What do our clients say?
ARABBA
ARCTIC CIRCULAR
CERVINIA
GARGELLEN
GEILO & FINSE
GRAND TRAVERSE OF THE JURA
GENERAL
GRESSONEY
HINTERTUX
HOKKAIDO, JAPAN
ITALIAN NORDIC WEEKEND
"Hi Bonny and John, Well apart from a few snowy days when I get my langlauf skis out to get the milk and papers my skiing days over (I dislocated my knee cap by slipping on a wet stone – whilst NOT on skis!). I have just given up teaching Advanced motorcycling for RoSPA.
So, why contact you?
Quite simply I learnt more from you two than skiing.
1. When teaching advance motorcycling I tell the candidate – don't be over-analytical, feel the balance and the rhythm.
2. Look where you want to go, not where you have been.
3. Relax and don't tense if you feel insecure.
4. Don't fight the bike, feel at one with it as if it was an extension of yourself.
5. Ride within your confidence limit; as you learn more you will gain more confidence.
Does any of that feel familiar?
They were all things that you told me when I was skiing with you."
C.C., February, 2019
"I don't know how you find your tour leaders but you definitely do something right as I've done 7 or 8 TSC tours now and never had a bad one – that's with Tom, Catherine, Roger, Neil and now Jason. Jason (Franks) did a really good job on this trip. He was pleasant and relaxed but clearly had the outdoor skills, and his navigation and routefinding was spot-on, even when the weather closed in. I think everyone felt confident that he could take care of the group. He took the right decisions as far as weather and the ability to travel/need to stay put were concerned. He was also good at putting options to the group and eliciting a consensus for changes to the plan. It can't have been easy for him having to re-jig so much on the fly but he handled it all very well."
M.C., March, 2019
"First of all I'd like to say how very satisfied I was with the instruction I received, both from Neil Macpherson) and yourself (Bonny Masson) during the two weeks. Between you both you really got to grips with identifying my resonant faults. I'm now very aware of what I need to work on going forward. I am keen to continue with Telemark skiing and would like to discuss other trips ... for the future."
D.W., January, 2018
"I had again such a wonderful time. Thank you so much, your trips are truly fabulous in all aspects."
N.A., March, 2018
"Just wanted to say thank you for your help this season. I really do feel that my skiing has progressed 'leaps and bounds'! I feel much more confident both on and off piste. I feel like I've made a step change.
Thanks again and look forward to seeing you both next season, probably starting with Cervinia if you go again."
M.L., March, 2018
"I had a wonderful week. And as I skied down the slopes on Saturday, I couldn't believe how much my telemarking got better in just a week!"
N.A., Lenzerheide, January, 2017
"Wow Bonny, what ace service! Thanks for taking the time for the personal attention." (re admin and advice)
N.P., March, 2016
"I have just got back from a fantastic week in the Gran Paradiso ski mountaineering – the conditions were 'variable' i.e. we had all the conditions experienced in Arabba, such as breakable crust, wet slush etc., but I was able to handle it all after your expert tuition in the dark arts of off piste skiing! We also had some lovely descents off Gran Paradiso and various cols in sunshine and spring snow."
L.C., April, 2015
"I just wanted to say a belated thank-you for the course in Arabba. I thoroughly enjoyed it and I feel as if I learnt a lot. I also enjoyed everyone's company in the evenings. I'm recommending your courses to all my skiing friends! Being on the course and chatting to you and the others has definitely piqued my interest in off piste skiing, so hopefully I'll be able to come on at least one of your courses next season."
J.M., March, 2015
"So many thanks for the great venues, the terrific routes, the nice people and putting together such an enjoyable program for us all. And you really did a terrific job each day finding us the best possible snow to ski under the current conditions. Much appreciated and enjoyed. Very well done. And personally, I really liked the way you, Bonny and Neil (Macpherson) kept me focused on just a few key training points that I needed most … communicated clearly, concisely and consistently … even though you each might have a slightly different way of putting it. For realistically, it's hard to focus on more than a few things … especially when pushing one's skill envelope. So the limited focus enabled me to progress and remember it all for next year. Much appreciated and many thanks. Very well done. You're the greatest!"
