Meet The Team
The company was originally started in 1993 because of a passion for skiing and is still run day to day by those same people.
Dennis Heasman - Managing Director
|
Dennis did his first season in Meribel in 1989/90 and loved it! A keen skier but with no travel industry experience he decided he would like to start a company and provide holidays to the three Valleys. He started Alpine Action in 1993 with one chalet and fulfilled a passion and dream. He is still Managing Director and actively involved in its day to day operation. The company is now in its 19th successful season and continues to provide quality catered chalets holidays in the Three Valley Resorts of Meribel and La Tania. It was always his intention to be a professional tour operator so it was a CAA/ATOL bonded company from day one. Since then it has added the AITO membership and AITOT trust to its accreditation. As well as great holidays financial guarantee and protection are also assured. Favourite Restaurant: L Adrey Telebar in Meribel near the Adray chairlift |
Dionne Heasman - Sales & Marketing Director
|
Dionne joined Alpine Action 1995 as a chalet girl. She left her job at the Daily Mail in London and headed out for her first season and real introduction to skiing. She loved it and has never left. Dionne worked for another seven winter seasons and in the UK during the summer months. She has been a chalet girl, the cook, the cleaner, the driver, a representative and the Resort Manager. There is not much she doesn't know about the resort, our chalets or the Alpine Action holiday experience. She is passionate about Alpine Action the 3 Valleys and skiing. Dionne now works in the UK all year round after becoming a mother. She now enjoys skiing in the Three Valleys with her family as an Alpine Action client. Please feel free to ask her advice on any aspect of your holiday for an accurate and honest answer. Favourite Run: There are quite a few runs that I love, so to many to pin down to one. However I do love to ski from the top of the Saulire bubble all the way down to Meribel La Chaudanne without stopping! My legs are burning but its a great feeling although do it a lot slower than my seasonnaire days!! Favourite Restaurant: So far this season has to be Coeur de Cristal (Meribel) - they have a mean steak tartare and desserts that look like a work of art! Great service, nice surrounding, open fire! Not too pricey either and accessible for all levels. |
Iain Macluskie - Resort Director
|
Iain has been in the holiday and skiing industry all his working life and has skied in Meribel for over 20 years. He has now made Meribel his family home living there with his wife and two children. A fully qualified ESF ski instructor his knowledge of the area is unmatchable. He is very much a part of the local community knowing most of the local tradesmen, business proprietors and chalet owners being a fluent French speaker and a well known face. He joined Alpine Action as the winter resorts manager in 2003 and has bought a wealth of experience to the company. So much so that he has become the full time Resort Director running all the overseas operation with a seasonal staff of around 26 arriving every year. He continues to improve the company’s chalet program, operation and profile whilst still maintaining the companies valued reputation. Favourite run: Off piste from the tope of Roc du Fer and through the forrest to Raffort. Favourite Restaurant: Adray Telebar, Meribel. The veal a la creme with hand cut chips is indulgent but irresistable. Favourite Chalet : Chalet Alysson with it superb location close to the Meribel slopes and its sunny terrace which is the ideal resting place after spring ski day. |
Vivian Freshwater - UK Adminstration
|
Viv has been an integral part of the Alpine Action office operation since 1997 responsible for all system and backroom administration together with all year round sales. Her knowledge of all of our chalets and complete product means any question can be answered immediately and most importantly accurately backed by personal experience. A keen skier like all of us she does get a chance each season to sample the delights she organises and sells during the year. She is a truly valued member of the team and as with all continues to uphold the quality of service and information clients have come to expect from our U.K. office. Favourite chalet: Cote Coeur is my favourite, this is such a picturesque chalet. It always feels so welcoming and the rustic feel adds to its charm. |