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“... certainly one of the best holidays we have had. Richmond Holidays seem to create a good package for us, sun, sea and half board plus friendly fellowship...”
Margaret Beatham, Summer 09
“"Thank you for arranging a great holiday in Courchevel. All the arrangements worked very well, the chalet team were super, and we greatly appreciated Nick's ministry. The mix of guests worked very well too. So all in all you certainly exceeded out expectations. I'm sure we will be back, and we will also pass on positive messages to our friends."
”
Sandy Pepper & family, Courchevel, Jan 2010
“Richmond provide a unique holiday experience; quality accommodation, excellent food, and amazing staff, all set in the context of Christian fellowship and worship. I am delighted to support and encourage their important ministry.”
Mark Russell, Montchavin, March 09
“and we have been particularly impressed with the service from Jo Osmond and would not hesitate in recommending her”
Sue Carruthers
“Being single, I knew I would meet a friendly crowd of people and that was certainly the case.
A great holiday!”
GP, Crete 08
“Having now come back from our second holiday to Montchavin, I felt I must write to thank everyone at Richmond for making them probably the most memorable and enjoyable skiing holidays we have ever had.
Rosanna and her team are to be congratulated for a first class service, providing excellent hospitality, fellowship, food and ski guiding. Even the weather was perfect in March!
”
G Houston, Montchavin, Dec 08 and Mar 09
“Enjoyed the worship, the warm friendly atmosphere and relaxing in the sun”
Anne Brown, Crete, May 09
“Our two weeks in La Rosiere were just wonderful and especially the young staff, well I am 84, but they worked joyfully and hard. Nothing seemed to be too much for them. The laughter was a tonic anyway. Also the Art input was lovely, interesting and helpful. The Singing week was quite hard at times as we had to learn and re-learn some stuff but the end result was most satisfying and we have been humming away ever since!
”
Roy Lambert, La Rosiere, June 09
“... an awesome week in Montchavin.
... what a fabulous holiday! It was so great to meet you all and enjoy time together on and off the piste. Thank you sooooooo much to all the amazing Richmond staff who made it a holiday to remember... please thank all your gorgeous staff who were always smiley, kind, helpful, fun, etc! You all work very hard to make the holiday experience unforgettable. So many thanks to you all !!!! It was one of the best weeks skiing i've ever had.
”
Rosanna Meryon, Montchavin "Twenties", Jan 2010
“We have had the most wonderful week in Courchevel - the staff were absolutely fantastic and the chalet was beautiful. We arrived exhausted by weeks of frantic living and were immediately scooped into an atmosphere of loving care. Nothing seemed to be too much trouble for any of the staff and time and time again they went the "second mile". The chalet was spotless, the meals were wonderful and I never saw Sunita with anything less than a broad smile. Brian and Brenda were selfless in their dedication to both the team and the guests. We feel cherished and refreshed; physically and spiritually - the care we received was almost overwhelming.
Thank you all so much
”
Marion Peters, Courchevel, April 09
“The friendly and dedicated staff team gave unstintingly of their time. the joy of the gap year team overflowed”
Alison Laurie, Samos, June 09
“I have just returned from the walking week in La Rosiere and wanted to write to express my sincere thanks for a fantastic holiday.
The scenery was stunning, the walks well planned.
The chalet was lovely and comfortable, food excellent, the baguettes and free wine with the meal a real bonus!
The staff were excellent. The staff could not be more helpful, polite and friendly.
It was a truly magnificent holiday, quite life changing for me.”
Debbie Talbot, La Rosiere, June 09
“Having just returned from the most fantastic week with two of my children, I am at a loss for words to describe how excellent the staff were - we were all so wonderfully looked after, more like a family than a chalet, and we would all return like a shot - anytime!”
Fi Palacci, Courchevel, April 09
“... for the sheer enjoyment of the powder snow, almost continuous sunshine, a group of very pleasant guests, efficient Sunrise staff, and your marvelous chalet team, this was the best single week’s skiing I have had in the last 63 years. Thank you, and very well done indeed!”
