Kim Taylor: Managing Director of Verbier Rentals

One person who couldn't ignore that call is Kim Taylor, who we managed to grab a bit of time with just before the February half term hits Verbier..

Hi Kim, Tell us a little bit about your business, how it started out and where you're based…

Verbier Rentals grew out of a desire to settle in Verbier after a couple of frivolous ski seasons. As a former TV producer, problem solving was something I was used to and that translates to most businesses; finding someone the ideal place to stay becomes my problem to solve.

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

We started in 2006, expanded to take in some Chamonix properties in 2009 and Ibiza in 2010. We are still mainly focussed on Verbier but some of our Verbier clients want to go to new places so we build on those relationships. In December 2012 we took over Chilali Massage offering at home massage services as well as private yoga & pilates tuition. This is an exciting string to our bow and a personal passion. Feel better, be better - it’s my new motto!

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

It is a challenge. At the high end there are some spectacular properties, but some are not all they profess to be. Trying to find low budget accommodation is really tricky - owners need to trust us that their property won’t be trashed if they rent for a little less and may fill more days or weeks.

What are the best bits about your job?

Sounds cheesy but knowing people have the best time possible in Verbier, if they are happy, our lives are easy.

And the worst bits?

Missing laundry, checking cleaning, upset clients when there is really nothing we can do to help.

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

The rentals business ticks along, we have suffered from the exchange rate change & general economic crisis, but business seems to be on the rise again. We are hoping to start summer health retreats combining the Chilali ethic with our property connections.

What's your favourite piste or off-piste area & top tip to go skiing?

Be brave, take a helicopter once in a while!

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

Stay - at Chalet Heaven, perched above the town, a really special chalet with stunning views
Eat - Le Bec Brasserie is new for 2013 at Place Blanche, fantastic for lunches; Cordee des Alpes leads for evenings, a beautiful restaurant, sophisticated dining & great ambiance.
Drink - renovated T Bar has to be the choice of 2014, great cocktails and a really awesome resident DJ

Where will we find the best coffee or hot chocolate?

La Cucina for a good take out cappuccino - coffee is very hit & miss in this town

What has been your best ever day in Verbier?

I got married last April, it had been 22 degrees the day before but drizzled in the morning (which is apparently a sign of good luck for your marriage in Switzerland) and turned to dumping snow by the evening. We had 30cm by the time we left the Farinet party in the early hours. It was epic! The Farinet really know how to throw a party.

Do you remember your first trip to this resort?

I did a season in 1991 as a chalet girl, I was terrified by the amazing skiers and confident chalet girls, but finished that season as an OK cook & a reasonable skier with a place in my heart for Verbier. Courage and commitment usually do pay off. I really had no idea what I was doing to start with, but I was always nice to people and ended up being featured on a UK Channel 4 show about working in Ski resorts. From there I found my job in TV advertising for the next ten years, before the lure of the mountains drew me back.

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Verbier Rentals offer weekend breaks, luxury ski holidays, summer holidays and seasonal rentals. Visit their website to search for accommodation.