Fact Files: Michael
Over the years we receive superb feedback on the knowledge, passion and experience of the team here at Ski Independence. So we thought it would be an idea to give you a bit of an insight into who’s who..
Michael, Managing Director.
For the benefit of our readers could you explain your role at Ski Independence and what you’re responsible for?
I’m the Managing Director of Ski Independence and responsible for the day to day running of the business as well as our strategy for the future. My job is made all the easier by having such a superb team of committed people working here who are all passionate about winter sports and focused on delivering the best possible holiday experience to our clients.
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Michael on a recent trip to Meribel[/caption]
Tell us a little bit about your background and how you came to work for Ski Independence?
Ski Independence is part of Osprey Holidays Ltd a Tour Operator started by my father, John Bennett, in 1973 to complement the existing Travel Agency business, Bennett’s Travel, started by my Grandfather Joseph Bennett in the 1950’s. The Bennett’s Travel chain of shops was sold in 1985 to AT Mays and Osprey Holidays was retained by the family. I worked in property for many years before joining the family business in 2002.
What is the most interesting part of your job as Managing Director?
When I started almost 10 years ago, Ski Independence had a relatively new website and the focus was very much on the brochure and traditional advertising and marketing. Of course we still produce a very good brochure but the website and digital channels now have a much greater significance. It’s the digital side of the business that I find most interesting particularly the current trend towards social media to allow our clients to interact with us and share their ski holiday experiences with others
What are some of your favourite Ski Independence destinations and do you have any top tips to share?
I’m a massive fan of Aspen. There’s a misconception that it’s all about exclusivity and glamour but Aspen is a ski town with real soul. The skiing is superb and hiking the bowl at Aspen Highlands is a ski rite of passage.
I was lucky enough to stay in Beaver Creek, Colorado in April 2011 and loved it. It’s undoubtedly at the higher end of the price scale (Their tongue in cheek strap line: Not Exactly Roughing It) but you get a superbly planned resort with fast efficient lifts, outstanding service and some very smart hotels and condos. If you’re not on too tight a budget it’s where I’d recommend taking children for their first taste of North American skiing
Val D’Isere is somewhere I’ll always want to go back to. The Espace Killy is huge and offers high altitude skiing on a massive scale – a week simply isn’t long enough! The town is buzzing with some great places to shop, eat and drink but stay out of Dick’s T Bar the night before a powder day
And finally, what would be your ultimate ski holiday?
Blue skies, lots of snow with my family and friends is more than enough to ask for.
Michael on a recent trip to Meribel[/caption]
Tell us a little bit about your background and how you came to work for Ski Independence?
Ski Independence is part of Osprey Holidays Ltd a Tour Operator started by my father, John Bennett, in 1973 to complement the existing Travel Agency business, Bennett’s Travel, started by my Grandfather Joseph Bennett in the 1950’s. The Bennett’s Travel chain of shops was sold in 1985 to AT Mays and Osprey Holidays was retained by the family. I worked in property for many years before joining the family business in 2002.
What is the most interesting part of your job as Managing Director?
When I started almost 10 years ago, Ski Independence had a relatively new website and the focus was very much on the brochure and traditional advertising and marketing. Of course we still produce a very good brochure but the website and digital channels now have a much greater significance. It’s the digital side of the business that I find most interesting particularly the current trend towards social media to allow our clients to interact with us and share their ski holiday experiences with others
What are some of your favourite Ski Independence destinations and do you have any top tips to share?
I’m a massive fan of Aspen. There’s a misconception that it’s all about exclusivity and glamour but Aspen is a ski town with real soul. The skiing is superb and hiking the bowl at Aspen Highlands is a ski rite of passage.
I was lucky enough to stay in Beaver Creek, Colorado in April 2011 and loved it. It’s undoubtedly at the higher end of the price scale (Their tongue in cheek strap line: Not Exactly Roughing It) but you get a superbly planned resort with fast efficient lifts, outstanding service and some very smart hotels and condos. If you’re not on too tight a budget it’s where I’d recommend taking children for their first taste of North American skiing
Val D’Isere is somewhere I’ll always want to go back to. The Espace Killy is huge and offers high altitude skiing on a massive scale – a week simply isn’t long enough! The town is buzzing with some great places to shop, eat and drink but stay out of Dick’s T Bar the night before a powder day
And finally, what would be your ultimate ski holiday?
Blue skies, lots of snow with my family and friends is more than enough to ask for.