OTP Brochure 2011-2012 by Ben Organ

2011-12

Life is better with OTP 16 years on, what still makes us the best choice?

LIFE IS BETTER IN THE ALPS Why getting to the mountains is just the start

Who are OTP? Introducing the people you need to know

CONTENTS INTRODUCTION

USUAL SUSPECTS

ALL YEAR ROUND

BEING A REP

LIFE IS BETTER IN THE ALPS

08 & 09

LIFE IS BETTER WITH OTP

10 & 11

OTP PRESENTS

12 & 13

SUPPORTING YOUR CLUB

16 & 17

THE BORING BIT

ONLINE BOOKING

RESORTS

Leeds Snowriders Freestyle party, Val Thorens, April 2011.

20 - 25

CONTENTS

“We pride ourselves on offering nothing but the best selection of high altitude resorts and use our in depth knowledge of these resorts to create tailor-made packages to suit the differing requirements of our groups.”

INTRODUCTION

WE ARE OFF THE PISTE – 16 YEARS AT THE TOP OF OUR GAME Welcome to the 2011/12 season Off The Piste brochure. In 2010/11 Off The Piste had its biggest season to date and carried 12,000 UK students out to the Alps, reinforcing our position as the UK’s leading university snowsports operator. With Off The Piste, thousands of students from university clubs across the nation hit the pistes and parties across the Alps, many of them from clubs that continually choose Off The Piste to arrange their holiday. The key to our success is ensuring that each one of our passengers, be they group leaders and committee members, or club members and first timers, get the most amazing holiday experience possible. Timely, accurate information, knowledgeable office staff, well trained resort reps and an easy to use booking system are just some of the ways in which we achieve this. To find out more about the Off The Piste experience please read on…. PAGE 04

Where possible we try to meet all our group leaders for a meeting in the summer before they book as it is as important for you to meet us as it is for us to meet you. We want to run through all of your exact requirements and needs so that we can build a bespoke package to match. Not booked a meeting with one our sales team yet? Call us now to book a meeting on 0845 6801503 or email info@offthepiste.com

WHY CHOOSE OFF THE PISTE? • More experience than any other student tour operator • A more comprehensive booking system than any other student tour operator • More fully trained reps than any other student tour operator • More time on the slopes. We take the pressure off you as a group leader throughout the holiday and ensure all lift passes are handed out on the coach prior to arrival in resort

BOOK NOW

0845 680 1503

mixture of youth and knowledge makes the Off The Piste staff unique in the student snowsports industry. We have a combined experience of over 40 years within the market, with ages ranging from 23 to 35. We believe in the traditions of consistency balanced with innovation to help us offer an unrivalled service. All of our staff have a passion for snow sports and thrive on sharing the amazing experiences that can only be found in ski resorts. Unlike our competitors, our most experienced staff work hands-on in the business on a daily basis. If you have any questions, want some advice or just want to chat about snowsports, drop us an email or give us a call. Here is a quick guide to the people you need to know and how to contact them….

NEW OTP INTERNSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

Brandnew for 2011. The OTP team is extremely happy to announce that we will be graced with the assistance of a university placement student for an extended 40 week period. Keep an eye out for this year’s lucky candidate on the freshers tour this September!

USUAL SUSPECTS

Sam Passmore

Tom Steer

Nickname: Flapmore Position: General Manager. E-mail: sam@offthepiste.com Experience: 6 years full time Favourite non-skiing activity: Techno French Ability: Still working on English Favourite Resort: Arc 1800 Ski or Board: Ski Favourite French Phrase: Où le kebab de l’est? Best Tip: Have a nice cup of tea and wait for all of this to blow over Bio: After running his university club in 2001, Sam did a full season for Off the Piste before starting full time in 2005. Famous for his addiction to tea and coffee, Sam actually has the important job of overseeing everything that goes on in the world of OTP. From reps to e-tickets to itineraries and damage deposit, he is responsible for all the day to day operations and the UK office.

Nickname: Steeros Position: Sales Manager E-mail: tom@offthepiste.com Experience: 3 years full time Favourite non-skiing activity: Surfing French Ability: Still learning Favourite Resort: Val Thorens Ski or Board: Love Both Favourite French Phrase: Où peux-je obtenir la crème pour mes taches? Best Tip: Never share an apartment with Danny Bio: Tom has been involved in university Snowsports for eight years since starting at Reading University, and now goes into his 4th year in the office. Tom organises the sales tour, and will be your main contact throughout the year for all aspects of your holiday’s organisation. He also spends a lot of time in resort so no doubt you will see him at some point during the season!