David Gordon-Watkins, La Rosiere, Jan 2010
“I've just got back from a truly magnificent fortnight at La Rosiere. Every congratulation to you and the team. The staff there were fantastic, so is the chalet, so is the 'ambiance'.
”
Chris Kennington, La Ros, June 09
“Just returned from a wonderful Richmond holiday in Samos thoroughly relaxed and refreshed. The beautiful safe family environment with flexible and caring young people's workers gave us the opportunity to spend both quality family time together and time to relax and try out the watersports.”
Ruth Jenks & family, Samos 08
“Thank you for a wonderful time away with Richmond Holidays over Christmas at La Rosiere. All the staff did a tremendous job, particularly the chef and his team especially on Christmas Day. The attention to detail was amazing and much appreciated. Our family had a great time meeting the other guests and the staff”
Paul & Sue Carruthers, La Rosiere, Christmas 08
“I have just returned from La Plagne and just wanted to let you know how great a time I had. The team were really nice and helpful. Being so near the slopes was a great surprise.
The holiday was fantastic and you have a lovely set up at the resort.”
Karl Surtees, Montchavin, Feb 09
“...to say how much I enjoyed the holiday in Kos last month. I was made very welcome by the Richmond reps and the speaker and his wife and the first few days were really relaxing. Special mention should go to the resort manager who seemed to be very capable and sorted out any problems very quickly and efficiently. Do hope and pray the season is going well and it will be the same for the winter season.”
Graham Pumfrett, Kos July 09
“Thanks for all your help in organising our holiday to La Rosiere. We had a wonderful time and were very impressed with the staff, the evening ministry times, and the standard of food - always beautifully presented and very tasty. We are looking forward to our next one!”
Claire Harris, La Ros, March 09
“The staff here are excellent, very hospitable - they have made this into a fantastic holiday”
John Laurie, Courchevel, January 2009
“After returning from Cyprus just over a week ago, we are still dreaming about the FANTASTIC holiday that we had there! Thank you....thank you Richmond holidays and a special thank you must go to Bob and Stella!
Please please continue to use this hotel in the future!”
Sue and David Pugsley, Cyprus April 09
“It all added up to the brilliant service one has come to expect from Richmond Holidays”
Ian Brannam, La Ros, Mar 09
“Just come back from a fantastic week in La Ros! A very happy set of guests.
”
David & Carol Fullbrook, La Rosiere, Jan 2010
“My experience of my Richmond holiday was uniformly excellent. I feel the company provides a good blend of Christian worship and teaching, entertainment and relaxation and, of course, skiing and boarding. Thank you for including me as one of your ministry leaders.
”
Gordon McGuinness, La Rosiere, Feb - March 09
“How impressed I was with all the arrangements. The chalet staff without exception were all brilliant and Danny certainly gave us our money's worth with his excellent and extensive guiding.
I trust this was the first of many more great skiing holidays with Richmond!”
Alison Saunders, Montchavin, Feb 09
“The holiday far exceeded all our expectations!
Richmond Resort staff - Amazing! Food - awesome!”
Wayland Family, La Rosiere, Christmas 08
“Stephen & I stayed at the Hotel Boston in Montecatini Terme and I want to tell you what a wonderful holiday we had. We thoroughly enjoyed and felt blessed by the leadership/ ministry of Alistair and his wife Angela - the fellowship within the group was great.
Thank you.
”
Karen Matchett, Tuscany, August 09
“The resort experience was very good. The food was outstanding - it was the best food I've ever had on a ski holiday - the staff were excellent and the skiing was good.”
Penelope Bannister, Montchavin, Feb 09
“My idea of a perfect holiday is sun, sand, sea and scenery, with Christian fellowship and ministry the icing on the cake - and this holiday had the lot”
Janet Sinclair
“We had a wonderful time skiing in La Rosiere. We felt the holiday was very suitable for our group of friends, whether or not they had a faith, because they could take or leave what they wanted.”
Claire Harris, La Ros, March 09
“It's been a great week, great weather and great skiing.
