About Kaluma Ski
At Kaluma we do so much more than book your holiday
- About Kaluma
- What we offer
- FAQ
- Team Overview
- Offset your emmisions
- Reviews
Kaluma Travel was formed in 2003, by the three founder members, Neal, Richard and Andy, all of whom previously owned or managed other high end operators. Kaluma Travel was born from the desire to centre luxury holidays around the guests enjoyment and to take customer care and the personal touch back to its roots.
What makes Kaluma Travel different:
What makes Kaluma Travel different:
- Unlike many of our competitors and event companies, we do not charge any extra for our unique service
- We are still small enough to provide a very personal, discreet experience
- We will provide the same level of service to all our guests
- By focusing on just three of the most exciting and luxurious ski regions we have developed unrivalled knowledge and contacts
- Our in resort managers have spent over 11 winters in their specialist regions and are also the company directors
- Our team, both home and abroad all have individual experiences of the regions to provide you with the best service and customer care
- We will advise on the hotel or chalet we think is right for you and we will be honest and open at all times
- We are available before, during and after to ensure every aspect of your trip goes smoothly
- As a small company we do not have set departure dates or hotel allocations to sell, what we offer is solely based around your requirements
- We adopt a flexible approach where last minute changes will be catered for
We pride ourselves on the service that we offer to our guests. We actually live in our resorts, they have become our homes and the locals have become our friends; granting us access to the hidden world of ski resort life. We are on hand during your stay to answer questions, offer advice or to join you for a drink. We want your Kaluma ski holiday to be the best holiday you have ever had.
Our Services:
Our Services:
- An efficient and friendly service from your initial contact with our UK office, which will continue in the Alps
- We can reserve both luxury chalet and hotel accommodation for any duration of stay
- We can organise scheduled flights and private transfers, all of which will be tailor made to your preferences
- Helicopter transfers can be arranged
- We can organise corporate ski events including; product launches, conferences/meetings, alpine parties, incentive ski trips and client entertaining
- An experienced overseas team who will guarantee a seamless holiday and will be on hand throughout your stay
- We can arrange the best tables in the most popular restaurants and the best spots in the busiest bars
- We know the finest instructors to cater to every ability
- We are confident and assured in our suggestions and recommendations of ski shops, ski runs, après ski, restaurants and resort activities
- In resort staff will be on hand to deliver your lift passes, help select your equipment and book hand picked instructors
- We offer a comprehensive ski orientation service; we give advice on the best ski runs to suit your ability, prepare your weekly ski itinerary and offer ski guiding
- Our resort teams have access to a selection of tried and tested professional nannies and/or babysitters
Detailed below are our most frequently asked questions.
If we have not answered your question please do not hesitate to contact us on +44(0)1730 260263 or enquiries@kalumatravel.co.uk and we will be happy to discuss your query.
How much does a holiday with Kaluma Travel cost?
As each of our holidays are bespoke and tailor made to match your requirements every holiday price will be unique. The price will vary depending on the number of people, the resort, the dates and the preferences you have.
Our luxury chalets and eclectic mix of hotels have been hand picked as each has a unique quality that we believe will provide you with the best experiences, it is therefore always useful if you can give us an indication of your budget and preferences to ensure we deliver the perfect luxury ski holiday for you.
What are the benefits of booking through Kaluma Travel over other potentially cheaper operators?
By booking through Kaluma Travel your holiday will be tailor made to meet your requirements. We will listen to what you want from your trip and base everything around this. As a smaller company we have a greater degree of flexibility and are not bound by hotel allocations to sell or stringent departure dates, we will only recommend something to you which we truly believe meets your needs.
We will arrange everything for you, from organising your luxury accommodation in resort, to booking your flights based around your preferred times, airports and airline and then booking your private transfer. We will also be on hand for all your in resort needs, we will deliver your lift passes to your hotel or chalet ready for your first morning of skiing, take you to our recommended ski hire shop and assist with all your equipment requirements, organise ski school and/or private ski lessons. Also thanks to our in resort experience we will discuss your ski ability and help plan your skiing for your week, recommending the best runs for your ability and also passing on our insider tips.
We know the nuances of the resorts better than other companies. The company owners have lived in the resorts for over 11 years, allowing us to provide our guests with an unrivalled level of service that comes at no extra cost to you. The difference between a good holiday and a great holiday can be put down to local knowledge.
Will I pay any more for my chalet/hotel room by booking through Kaluma Travel?