James O’Hara

Amy Kemball-Cook

Nickname: Jimbo O’Ha-ha-ha Position: Promotions and Merchandising E-mail: james@offthepiste.com Experience: 1 year in the OTP office – 4 years repping Favourite non-skiing activity: Physiotherapy French Ability: Oui (& its better than you’d think) Favourite Resort: Arc 1800 Ski or Board: Board Favourite French Phrase: Aaiiii! Mon genou! / Ou est mon chapeau?! Best Tip: Death metal mornings Bio: A graduate of Leeds and former writer and film maker for Whitelines, Jimbo has taken over all Promotions and Merchandising in the OTP office. His way with words, Illustrator and a snowboard explains why a way with the ladies is non-existent. James can often be found in a dark corner with WiFi access making sure you have the best stash yet. With a great skill for rambling away in French and ordering Vodka Pommes you are bound to get up to mischief if you bump into him in resort.

Nickname: Aims Position: Groups Coordinator E-mail: amy@offthepiste.com Experience: 1 year in the OTP office – 23 years in life! Favourite non-skiing activity: anything active French Ability: Un petit pois Favourite Resort: Avoriaz Ski or Board: Board and a little ski Favourite French Phrase: Se Party! Bio: Former master of ceremonies at Warwick Snow as Vice-President ’09-‘10 and before that as snowboard captain, Amy has come straight into the OTP office. Her enthusiastic, bouncy character has made her an instant hit with groups she has worked with, and, her dubious honor of becoming the first lady into the office ranks brings a youthful injection that counterbalances the ‘boring old men’. Amy, alongside Tom, ensures that all bookings are as smooth as possible, is the primary point of contact for most passengers and spearheads OTPs social media drive, leaving our competitors by the way-side.

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ALL YEAR ROUND

WHO are otp? hatever your previous experiences of Off The Piste may have been, we are more than just an online booking system, banner or rep in resort. For many of our group leaders, returning customers and reps, Off The Piste is a way of life, a family and far more than just a holiday company. OTP means different things to different people and we like to make sure that these are always positive by being involved as much as possible with the people and the industry which we love! If you haven’t already experienced it, make the exceptional choice of booking your university’s trip with us. Our paths will cross in many ways over the next 12 months... You’re gonna love it! Read on and find out more about the OTP family and what we get up to over the year...

KINGS

fresher tour

BUDS

Over the past 2 years OTP have been the sole

Come September we’re on the road. Hitting

The build up to any season wouldn’t be complete

sponsor of the Kings Race league, an institution

Freshers’ Fairs and doing as much as possible to

without the annual office pilgrimage to

we have all been part of in our time at university

help you kick off the start of term with a bang!

Edinburgh in November. As one of the main

and something we believe in greatly. Throughout

As always OTP want to do all we can to support

sponsors of BUDS and huge supporter of

the season we always do our best to come and

and develop your club and blow the others at your

BUSC we are always at Hill End to watch the

visit as many of our groups at the regional heats as

uni out of the water. This time also offers us a great

antics of the event unfold and to enjoy the guilty

possible to show our support, however we don’t

opportunity to see the committee old and new.

pleasures of City Nightclub and the BUDS Ball!

TRAINING WEEKEND

ON THE POND

A TIGNES-Y bit more

One of the highlights on the calendar is the

Now in its 3rd year, On The Pond has grown a

Still gagging for more OTP snow based fun?!

annual reps training weekend before the start

legendary status as the summer reunion. Last year’s

Brand new for this year we will be hitting the

of the season. Now in its 10th year, the training

billing of Utah Saints, Freestylers, DMC World

mountain in the summer for a week’s worth of

weekend is the final stage in the selection process

Champion DJ switch, alpine rock aficionados

skiing, cycling, whitewater rafting and of course

for our brand new recruits. We whittle down the

Mullit and a whole host of Okorus finest spinners of

sun bathing in Tignes Val Claret. If this sounds

initial 700+ applicants to just 100 who are taken

the wheels of steel kept the party rocking across the

like your sort of thing then ask our sales team

on a 4 day intensive course in the alps. With your

weekend whilst the crowds wake-boarded, chilled

how you can be there for FREE!!

help, they are put through their paces and their

and grilled in the summer sunshine. With paintball

ability to be part of the OTP team is truly tested!

and water zorbing added to the already extensive list

always make it. We do of course all make sure we get the truck, OTP sound system, and BBQ out and head down to Brentwood for the infamous Finals event in May.

of activities, this year is sure to be bigger and better than ever. We wouldn’t want you to miss out now!

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BEING A REP

e are very proud of our OTP reps. They form an integral part of who we are as a tour operator and they have a huge impact on the OTP experience for your passengers. This is why we spend a great deal of time and money making sure they are the very best-of-the-best and why they should be such an important factor for you to consider when it comes to your club’s holiday. Last season we are happy to report that 81% of all the people that filled out our online customer satisfaction survey marked their reps as either ‘Good’ or ‘Excellent’.

DON’T JUST TAKE OUR WORD FOR IT A selection of comments from our customer feedback forms: The staff were really friendly, easily approachable, let you know what was going on and were always happy to help.