You have a great team out here in La Rosiere. They have been courteous,
efficient and friendly, and have been a great advertisement for the
company.”
Rev Gordon McGuiness, La Ros, March 09
“Many, many, thanks for a wonderful holiday in the French Alps - especially for the loving kindness shown by Andy and the chalet staff in accommodating guests. The food was excellent and the chalet is beautiful, with stunning views.
”
Pamela Hall, La Rosiere, July 09
“... our group had a fabulous week at La Ros. They are already talking about options for next year ...”
Alan Jackson, La Ros, February 2010
“We have just returned from the 'Baby Comes Too' week. This was our first Richmond holiday - and first time skiing as a family of 5.
We had the most fantastic time thanks to the helpfulness of all the staff. Nothing was too much trouble.
We will be telling all our friends!”
Harriet Edgell, La Rosiere, January 09
“Really enjoyed the dance programme, painting and worship. A really good holiday. And the singing!! Brilliant!!”
CB, Crete 08
“The holiday had everything i could have asked for, lovely hotel & staff, fellowship with the team and other guests - a little snapshot of heaven.
”
Margaret Byrans, Samos, June 09
“I enjoyed everying about the holiday, it was just what I needed. I can't really think of anything you can improve on. Just thank you -you have all been wonderful”
Rosie Wood, Crete, May 09
“A massive thank you for making it work for us to visit and have a great time in Samos.
Everything was wonderful! Heather and I have had a brilliant holiday.
The staff in Samos are a great team. The team were really appreciated by the guests and often prayed for.”
Clive Davenport, Samos, July 09
“Firstly we want to encourage you to develop Richmond Holidays as you have a clear role to play in enabling Christian fellowship to develop in holiday settings. This was practically the most important part of our holiday. It is so refreshing to meet Christian folk and spend time with them on activities which are enjoyable for us all.
Secondly, I have to say that the sailing tuition from Naomi Brown in Samos was exceptional - I learnt more from her in a few sessions than in most of my other Mastersun experiences put together!”
David Finney, Samos, July 09
“We were incredibly impresssed with the good organisation of our holiday, the team of interns were a real credit to you - they really tried to intermingle with the guests are were ever patient and helpful and the leadership was great - a really wholesome experience and a
real showpiece for a Christain company who demonstrated that they can " walk the walk as well as talk the talk.".
”
Boyd & Diane Gilmore, Jan 2010
“Can I please take the opportunity to thank you and your colleagues (not forgetting Richard the ministry leader) for a fantastic holiday. I felt really blessed. Richmond are very fortunate to have such dedicated staff. God bless.
”
Gordon Cameron, La Rosiere, July 09
“I wanted to thank you and the staff at Richmond for a very good holiday in Kos.
All the rep staff were very friendly, helpful, full of energy and enthusiastic.
The views from the hotel were fantastic and it was such a dream to be able to eat overlooking the water.
”
A Davies, Kos, June 09
“I enjoyed my time in La Roz more than I can tell you and I know I wasn't the only one. I've never seen the chalet looking so good and full of so many happy people”
Ed Briggs, January 2009, Christian 18-30 Ski Week
“Please pass on our thanks to all for a wonderful holiday. We returned to the UK yesterday relaxed and refreshed”
Peter Lawrence, Kos, August 09
“My wife and I have just recently returned from Samos having spent two marvellous weeks with you at the Zefiros Beach Hotel. It was just wonderful to be with such a committed and joyful team as that which you have assembled there. You have selected, with God's help, a really great team and I can now fully appreciate the mission behind your Richmond Holiday enterprise. We had a great time and we thank you and your team for all their efforts.”
Dave and Janet Saunders, Samos Summer 08
“What a wonderful holiday we had ... brilliant team, the staff were exemplary in their helpful and cheerful attitude, the food was excellent ... teaching was so encouraging. One of the highlights was the fantastic guiding service
I have been on a number of these ski holidays - in the days before it was Richmond - and I think I can say that this was the best so far.”