S.H. (USA), March, 2014
"Just back from a fabulous week and wanted to say thank you. The Arctic Circular was another fantastic trip despite some shocking weather conditions (most snow they have had in March for 50 years plus low temperatures and strong winds) which made for tough going at times. The 'three countries' region is very very beautiful and varied (quite mountainous). Apart from seeing a couple of skidoos on the first and last days at Kilpisjarvi we didn't see anyone, plus we also had the huts to ourselves for several nights. Barbara (Willen) was as fantastic as ever and could not have done more to take care of us and ensure we enjoyed every minute and most importantly stayed safe – she is amazing."
H.G., April, 2017
"H. and I both wanted to say how much we gained from the Cervinia week with Neil (Macpherson). We both learned a lot and saw significant improvements in our technique which is what we were looking for from the week. So we were both very pleased. Again we both thought Neil to be a very good instructor who was far better than any previous instructor we have .I think we received good value from the week."
H. & N.C., Dec., 2015
"Thanks for another great trip with top quality instruction! Mags and I enjoyed our skiing and time with you very much. We managed to sneak in a long morning's skiing yesterday – in fresh snow and some nice powder to the sides of the pistes. Hopefully we'll be able to ski with you next year."
S. & M.B., January, 2016
"Just a quick note of thanks for making last week's trip to Cervinia so enjoyable and memorable, we had an excellent time – on the slopes and off!"
M. & L., April, 2015
"I thought I'd just drop you a quick note to let you know how much I enjoyed my holiday in Cervinia. Neil (Macpherson) was an excellent instructor and I was very impressed by his method of instruction and his ability to identify small details that needed to be corrected. By the end of the week I felt my technique had improved significantly and I could feel some of the movements Neil had been going through with us even though I was not happy by my consistency but that's me not Neil. Neil was also excellent company in the evenings and was more than happy to share his experience and provide advice to us."
A.R., April, 2014
"Stefan was amazing. Very knowledgeable, interesting, experienced, everything you'd want in an instructor and with great passion. He really gave his time generously as it's quite a 24/7 commitment."
A.D., March, 2017
"I enjoyed the trip and thought it was very well guided and instructed."
R.A., March, 2017
"For me the programme worked very well. I was able to improve my turning and travelling techniques which I felt I managed, at least to some extent, to use on the touring phase. Stefan's (Janik) leadership and instruction was excellent. He did a great job in coping with the different abilities of the group and making sound judgements on the tour. I really appreciated him stepping in at short notice and making the week successful. I would recommend the course to friends but emphasise the challenge of moving from first part of the week to the second i.e. from piste to off piste particularly if they have no previous touring experience …"
T.M., April, 2015
"It was a brilliant holiday. Katherine Hurst was an excellent leader and teacher who progressed us quickly through the skills needed for ski touring expertly and in a fun way so we were able to take advantage of the good weather and all able to do the Hardanger Ice Cap trip on Day 1 of our stay at Finse. I would never have believed when I started the holiday that by the last day I would be skiing completely off the trails at 1600m in powder snow down pretty steep sections having a blast with very good friends. It was amazing!"
M.B. April, 2013
"Regrettably the weather prevented us from doing our short tour with strong gales for 2 days. The guide (Neil Macpherson) accommodated to this well and alternative options were considered with the full participation of both members of the group. I learnt a huge amount, felt very well looked after and received very good coaching. I would use your services again. Thank you."
K.B. April, 2011
"I really enjoyed the trip and thought Julia (Tregaskis) was an excellent trip leader. The places she chose for us to stay and ski were all brilliant. I liked the contrast of hotel and hostel and she was also a good ski teacher. I have a friend I hope to persuade to come on a trip next year. I just need to get a bit fitter….!"
S.W., Feb., 2011
"Julia was very good at giving us useful tips to improve our technique, in a pleasant way. Julia's knowledge of the area and the good working relationship she has built up with the various accommodation providers were key factors in making the holiday so pleasant. … This was our first holiday with Telemarkskico, but we would certainly consider coming again if funds permit."
P.H., Feb., 2011
"Just a brief note to thank you very much for a super week. It was an excellent – and well balanced (almost!) – group. We all got on well and I thought the standard of skiing was high. Certainly with your expert guiding we made the most of sometimes challenging conditions."
