Paul Niwano
Position: General dog's body/French speaker/translator
Background: Following my first winter season in Courchevel in 1982 where I was employed as a 'ceramic technician' (dishwasher)!, snow shoveller and oyster opener, I acquired a passion for skiing and the mountains, learnt French and developed a refined taste for good quality shellfish! Following further seasons in Meribel and the yachting industry I finally settled in Val d'Isere in the winters. Employed by Snowfun ski shops and ski school, I was made responsible for developing the International clientelle and building a strong retail and rental team. In 12 years, Snowfun grew from 2 to 7 shops and from 10 to 65 ski instructors. Skiing began to reach a much broader market and Val d'Isere grew from 10,000 to 30,000 beds.
During the later years at Snowfun I founded 'VIP' a catered and self-catered accommodation business, which was subsequently sold on to my partners. Debbie and I met in Val d'Isere in ‘93 and she founded Mountain Rooms and Chalets a few years later. Here we are all these years on, still passionate about our business, living proof of a 'lifestyle' industry. Winters in Val, summers in stunning Lake Tahoe and the inter- seasons spent nr. St Tropez. We are still passionate about our skiing too and using our years of experience to ensure that all our guests, clients and owners receive exemplary service.
Your favourite ski run in Val: Silly question! Ask anyone who knows me where to find me........I have probably skied the OK more than anyone else in the entire resort. I could definitely ski it with my eyes closed. Love sneaking onto it immediately after it has been race prepared.
Favourite MR&C property: 21 Choucas. I sold it through our estate agency 4 Property, we manage it through our company Val Service and now we rent it. All part of the service!
What you will be skiing on this coming winter: My fabulous 'Core Muscle Cars.' Not cheap, but worth every penny!!
When I'm not working, I am: skiing, playing tennis, Classic Yacht Racing (other people's yachts!), going to flea markets and finding cool stuff.
Favourite drink: Hot: ....half English, half Japanese, it has to be tea....Builder's, Earl Grey, Mint and even some of those herbal varieties! Cold: Can't beat an ice cold ginger beer.
Ultimate goal: Too many to name but here are a few: Hit my forehand like Roger (this is still possible).....to type faster than Debs (forget it).........to successfully create and edit a spread sheet like Phill (highly unlikely) .....Sail the world (in comfort and on calm seas and without being violently sea-sick, none of that mad Southern Ocean stuff!).
Phill Robinson
Position: Accountant
Background: I studied computer software applications and computer systems for 2 years before getting a job in an accounts office. I was promoted to assistant to the Accountant after a year and a half at which point I started studying accountancy at night school. After 3 years of study the company had grown to the point of needing an in-house IT department and I was promoted to oversee all aspects of the company IT systems. One year later and after 2 very enjoyable ski holidays, I was hooked and when two of my friends decided to go to Val d'Isere for a season, I decided I was going with them. In my first season one of my friends worked for Debbie when her computer had a breakdown! I was called round and fixed her computer at which point I was offered a job with Mountain Rooms & Chalets. Several winters later of working for MR&C in various positions and spending my summer's in Lake Tahoe, California, Debbie needed help with the accounts, so I reminded her that part of my studies included an accounts qualification. I got the job! In July 2003 I started working for Mountain Rooms on a full time basis although I'm still lucky enough to be able to spend my summers in Lake Tahoe apart from the fact that I'm now in the office and not at the beach!
Your favourite ski run in Val: Not sure I really have an outright favourite although I do really enjoy the long run down from the top of the Grande Motte to Val Claret.
Favourite MR&C property: I'm not allowed out of the office enough to see the properties!
What you will be skiing on this coming winter: A pair of Blizzards from Snowberry. Thank you!
When I'm not working, I am: spending time with my 2 sons, Tom & Ben, the latter recently born (end of September 2019).
Favourite drink: Just a plain old pint of lager for me although I do like a good glass of red wine.
Ultimate goal: To beat Paul down the OK (before he’s 60!).
What you don't know about me: That I both ski and snowboard.