As snow lovers get deep into winter, online booking platform Maison Sport is moving mountains with its inclusive, better value mission that connects all levels of skiers directly with instructors and now offers a wide range of resort guides too.
Applying bespoke technology to a traditional ski school sector frozen in time, “accessibility” is the UK company’s catalyst and watchword “to ensure enjoyable experiences for all,” says chief executive Nick Robinson. He co-founded the business, based in Edinburgh and the Lake District, with brother Olly and their fellow former British ski team member Aaron Tipping a decade ago after buying a ski school and witnessing its antiquated booking system.
“You couldn’t book a ski lesson anywhere online so here was an opportunity to solve a problem both for customers and teachers with technology and a marketplace able to offer more choice for both. The integration of digital technology into everyday life and social media continue to strengthen that concept,” he explains.
The platform offers bookings in over 200 resorts and, along with skiing, both on and off-piste and snowboarding, skills taught include telemarking (a technique combining Alpine and Nordic skiing), ski touring and adaptive or three track skiing for those with disabilities such as visual impairment.
With a direct connection business model that’s unique in the industry, Maison Sport now has over 1,300 instructors worldwide offering their services at prices set by them. “They keep 93 per cent of a lesson’s cost so it’s a more ethical and profitable practice for them and the flexibility they have encourages commitment. Customers see authentic reviews so they can make informed decisions,” adds Robinson. “We appreciate it’s a big commitment for instructors to leave ski schools and join the platform. But we’re confident we can support them to increase their average income and we’re recruiting more from schools.”
A £17million turnover is forecast for this year and 30 per cent growth after that as steady expansion is seeing Maison Sport’s customer network, having begun with France, now take in the Netherlands, Belgium Switzerland and Italy. Another trend is increasing bookings from customers in the Middle East and US and the company also has strategic partnerships with travel companies Sunweb and Heidi.
Some £5.5 million of investment from family, angels and crowdfunding raised over the past five years has gone into developing the technology in-house and product expansion.
Now the gains from purchasing the Supreme Ski School a couple of years ago are also being realised. “This has enabled us to bring ski-school group lessons, which are 50 per cent of the market, on to the platform so they can be booked through a single provider,” says Robinson.
For those wanting to plan the perfect trip there are also now 300 ski slope and in-resort guides with expert recommendations from best runs to top après-ski spots and restaurants.m In a new move the company is expanding its Staveley, Cumbria team.
Setting clear objectives has served Maison Sport well in being able to raise investment and maintain a new product stream and Robinson sees further applications for the company’s technology in sports such as rock climbing, rafting and paddle boarding. By carving a fresh track and disrupting the old order, “we’re the inspiration and the way for many to have new adventures,” he says which is just what snow sports need. www.maisonsport.com
