As any regular mountain goer and skier will know, there are an abundance of ski hire shops and ski schools all over the Alps. Competition is fierce, but what makes one company stand out above the others? We chat to Mike from the unique and highly reputable Oxygene Ski and Snowboard shop….
SIL – For those not in the know, please can you provide a brief overview to Oxygene ski – when and how it all started?
MIKE – We started in La Plagne in 1992 then expanding to Val d’Isere in 1997. Sounds cliche but it’s a real family story with the third of the brothers, Julien opening Belle Plagne in 2012. Oxygene is one if not the largest independent ski schools in France.
SIL – Oxygene ski currently operates in La Plagne, Belle Plagne, Val d’Isere and Courchevel. Are there any plans to expand into different resorts?
MIKE – There are always plans. That’s how we stay ahead. There is a franchise project in the wings but as always we want to do this professionally and correctly. Watch this space!
SIL – Which is your favourite resort and why?
MIKE – For me it’s Val d’Isere (probably because it’s the only resort I have really spent any time in!)
SIL – Oxygene Ski covers an array of services including ski hire and ski lessons, and a ski academy. Please can you tell me a little more about each of the services you offer?
MIKE – We are lucky to have such a range of talented instructors that I don’t think there is anything we don’t or can’t teach in any resort.
Our shop in Val d’Isere is going from strength to strength. Adrien and his team provide a fantastic range of quality equipment serviced to a high standard, fitted in-house or by Nick and his Chalet-Fit service.
The Academy in La Plagne invests in new instructors helping them get fully-qualified. In France ski instruction really is a career and so we hope they choose that path within Oxygene.
SIL – You also offer Apres ski activities. Which one is your favourite and why? I love the look of the Superluge Derby, that must be great fun.
MIKE – Yeah the Superluge in La Plagne is great but for me in Val it would have to be the thrill of Ice Driving or a bird’s eye view from a Parapente. Maybe we should ask La Plagne, eh?
SIL – What makes Oxygene ski stand out from its competition?
MIKE – I think it’s our constant strive to be professional and ahead of the competition. We coined ourselves as the ‘Wintersports Experts’. It’s important to us and our owners especially that the service we offer is what we would expect.
And our team; from the shop, chalet-fit, instructors, customer advisors, logistics, marketing. It wouldn’t run without them. Again we invest heavily in our staff.
SIL – If you could describe Oxygene ski in 5 words, what would they be?
MIKE – Your one stop ski shop.
SIL – What advice would you given to anyone wanting to become an Oxygene Ski Instructor?
MIKE – Do it. I won’t lie to you, the season here is tough but at the same time rewarding. Oxygene is constantly evolving and investing so if you are going to be anywhere I think here is a safe bet.
SIL – What’s next on the cards for Oxygene Ski? Can you give me a sneak peek into any future plans?
MIKE – Not that I can air in public to be honest. Not a secret but we have to keep any plans under cover for now. Sorry but whatever it is, it will be cool I promise!
SIL – Finally… skiing or snowboarding?
MIKE – Ha ha ha ha… guess?
Thanks Mike, I’m going to guess skiing! If you would like to know more about Oxygene Ski, please contact us on +44 (0)1202 203650 of drop as an e-mail .
Ski In Luxury would like to wish Mike and the team at Oxygene Ski and Snowboard a great 2015/2016 season.
