British Ski Hosts in Trouble with the French

Many British ski operators have long provided staff that will take their holiday makers around the slopes introducing them to the ski area and the individual runs. But it seems the French authorities are not happy with this practice.

A British ski company is engaged in a fierce legal battle for breaking the ski safety laws of France in a case that threatens British/French relations, at least as far as skiing goes. French authorities apparently don't like it when British firms use their staff to offer informal tours to ski vacationers.

The French see the "ski hosts" as a potential safety issue because, although they are not qualified guides or ski instructors, they take visitors on tours of the slopes and hot chocolate stands.

Le Ski, founded 30 years ago and based in Yorkshire, is scheduled to appear in court in January. Founder Nick Morgan said, "We have decided not to take this lying down. We don't believe what we do is illegal, and we don't want to set a precedent for the industry."

Visitors to Le Ski appreciate the friendly service. For those who don't have the need for or don't want the expense of a professional ski instructor, ski hosts help to familiarize them with the slopes and improve their vacation experience.

The French ski instructors' union has thrown its support to the authorities, claiming that it's "purely about ski safety." The French Ski School in Meribel has also joined the fray, claiming £9,700 in monetary damages. Efforts to resolve the problem outside of the courts have been contentious and thus far, unsuccessful.

It's not the first time French and British ski professionals have duked it out. In 2000, the British triumphed over the French in a battle to stop British instructors from teaching in France. In the British view, the French are practicing protectionism. Earlier this year, Libération, a French newspaper, published an article criticizing the growing number of British instructors on French slopes.

The devil is in the details. Is a "ski host" the same as a guide or an instructor? Is public safety at issue, or is the whole thing blown entirely out of proportion? Those are questions for the court to resolve. Skiers can only hope their best interests are taken into account.

By Will Smith