You will not pay anymore by booking through us; we pass on the public rates for the hotels to you.
You will also benefit from our in resort service included in the price if you book through us.
Why do you specialise in only three regions?
We believe it is important to offer the best level of service and in resort expertise to our guests, and by focusing on just three of the most luxurious and exciting ski regions we can do that. Our three regions are Courchevel 1850 in France, St Anton and the Arlberg region in Austria and Verbier in Switzerland.
Our company directors have lived in these regions for the past 11 years, this knowledge and experience allows us to provide that unrivalled level of service and the insiders tips and recommendations that can make a good holiday great.
Do I have to use the ‘in resort services’?
No, we may be used simply as a holiday booking service, just like any travel agent. You may wish to simply know that someone is on hand just in case you need them. We will give you as much support as you want to ensure a great holiday or just be there IF needed.
Is it possible to only book a chalet or hotel and no travel?
Of course, all our holidays are bespoke and dependent on what our guests want. You can book just the chalet or hotel through us and make your own travel arrangements or opt for the full package; we will be lead by what you want.
All we ask is that you detail your travel arrangements to us so we can best prepare for your arrival in resort.
It is always possible to add flights and/or transfers on at a later date. We strive to stay in touch with our guests throughout the booking process, whether it is to offer advice or to book an element of the in resort experience. As your holiday date gets closer we keep in regular contact with you to ensure every element of your holiday matches your requirements.
If you do just book a chalet or hotel through us you will still receive our in resort service for no extra charge.
Which airlines do you work with?
We can work with any UK airline, if you are booking flights through us we will discuss with you your preferred timings and airports and if you have any preference on the airline.
We will then find you the best options and will not confirm any flights until we have the full go ahead from you.
What happens when I confirm?
Once you confirm you want to book a holiday with us we will confirm all elements of your itinerary for you. It is always possible to add on other elements at a later date, such as flights and transfers if not confirmed at the time of booking.
You will then be sent a deposit invoice for 35% to confirm this booking along with a booking form, we request that this is returned to us signed, to confirm every aspect of your holiday and to provide your parties details. Please note that some hotel suppliers may ask for greater deposits.
We will send you your final invoice for the remaining 65% eight weeks prior to departure. Once we have received the full balance from you we will send you your bespoke holiday itinerary with all the details of your tailor made trip and your in resort contacts.
How do I pay for my holiday?
We can accept all major debit and credit cards, although please note that credit cards incur a small surcharge. This a handling fee charged by the credit card operators and will be a charge of 2% for Visa and MasterCard transactions and 3% for Amex transactions.
To avoid these charges we do accept debit cards, bank transfers, cash and cheques depending on which payment method is most preferable to you.
Which currency do I pay in?
We can accept payments in pound sterling or in the local currency; Euros and Swiss Francs.
Sterling rates will be subject to the prevailing exchange rates.
Please let us know at the time of booking which currency you would like to pay in and we will send you the necessary information accordingly.
Do you organise my travel insurance?
It is essential that all guest traveling have travel insurance that includes winter sports cover, we do not provide this ourselves but we do work with an insurance company that we recommend. Their contact details are:
Campbell Irvine Insurance
Website: www.campbellirvine.com
Phone Number: +44(0)207 938 1734
Do you offer summer holidays?
We have recently launched our Kaluma Retreats program where we offer luxury villas and boutique hotels in St Tropez on the French Rivieria. The Kaluma ethos remains the same; we have a true St Tropez specialist who has lived in the region for the past 10 years. He will be on hand throughout your stay to provide the same concierge style service we offer in the alps as well as providing insider tips and helping you uncover the hidden gems of the region.
For more information please have a look at our dedicated Kaluma Retreats website or contact our UK head office to discuss Kaluma Retreats in more detail.
Is my holiday protected?
All flight package holidays are protected by ATOL, Civil Aviation Authority. Our ATOL number is: 6082
For more information on ATOL protection please see the ATOL website for further details.
If we have not answered your question please do not hesitate to contact us on +44(0)1730 260263 or enquiries@kalumatravel.co.uk and we will be happy to discuss your query.
How much does a holiday with Kaluma Travel cost?
As each of our holidays are bespoke and tailor made to match your requirements every holiday price will be unique. The price will vary depending on the number of people, the resort, the dates and the preferences you have.