WE EAT, SLEEP & BREATHE SNOWSPORTS What is being an OTP rep all about? • A passion for the mountains

SKUM, VT, Jan 2011

• Pride in wearing ‘The Black Jacket’ and in the work you are doing

... all of the reps that I met were a credit to the company, and I didn’t hear anyone with a bad word to say of any of them.

• Commitment to the team and its shared goals of delivering the best possible holiday to all

Leeds Snowriders, Val d’Isere, Dec 2010 Great reps! They were really enthusiastic, friendly, great knowledge of the area and where to go for best night out. They were so good I now want to be a rep! South Devon College, VT, Jan 2011 Kate the rep was absolutely superb, a credit to your company! St Chads (Palatinalps) Val d’Isere, Jan 2011

• Immersing yourself in the group and making friends that you will stay in contact with for years to come • Getting the job done professionally, knowing you can go out at night or on the mountain with the respect of the group

What makes the OTP reps the best in the business? • Full and comprehensive 24 hour in-resort support from our office staff • Intensive in-resort training and knowledge • Accurate and comprehensive supply of information prior to departure and before daily room visits to every passenger • Free to go skiing or snowboarding with your group every day and to show you to the après bar every night • Travel out with your group from your departure point • A fun-loving and helpful attitude!

Our rep was fantastic - Very knowledgeable and personable, couldn’t have had a better person looking after us. St Cuthbert’s (Palatinalps), Val d’Isere, Jan 2011 All the reps we had were brilliant! Reading, Arc 1800, Jan 2011 I was one of the Queens’ committee members, and all reps we encountered were excellent; they were always on hand to help and really friendly. Thanks guys! Queens Cambridge, Arc 1800, Jan 2011 The reps were great fun, knowledgeable and so friendly. Our head rep Jeff was awesome. Edinburgh, Val Thorens, Jan 2011 All of the reps were excellent and very professional and handled all problems quickly and efficiently. I was very impressed. Leeds Met, Val Thorens, December 2010 Best part of the trip. Everything went so smoothly. When problems arose the rep worked a way round quickly and he kept us up to speed on everything. Visited us every night to check for any problems. Clare College, Avoriaz, Jan 2011

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LIFE IS BETTER IN THE ALPS Words JAMES 0’HARA Life is better in the Alps. It is and we all know that it is, we have all seen Dads with ‘Better a bad day off piste than a good day in the office’ emblazoned across a faded White Stuff sweater. Woaaaaahhhh... pull it back a gear pops (apologies to my own father at this point) but still, it is true. So why do I feel that I need to be writing an article to support what we all already know is fact. Because it is good to be life affirming. Smile. There we go. Whatever level you are at in your snow-sliding career, it is an enjoyable past time. And you never stop learning. So you never stop finding something fun and new to do. But, as I’m sure most of you will already know, slope time can only ever take up a certain amount of your holiday. Now all you keen-as-anything-first-lifters are going to argue this point but you are just ignoring the pure simple maths of it, even if you spent from 9-5 everyday on the slopes, that would only be 34.3% of your week. And then let us assume that because you are quite so keen you will also be grabbing your 8 hours every night...34.3% of your week gone again. Even then you still have just over 31% of your week left to fill with ‘extra-curricular’ fun. Fill it then!

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“whether you are the type for bouncing around on the Tables of LA FOLIE DOUCE or BAR 360 or flying headlong down a piste on a little plastic tray there is plenty of fun to be had”

The mountains, as we all know, are a playground with climbing frames in all sorts of jagged, icy and rocky shapes and sizes (for alternative opinions please see the health and safety section). Whether you are the type for bouncing around on the Tables of La Folie Douce and Bar 360 or flying headlong down a piste on a little plastic tray there is plenty of fun to be had. You just have to find yours. The Alps have always provided great nights out with all your mates, dancing and playing until the early hours in a wide array of bars and clubs. But recently these simple nights on the town have been transforming into a new breed of Alpine night out, consisting of either full blown open air parties with freestyle demonstrations, fire artists and live DJs or even chock-a-block line ups of huge name acts such as DJ Yoda, Chase & Status, Freestylers, Calvin Harris and Danny Byrd. On top of that, live music continues to tear up bars all over the mountains with bands such as Dr. Bruce, Bluefunkt, Mullit and Abraxus rocking out some of the most popular venues across the Alps including Malaysia, Klub Summit, Saloon, Red Hot Saloon and Smithy’s. Playing a blinding array of tunes with a rock twist, I can’t tell you how many times these have been classed as one of people’s favourite nights of the week. Alpine partying is getting, for want of a more sophisticated word, big. No sorry, bigger. One of my favourite moments of the season had to be walking into the Val Thorens Sports Centre just as DJ Yoda started his Varsity opening set and looking down on 2300 people dancing away in the name of Alpine fun… most choice, I assure you. Flash forward and we find ourselves whisked away from the bars. I am hurtling at breakneck speed towards Tignes Les Brevieres on what can only be described as a suped-up dinner tray with ‘brakes’. Every time a foot is put down I enter a whiteout which freezes my face but as the final cloud disappears and I come to a halt I am cackling insanely and everyone around me has huge smiles on their faces. The only thing left for it is to head down the road for a BBQ and night in Underground rounding off yet another epic tobogganing session. At the end of the day it’s time to talk food... let’s be honest, your average mountain restaurant experience is not far removed from having your wallet taken out of your pocket, mixed with a sub standard bolognaise and poured down the front of your trousers, having had all you money removed first, naturally. Well how about a very reasonably priced BBQ offering several freshly cooked meaty choices with all the salad and trimmings you could ask for. Nice. As well as the pleasures of basking in glorious sunshine in the ample scenery of the Alps how about finishing your day at a mountain side restaurant, enjoying the sunset and then sitting down to a fondue with everyone in your group, singing and making merry. It would be rude to not finish off with a bit of a party and a torch-lit, night time descent. Bien sur. Now if you ever find yourself struggling to come to terms with not being able to spend 24 hours a day on the hill or you ever feel like taking a well earned rest from your stressful day, you have plenty of alternatives. Life is better in the Alps...

