Unpacking Ski Travel: How Online Ski Company Heidi is Redefining Getting to the Slopes, with CEO Marcus Blunt.
In this episode, Kelly had the pleasure of chatting with Marcus Blunt, co-founder and CEO of the Bristol-based online ski travel company Heidi. Since its inception in 2018, Heidi has rapidly established itself as a leader in the ski travel sector, earning recognition as one of The Times 100 fastest-growing companies in the UK in 2024.
The Inspiration Behind Heidi
Marcus and his brother Alexander founded Heidi to tackle the frustrations they encountered when booking ski holidays. Tired of rigid package deals, they envisioned a platform that would empower skiers to customise their trips easily. Marcus humorously shared how he once resorted to building a complex spreadsheet just to organise a short ski getaway with friends. Alongside Marcus’ insights as Sales Director of Secret Escapes, this experience fuelled their desire to create a more flexible and user-friendly booking system.
Overcoming Challenges and Achieving Growth
Despite the travel industry’s significant setbacks during the pandemic, Heidi has flourished. Now with 70 employees and an impressive annual turnover of £37 million, the company recently secured £5.6 million in funding to support its further growth. Marcus highlighted how their strong company culture and strategic hiring a played crucial role in navigating these challenges.
Focus on Company Culture
One of the standout points from the conversation, was Marcus’s emphasis on the importance of company culture. He believes that hiring the right people is essential for fostering an environment that can adapt and thrive, especially during tough times.
Unique Offerings
Heidi sets itself apart by providing varying trip lengths, as well as access to a diverse range of ski destinations, including lesser-known resorts that often offer better value than the big-name spots. This approach not only caters to seasoned skiers looking for new experiences, but also appeals to those seeking affordable options.
Trends in Ski Travel
Marcus discussed the trends towards shorter ski breaks, alongside the enduring popularity of week-long holidays. He noted that many skiers are now looking for weekend getaways, and Heidi is helping make this all possible.
Convenient Travel Options
Another interesting point was Heidi’s facilitation of public transport, in particular, train travel bookings to ski resorts, which can often be more economical than private transfers. This service enhances convenience for customers while promoting sustainable travel options.
Looking Ahead
With plans to expand further into the UK market and explore international opportunities, Heidi’s future looks promising. Their innovative approach, combined with a passionate team dedicated to customer satisfaction, positions them as a disruptive force in the ski travel industry.
For skiers and snowboarders planning their next adventure, Heidi stands out as a compelling choice that prioritises flexibility and personalisation. As this fast-growing company continues to evolve, it will be exciting to see how it shapes the future of ski travel!
Tips on Planning Your European Skiing Adventure
Marcus also provided some great insights for planning your next ski trip, based on different budgets and time constraints when flying from Bristol Airport:
Best Value Destination: France consistently offers the best overall value for ski holidays.
Best Resort If Budget Is Not an Issue: Val d’Isère in France is the top choice for those who want to indulge without worrying about costs.
Least Known but Great Value Resort: Val Cenis in France is recommended as an excellent yet underrated destination for budget-conscious travellers.
Best Resort for a Weekend Getaway: While Chamonix in France is very convenient, with a great social offer, getting around requires reliance on buses. Therefore, Marcus suggests Flaine in France, which provides convenient ski-in/ski-out access, good value, and a short transfer time from Geneva Airport.
If you’re a skier or snowboarder, be sure to check out our local company ‘Heidi’ next time you’re planning a trip to the slopes.
This episode is sponsored by Hello Starling.
Hello Starling is an award-winning Media Planning and Buying agency that specialises in delivering advertising campaigns with great results for visitor attractions and destinations. They’ve work with brands such as Bristol Zoo Project, Visit Shropshire, Visit Conwy, Visit Herefordshire and the National Tourism Office for Poland. If you want to be the centre of attention, visit hellostarling.com today.
