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Mystery shopper: A family ski holiday

Specialist ski agents
Wanted:
A family of four want to go skiing for seven days during February half-term. The parents are experienced skiers, but this will be the first time for their children, aged four and five.
Budget: £10,000

sno.co.uk
83%

The website looked very professional and had a helpful search function. The agent was friendly and emailed two quotes. A week’s half-board at the Hotel Village Montana in Tignes costs £6,676 including BA flights and transfers, lift passes, skis and boots, and the beginner ski pack. The second option was half-board at the Hotel Le Cret, Les Deux Alpes, for £4,296, including BA flights and transfers, £25 per adult bar credit, adult ski bundle and beginner ski pack. The operator was not mentioned. The agent was really helpful, but did not attempt to upgrade the holiday. He was enthusiastic, friendly and efficient and I would recommend this service.

skitracer.com
51%

It took me four attempts to get through to this agency. When I got a response, the agent was not enthusiastic and did not ask enough questions to determine my requirements. I mentioned Flaine and was told the company did not use this resort, but it was listed on the website.I was quoted a stay at an unnamed chalet in Alpe D’Huez for £4,676, Grande Etoile, Alpe D’Huez, for £4,540 or Villa Luisa, Alba, Italy, for £4,140, including flights, transfers, lift passes and ski hire.

skiingholidays.com
45%

The agent was helpful but said the website would not be fully up and running for a couple of weeks. The agent did not make any recommendations and promised to email some quotes, but this did not happen. The agent seemed knowledgeable about the locations and skiing, and wanted to ensure appropriate recommendations were made. Despite being helpful and keen,I was disappointed that I did notreceive a follow-up email.


Winning agent: Calvin McManus, senior sales consultant

“I am delighted to have won. I have been at Sno for a year after deciding against doing a ski season. I love helping customers decide their perfect ski holidays. It’s a perfect job for anyone who loves snow and winter sports holidays.”


Verdict

The winner used his experience and knowledge to find a suitable holiday. All agents could have maximised the budget better.


Elite resorts caribbean

Top-scoring agent each month will win use of a car for 10 days.

The winning agent must be at least 25, for insurance reasons. Winners under 25 will win a week’s all-inclusive holiday at an Elite Islands Resorts property. The prize is non-transferable and the car must be driven only by the winning agent. The winner must not have any serious driving convictions. Elite Island Resorts will endeavour to supply the car to the agency but reserves the right to request the winning agent to collect and return the car from Essex or a central location

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