Sarah Adcock & family, Montchavin, Feb 09
“Just returned from my third Richmond holiday this year. I wanted to communicate my excitement. I cannot be more enthusiastic about the team. Richmond have utterly exceeded my expectations both in Montchavin and Samos.”
Major Nick Shenow, Montchavin, December 2008
“a big thank you to all the team in La Ros for an amazing week. The guiding was excellent, especially the finding of some very good hot chocolate stops! Also the food was brilliant every night and despite, I am sure, the team being very tired with so many of us in the chalet they were always so smiley and cheerful that the holiday was just such good fun.
Once again I would like to say a massive thank you to the whole team in La
Ros for all their hardwork in giving me and my friends a great week!
”
Cathy Baldwin, La Rosiere, Feb half term 2010
“It was a real pleasure to find a Christian Holiday Company that provides a first class service with an excellent attitude to both its staff and customers.”
Andy Askham, Montchavin, Feb 09
“Thank you so much for accommodating us. I can't tell you how much we appreciate all your help”
Christine Bottomley, Montchavin 2010
“Thank you and your staff for a memorable two-centre ski holiday
The staff team could not have done a better job; we were really well looked after.
The teaching was outstanding and inspirational
It is hard to think of a simple way to summarise our stay - just wonderful!
We are already planning our ski holiday for next year!”
Brian & Judith Tunnicliffe, La Ros and Montchav, Jan 09
“We have never returned to the same place in over 30 years of holidaying but we enjoyed our time in Samos so much last year that we want to join you there again this summer.
”
Barry Wakefield, January 2010
“Please pass on our thanks to all for a wonderful holiday. We returned to the UK yesterday – relaxed and refreshed”
Peter Lawrence, Kos, August 09
“We have just returned from Courchevel and, as last year, had a fabulous time. We would highly recommend it to friends. Thank you very much too to Emma and Clare for your help.
”
Audrey Hayes, Courchevel, Feb 2010
“Top marks. As far as I could tell all the guests had a really enjoyable holiday. Ministry leader Gordon was a real blessing to us. To top it all the snow was great and our skiing improved. Other than for a seven hour delay at the airport yesterday the holiday was more or less perfect. As always the fellowship and friendship between the guests was wonderful, unique to Richmond Christian holidays.
Bravo, Richmond can only go from strength to strength.
”
Paul Morgan, Montchav, Feb 2010
“Lovely location and plenty to do. Restful holiday and good company. We love meeting people from other churches with different experiences - everone is relaxed and conversation flows. I never fail to benefit from the fellowship and friendship”
Ian and Susan Mack, Crete, May 09
“The best snow in years ... and ... possibly your best holiday ever!! -
Just to say , we absolutely agree , we returned from Courchevel last week having had a brilliant time . Thankyou. The staff were fantastic, they did superbly, we are so grateful. The chalet is amazing , we could not get over the views, and warm dry boots to put on , woh!! All 12 of us say thankyou.”
Jo Hopkins, Dec 2008, Courchevel
“I've just returned from another fantastic few weeks with Richmond holidays. Epic skiing, great company, and wonderful accommodation. Being the ministry leader I expected it all to be one way traffic, yet I was enormously blessed by clients and staff alike and came back higher than Mont Blanc! It was very encouraging to see so many wanting to holiday from their jobs but not from God”
Ben Shaw, Alps, Feb 09
“1. Food generally - excellent
2. Tea and cake at 4pm - excellent, and actually a quite important feature.
3. Resort - excellent
4. Staff - excellent, nothing was too much trouble
5. Skiing - excellent
6. Guiding - excellent
7. Speaker - excellent, very well thought out and useful.
Would I come back and recommend to others - absolutely yes.
”
Alan, Montchavin, March 2010
“One of the best holidays we've had! The place is beautiful, the Richmond staff fantastic”
Peter & Suzy Andrews, Samos 08
“Once again a brilliant week at Mont Chavin and I managed to keep all my bones in one piece this time. What a personable and accomplished team looking after us! The snow was good and we had a variety of weather conditions from the challenging to the absolutely brilliant on the last day. Mike Cain was one of the best ministry leaders I've met. Do hang onto him please. Many thanks for another brilliant Richmond experience - running so smoothly from first booking to the final farewell at Chambery on the way home. With very best wishes to you all at Richmond as you continue in the Lord's service.”