John S. April, 2013
"It was great to ski with you all last week. Altogether a very relaxing and fun week with lots of great skiing, great hospitality and great company!"
James S. April, 2013
"First, I wanted to say thanks for Gressoney. I had a terrific time, think I learned a lot, and got exactly the kind of relief from the craziness of Cairo. Take care, and I hope to be able to join you folks again soon."
B.L. April, 2011
"Thanks again for a great week the skiing, weather and company were all excellent."
W.I., April 2011
"Thank you again for a really great week in Gressoney. It was fantastic skiing with you both, and the others, and I found both the instruction and shadowing very useful indeed. The (BASI) L2 course has now been confirmed so I feel very well prepared for the 2 weeks in Austria now."
M.J., April 2011
"Thanks for an excellent week. Both Nigel and I had a great time. Excellent tuition, fantastic snow and great company. Looking forward to seeing you all again before the end of the season."
R.S., December, 2017
"Neil's (Macpherson) instruction excellent and as you've said input from someone new helpful, though 3 days not enough I'll need to come for longer next time! Neil also got the lurgy, and dealt with the situation really well, very professional, think he puts too much pressure on himself, between you and me, but that's not unusual. He's very technical which I like, certainly a few had light bulb moments (Ruth bubbling on day three about the effortlessness of sucking in and pressing out on the off piste), great stuff for me around pressuring the heals to close up and equal weight and pill bottle image, sore shins with new boots and poor technique."
C.M., November, 2016
"Instruction with Neil was great as usual. The correct mix of instruction and practice with individual comments as required. He had figured out some different ways of getting the same point over about pressure and weighting etc. Which always helps."
R.S., November, 2016
"I had a wonderful weekend, I learned a lot and enjoyed myself. I hope that next year I will find friends who want to join me."
L.P., Feb., 2015
"I had a wonderful weekend and I'm very pleased that Julia (Tregaskis) thought that I made progress. I think that the course is very well thought through and structured, I also think that Julia is an exceptionally talented instructor. Her inputs and demonstrations were really clear and perfectly sequenced, as were the skills progressions throughout the entire course. I felt privileged to have had such expert instruction. She also worked very hard to make sure that we were all taken care of, entertained and very well fed. Her relationships with all the people who provide, food, drink, accommodation must be very good because everything seemed to appear effortlessly. It was a real treat."
C.L., March, 2014
"… it was excellent: great guide, lovely company, great food, fantastic scenery. etc etc. Lindsay (Cannon) really looked after us well and was incredibly professional and motivating. My skiing went from non-existent, to able to cope with red routes at Arpy. Great exercise. Need to save up to go again … Thank you!"
J.M., Feb., 2014
"We enjoyed the holiday despite the bad weather. Obviously it would have been much better without gale force winds on 3 days! But I think that Jason did well to get the best out of the time given the circumstances and in holding together a group with mixed abilities. The decision to ski down into the valley on the last day – rather than trek 30km across the lake – was definitely the right one. It was tricky terrain at times but that made for an interesting day of skiing. Organisationally I think that it went well and responded very flexibly to the weather. Thanks to Jason and yourselves for good holiday and we will certainly consider another one on future."
A.G., March, 2019
"Having fallen back into work mode I've been meaning to email and say ' thanks' for getting both the Skarvheimen and Jotunheim trips running. Both quite different and enjoyable in different ways. I appreciate your plan B efforts for the Jotunheim week given the weather and alterations needed.
Jason (Franks) – brilliant leader, really good style and a thoroughly decent chap. His navigation skills, particularly on one day during the Skarvheimen week, were superb. I'd happily do more trips with him as leader."
K.B., March, 2019
"… just to say everything was positive and it was a great trip – especially given the superb weather. Katherine did an excellent job leading quite a large group in a pretty relaxed way. The trip covered some interesting country and used excellent huts. I'd certainly recommend it, or potentially do it again at some point in the future."
M.C. April, 2013
"The tour was just magical: we were so blessed by the sunshine and snow; I've definitely never experienced such wonderful conditions. The chance to practise our aspirational telemarks, no fewer than three small summits, the astonishing views on the last day, the swooping down broad snowy gullies, even the slip-sliding across icy cols and lakes, the fantastic sense of a journey with new landscapes opening up and the need to get to your destination.
