Meet The Team

A bit about Andy

A founder partner and Director in Kaluma Travel I have now lived in Austria for over 25 years and consider it home. Split the year between the alps and the office and love the mountains in the summer almost as much as I do in the winter. Worked in Events and Hospitality most of my working life, set up bars and restaurants, managed luxury travel companies and helped organise big London based Events like the Ski Show and MPH Motor Shows. Still a passionate (and good) skier, but probably a better long luncher and après skier!!

Favourite Resort

St Anton (but very biased) but the endless off piste and easy access to incredible skiing wins for me. Courchevel a very close second with the fantastic , never ending, flattering , speedy piste skiing and access to the whole trois vallees….epic!

Best Ski Memory

Amazing off piste day in St Anton/Zurs with some regular guests. Skiing off the back of Valuga and skiing straight to a helicopter pick up to heli-ski at the back of Zurs. Finished off at a small, traditional mountain hut with a cold beer and great memories! Now, with 2 active boys, my fav ski days are spent on the hill with them, letting them show me the way!  Season 20/21 when we had the resort to ourselves, empty slopes, fantastic snow and teaching my boys to ski – something to treasure.

What I Love About My Job

Talking skiing, skiing, visiting all the resorts and skiing them. Skiing with friends, skiing with guests, skiing in soft fresh fluffy powder and drinking ice cold beers with some of the best views in the world! But mainly, helping others to enjoy the mountains the same way I do….

Staying abreast of all things skiing and all things luxury, looking at ways on how we can always deliver the best possible experience to our guests.

Favourite Property

For me, Sweet Little Home is a special place. Its an amazing chalet. Almost everyone who walks past, takes a picture! Or our very first St Anton chalet, the Chalet Montfort (as I helped build it!), will always be my No.1.

Best Kaluma Tip

Use our experience and knowledge. We really do know our resorts and can offer heaps of insider tips that can only enhance your holiday. From the best place to buy a hot chocolate on the slopes to where you can hire a pet poodle for the day in Lech (I’m serious). We are happy to answer any questions at any time.

A bit about RICHARD

Having broken free from a city career, I spent over a decade living in amazing ski resorts in France, Switzerland and Austria. Hosting events, ski guiding, paragliding, wine tasting, ski touring and generally loving anything to do with the mountains.

The business plan was borne in a gondola in Val Thorens and it’s been onwards and upwards ever since. Never shy about getting involved in the details of any booking – our success has been led by trust, repeat business and word of mouth recommendations.

After 12 highly rewarding years in business, I can say with confidence that we must be doing something right.

Favourite Resort

It has to be Courchevel – no where else in the world has such naturally easy access to ski terrain like this. Being in Courchevel at New Year is a bit like being on a Hollywood film set, but bling aside, it’s remains a stunningly beautiful place with truly world class skiing and a lift system to match.

(I wish we could import the Tapas from the Pyrenees,  the friendliness of the Italian ski instructors, and the aprés ski from Austria).

Best Ski Memory

New Year’s morning in Courchevel, with 30cms of fresh snow on a cold, crisp and clear day. The resort was completely full but the 1st lift of the day and entire ski area were utterly deserted as everyone had overindulged the night before.

It felt like we had Les Trois Vallees to ourselves  – surreal and amazing !

What I Love About My Job

Being in business with such a great team. Watching Kaluma and our team grow is a fascinating journey.

The Kaluma alumni is an amazing crowd, all doing cool things after some wicked shared experiences in the Alps. Former dream team members include restauranteurs, army officers, lawyers, doctors, city traders, a pilot and a stand up comic !

Favourite Property

Chalet Maurine in Verbier – the best located chalet in town … close to aprés, and  super close to the lift station. Love the steep off piste terrain of Verbier, followed by a relaxing outdoor dip in the hot tub with a beer and good company. It’s the simple things in life.

Best Kaluma Tip

Try new resorts and hotels, not always the obvious options. Take experienced advice. The local knowledge will add a huge amount of value, but should cost nothing.