“But recently these simple nights on the town have been transforming into a new breed of alpine night out”

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WHAT MAKES US ACE

LIFE IS BETTER with otp!

“OFF THE PISTE WAS SET UP IN 1995 WITH 4 MAIN GOALS. 16 YEARS ON THESE REMAIN EXACTLY THE SAME” Make the thrill of a snowsports holiday available to as many students as possible at affordable prices Provide the very best tailored service to our committee’s and deliver everything as promised Get stuck in and be in the mountains seeing our work through (why wouldn’t you?!) Do nothing by half - we pride ourselves in delivering high quality, fun holidays

RESORT PACK CHECK LIST Lift pass

Resort Card

Lanyard

Holiday booklet

Wristband

Insurance card

PAGE 10

I16fyears you want to know a bit more about why after we continue to be head and shoulders

above the competition and why groups choose to come back to us year on year then read on…

we listen Now in its third year, we are continually asking your opinion and reviewing our performance with online customer satisfaction surveys.

THE OTP ACADEMY We don’t just train our resort staff in a conference centre for the day using some meaningless maps. We actually take everyone out to resort for 4 days and demonstrate what we expect of a rep, educating them on the resorts they are going to be working in. We nurture their attitude and develop their understanding of the varying, unique and dynamic nature of all our passengers. And above all, we teach them on how we want them to represent us and look after you. No other operator can come close to providing every single one of its groups with a complete and experienced team of well trained reps every week of the season. Don’t believe us?? Come with us on the Training Weekend, you might learn something new yourself !!

it works We know our booking system isn’t that pretty and it might not send text messages but it works where it matters. Our system can be trusted to deliver reliable data and complete complex functions such as online room & coach allocations and automated damaged deposit refunds without any risks. It also provides all committee members with full and transparent ‘Group Leader Access’ with a comprehensive email system and reporting section to give you complete control. You can also add any optional extras you like such as club membership and holiday clothing.

ULTERIOR motives At OTP we don’t have any set bed allocations in certain resorts, nor do we have any alliances or kick backs set up with any bars. We believe in giving you completely impartial advice when selecting a resort and delivering a wholly objective experience in resort, both ofwhich are centered on nothing more than your group having the time of their lives!

new years day heroes As a company we want to be present from the beginning to the end of your holiday. That’s why we invest thousands of pounds each season moving OTP reps around the country so they can board your coaches at their start point. Last season over 87.5% of the 245 coaches that left the UK had at least one rep on board from the start point, even on New Year’s Day!!

team work Okay so we know that too many reps can spoil the broth but at OTP we don’t believe in cutting corners when it comes to man (and woman) power in resort. We not only provide a rep ratio of at least 1:35 and experienced Head Reps for all groups of 140 or more; we are the only student tour operator to have dedicated night patrol reps on top of the reps that are on ‘night duty’, they work throughout the night and are on hand to help deal with any emergency that can occur. We are also the only operator to have a dedicated team of Incident Support Reps whose sole job in resort is to assist anyone who passes through the medical center or the hospital with their case and insurance claim.

resort packs No longer limited to big weeks or special events, OTP spend a great deal of time preparing and packing resort packs for your group’s arrival and ensure that, even on quieter weeks, more passengers than ever before are receiving their resort pack in the valley at the supermarket. Don’t forget all OTP passengers receive a 10% discount.