Your (Katherine Hurst) leadership made all this possible. Your obvious joy at being there, deep love and reassuring experience of the mountains, and sense of fun in finding your way up and down and round and through untracked wastes was infectious, and contributed to the sense of a terrific adventure. You dealt so well with our different abilities, and nurtured the slow and the sick along with just the right combination of sympathy and energy. It was a great group, full of interesting people willing to be a team and you melded us together so quickly. Thank you for a brilliant experience."
T.B. April, 2013
"A brief note of thanks to you, and the team back home, for a superb week in Kuhtai. The snow in the last few days gave us the perfect opportunity to practice all you had told us. Friday was particularly good and J. and I had a fine last day as the snow continued to fall."
T.O., March, 2011
"It was a great week, very instructional, thanks to Allan (Rorby), and I learnt a lot – now better equipped for ski touring."
G.M., March, 2011
"THANK YOU – please pass our sincere thanks to Allan (Rorby) and Paul, who were guiding us towards better skiing skills. Now we have lots of very good takeaways to practice with :)"
S.S. March, 2011
"I'm just writing to thank you for the week we have just had under the excellent tuition of Neil Macpherson. His teaching and coaching ability are first class. He practised an excellent balance between polite robustness, good humour and above all, patience throughout and, as a result, had a significant positive impact on my skiing ability. As a result, I will definitely be looking to the TSC for quality tutelage in future."
J.D., Jan., 2015
"Just a quick note to say thanks for a great week. Both M. and I enjoyed the week thoroughly, Neil's (Macpherson) instruction was excellent and both our skiing seemed to come on leaps and bounds during the week. We enjoyed the social aspect as well and appreciated your efforts in educating us about the local area."
S.B., April, 2015
"Thanks for a great week! Despite some learning pains, I feel I'm making great progress on telemark . It was fun spending the week with you. I made some great connections (esp. Ed and Andrea). Hopefully we can line some trips up in the next season."
R.D., April, 2014
"I had a great week in La Thuile with Neil (Macpherson). Plenty of snow! I really feel like my skills and confidence progressed and I'm ready for more. I remain keen on trying a hut to hut tour and now hope my skills are sufficient to possibly try something next season. I am however also seeing the appeal of piste based trips – so will tussle with that dilemma!"
K.B., Feb., 2014
"Ian (Johnston) handled it very well I thought, there was movement between the groups depending on what was planned for that lesson. He also took a couple of people for 1-on-1 intensive 1 hr sessions to work on something specific to their skiing in lieu of a full group lesson that they may not otherwise have got a lot out of. In short a fluid, reactive approach to the groups rather than the traditional ski school approach – same as what I have seen on my other TSC trips. I found the pace of my group to be spot on really, I was in either a 3 or 4 strong group so we were able to cover a lot of ground."
B.J., Feb., 2011
"Many thanks for a great week in Les Contamines – we both learned a lot and our skiing was improving."
R.D., January, 2018
"Neil's instruction was excellent. I feel / know that I am now a much more competent skier than at the beginning of the week. He had continual enthusiasm and always a different way of approaching and ironing out my faults. His knowledge of skiing, equipment and touring specifics were invaluable and enhanced the lessons no end. He made the right choices in the lessons that he delivered, and spending the majority of time on piste to solidify technique was the right approach. The decisions to split the lessons between telemark and alpine when made were good ones. Every run was used to its full extent to ensure that we had something to work on. Wouldn't hesitate in recommending Neil and the Telemark Ski Company to others. A great asset to have as part of your team."
F.B., January, 2018
"I did enjoy week 2 – Neil was great at giving me some good ideas to focus on for further improvement and we managed to get some good powder skiing in! Both weeks were exactly what I was looking for to be honest and I do feel that I have improved a lot with the input from the 3 of you."
J.W., Jan., 2017
"R. and I really appreciated the awesome course you guys put on and are hoping to join again in the not so distant future."