A bit about GEORGINA

Having started my career working in the fashion industry, the lure of the mountains proved too much after a rather glamorous and glorious 3 days on a corporate trip in Courchevel. So what should have been a year out of industry turned into a career change and 8 seasons in the mountains. I am now happily based in the UK office in Hampshire but have worked with Kaluma since its inception in a variety of roles from Chalet Chef, Resort Representative and Events Co-ordinator. I would pride myself on giving honest and impartial advice to ensure our clients get the very best from their Kaluma Ski holiday.

Favourite Resort

Courchevel. From a skiing point of view, if you enjoy wide open pistes, stunning scenery and a flattering last run into resort at the end of the day then 1850 offers just that. Always best to end on a positive I find.

Best Ski Memory

Skiing holidays overload the memory bank of special times! I love a solo ski on a quiet piste at the end of the day. Skiing as a family down the Cospilliot Piste (which is the run down to Chalet Colombe) is pretty special. Any long lunch at Bel Air (Courchevel 1650) on the terrace, basking in the March sun with my daughter wondering if there will be an IIe flottante left for her. I love those days.

What I Love About My Job

I’m a people person and known to be a bit of a talker (!) but I love nothing more than getting to know our clients. It really helps to take the time to get to know each and everyone coming on holiday with us. This ensures we can put everything in place to arrange the perfect trip. There is nothing more satisfying than guests leaving resort and buzzing from a great trip away that we’ve curated for them.

Favourite Property

Chalet Montana. It’s chocolate box charm on a stick. When you walk through the door the scent of wood interior, the fire roaring, a glass of something chilled passed to you by our welcoming staff – you know you’re in for a great week. Located just off the Bellecote Piste it couldn’t be better placed.

Best Kaluma Tip

Trust us. We are a small company, with years of experience in our resorts. We genuinely want to organise the best holiday out there for you.

A bit about LUCY

Lucy is Andy’s wife and mother of their two sons Archie and Max. Andy and Lucy met when she was a corporate client of Kaluma’s on a trip in St Anton. Let’s just say after a few wines and Lucy impressing Andy with her bar top dancing skills, he proposed to the girl he once nicknamed Bridget. (The movie Bridget Jones – who learnt to ski in Lech!)

As a very experienced event manager Lucy has worked in the financial sector and prior to that she worked in sports, mostly in Formula One, looking after one of the team’s sponsors and guests at all F1 races around the globe.

Lucy manages the concierge and events throughout the winter season and works on unique special events for Kaluma in the summers – with a particular passion for organising corporate and private wine events throughout Europe.

Favourite Resort

It would have to be St Anton as we live there!

Best Ski Memory

Getting married at the Hospiz Alm in St Anton/St Christoph at the end of the ski season. We were so lucky with the weather having snowed that week it meant all our guests were able to ski some powder and I could ski on our wedding day!

What I Love About My Job

I love to make people happy – whether it is organising a wine tasting in Tuscany for 50 guests, a women only ski trip, a corporate skiing off-site, a birthday party in one of our chalets, or a families first skiing experience with their young kids – listening to exactly what our clients would like and exceeding their expectations is what it is all about. I enjoy building trust, loyalty and relationships with our clients – the best compliment is keeping a client and I am very thankful to our clients for that.

Favourite Property

Kaluma’s Sweet Little Home – truly unique, masterful interior design, a gorgeous spa, beautiful rooms – it is stunning.

Best Kaluma Tip

Skiing – book early and book direct with Kaluma – you will get the best offer and always get the best service. For our events – if there is something that tickles your wanderlust, get in touch and we can tailor make a trip or manage an event just for you.

A bit about REBBIE

Rebbie has come from a Marketing and Events background working primarily with luxury brands. She has always harboured a desire to work in the travel industry and is an enthusiastic skier so when the opportunity arose to work with Kaluma she was delighted to become part of the team.

Favourite Resort

There are a few resorts that I love to visit and they all have different qualities but if I had to chose it would be St Anton as it has some great hotels, bars and restaurants and the skiing is always fun and you can take it as easy as you like or give yourself some challenges.