CHECK OUT MY PACKAGE

nyone can take you to a resort and attempt to run a holiday but it takes experience and passion to create a tour tailored to your group’s specific needs and ensure that ALL members of your group have the best possible holiday experience. We try wherever possible to meet all our prospective group leaders to find out as much as we can about their group and what they require from their holiday. We will then suggest resorts and package options that we believe will best suit your needs. Whichever resorts and options that we recommend the key elements of the holiday remain the same and have been carefully refined over the last decade. The beauty of the self-catered holiday is that those people who are content with the basic package do not need to pay a premium for options they do not require. When your members book online, each individual will be given the option to tailor his/her package to suit their requirements.

optional extraS Specially developed, student specific, wintersports INSURANCE with excess waiver upgrades. The cheapest possible deals on up-to-date and specialist snowsports EQUIPMENT HIRE. All Off The Piste holidays include: TRAVEL: Return executive coach travel from campus, London & Dover in reliable and fully equipped coaches. ACCOMMODATION: All under one roof in centrally located, fully equipped self-catered apartments. LIFT PASS: Local area lift pass with the option to upgrade at the cheapest possible rate. REPRESENTATION: Comprehensive in resort OTP staff presence.

The cheapest possible deals on LESSON packages, all guaranteed to go ahead with no more than 10 per group. Two hour, day one REFRESHER LESSONS for anyone lacking in a bit of confidence at a class 1, or a class 2 level. Race, freestyle and Off-Piste WORKSHOPS now available in all resorts throughout the season. BEGINNER PACK deals providing at least a 10% saving on hire AND lessons for the people that need it most – all with no more than 8 per group. Tailored FOOD PACKAGES for Breakfast, lunch, and dinner to meet your group’s exact requirements.

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OTP PRESENTS

Over the years the team at OTP have

always strived to provide top-notch nights out for all. Over the last 12 months we have managed to raise the bar even further, delivering some legendary parties in the UK and the French Alps in conjunction with our production partners Okoru. To give you an idea of what weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re talking about take a look at the following list of world renowned talent that has graced the OTP turntables, all in the name of keeping you dancing into the early hours... PAGE 12

PAST ACTS: Calvin Harris DJ Yoda Chase ’n’ Status Jack Beats Freestylers Danny Byrd Utah Saints DJ Switch Mullit Dr Bruce

If you were unfortunate enough to miss out this OTP fun, we’re sure you’ll be keen to get involved over the next 12 months. We can promise they will only get bigger and better! So watch out for what we have coming up by keeping an eye on our Facebook page: www.facebook.com/offthepiste

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making it happen

since 1995

MERCHANDISE

supporting your club PLANNING & PREPERATION

Ok, so anyone can give out free pens and bottle

openers we hear you say! Clothing, promotions and merchandise can be important elements of any clubs year, and something we don’t take too lightly, but here at OTP we believe it’s going that extra mile to supporting your holiday AND your club throughout the whole year in any way we can and it is this that can really make the difference. And believe us, we go that extra mile!

from the start Once you’ve decided to go ahead with a bespoke package from OTP you will receive your ‘booking pack’ in the post which is an extremely detailed and helpful guide to the year ahead with us. It talks you through how everything will work during the year, with time scales and deadline dates, step by step guides and the extra options available to you with the aim of answering any questions you might have and make running your club as stress free as possible.

PAGE 16

You might have someone on the committee that has some experience with graphic design but if not, fear not! OTP are always on hand with lots of ideas and advice on the best way to advertise and market both your club and your holiday. We’ve even have a wide selection of design themes you can adopt for your advertising campaign during freshers’ week. Looking to rebrand your club this year? Logo looking tired and you’re not really sure what it is!? Look no further, our in-house designers have already helped rebrand several clubs this year (including Aston, Manchester Met and Durham), and are on hand to help you with your design work.

FACE to FACE support We also know that the summer can be a tough time when it comes to club cash flow. You need to order club merchandise, but don’t have your membership money yet. Fear not, the OTP bank is here to help. We’re more than happy to cover the cost of your club hoodies or t-shirts and you can just pay us back when you have collected the funds.

Once all the preparation is complete we are

always on hand to help with some well practiced persuasion techniques at the first event of the year, the ever important Fresher’s Fair! We’ve been to a few in our time so just watch us work some magic on the hordes of excited freshers. Throughout the year we are always on hand to a ttend and help at events, socials, rail jams and balls, to help continue building the relationships we quickly form with you. With the infamous OTP branded truck, BBQ, gazebo and sound system, we can turn any normal promotion day into something that will make people stop and want to talk to you! This year saw the truck heading anywhere from promo days in Southampton, to rail jams in Stirling, not to mention a few snow balls and holiday reunions on the way!

being a group leader Over the next 12 months as a group leader you’re going to have a lot of work to do. However between OTP and yourself we’re not only going to do everything we can to make life easier, we’re actually going to make it a pleasure! BRANDED LANYARDS

BOTTLE OPENERS

it’s good to talk After the dust has settled and we’ve had some new tyres fitted, we begin the build up to Christmas and your holiday. In the OTP office we are always here to support you with any aspect of your club or holiday, however large or small! We have all been there before and know exactly what it takes, so don’t hesitate to call us for a chat or some advice. Before long you will probably have all our mobiles on speed dial anyway – we don’t just work 9-5 at OTP!