J.C., Jan., 2016
"Just a quick note to thank you both so much for a wonderful week in Les Contamines. You organised the deluge of soft powdery white stuff with perfect timing and quantity – some of the best I've skied ony – and John your routes and coaching were much appreciated. Yet another Telemark Ski Co perfect experience. I shall be back!"
J.S., Jan., 2016
"Just a quick note thanking you for a excellent week in Les Contamines. We both came away feeling much more confident in our skiing abilities, we just have to try and keep putting our new learnt skills into practice without reverting back to our old habits. We will definitely join you again sometime …"
G.H., Jan., 2011
"I just wanted to say many thanks for organising a super trip, we really enjoyed it. Both very interesting places, good touring and a good group of people so all in all a real success."
P.C., February, 2019
"Thank you very much indeed for looking after us so well last week. It turned out to be an unforgettable holiday and very healthy to experience a more basic approach to"ski resorts"! From now on, Western European skiing will seem just a little dull! We had a great time."
B.P., February, 2019
"Sorry that I didn't have a chance to thank you properly before you disappeared at Istanbul airport but just to reiterate that I thoroughly enjoyed the trip and thought we did as much as possible given the weather conditions. I look forward to seeing what's going to be on offer next year!"
P.M., February, 2018
"Thanks for a great week with some excellent skiing and memories."
P.C. Feb., 2013
"The trip was great, thank-you. Both B. and I enjoyed ourselves. The skiing and scenery couldn't have been better. Richard was lovely: a good guide, group leader and coach. Everyone in the group got on well and we seemed pretty well matched in terms of abilities. The route was fab and all the accommodation was good."
C.L., April, 2018
"We had a fantastic holiday in Norway - everything was as good as we hoped it would be. The skiing conditions were excellent, we were very happy with all the accommodation, and the ski equipment we hired. Most importantly we really enjoyed the company of our truly international group members and the camaraderie we enjoyed with all of our companions enhanced our experience. Richard was a good leader and friend along the way. All the group were skiing at much the same level so we were able to travel together with no tensions related to differing ability. The hours of sunshine we enjoyed were a bonus and added to our appreciation of some astonishingly pretty scenery. All in all, an excellent trip. We are very happy with our experience of travelling with Telemark Ski Co."
T.H., April, 2018
"The tour itself was good, distances fine. Lindsay (Cannon) and Blaise were good leaders, helpful, friendly and Lindsay gave the impression of being very focussed and well organised. I would recommend the trip, would like to go back and do more …"
K.H., April, 2015
"Overall we were very happy with the trip content, organisation, accommodation and leaders."
L.D., April, 2015
"It was a really great trip! Thanks so much for your help in organising it and for your patience in dealing with the military system! The Church Door route was beautiful and all the routes you planned were demanding but manageable."
J.T. (Services Nordic expedition, Norway), March, 2016
"Thank you so much for organising the wonderful Gran Paradiso trip for us this year. The company was fantastic (Ed, Richard and Pete) and our guide Christian was superb! Whilst safety was his top priority, that didn't stop us from having an absolute blast on the snow (and what glorious conditions we had) and lots of laughs in the hut! The wind stopped us from getting to the Gran Paradiso summit on our last day – guess I'll just have to return another day to try again. Looking forward to it!"
A.M., April, 2015
"Many thanks for organising the 2 days with Neil (Macpherson) and the ski hire; as I said to Neil, I learnt more in those 2 days than I've done for many years. He is an excellent instructor and I appreciated his patience showing me much better technique that would make me a more effective skier. I would certainly do it again."
D.C., Feb., 2014
"With Katherine Hurst as tour leader it has to be good, she was very good with the other two clients who had more basic skiing skills and we spent time on instruction where possible and still managed a good tour, even the weather was passable to good."
R.P., March, 2011
"A quick note to say we had a fabulous holiday and all the arrangements went smoothly."
K. O., March, 2011
"All the organization was splendid and worked perfectly, and we have to say that we were delighted with Katherine as a leader. She was patient, understanding, encouraging and good humoured throughout and she was good company as well as being a first class leader. All the decisions she made were spot on. The Rondane is a wonderful area and ideal for a tour for relative newcomers, like K. The lodges were very good as was the itinerary. All in all, we are very satisfied customers!"
R.M., March, 2009
"Thanks – it was a spot-on trip, really enjoyed it – I think I could take up this skiing lark!"
