We don't just sell destinations — we build partnerships with venues and instruction providers who share our commitment to structured progression. Every partner we work with meets our standard, not just a minimum bar.
First Track launches with two key partners: an on-mountain lodge and instruction provider in the Swiss Alps, and an indoor ski school in London that feeds motivated, pre-prepared participants into our Alpine programmes.
Our flagship Alpine partner — an 18-room mountain lodge sleeping ~70 guests in Schönried, three minutes from the slopes, with up to 5 hours of structured instruction per day.
Full profile ↓London's specialist indoor ski school on a revolving treadmill — year-round, 1:1 coaching that builds the technique foundations participants bring to the Alps.
Full profile ↓The First Track model uses Skieasy as a preparation layer and Lovell (or future Alpine partners) as the delivery layer. This combination is what makes our trips genuinely different — participants don't waste their first two days on snow learning to stop.
Participants train in London — on a revolving ski treadmill — building muscle memory and technique before they ever step on a chair lift. They arrive in the Alps already able to stop and turn.
Better-prepared participants progress faster in the Alps. Instructors spend less time on basics and more time on technique refinement. Everyone improves more in the same week.
📍 Schönried / Gstaad, Switzerland
Lovell Camp & Academy is a second-generation, family-run mountain lodge and ski school in Schönried, near Gstaad, Switzerland — owned and operated by Bryce and Victoria Lovell, formerly directors of the John F. Kennedy International School in Saanen. Their deep roots in education and alpine instruction make them a natural fit for First Track's school and youth programmes.
The Mountain Lodge is an 18-room, en-suite facility sleeping approximately 70 guests, located just three minutes from the slopes with its own minibus fleet. This is not a generic hotel — it's a purpose-built group ski accommodation with everything on-site and structured around the daily rhythm of intensive on-snow learning.
Lovell already works with established UK operators like The Ski Company, so they understand and welcome the third-party organiser model. For First Track, they represent additional demand — a complementary channel, not a competing one.
"We encourage schools to work with us to create a ski trip which fits into their program and budget." — Lovell Camp & Academy
Why we chose Lovell
Education-rooted ownership, purpose-built group accommodation, an established relationship with UK school operators, and a location in the Gstaad region — one of Europe's premier family ski destinations — make Lovell the natural flagship for First Track's school programme.
📍 Chiswick, London W4
Skieasy is London's specialist indoor ski school — based at Dukes Meadows Golf & Tennis in Chiswick — offering 1:1 ski instruction on a revolving ski treadmill. Year-round, weatherproof, and proven to accelerate technique, it's the most efficient way to build real skiing foundations before a trip to the Alps.
For First Track, Skieasy plays two distinct roles: as a pre-trip preparation partner for school groups and individual bookers, and as a source of motivated adult and youth clients who have already committed to improving their skiing and are ready for the next step on real snow.
Skieasy's client base is self-selecting — people who choose to ski on a treadmill in west London are exactly the kind of motivated learners First Track programmes are designed for. Our partnership creates a natural progression pathway: train in London, ski in the Alps.
A continuous moving slope — like a treadmill for skiing — that lets instructors control speed and gradient, focusing on exactly the technique the skier needs to develop.
Skiers can watch their own technique in real time — a powerful tool for correcting posture, weight distribution, and edge control that slope lessons can't replicate.
No snow required. Beginners can start learning in July and arrive in the Alps in December already confident. Schools can book PE/games slots without weather dependency.
Suitable for the youngest school groups — a realistic pre-trip preparation option even for primary school trips.
"Learn to ski up to 8 times faster than on traditional slopes." — Skieasy
The First Track partnership
School groups can book a block of Skieasy sessions bundled into their First Track quote. Individual bookers on progression trips can access a group prep rate. And Skieasy's existing clients get a direct, trusted pathway to take their indoor technique to the Alps.
Lovell and Gstaad are our premium flagship option. We're actively developing additional destinations across France, Austria, and Italy to give schools and individuals more price points and terrain options.
Lodge and instruction partners across the French Alps — including large-scale operations comparable to Les Elfes. France offers excellent value for price-sensitive school groups and a wide range of terrain for progression skiers.
Austria's family-run ski hotels in the Tirol region offer a warm, relaxed alpine experience at lower price points than Switzerland. Ideal for first-time school trips and budget-conscious groups.
Interski-inspired Aosta Valley options — one of Europe's most accessible and affordable ski destinations, with excellent beginner and intermediate terrain. Our most budget-friendly destination offering.
Switzerland sits at the top of the UK price band — Gstaad is a premium experience. France and Austria offer excellent quality at a lower price point, and Italy is our most accessible entry level. We'll help you match the right destination to your group, budget, and ability level.
Best for: Schools seeking a premium experience, groups wanting all-in lodge+instruction, and any trip where quality and a trusted facility are the priority.
Best for: Mid-range school trips, larger groups needing more beds, or progressive skiers who want access to extensive terrain and high-altitude skiing.
Best for: First-time school trips, budget-conscious groups, and families who want a relaxed, welcoming alpine experience with reliable snow in December.