PLAYING CARDS

looking the part Fancy getting some team jackets branded up for you to wear around uni or at a student event? Check out our mini brochure showing a wide range of jackets we can offer the committee or the race team. Last year saw some amazing jackets from Helly Hansen, Tresspass and Salomon and all starting from £40 per jacket.

BRANDED WRISTBANDS

BRANDED T-SHIRTS

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THE BORING BIT

‘Helmet was a good choice’

Okay so the following topics might not be at the top of your priority list when it comes to booking a holiday, but at OTP we are totally committed to delivering SAFE and SUSTAINABLE trips for all involved.

We are also on hand to help you and your club with the sometimes turbulent relationship you might have with your SU. Rest assured, OTP are the safest and most conscientious student tour operator in the market.

SAFetY Off The Piste are committed to the safety of all our passengers. We want to work with all our passengers and group leaders to ensure that everyone on your trip has a fantastic yet safe experience.

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Key Off The Piste safety features: • 24 hour UK based duty office support • Hardwearing OTP wristband with emergency contact details for all passengers • Comprehensive Safety Management System (SMS) • Duty staff on call 24 hours a day in all resorts • Included as standard - OTP Comprehensive Medical Insurance with 24 hour helpline • Key safety information ‘Dos & Don’ts’ provided to all passengers

• Full documented emergency procedures and protocol should anything happen • Highest rep to client ratio of any student tour operator • Dedicated Night Patrol Reps who are on hand to help deal with any emergency • Comprehensive safety training for all OTP reps on the training weekend • Regular and proactive communication with Dover Port Police to ensure the safe passage of all our passengers through the port

ONLINE BOOKING SYSTEM It might not be the most

Sustainable development - Keeping green with Off The Piste Where does your £1 Carbon Offset go? What? Every passenger is given the option to offset part

of the 0.07 tonnes of carbon emission from the 1400 miles travelled to the Alps.

How? We donate money to renewable and green energy projects all over the world.

Where? We have been collecting to replace an old,

inefficient and dirty power source with a clean hydro system which provides clear carbon emission benefit in Chamonix’s mountains.

Why? To keep snow on the caps and smiles on people’s faces in years to come!

Sustainable Development

exciting thing to look at, but the truth is our booking system is the most comprehensive, flexible and organised one out there. It was designed and built to make your lives as easy as possible, with tried and tested features that will save you hundreds of hours of work – something you will be very grateful of around the time of your booking deadline! Here is a quick summary of some of its best features: Personalise your Booking Page Integrate a booking portal on your website so it looks like people are booking directly with you.

IT WORKS

Automated Reserve List to help manage demand Easily upgrade people as and when a space becomes available! Online Room Allocations Let everyone choose their own rooms so you don’t have to even get involved in the politics. Automatic Online Damage Deposits We refund everyone directly with the click of a button. Advanced Group Leader Tools Enabling you to email everyone directly, download any information or reports you need, monitor your bookings as they come in and even allocate people to coaches.

Easy Staggered Payments Log in and pay as little or as much as you like each time!

Whether recycling in the office, running for charity (yes we mean Sam Passmore) or sustaining a healthy relationship and supporting the communities in the resorts we visit, Off The Piste maintain a high standard to ensure our business and your holidays are sustainable in the long term.

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RESORTS

Choosing The Right Resort!

We know what works well, whether you’re a smaller group looking for a more intimate location ideal for snowboarders or a big group looking for a some après ski and a varied ski area. We can offer something to suit. We have selected the best the French Alps have to offer with tried and tested snow sure resorts and an extensive range of activities and après ski to match all budgets and tastes. We have provided a short description of the resorts available on the following pages with a few helpful hints and facts. However try asking our experienced staff who might let you in on a few secret spots of their own... Look out for the BIG FOOT STAMP for an idea of which resorts which cater for larger groups.

VAL THORENS www.valthorens.com Europe’s highest and most snow secure resort and an Off the Piste stronghold, we have taken over 12,000 students to Val Thorens in two seasons. We get the best deals and can provide the best service and holiday (FACT). It has the largest nightclub in the Alps in Malaysia (1800 capacity) into which we have exclusive entry ahead of any other tour operator. Val Thorens’ multitude of bars and clubs is what gives it the reputation as France’s top party resort. We can accommodate your group in various residences depending on where you want to be located in the village we have 2,3 and 4 star options all of which allow for doorstep skiing.