A.B., March, 2005
"I enjoyed the trip immensely and look back on it with very happy memories. I was very glad to have had Jason (Franks) as a leader, and felt well looked after by him at all times. He is someone who takes a great interest in his clients and their wellbeing."
G.R., March, 2019
"Really good trip from my point of view. All worked out to plan, good group who all pulled their weight, weather conditions on the whole very favourable, and excellent leadership by Stefan (Janik). The Skarvheiman landscape is just beautiful (when the sun shines!)."
K.B., March, 2017
"Overall very impressed – was hard work (snow conditions mostly to blame) but a good trip and Katherine (Hurst) was an excellent guide."
H.A., April, 2013
"I really enjoyed this trip and Roger was great as a leader. By my Australian standards we skied in difficult conditions at times and I felt Roger was very confident in those conditions. I learnt a lot from Roger about snow survival in terms of snow caves and avalanche awareness; and preparation and endurance in the cold conditions. That was really valuable."
L.S., March, 2012
"I really enjoyed the Skarvheimen trip. The snow wasn't great, and it was a shame the weather let us down towards the end, but it's a grand area with some lovely huts, it was a good group, and Roger (Palin) led it very well."
M.C., March, 2011
"Leadership by Jason (Franks) was solid and very confidence inspiring. He took the challenges of our route being sometimes impassable with calmness and skill and was gently encouraging when some of us were flagging in energy a little/or panicky that we might get over a stream/river but then get stuck! Route finding in these circumstances (the scale of our maps meant detail was not always there) was complicated but Jason had the skills to get us through. Jason was great, nice sense of humour, team focused (never once called us guys! – hurrah – but 'team') and even in the most Scott of the Antarctic moments (2.5 slog across a plateau in tearing wind) I knew he would get us through. I would happily ski with him again."
M.L., March, 2017
"An enjoyable and quite challenging tour! The challenge was really the snow conditions with many of the streams and rivers open proving difficult or impossible to cross. This unknown in my experience at this time of year. Jason (Franks) overcame these difficulties and kept the tour running when it appeared it might have to be abandoned or at least drastically altered. He kept the team cheerfully informed of his thinking during this and other tricky decisions. In short we thought he made an excellent leader."
K.M., March, 2017
"Jason was a very good leader – calm and collected, a good navigator and with a sense of humour."
E.M., March, 2017
"Jason is an excellent leader. As I'm sure he's explained, we faced some challenging conditions & his precise map reading & interpretation of where it would be feasible to cross rivers meant that we were able continue the trip. Without that, perhaps that might not have been possible. He is personable & handled the challenges of a fraught first day with people he knew little about, let alone our skiing abilities, very well."
D.C., March, 2017
"This was a really great trip, excellently led by Tom (Higgs). The small group got on fine and enabled a lot of great skiing combined with a very relaxed atmosphere (on balance, worth paying the premium to allow the trip to go ahead). We were so lucky with the weather again. Tafjord is a stunning area, and it was doubly satisfying to see it so extensively after the visibility-free adventure of 2010. The ascents of Hogtunga, Karitinden and Hellegi were the icing on the cake – I'm still sorting through my photos a fortnight after getting home!"
M.C., April, 2013
"This tour was excellent owing to a combination of good leadership, superb weather, good huts, superb summit and touring days and good company."
K.M., April, 2013
"I thoroughly enjoyed the trip. Barbara and her dogs were amazing. I was a bit concerned at how much she did for us – I know we had some chores like collecting water and wood, but I would have happily helped Barbara with the cooking if she had allowed us – she provided breakfast and dinner herself including catering for vegetarains and gluten intolerance, and fed and looked after the dogs!"
A.J., April, 2013
"I thoroughly enjoyed the trip and thought the day spent on briefing and training with the dogs before we set off was time well spent! Barbara looked after us and her dogs very well."
H.G., April, 2013
"Thanks again for a wonderful time in Tignes, I think that has to be one of my best ski holidays ever!"
D.C., Jan., 2012
"Wanted to say thanks again for the course. After Tignes I headed off to La Grave for a look and stayed for 5 days. Managed the telemarks ok all the way down (well what was left of the snow), even had a few Harley Davidson moments in the bumps (including turning left!!!) Its getting there. Will definitely be doing another week with you guys at some stage."