Our luxury chalets and eclectic mix of hotels have been hand picked as each has a unique quality that we believe will provide you with the best experiences, it is therefore always useful if you can give us an indication of your budget and preferences to ensure we deliver the perfect luxury ski holiday for you.
What are the benefits of booking through Kaluma Travel over other potentially cheaper operators?
By booking through Kaluma Travel your holiday will be tailor made to meet your requirements. We will listen to what you want from your trip and base everything around this. As a smaller company we have a greater degree of flexibility and are not bound by hotel allocations to sell or stringent departure dates, we will only recommend something to you which we truly believe meets your needs.
We will arrange everything for you, from organising your luxury accommodation in resort, to booking your flights based around your preferred times, airports and airline and then booking your private transfer. We will also be on hand for all your in resort needs, we will deliver your lift passes to your hotel or chalet ready for your first morning of skiing, take you to our recommended ski hire shop and assist with all your equipment requirements, organise ski school and/or private ski lessons. Also thanks to our in resort experience we will discuss your ski ability and help plan your skiing for your week, recommending the best runs for your ability and also passing on our insider tips.
We know the nuances of the resorts better than other companies. The company owners have lived in the resorts for over 11 years, allowing us to provide our guests with an unrivalled level of service that comes at no extra cost to you. The difference between a good holiday and a great holiday can be put down to local knowledge.
Will I pay any more for my chalet/hotel room by booking through Kaluma Travel?
You will not pay anymore by booking through us; we pass on the public rates for the hotels to you.
You will also benefit from our in resort service included in the price if you book through us.
Why do you specialise in only three regions?
We believe it is important to offer the best level of service and in resort expertise to our guests, and by focusing on just three of the most luxurious and exciting ski regions we can do that. Our three regions are Courchevel 1850 in France, St Anton and the Arlberg region in Austria and Verbier in Switzerland.
Our company directors have lived in these regions for the past 11 years, this knowledge and experience allows us to provide that unrivalled level of service and the insiders tips and recommendations that can make a good holiday great.
Do I have to use the ‘in resort services’?
No, we may be used simply as a holiday booking service, just like any travel agent. You may wish to simply know that someone is on hand just in case you need them. We will give you as much support as you want to ensure a great holiday or just be there IF needed.
Is it possible to only book a chalet or hotel and no travel?
Of course, all our holidays are bespoke and dependent on what our guests want. You can book just the chalet or hotel through us and make your own travel arrangements or opt for the full package; we will be lead by what you want.
All we ask is that you detail your travel arrangements to us so we can best prepare for your arrival in resort.
It is always possible to add flights and/or transfers on at a later date. We strive to stay in touch with our guests throughout the booking process, whether it is to offer advice or to book an element of the in resort experience. As your holiday date gets closer we keep in regular contact with you to ensure every element of your holiday matches your requirements.
If you do just book a chalet or hotel through us you will still receive our in resort service for no extra charge.
Which airlines do you work with?
We can work with any UK airline, if you are booking flights through us we will discuss with you your preferred timings and airports and if you have any preference on the airline.
We will then find you the best options and will not confirm any flights until we have the full go ahead from you.
What happens when I confirm?
Once you confirm you want to book a holiday with us we will confirm all elements of your itinerary for you. It is always possible to add on other elements at a later date, such as flights and transfers if not confirmed at the time of booking.
You will then be sent a deposit invoice for 35% to confirm this booking along with a booking form, we request that this is returned to us signed, to confirm every aspect of your holiday and to provide your parties details. Please note that some hotel suppliers may ask for greater deposits.
We will send you your final invoice for the remaining 65% eight weeks prior to departure. Once we have received the full balance from you we will send you your bespoke holiday itinerary with all the details of your tailor made trip and your in resort contacts.
How do I pay for my holiday?
We can accept all major debit and credit cards, although please note that credit cards incur a small surcharge. This a handling fee charged by the credit card operators and will be a charge of 2% for Visa and MasterCard transactions and 3% for Amex transactions.
To avoid these charges we do accept debit cards, bank transfers, cash and cheques depending on which payment method is most preferable to you.
Which currency do I pay in?
We can accept payments in pound sterling or in the local currency; Euros and Swiss Francs.
Sterling rates will be subject to the prevailing exchange rates.
Please let us know at the time of booking which currency you would like to pay in and we will send you the necessary information accordingly.
Do you organise my travel insurance?