AWESOME NIGHTLIFE, AWESOME APRÈS SKI, IMMENSE SKI AREA, BEGINNERS, DOOR STEP SKIING, TOBOGGAN RUN, MOUNTAIN MEAL, MOUNTAIN BBQ

Stats Village height

140km – 600km

Highest point

3230m

Vertical drop

1700m

RESORT RATING Accommodation Ski Area Après-Ski Snowparks Snow record

PAGE 20

WWW.OFFTHEPISTE.COM

2300m

Total piste

Price

Val d’Isere www.valdisere.com

Tignes Val Claret www.tignes.net

Arguably Europe’s premier ski destination this is a beautiful and lively resort set at the

Together with Val d’Isere, Tignes forms the expansive Espace Killy ski area.

heart of the vast Espace Killy ski area offering some of the best skiing and après ski in

Val Claret is the highest of the Tignes villages and therefore the most snow secure

the whole of the Alps. Unlike most other resorts it is not purpose built giving it the

with easy access to the Grande Motte glacier. As opposed to the other Tignes villages,

charm and warmth of an Alpine village. It has multiple venues that can hold over 300

Val Claret’s compact nature and numerous bars and clubs gives it a unique atmosphere.

people and the state of the art Doudoune nightclub and Oxygen sports centre.

The accommodation is all self-catered and is either directly on the slopes or within

We can offer a range of 2 to 4 star accommodation located both in the village and on

a very short walk.

the slopes.

POSING, FOLIE DOUCE, OFF-PISTE SKIING, BEER PONG, LA FACE DOWNHILL RUN, EATING OUT, ACCOMMODATION

Stats

GREAT SKIING, TOBOGGAN RUN, GLACIER, X GAMES, NEW YEARS EVE. EYE OF THE NEEDLE. FOLIE DOUCE

Stats

1850m

Village height

2100m

Total piste

300km

Total piste

300km

Highest point

3466m

Highest point

3466m

Vertical drop

2000m

Vertical drop

2000m

Village height

RESORT RATING

Accommodation

Ski Area

Après-Ski

Snowparks

Snow record

Price

Arc 1800 www.lesarcs.com

Avoriaz www.avoriaz.com

Arc 1800 is arguably one of the most student friendly resorts in the Alps and hugely

This is the highest resort in the largest ski area in the world, the Portes du Soleil, which

popular among student groups. The local ski area of Les Arcs is large and varied with

spans two countries and more than 650km of piste. The area enjoys extremely good

some fantastic tree lined skiing and is linked to La Plagne by Europe’s most expensive

snow conditions as it is located in the shadow of Mont Blanc. The accommodation is

cable car, the Vanoise Express, to form the enormous Paradiski domain. The village

a mix of 2 and 3 stars, all offering doorstep skiing. The nightlife is perfect for groups of

itself is compact, easy to navigate and the slopes and amenities are all located within

50 – 200 with numerous bars to suit. We can also include free night trips to the

a very short distance of the residences. There are plenty of bars and two nightclubs to

neighbouring resort of Morzine.

keep you entertained, as well as Le Kebab – the best kebab shop in the Alps open until 5am!

GREAT BARS, TREE LINED SKIING, SPEED KILOMETRE, LE KEBAB, WATER SPLASH, & THE BEST MOUNTAIN MEAL – FACT

AWESOME NIGHTLIFE, AWESOME APRÈS SKI, IMMENSE SKI AREA, BEGINNERS, DOOR STEP SKIING, TOBOGGAN RUN, MOUNTAIN MEAL, MOUNTAIN BBQ

Stats

Village height

1800m

Village height

Total piste

200 - 425km

Total piste

75 - 650km

Highest point

3226m

Highest point

2275m

Vertical drop

1676m

Vertical drop

1566m

RESORT RATING

Accommodation

Ski Area

Après-Ski

Snowparks

Snow record

Price

1800m

Alpe d’Huez www.valdisere.com

Les Deux Alpes www.les2alpes.com

This large resort is well worth its position in France’s top five winter destinations.

The highest and largest glacier in the Alps is part of the reason groups are attracted

The Grand Rousses ski domain has 220km of runs and plenty of scope for those

to Les 2 Alpes and its ski area of over 200km is well known for having a top notch

looking to go off the beaten track. Lift pass includes 1 free day in Les Deux Alpes.

snow park. The town is based at 1600m, so unlike many of our resorts you have to get

The central location of all the bars makes this resort perfect for a full après ski program

a cable car every morning before skiing. There are many bars all of which know how

with the choice of 2 great nightclubs. You can choose from either centrally located

to get a party going and are extremely familiar with student groups. If you are in

accommodation or from accommodation located on the slopes, both of which are

Les 2 Alpes or Alpe d’Huez we will provide a day trip to either resort free of charge

standard 2 or 3 stars.

including a ski pass.