R.M., April, 2011
"Thanks very much for a great time! As was the case in April in Norway, I appreciated very much your professional organization, top coaching and pleasant socializing. I'm certainly motivated to take further and improve my skills now. I'll be looking closely at whatever will be possible in the remainder of the season."
P.M., Dec., 2010
"I just wanted to say a big thank you for the course, really opened my eyes to the telemark way, I think I shall never try a pair of alpines again. Chris (Stewart) was absolutely superb, first class instructor. No doubt you will be seeing me again on another course, hopefully this time I won't have to bring my work with me."
T.B., Dec., 2010
"I had a really great time. Neil (Macpherson) is one of the best guides I have ever experienced. He was very pleasant and I believe we got on very well. His teaching techniques were tailored to everyone's need, … Neil's planning of the day was very good and he managed to find the good snow most of the time, if it was there. His grip of the area … was impressive. He passed a lot of navigation, snow and technical knowledge on.
The group overall was a very good mix and we got on well together, at least that's what I think.
The group going off track was fairly even with their standard and we all benefited from Neil's tips. I feel I have improved my downhill skiing greatly and will take some of his tips to the alpine slopes as well.
The venue overall was excellent. Staff extremely friendly and helpful. Meals absolutely fantastic for me as a fish and desert lover. Rooms were basic but perfectly fine and clean. The common areas were very tasteful and comfortable with large windows to enjoy the vista from the 1st floor. The ski area is perfect for what I wanted, but might run out of options for more advanced tourers. Transport was efficient and pleasant. I enjoyed the Saturday and Sunday morning in Oslo.""
J.N., March, 2015
"I really enjoyed the week at Venabu, and Neil (Macpherson) did a very good job of leading. His ability to find good routes in an area he did not know was impressive, and he gave some very good and interesting instruction both in relation to skiing and also reading the snow conditions. I would be very happy to ski with him again as a leader. The hotel was good and the food was lovely – I am not sure we skied enough to work off everything we ate! Altogether a very good week."
L.M., March, 2015
"I really liked Venabu and will probably go back sometime, especially if you run an intermediate day tours holiday based there. The level of the trip was just right for me, though I think it turned out a bit more advanced than advertised because of the conditions. Lindsey and Roger were great at stopping and talking over technique … The food at Venabu is outstanding and Lars and all his staff very friendly indeed. Thanks very much for organising the trip and working so hard to make it a success despite all the difficulties. Hope to ski with one of your groups again next year …"
S.B., April, 2012
"Thanks so much for last week – my first powder! I was pretty anxious about it as you could probably tell, but it all seemed to fall into place! I would also say that the group size was perfect for me and the standard of tuition way in excess of anything you would find in a conventional ski school. It was also good the way you were able to modify plans to suit the weather and snow conditions on an hour to hour basis which meant that we got the most out of our off-piste experience."
K.M., Feb., 2014
"Just a brief note of thanks for a fine week. Happy memories of some excellent descents."
T.D., March, 2017
"J. and I would just like to say what a wonderful time we had with you and the group in Stüben recently. Good company, good accommodation, good food and fantastic skiing. We both got a lot out of John's (Eames) instruction and look forward to viewing your 2016 schedule."
J. & L.C., Feb., 2015
"A little late, but just a quick note of appreciation for the facilitating the excellent tour from Armannas to Hemavan. only one really bright day, but the skiing and route were fantastic throughout. The route is lovely, skiing not taxing really so the grade was about right I would guess … the huts were really comfortable Barbara was an excellent guide, and it was great to have the dog support. Really good trip. Hopefully will complete the northern section nest year."
N.P., March, 2016
"I really enjoyed this tour, more so than the northerly section I had done several years ago. The days seemed quite leisurely (apart from when the wind was blowing hard into our faces). The terrain was varied … a lovely day skiing through birch woods along a lake. Having a sauna at THREE of the huts was a real bonus. Excellent accommodation at all the huts. A much quieter section of the Kings Trail so there always seemed to be plenty of room. Barbara (Willen) is wonderful. Very good at keeping everyone informed of what is happening, hardworking and great fun. (Would recommend?) Yes, without reservation."
