There are a mind-boggling number of skiers and snowboarders coming to Meribel & the 3 Valleys every winter. Not everyone owns their own kit, and why should you when it's often less hassle and cheaper to rent everything you need when you're in resort.
Then once you're in resort what better way to get hold of all that equipment you've booked than to get it delivered to your door! A handful of years ago Andrew 'Buck' Buckingham decided that Meribel needed a ski delivery service, et voila! Slide Candy was born.
Now that New Year week is well and truly out of the way, we grabbed a few minutes with Buck to find out how it all came about and to see what he gets up to when he's not sorting you lot out with all your equipment...
Tell us a little bit about your business, how it started out and where you're based
Slide Candy are a mobile only ski rental shop operating in the Meribel Valley. We started up 4 years ago after working many seasons in the Alps in various different retail and rental jobs.
What makes Meribel a special place to be for someone in your profession?
Meribel has mountains and we rent skis....
What are the best bits about your job?
Working with a great team of passionate like minded mountain people
And the worst bits?
Only getting two hours sleep a night at peak times as we have so much kit to get ready for the clients who are about to arrive.
What is in store for the future with your business, any exciting projects in the pipelines that you can share with us?
We're looking to expand organically within the Meribel Valley and continue to deliver great quality kit at a competitive price with expert fitting, focussing on giving the customer great value for money.
What are you personal and professional goals for the future?
My personal goal is to sail across the Atlantic Ocean!
What's your favourite piste or off-piste area & top tip to go skiing?
Off Piste? Top secret!!
Where would send someone who was after that something 'something special' in resort, to stay, eat or drink?
Fifty50 bar for Drinks!
What has been your best ever day in Meribel?
Wednesday 6th Feb 2013...The snow was so deep!
What's your favourite thing to do in resort when not skiing or snowboarding?
Sledging with the kids!
What do you do in the summer?
Have a well earned holiday and do some road and mountain biking. Some Slide Candy office stuff getting ready for the next winter.
Which is your favourite shop in resort?
Slide Candy of course!
Where are we most likely to find you for après-ski?!
LDV [Lodge du Village] in Meribel Village.
Skiing or snowboarding? What's your preference & why?
Skiing just coz it rocks! But I like to go riding with snowboarders too...It's all about being out on the mountain with friends however you choose to slide down it...with exception to snowbladers of course!
...
Totally agree with you on the snowblades! So if you're looking for the ultimate convenience in Meribel Ski Hire, get your kit delivered by Slide Candy!
