Snow-to-Sea Luxury: Introducing The Alps’ First On-Slope Superyacht Advisory Service
This winter, Courchevel’s iconic slopes are transforming into an unexpected gateway for the world’s most exclusive summer yacht charters. In a groundbreaking partnership, European yacht brokerage MYSEA and the renowned Alpine concierge and ski specialist Elite Ski Travel are introducing UHNW (Ultra High Net Worth) travellers to an innovative luxury ritual: planning their summer superyacht holidays while enjoying the winter thrills of skiing in the Alps.
A First-of-Its-Kind Partnership in the French Alps
MYSEA has entered the scene as the only yacht brokerage with a dedicated presence in the French Alps. By embedding its expertise within Elite Ski Travel’s ultra-private network, MYSEA effectively reshapes how luxury yacht charters are experienced. Rather than making an obligatory visit to a Côte d’Azur office, clients can now discuss yacht charters right on the slopes, during extended mountain lunches, or in the plush comfort of their chalets. This seamless integration allows slope-side conversations to smoothly evolve into tailored Mediterranean or global summer itineraries.
Elite Ski Travel: Two Decades of On-the-Ground Expertise
For Aurélia Chrétien Pomès, co-director of Elite Ski Travel, this partnership feels like a natural progression. With over 20 years of experience in Courchevel, Elite Ski Travel is more than just a travel agency; it’s a dedicated Destination Management Company (DMC). Their instructors spend significant amounts of time with families, grasping their unique tastes and lifestyles. The addition of MYSEA’s yacht expertise builds on this established trust, extending it from the snowy peaks down to the azure sea.
A Relationship Built Long Before the Partnership
The genesis of this unusual alliance can be traced back to the friendship between MYSEA founder Laurent Roussillon and former yacht captain Frank Benoit, who has nearly two decades of experience commanding charter yachts across the Mediterranean and Caribbean. After settling in Courchevel four years ago, Frank quickly identified a gap in the luxury market.
“Courchevel is home to one of the highest concentrations of UHNW travellers in the world,” he notes. “However, there wasn’t a dedicated yacht broker in the region. Our philosophy aligns with Elite Ski Travel’s focus on total discretion, personalized service, and cultivating genuine long-term relationships.”
Winter: The Ideal Moment for Summer Yacht Planning
Statistics from MYSEA and insights from Frank reveal that 70–75% of the peak summer charter season is booked between December and March. Families find themselves in a relaxed atmosphere, making time for early planning, which enables access to in-demand yachts and preferred dates—ultimately leading to privileged upgrades often available only to early bookers. This is especially true for sought-after events like the Monaco Grand Prix, where prime berths are highly coveted.
Powerful Client Advantages
The collaboration between MYSEA and Elite Ski Travel offers a myriad of benefits for clients, including:
- Priority Access: Clients enjoy priority access to newly listed yachts in the MYSEA fleet.
- Rapid Proposals: Bespoke yacht proposals can be provided within hours.
- Unmatched Proximity: With MYSEA staff present on the slopes and in chalets, clients experience an unparalleled level of service.
- Exclusive Ski-to-Sea Adventures: Unique experiences such as:
- Norway “Sail & Ski” under the midnight sun
- Alaska heli-skiing paired with an expedition yacht
- Adventures in the Chilean fjords and Patagonia
- Classic Mediterranean journeys through the French Riviera, Greece, Croatia, and Turkey
All services remain mobile, allowing for total privacy and seamless integration into each client’s Alpine routines.
A New Era of Year-Round Lifestyle Curation
As UHNW travellers increasingly seek personalized luxury experiences throughout the year, MYSEA and Elite Ski Travel are pioneering a new model: a single trusted advisor managing both winter and summer holidays. This innovative approach allows clients to effortlessly transition from the snowy slopes to the calming ocean waves, redefining the luxury lifestyle experience from snow to sea.
With this fresh perspective, the world of luxury travel is expanding, marking a significant evolution in how affluent families approach their seasonal getaways.