Richard Johnson

I recently bumped into Richard Johnson of SkiMiquel fame who was in Serre Chevalier the other day getting one of his chalets, Chalet-hotel Charlotte, in Monetier, ready for the upcoming season.

As a man with many pies and many, many fingers I thought I’d ask a few questions:

.ORG

The commune has put rather a nice pavement past your door, but you’re clearly in overalls what are you doing inside Chalet Charlotte?

RJ

We have upgraded the lounge seating to make the guest seating area more comfortable. Also this is our annual maintenance visit when we prepare the house for the winter. The new pavement is excellent news, it makes coming and going from the chalet- hotel much easier, the council have done a great job.

.ORG

Serre Chevalier is somewhat off the radar outside France, how did you come across the valley and what are its hidden charms?

RJ

We used to visit with guests from Alpe d’Huez for the day and everybody loved it so we started a programme. The resort is quiet with bigger skiing than most resorts. Recent major investment has really transformed the area making it world class.

.ORG

You were recently at the London Ski Show, what was your impression of the sentiment for the industry?

RJ

Tough times like any other market in beaten up Britain however life is hard but not impossible! It has given us a good opportunity, as we offer huge value so many guests are returning to ski with Ski Miquel this winter.

.ORG

What do you think is most important for skiers these days?

RJ

Value for money, the inclusive holiday package is back in fashion. However it’s now a discerning market as too many people have had bad experiences and so are wary of poor quality, this matters to us.

.ORG

What changes have you noticed here and which way do you see the station developing?

RJ

The big investment in modern lifts and improved runs with lots of cannon has improved the guest experience. The village is a lot better compared to when we arrived, improvements have come with the thermal spa and big investment in the village centre, it is pretty and well maintained. This is a good contrast to the usual ugly French ski resort, no concrete in site.

Ski Miquel is a UK based ski company that has been bringing 3000 people to its 9 places in 6 destinations for 28 years.

Richard got into winter sports by his love of the mountains being a keen rock climber and mountaineer for over fifty years and has been coming to Serre Chevalier since 1993.