OUTDOOR HEATED POOL, BAR WITH A SLIDE, LONGEST EVER BLACK RUN

Stats

BOARD PARK, GLACIER SKIING, LA GRAVE OFF-PISTE AREA

Stats

1860m

Village height

1650m

Total piste

240km

Total piste

225km

Highest point

3300m

Highest point

3570m

Vertical drop

2050m

Vertical drop

2300m

Village height

RESORT RATING

Accommodation

Ski Area

Après-Ski

Snowparks

Snow record

Price

La Plagne www.la-plagne.com

Chamonix www.chamonix.com

La Plagne forms part of the Paradiski ski area along with its neighbors of Peisey,

Located in the Mont Blanc Valley, Chamonix boasts access to three main ski areas

Vallandry and Les Arcs. The resort is suitable for smaller groups on a tighter budget

plus a number of smaller areas all connected to each other by a free local bus service.

and still offers a good range of bars and a nightclub for those who want to stay out.

In total you will have access to 400km of piste. 90% of the pistes are based above

Most of the residences we use are in Belle Plagne or Bellecote, which means you have

2000m and therefore the ski area is extremely snow secure. This is further backed up

doorstep skiing as well as being close to all village facilities. For those of you looking for

by Mont Blanc’s historically large snow falls. Chamonix is a really happening town

an adrenalin rush why not take a ride on the Olympic bobsleigh run located just below

and has a fantastic number of bars and restaurants with an extremely vibrant and

Plagne 1800. Unique to Plagne Bellecote we can also offer accommodation that runs

lively atmosphere.

from Sunday to Sunday.

OUTDOOR HEATED POOL, OFF-PISTE SKIING, OLYMPIC BOBSLEIGH RUN, THE TUNNEL RUN, FLEXIBLE ACCOMMODATION

Stats Village height

THE AIGUILLE ROUGE OFF-PISTE AREA, ICE CLIMBING, VIEW OF MOUNT BLANC, MCDONALDS IN THE VILLAGE, PRO RIDERS, LA VALLEE BLANCHE

Stats

1800m

Village height

Total piste

225 - 425km

Total piste

150 - 400km

Highest point

3250m

Highest point

3842m

Vertical drop

1676m

Vertical drop

1676m

RESORT RATING

Accommodation

Ski Area

Après-Ski

Snowparks

Snow record

Price

1035m

Risoul 1850 www.risoul1850.com

Valmeinier 1800 www.valmeinier.com

This is our most southern-based resort and shares the Foret Blanche ski area with Vars.

Situated on the opposite side of the Maurienne valley to Orelle (3 Valleys), Valmeinier

The resort is north facing and it is this combined with its height which gives it a

is a purpose built resort ideally situated on the North facing slopes of the Galibier

formidable snow record. The residence is located on the piste and is above the main

Thabor ski area. Along with the resort of Valloire they offer 150kms of pistes, 70%

bars, which helps to keep your group all together. This resort is perfect for groups from

of which are over 2000m, and great tree lined off piste skiing over an area of 1600

50 - 200 looking for a cheap base price and some cheap prices in resort.

hectares. This resort is perfect for groups from 50 – 250 looking for a low base price and friendly, well priced bars. The residence is ski in – ski out and is situated just above the centre of the resort that benefits from a brand new bowling alley and a number of great bars and restaurants.

CHERINE, APACHE, LE PUB, YETI BAR, LE MORGAN ALTERNATIVE APRÈS SKI, ICE SKATING, CINEMA, GRAND BAINS NATURALLY HEATED INDOOR/OUTDOOR POOLS

Stats

LE LEBOWSKI, NO COMMENT, 3 DIABLOS, LA BRASILIA ALTERNATIVE APRÈS SKI: BOWLING, CINEMA, NIGHT SKIING AND SLEDGING

Stats

1850m

Village height

1800m

Total piste

180km

Total piste

150km

Highest point

2750m

Highest point

2600m

Vertical drop

1100m

Vertical drop

1100m

Village height

RESORT RATING

Accommodation

Ski Area

Après-Ski

Snowparks

Snow record

Price

Last year at Uni? This need not be the end of creating amazing memories in the alps! OFF THE PISTE offer wide ranging, tailor made trips for anyone and groups of any size. You can still hit up your favourite resorts with all the apres ski and goodtimes that you have always associated with OTP!

WWW.OFFTHEPISTE.COM HOLIDAYS@OFFTHEPISTE.COM 0845 680 1503

GRENDON LAKES, NORTHAMPTONSHIRE

3 DAYS OF WAKE, DJS, BANDS, BBQS, PAINTBALL & WATER ZORBING

THE LEGENDARY SUMMER REUNION NOW YOU KNOW HOW GOOD LIFE IS IN THE ALPS, IT’S TIME TO SEE HOW GOOD IT IS...

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With thanks to the tourist offices for supplying many of the images used and also some of our gifted reps. Designed by OTP staff & Jeff Flanagan @ Voila! flanagan.jeff@gmail.com