Alex Chapman: Director of Snow Angels Nannies & TipTop Ski Coaching

Just before the school holidays hit, the busiest times of the ski season for childcare, we caught up with Alex to ask her how it all began, and to ask her to share some top tips with us about being in 2 Alpes.

How long have you been in your current role and how long have you been with the company?

I started Snow Angel Nannies 5 years ago with a nanny here in Les Deux Alpes, we now have nannies available in Alpe d’Huez, Meribel, La Tania, Courchevel, Tignes, Morzine and Les Gets. I have been based in Les Deux Alpes in the winters for the last 8 years. I have also recently started TipTop Ski Coaching which is a coaching company running primarily in the summers training instructors towards their BASI Level 1 and 2 courses and also Eurotest, Test Technique and other performance training. We also run a very successful family week with an introduction to racing.

What makes this destination a special place to be for someone in your profession?

As a ski instructor in Les Deux Alpes its a special place due to the skiing and people to share this with. We have great skiing both here in resort and in the surrounding areas including La Grave. People are very friendly here in resort with everyone skiing together, its not uncommon to see pistuers, instructors from different ski schools and people working in the resort all skiing together.

What are the best bits about your job?

The best bit about being a ski instructor has to be skiing all day everyday and sharing my passion with others. The best bit about coaching trainee instructors with TipTop has to be helping other people live my dream and the best bit about running a nanny business is seeing families enjoy ski holidays and children
learn to ski.

And the worst bits?

The worst bit of being an instructor ...... I’m not sure there is one I love every minute. Perhaps if I have to give something it would be cold hands and feet.

What is in store for the future with your business, any exciting projects in the pipelines that you
can share with us?

OOHHH what a question, I always have plans for the future but couldn’t possibly share them here! But if anyone reading this would like to confirm which resorts they would next like to see Snow Angel Nannies in this would help with future plans.. [use the 'make an enquiry' box below to send in your suggestions]. As a ski instructor we are providing more high end, high level skiier opportunities here - we have the terrain, the snow and the hunger so why not come and ski with me in Les Deux Alpes and La Grave this winter or next (or every winter, you won’t regret it!)

What are your personal and professional goals for the future?

My professional goals are continue developing Snow Angel Nannies and TipTop Ski Coaching and my personal goals are to continue developing my own skiing skills and become better on my bike.

Where would send someone who was after that something 'something special' in this destination,
to stay, eat or drink?

I would have a drink in the Polar Bear pub and eat in Casa Nostra or Le Cellier.

Your favourite place for lunch or dinner?

Lunch would have to be Refuge Le Fee and dinner Raisin D’ours.

Where will we find the best coffee or hot chocolate?

Best Hot Choc on the mountain is certainly Diable Cour and best coffee in town would have to be Chat Gourmand.

What has been your best ever day in 2 Alpes?

Skiing to St. Christophe via La Toura ... The start of me and my fiancé.

Do you remember your first trip to this destination?

Very clearly, I came for a 6 week sabatical from my sports development job and have been here ever since.

What's your favourite thing to do in destination when not at work?

Ski! This is true both winter and summer although in the summer I’m spoilt for choice and am learning to mountain bike, climb and enjoy a bit of road biking as well! Walking my dog has to be high on the list both winter and summer as well.

What do you do in the low season?

Return to the UK or go on holiday.

Which is your favourite shop in this destination?

La Fromagerie does the best cheese and hams.

Where is your favourite apres ski bar or place to go after work?

Has to be the Polar bear after walking my dog.

If someone was coming here for the first time, what would you suggest they absolutely must do or see in this destination?

This would very much depend on their skiing level but a good skiier must go to La Grave (with a guide or instructor as isn’t safe alone!)

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If you're looking for childcare whilst in resort, Snow Angels Nannies are just a call or an email away, or if you're looking for some summer ski coaching, get in touch with Alex via TipTop Ski Coaching.