Ian Brannam, Montchavin, March 2010
“You have succeeded in keeping all that was wonderful about Masterski with extra features - most notably for us flexibility, a more business like approach and some small but much appreciated innovations - such as shower gel available, good quality wine.
God bless you and your teams
”
Maureen Crawford, Montchavin, January 09
“I just want to take the chance to say a big thank you for the part you played in my recent wonderful holiday in Tuscany. I have returned from Tuscany restored physically, mentally and spiritually. I would have no hesitation in booking again with yourselves.”
Ann Grant, Tuscany, July 09
“I just wanted to say what a fantastic time we had in Courchevel last week. Your team were superb. I have been on other Christian ski holidays in the past, but nothing compares to the service we received in Courchevel, well done!”
Mr D Howard, Courchevel Mar 09
“I've been so impressed with Richmond Holidays. This was the first time I'd travelled with you, and you've been very accomodating from the start - specially helping out with my query about dietary requirements.
La Rosiere was a beautiful place, the chalet was lovely, the team were fantastic at looking after us and giving us a great holiday, and they catered for my diet better than any holiday I've been on!
”
Helen Williams, La Rosiere, August 09
“It is no exaggeration to say this is by far the best chalet we have ever had. I want to record my appreciation for the wonderful way we were looked after by the staff - they were absolutely fantastic - wonderful friendly and talented young Christians, extremely dedicated. I think this is just the most wonderful skiing experience I have ever had.”
Peter Green, La Rosiere, Jan 09
“What a lovely holiday my group had in Montchavin. The quality of care was extremely high with a very efficient, friendly team well led in a calm relaxed manner by the resort manager. The ski guiding was superb and we all had a very energising break.
Thankyou
God Bless you and your teams”
Maureen Crawford, Montchavin, January 09
“Bali is the perfect resort for the lone traveller; it has all the elements I look for in a holiday-sun, sea, pool, scenery and a proper village - with the bonus that you know you are going to meet friendly like minded people to spend mealtimes and evenings with. This is my third visit to Richmond in Bali - so I think that speaks for itself”
Gillian Coles, Crete, May 09
“... to say how much I enjoyed my holiday. Travelling on my own, I was warmly welcomed by the other guests and I made some new 'skiing' friends who I hope to travel with next year.
The chalet cake was amazing!
The chalet was great and the staff were all very friendly and helpful, a very relaxed and friendly atmosphere all round.”
Vanessa Cave, La Ros, Feb 09
“It was magnificent - there is alot on offer but if all you want to do is chill out that's OK. Plenty of opportunity to relax and recharge ones spiriutal and physical batteries.”
Gordon Cameron, Summer 08, La Rosiere
“Please pass on our thanks to the staff teams for a two-centre holiday that exceeded our expectations. We wish you well for the rest of the season.”
Brian & Judith Tunnicliffe, La Ros and Montchav, Jan 09
“I want to thank all your staff for providing such a good holiday. The improvements you have made are great and much appreciated. I thought all the staff were excellent and the service throughout was first class.”
Peter Allman, La Ros, Feb 09
“I had a wonderful week in Cyprus with David and Irene and felt truly refreshed when I got back. The hotel was fabulous and the food second to none.”
Judy Lynas, Cyprus, March 09
“Just got back home a couple of hours ago - we found a most wonderful Richmond team led by an absolute legend - Sara. BUT everyone in your Montchavin team were and have been working really very hard - they were clearly enjoying themselves with no exceptions, to make everyone feel wanted and loved. The team was pretty much perfect from what we saw... and all pretty much smiling most of the time and with Ben Shaw adding a great dimension spiritually...
Just thought you'd like to know - food was excellent, rooms spotless, customer care 10/10, ... What more can we say. Richmond is a great brand..