Best Ski Memory

I have lots of lovely memories from various ski holidays but most memorable was the holiday that I decided to abandon the snowboard and go back to the faithful skis. That day happened to have the perfect ski conditions and as I skied back into the resort on an almost empty piste the sunset had turned the snow pink and I was listening to Zero 7 thinking that life couldn’t get any better.

What I Love About My Job

I love working with people and when you are organising one of the most exciting experiences for them there is a huge amount of satisfaction knowing that they are just about to have one of the best holidays with Kaluma.

Favourite Property

I love Eden Rocks opulence. It is beautiful inside and has incredible views and then after a whole day of skiing you can treat yourself to the in house spa facilities, it’s the epitome of decadence.

Best Kaluma Tip

The more information you can give us in terms of your ideal holiday the better as we love to have a challenge and make sure that your experience is unforgettable.  Oh and hold on to your poles on the lifts!!

A bit about Chris

A Kaluma veteran in St Anton, I now split my life between the Austrian Alps in winter and summers in the English Lake District guiding adventure activities for my own business www.ghyllscrambling.co.uk

I grew up (some say I haven’t) in and around the mountains and I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else, it’s my happy place.

Favourite Resort

I feel guilty not to say St Anton as I now call it home. St Anton is a skiers dream in the winter and a high alpine adventure’s pleasure in the summer. Outside of that it has got to be Zermatt for me. The mighty Matterhorn dominating the views of the village makes it a really special town to be in.

Best Ski Memory

Skiing the tightest couloir into Mattun bowl (St Anton) in perfect powder, the steepest line I’ve ever skied and one of only two people to ski it that season.

What I Love About My Job

Being able to help people enjoy the mountains as much as I do. Be that by guiding them on the slopes or by providing the best service in the chalets. Seeing people have a great holiday has me at my happiest.

Favourite Property

Chalet 53 is my dream property, always feels so cozy and like a home, with a perfect location right in the centre of St Anton.

Best Kaluma Tip

Use our local knowledge, on the best places to ski, the best places to eat, we love doing our research and we like to share. We truly believe our insiders knowledge will help you get the very best out of your holiday.

A bit about Kelly

I have been working and travelling around the globe for the last 10 years. My winters have mostly been spent up in the French Alps and my summers on the superyachts in the Mediterranean. I fell in love with Courchevel after my first ever ski season with Kaluma in 2012. I have accumulated many great stories through my work and travels – most of which are all down to my time spent working in the luxury hospitality industry!

Favourite Resort

I am definitely biased but I love Courchevel. The variation of being up high among the rocky peaks at the summet of La Saulire and then being able to ski  down through the beautiful forest all the way down to La Tania or Le Praz just can’t be beat.

Best Ski Memory

It’s definitely hard to pick just one but my favourite memories are of the days spent ski touring in Courchevel. There is a beautiful trail that winds all the way through the forest up to Col de la Loze. When there has been a heavy snowfall, the snow hangs in the trees making everything look like a real life winter wonderland – which Courchevel actually,  is just that!

What I Love About My Job

I love the behind the scenes work of what goes into making the perfect holiday for our guests. There have been so many surprise parties and little hidden extras we have pulled together to make a stay pure perfection. Seeing all the hard work paid off in smiles from our guests, makes it all worth it. I also love the team mentality of the Courchevel crew. Bringing together different nationalities and walks of life means you are always learning from your friends. Making memories with the team is one of my favourite parts of working in the Alps.

Favourite Property

Hands down it is Chalet Montana. It’s rustic beauty is a treasure to behold. The open plan kitchen and dining area invites you to interact with your personal chef in a homely way. The bathtub in the master suit is a major selling point with 180 degree view of pristine snow capped mountains.

Best Kaluma Tip

Use our experience and benefit from our local knowledge. We know our resorts better then most.

Ask me in person and I’d love to show you a truly remarkable, secret alpine picnic spot. Off the beaten track, it’s really rather special. We will even prepare and deliver a warm rug and cushions to compliment the stunning view, a bottle of chilled champagne and some canapes from the chef to compliment your picnic.

