom was not acceptable with dust and hair in shower on arrival. The shower did not get cleaned all week. 5. Staff day off was an example of how not to run a catered chalet. Breakfast dishes not cleared until next day, no wood for fire, no matches to light fire, no milk for afternoon tea. 6. As a non wine drinker it is annoying that guests get free wine all week but im expected to pay for any non wine drink. Pet hate of this policy especially given price paid for holiday. Meals were pretty good especially desserts and afternoon cakes. Staff had excellent friendly approach and overall I would give the chalet a 3.5 rating. Absolutely not 5 star as described online. As VIP-SKI only post those reviews that they like I think it is only appropriate to post on an independent site so at least people can make a more informed decision. Holiday ref: V070515-96978 booked via IGLUSKI who act as an agent for VIP-SKI

Having used this company in previous years without issue incredibly disappointed with the lack of communication, professionalism and illegal action during the recent pandemic. My holiday was cancelled in March due to the closure of all resorts across Europe. Despite the legal requirements to refund, the company failed to deliver or communicate effectively withholding refunding my payment of several thousands until March 2021. Which until recently was not confirmed to be ATOL protected. They happily took advantage of the goverments furlough and CIBLS scheme but also wanted to hold on to their customers money as an interest free loan for nearly 12 months! Totally unacceptable when their latest accounts filed at Companies House show cash in balance sheet of over £3million. In my opinion they were following the crowd with holding payments of their clients hard earned cash to support their business rather than complying with their legal requirements. They have no morals and I will certainly not be travelling with them in the future. I will spend my cash with one of the other ski specialists who did the right thing during this crisis. When the chips are down you see the true professionals and VIP SKI is not one of them.

Refused to even acknowledge a polite email requesting a refund - as is our right legally - so seem to be sticking their head in the sand hoping for the rules to change and in the meantime hold on to several thousand £'s which is a shame as our group has enjoyed previous holidays with them. Once this is all over will be using someone like Crystal ski who treated their customers fairly despite the difficult times. Some companies are going to find it hard to survive after Covid if they have treated customers with such disdain. Had they asked politely to hold on to the money we could have been reasonable but to ignore our request completely is a poor way of running a business - especially as they are actively marketing trips for next year...pathetic!

Great hosts and very welcoming.
Plastic waste is shocking and need to have sofa streams for fuzzy water.