It is essential that all guest traveling have travel insurance that includes winter sports cover, we do not provide this ourselves but we do work with an insurance company that we recommend. Their contact details are:
Campbell Irvine Insurance
Website: www.campbellirvine.com
Phone Number: +44(0)207 938 1734
Do you offer summer holidays?
We have recently launched our Kaluma Retreats program where we offer luxury villas and boutique hotels in St Tropez on the French Rivieria. The Kaluma ethos remains the same; we have a true St Tropez specialist who has lived in the region for the past 10 years. He will be on hand throughout your stay to provide the same concierge style service we offer in the alps as well as providing insider tips and helping you uncover the hidden gems of the region.
For more information please have a look at our dedicated Kaluma Retreats website or contact our UK head office to discuss Kaluma Retreats in more detail.
Is my holiday protected?
All flight package holidays are protected by ATOL, Civil Aviation Authority. Our ATOL number is: 6082
For more information on ATOL protection please see the ATOL website for further details.
Neal, as MD, is the most experienced member of the team. With an FCA background, he provides qualified direction to the business. He has been involved in the ski business for more than 20 years and has started and managed several businesses and acted in an advisory role for substantial property transactions in the Alps.Neal has created a large loyal following of clients during his time in the Alps - many of whom are now great friends on a personal and business level. Despite his hectic travel demands, Neal still finds time for sunny powder days and pleasant lunches on sun terraces.
Since graduating with a Sports Degree, Andy has split his time between St Anton, where he managed Operations for a Luxury Tour Operator covering the Austrian and Swiss Alps and London, where he spent his summers working for a large corporate events company, co-ordinating large profile events like the London Ski and Motor Shows.Having now lived in the Alps for 10 years, spending the winter months in the Arlberg and his recent summers in the golfing mecca of Kitzbuhel; Andy is our Austrian specialist. A founder member of Kaluma, Andy brings to Kaluma his many years of experience organising high profile events, corporate trips, parties and luxury holidays in the Alps.
Richard began his career at PWC - auditing unit trust funds and re-insurance syndicates. However, an opportunity to work as a ski guide in Kitzbuhel was too tempting an offer to refuse. A decade later, Richard has worked in the Austrian, Swiss and French Alps, hosting events from small groups of friends, to large corporate events and private parties for the jet set.As a founder partner in the business, he has adapted to the changing trends in luxury skiing and helped Kaluma offer the best cutting edge products to stay ahead of the game. He can often be found “researching” the heliskiing sites in Italy and Switzerland, or sampling the latest offerings from the ever changing restaurant scene in Courchevel and Verbier.
Georgina graduated from university in Manchester. She began her career in London working for one of the UKs leading fashion houses having secured sponsorship during her final year of study. She embarked on 5 years within the industry with regular travel to the Far East and Europe.It was during this time as a client she experienced one of Kaluma’s tailor made trips and decided to take a break in her career. She was asked to join Kaluma and has since become our newest partner in 2006. She works exclusively in Courchevel 1850. Her ability to think on her feet, tackle the many challenges that arise and understand client needs with a smile on her face makes her a joy to work with for both Kaluma and client.
Katie has spent the past five years working in Sales and Marketing for luxury hotel chains throughout the UK and Channel Islands. However, joining the team at Kaluma in their new Hampshire home allows her to return to her real passion.....skiing! Having skied annually since a young age and been lucky enough to have enjoyed winter seasons in France (Val d'Isere), Austria (St Anton) and Switzerland (Anzere) for mainline operators Katie has saved up some valuable knowledge. She has also gained valuable experience while working for the Ski Club of Great Britain for four years and is delighted to return to all things alpine. She is very much looks forward to helping you organise your perfect winter get-a-way. 
Kelly has recently graduated with a 1st class degree from the University of Portsmouth in Business Administration. Since graduating she has been keen to find a position which she knew she would be really passionate about and use the skills learnt from her degree. Joining the Kaluma team has provided the perfect opportunity. Having been on several skiing holidays across the Alps she has developed a real enthusiasm for the sport and is rapidly building upon this existing knowledge. Bringing a fresh outlook and an eagerness to please to the Kaluma team, Kelly awaits your call and looks forward to helping you visit the Alps this winter, as well of course as getting in some ski time herself!
Working in such wonderful environments in the Alps, we would like to offer you the opportunity to give something back to our environment.
If you would like to offset the carbon emissions associated with your holiday through Kaluma Travel, you can do that through our partner offsetting company, Carbon Retirement.
