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YSE Ski Holidays

YSE was founded by John Yates-Smith and Fiona Easdale – names that many regulars in Val d’Isère will already know well.

Fiona Easdale is a former Olympic skier who competed for Great Britain in the 1976 Innsbruck Winter Games. She went on to work for Bladon Lines in their London office during the 1980’s helping create and grow the catered ski chalet boom. Since the creation of YSE in 1991 she has run the UK office, managing all the sales and pre-departure client services. She also brings technical expertise and a keen eye for detail.

John Yates-Smith arrived in Val d’Isère in the mid 1970’s and fell in love with the village and skiing almost immediately. He went on to become the Tarentaise area manager for Bladon Lines during the 80’s before establishing YSE Ski with Fiona. It was John’s brother, Richard, who famously owned and managed Dick’s Tea Bar, establishing it during the 80’s and 90’s as THE ski resort nightclub, the one to measure all others against. John has called Val d’Isère his home for 50+ years and has raised his three children as locals. He runs the French side of the operation dealing with chalet owners, airlines, transfer coaches and the team of yellow jacketed staff in resort. He personally ensures that each guest is looked after and pretty much works on a 24/7 basis during the winter season.

YSE Ski catered chalets - Check prices & availability

Nick’s growing expertise in travel lead him to be a director of AITO (Association of Independent Tour Operators) from 1994 to 2001 whilst his sister, Elizabeth, managed the growing team of overseas staff, maintaining high standards of operation as Le Ski grew.


YSE Ski


YSE Ski holidays - comments from Alpine Answers

This is not a business run from afar – the YSE Ski brand is very much run hands-on, with the owners still very much involved in the day-to-day operations. YSE Ski has been running chalet holidays exclusively in Val d’Isère since 1991, and over three decades later, they remain one of the most respected and reliable names in the industry. With 19 hand-picked catered chalets, including their flagship Chalet Hotel les Chardons, YSE offers guests a highly polished yet down-to-earth ski experience in one of the world’s premier resorts. Their strength lies in doing one thing – and doing it very well. Unlike larger operators that spread themselves across multiple destinations, YSE focuses entirely on Val d'Isere. This means they know every lift, piste, shortcut, and mountain restaurant, and can offer guests advice and support that’s genuinely useful. YSE's offering stands out for its consistency, attention to detail, and local insight. All chalets are carefully located close to the slopes, often within walking distance of lifts or bus stops. The majority are staffed by experienced and well-trained hosts and chefs, many of whom return season after season – a rarity in the ski world. Food is a big part of the experience. Menus are designed centrally and cooked fresh, with generous breakfasts, afternoon teas, and evening meals, all complemented by a good selection of wines. Guests also benefit from knowledgeable resort staff who know where to find the best snow and the best coffee, even in poor weather.