Chalet holiday operator Powder White has reported an increase in business in Switzerland for the coming winter, having been one of the few companies to continue operating in the country after Swiss employment law changes made staff costs, and thus holiday costs, sky rocket for British tour operators to the country. It was at around the same time that the Swiss Franc leapt in value against the pound.
“The demand from the British public has not changed, regardless of the Swiss Franc, which has in fact now started to weaken again (the exchange rate is back at 1.5 to £) – this has meant that Powder White’s sales have actually accelerated owing to the fact that there are fewer operator beds available,” said company co-founder and director Fraser Ewart-White.
Powder White offers a choice of eight fully-catered chalets in Verbier, all of which are located around the company says is the ‘new centre’ of the resort, close to the bars and restaurants. This season Powder White is actually expanding its Verbier programme and adding a new property, Chalet Mont Gele, which sleeps up to 30 guests making it the company’s largest. With ski in / ski out access, the chalet is situated just a few metres above the main Medran lift, leading to the Four Valleys ski circuit
“The ‘centre’ of Verbier has shifted with the completion of the W hotel and the extension of the end of the piste into Place Blanche,” explained Mr Ewart-White.