Carbon Retirement uses customers' money to buy carbon allowances out of the EU Emission Trading Scheme. This is the EU's central tool for cutting carbon emissions. It works by giving heavy industry a fixed number of allowances to emit carbon dioxide.
Each time Carbon Retirement buys an allowance on behalf of a customer, it is cancelled, or 'retired'. Retirement permanently removes allowances from the market so they are unavailable to the industries that would otherwise use them as rights to pollute. By offsetting your travel with Carbon Retirement you reduce the number of rights to emit carbon dioxide that are available to heavily polluting industries in Europe.
Have a look at www.carbonretirement.com to find out more and to offset your emissions.
If you would like to offset the carbon emissions associated with your holiday through Kaluma Travel, you can do that through our partner offsetting company, Carbon Retirement.
Carbon Retirement uses customers' money to buy carbon allowances out of the EU Emission Trading Scheme. This is the EU's central tool for cutting carbon emissions. It works by giving heavy industry a fixed number of allowances to emit carbon dioxide.
Each time Carbon Retirement buys an allowance on behalf of a customer, it is cancelled, or 'retired'. Retirement permanently removes allowances from the market so they are unavailable to the industries that would otherwise use them as rights to pollute. By offsetting your travel with Carbon Retirement you reduce the number of rights to emit carbon dioxide that are available to heavily polluting industries in Europe.
Have a look at www.carbonretirement.com to find out more and to offset your emissions.
Private Client – St Anton, Dec 2012
"It was absolutely brilliant, had a great time as did all the
boys everything went really well.
Thank you very much for all your help with everything we had a brilliant time!!
"
Raffl Country House Private Client - St Anton, Mar 2012
"We had a great time in St Anton. Andy and Oliver were great. Oliver was at the apartment when we arrived and brought us to the rental shop and showed us around town. He checked on us regularly and spent a day skiing with us in Lech. And the hotel service was also fantastic! They were there every time we needed them! We just loved it."
Corporate Ski Trip – St Anton, Mar 2012
"It was fantastic and Kaluma Travel cannot be faulted. I will certainly be endorsing your service to colleagues and friends and you’ll be the first point of call for future ski trips."
Corporate Ski Trip – Courchevel 1850, Mar 2012
"I had a cracking time in Courchevel and I believe the clients did as well.
Louise was brilliant and the clients loved her. "
Family Ski Trip – Courchevel 1850, Mar 2012
"Everything you did was perfect and infact exceeded our expectations."
Private client, Stag Do - St Anton, Mar 2012
"We had a great time and many thanks for your help. Everyone was suitably ruined by the end of it and many have only just recovered!
"
Private Client – Courchevel 1650, Mar 2012
"This was our second trip with Kaluma to Courchevel and we are very impressed with the company ethos/service. We would like to go St Anton at some point and would definitely consider using you again.
In particular you were very helpful and patient at the outset – thank you Kelly.
"
Private client - St Anton, Mar 2012
"Great hotel, accommodation and food were very good. Conditions were excellent if a little hot, but I can hardly blame you for that or me looking like a panda . All in all a great break and I love St Anton!"
Corporate Ski Trip – Courchevel 1850, Mar 2012
"I just wanted to drop you a note to say thank you for helping to organise another great trip. Ran like clockwork and everyone has come back with really great feedback - they all really enjoyed it!"
Private client - St Martin de belleville, Mar 2012
"We had a very good week at the Hotel St Martin with comfortable rooms and good food - aided by wonderful weather and plenty of snow. We hope to return one day."
Private Client – St Anton, Mar 2012
"We had such a lovely week, thank you. We were so grateful for Andy's help and his help with skis etc. once we were there. "
Private client – Verbier, Mar 2012
"Firstly, thanks for arranging everything - all worked perfectly.
Hotel Nevai was excellent, we all really liked it - stylish and excellent service - the staff were all very helpful and polite and sorted out with tips on skiing, the toboggans and late check-out which is always a bonus. "
Private client - St Anton, Mar 2012
"We had a great time in St Anton and the M3 was perfect – so central and very friendly."
Private client - Lech, Feb 2012
"We had a fantastic time- Lech is beautiful and the hotel Sandhof was lovely, comfortable, superb food, very helpful owner/manager Martin and helpful and friendly staff. What a tremendous location!"
Private Client – Courchevel 1850, Feb 2012
"We thought that Louise was great – very helpful and a really nice girl. The service she provided in the resort was much better than who we went with last year."