We’ve actually done exactly this for a few wedding proposals….ssshhhh!

A bit about Stephanie

I fell in love with St. Anton and had a dream season working for Kaluma in 2017/18, I kept coming back and am now lucky enough to live there year-round. I spend the winter looking after guests and managing chalets and teams, and the summer recruiting those teams for the coming winter.

There’s something special about the mountains and I enjoy summers almost as much as winters now… almost

Favourite Resort

St. Anton, hands down. I do love our local Glacier Kaunertal as well – well worth a trip out!

Best Ski Memory

I feel this is the right moment to confess that I am a snowboarder! My favourite memory was having friends to visit and showing them around the Rendl side of our resort. It was just one of those days with everything, fresh corduroy, powdery tree runs and off-piste, park laps, sunshine, good friends and Après at the legendary KK to finish off a perfect day.

What I Love About My Job

Simple, the mountains and the people. Meeting so many different people, our guests, our fantastic team, the local legends. Sharing the best playground in the world with them and being a part of our guests unforgettable memories and experiences.

Favourite Property

Eden Rock. The first Kaluma Chalet I worked in, it is pure alpine luxury. It took my breath away the first time I saw it and after the 100’s of times I’ve walked in the front door it still does. It’s also in my favourite part of St. Anton, Nasserein, and has the best balcony views in town. Oh, and a pool.

Best Kaluma Tip

Use us! We know, and love, our resorts and have a wealth of experience between us. So one of us knows the answer to your question or a way to make your request happen. Let us share these amazing places with you and give you a trip you’ll never forget.

A bit about Martin

This will be my 4^th winter in St Anton working with Kaluma. I’m very proud to be managing Chalet Eden Rock which is such a stunning property.  I come from a strong hospitality back ground  and am a trained Sommelier – matching my love of the mountains with my love for wine and service!  I generally split my time between winters in St Anton and summers working within the wine industry in England or further afield.

Favourite Resort

St Anton, as its just got so much to offer everyone. Courchevel a close second as I also worked half a season with Kaluma in Chalet Colombe.  However, Glenshee in Scotland will always be special as it’s where I learnt to ski as a child, some very fond memories.

Best Ski Memory

Skiing our guests to Lech for the day. Skiing the whole White Circle, from St Anton to Lech and back again. Seeing the awe on their faces at the beauty of it all and how big and impressive the Arlberg ski region really is. Having lunch at the mightily impressive ‘BBQ restaurant’ at the top of the Rufikopf lift, skiing back to St Anton and finishing with an apres ski drink in the Krazy Kanguruh. A great day out!

What I Love About My Job

I love that I get to ski and work in one of the most beautiful places in the world. I also love that I get to meet guests from all over the world and that we share a passion for the mountains and the snow. The food and wine served around this region is pretty outstanding too!

Favourite Property

Eden Rock of course! The whole chalet is built to please, from the huge bedrooms and bathrooms to the decadent spa area.  A close second would have to be Chalet La Colombe in Courchevel , the view from that dining table is incredible!

Best Kaluma Tip

Make the most of everything on offer . Use the chalets to their full potential, relax and enjoy them! Use the knowledge the staff have of the resort. Simply relax and let us make your holiday one you will never forget.

A bit about Cosmo

The most recent canine addition to the Kaluma Ski Team – I realise I have quite big paws to fill! I like to think I bring a sense of calm to the office dynamic and can be seen mainly sprawled on the large cushion near the coffee station

Favourite Resort

I am really hoping to visit Courchevel and treading in Milly’s well trodden pawsteps at the end of this coming season.

Best Ski Memory

Watch this space – hopefully lots to come – I cant wait to leave my paw prints in the fresh snow!

What I Love About My Job

Keeping everyone amused.

Favourite Property

Anywhere with a open fire and a warm bed.

Which is pretty much all of Kaluma chalets and YES – dogs are welcome!

Best Kaluma Tip

Don’t bother to book with anyone else.

Woof Woof !