”
Simon & Rachel Farmer, Montchavin, Jan 2010
“I simply loved my week in Crete, staying at the Bali Star Hotel. I cannot applaud highly enough the efforts and care demonstrated by the resort managers, David and Yvonne Fairbairn and their wonderful team. All aspects of my holiday needs were catered for brilliantly through caring and efficient staff, excellent hospitality, super food and wonderful accommodation, coupled with great ministry and Christian fellowship. All this in the beautiful and relaxed surroundings of the coastal resort of Bali. Keep up the good work!”
Emma Roberts, Crete, Aug 09
“.....you guys looked after us so well and also entertained us. The ministry was excellent, the food great. So was the skiing. This was certainly the best of my three holidays in Montchavin. Many, many thanks again!! Keep up the good work.”
Jaap van den Berg, Montchavin, January 09
“We had a really first class holiday, the hotel was superb, the food exceptional and the waterfront team were extremely professional, competent,friendly and so keen to assist; nothing was too much trouble for them”
Roger & Diana Hanes, Samos, July 08
“I would like to say, once again, a huge thank you for such a great week away; nothing could have been better. I was so touched by the trouble taken to provide me with wonderful food, my only regret was that the portions were so large I had to leave some of the delicious food. We all so enjoyed the company of the staff. The walks were fantastic and the team very supportive. Really it could not have been better, so many, many thanks.
”
Sally, Andrew and Stuart McHutchon, La Rosiere August 09
“Just to say a warm thanks to you, Emma and Sara and all her staff at Chalet Bovate. It wasn't just a lovely holiday there was also a real sense of God being there. And that was very unexpected. I really went to ski and the Richmond staff made things more than that.
I think my first phone call really made me sit up and take notice that this was a holiday option to have confidence about.
”
Blair Austin, Montchav, Feb 2010
What to Pack
Hats & Headwear
As 40% of your body's heat can be lost through your head a good quality hat is an essential item to have on the slopes. And now that hats come in so many shapes and forms you can really have some fun.
Jacket
Invest in a good jacket! This will offer warmth and protection. Try to make sure your jacket is not too heavy, to allow ease of movement. It must also be windproof and waterproof. Any jacket must cover the kidney area while longer jackets may be preferable for snowboarders. Zips should be plastic, as metal can freeze to the skin. Sleeves should also have cuffs, this will prevent snow from entering in the event of a fall.
Gloves / Mittens
A good pair of gloves or mittens are essential for happy skiing. Mittens allow better circulation and warm the hands. It is advisable not to buy cheaper PVC gloves as they will allow water in and can be easily damaged.
Salopettes / Trousers
Trousers and salopettes must also be windproof and waterproof. Saloppettes are a type of trouser for skiing, generally they come up higher on the waist and have shoulder straps. They must also have the same functions as the jacket. Salopettes must also have a high back to prevent snow coming in. Clothing should not be of a slippery material as it will provide no braking in a fall. Make sure they unzip on the lower leg in order to fit around your ski boot.
Socks & Feet
Tube or inner loop socks are the best type to get. If your feet are uncomfortable it could ruin your day's skiing. Do not try to wear two pairs of normal socks, as this will cause blistering. Cut your toenails before you go. Even professional skiers have been known to miss weeks of sport due to ingrown toenails and toe infections.
Under layers
A few thin layers of clothing under your jacket will serve you better than one thick one. The air between the layers will act as insulation. You can also remove a layer if you feel too warm during the day. The layer next to the skin should preferably be of polypropylene or cotton, this will draw the moisture from the body outwards.
Sunglasses
Dark, sturdy, unbreakable glasses and goggles will cut out the glare and protect your eyes from wind and snow blindness. Goggles offer best protection when it is snowing while sunglasses are ideal for sunny mild weather.
Sun Cream & Lip Salve
As UV levels are higher on the slopes due to the reflective effect of the snow, a high factor sun cream and lip salve are necessary. Even though it doesn't feel hot, you can get burnt very easily.