P.M., April, 2015
"Everything worked well, and as expected from previous tours in Scandinavia. Barbara (Willen), her partner and the dogs were great, Barbara gave us very clear information and managed everything really well. I would recommend the trip to others."
S.S., April, 2015
"I had a fabulous week all round – great skiing, excellent instruction and good company! Having been suitably re-enthused, I'm very keen to join you, John and the gang again for another week…"
S.F., March, 2015
"Thank you … for a wonderful week's skiing. Thank you John (Eames) also for yours and Neil's (Macpherson) very helpful coaching on technique. As I mentioned to Neil its so nice, especially when you get (a bit) older, to get feedback which enables you to continue learning."
J.S., March, 2015
"The program was well graduated (from resorts and lifts to backcountry with more skinning, westernised to less so). The landscape was varied and interesting. Absolutely loved the Tokachi mountains. Uncrowded, variety of runs, well-spaced tree skiing and picturesque.
The logistics were well organised. The transport to and from the airport and between the resorts was comfortable and on time.
Accommodation was excellent at the Tokachi Mountains and Asahidake, … and reasonable elsewhere. I understand there was a problem with a double booking at Niseko: the caretakers did a good a job given the average facilities (so definitely no criticism of them).
Throughout the trip the food was of consistently high quality and plentiful.
First time I have hired skis in over twenty years so it was useful to try some different gear. The first set of skis were much fatter than anything I have ever tried (BD Megawatts) and with rocker, another feature that I had not tried. (Felt a bit like cheating on the first day when some of the others were commenting on some more difficult snow that was not a problem on the Megawatts but definitely harder work and less fun on the piste).
The skiing terrain was fun and varied, I suspect that the amazing amount of sunshine may have helped us see a lot greater variety of terrain than would normally be expected on one of these trips at this time of year. On the three week trip Kris and I did to Japan in March 2011 we basically did not have any sunshine.
Graham (Hammond) did an excellent job leading the trip, has a good sense of humour and was knowledgeable on our destinations and was able to provide some useful skiing advice. Thanks for organising the trip it was most enjoyable. As for my skiing I had a fun time."
D.C., Feb., 2015
"The programme was well designed and as advertised.
These worked exceptionally well. All drivers were polite and careful while on the road. Vehicles were appropriately equipped and in good condition. All drivers offered opportunities to stop during transfers from one place to another.
Ntapukaushuppe Lodge: fantastic place, high quality accommodation. A real experience of Japanese culture and food. Onsen was rustic in character deep and warm. Food exceptional brilliantly presented and of good variety. I could have stayed much longer!
Graham Hammond: Brilliant, very thoughtful and analytical and tailored the skiing to suit the groups abilities and stamina. He found slopes that challenged but not slopes that intimidated. Got the best out of the areas despite the conditions being unfavourable. Good coaching points raised with the group and on an individual basis. He always offered options for folk to do their own thing or take a different route if they felt the pitch was too steep or trees too tightly spaced. He was on top of his job, seemed to be enjoying it especially the coaching. Always had a smile. Could not speak too highly of him!
Skiing and terrain: stuff for all abilities for those of intermediate level and above. If it had been deep powder some of the low angle terrain would have been limiting but steeper ground was available. Hence having Graham who knew where to go. Memorable tree skiing at Tokachi."
S.H., Feb., 2015
"The off piste terrain gradually changed from open slopes, to young birch woods and finally to the majestic Magic Woods of the Tokachi mountains, such a fairy-tale, silent, perfect experience!"
R.H., Feb., 2015
"Thanks for organising such a great and memorable trip."
L.O., April, 2017
"I think overall the itinerary was as we expected it from the brochure and we thoroughly enjoyed it. Lindsey was a good leader and ensured that where conditions were a little tricky be it terrain or applying wax or skins etc that all of us were included. We thoroughly enjoyed the holiday and would say probably more so due to the fact that there was only a small group of us."
L.C., April, 2015
"It was a great trip, would love to go back and do it all again in the sunshine ;)"
A.R., May, 2016
"Awesome! Awesome! Awesome!"
A.M., May, 2016
