Meet the team
Hi!
Thomas Herduin
Position: Market Manager, Val d'Isere
Background: I grew up in Paris and I came to ski in the alps when I was a kid. I fell in love with the mountain. I have 20 years experience in hospitality managing teams and delivering high quality service to international clients. I lived in New York City, Miami, Vancouver, Barcelona and Amsterdam. My roots are now in Toulouse where the rest of my family lives.
Your favourite ski run in Val: Folie douce ;)
Favourite MR&C property: 41 Le Cret
What you will be skiing on this coming winter:
When not working, I am: relaxing at the sauna or reading a book
Favourite drink: Gin & Tonic!
Ultimate goal: travel all around the world
What you don't know about me: I am related to the former french president Jacques Chirac.
Melanie Appleby
Position: Reservations
Background: Having studied law at Aberdeen University, I went to Val d'Isere to be a chalet girl for one season and stayed for 8! When I finally prised myself away and came back to London, I became Reservations Manager for Mountain Rooms and Chalets. I left for a couple of years to pursue a career in the art world but couldn't help myself and before I knew it, I was back working for Mountain Rooms and Chalets.
After an extended maternity leave, here I am again - there is clearly something addictive about working for Mountain Rooms!
Your favourite ski run in Val: in the old days I would have agreed with Debbie and Paul and gone for the OK but now, I would probably say any of the runs at the top of the glacier in Le Fornet or the Genepy from the Grande Motte to Val Claret - nice and easy!
Favourite MR&C property: Aquila or Choucas properties.
What you will be skiing on this coming winter: I am addicted to Core skis too!
When I'm not working, I am: I love being with my daughter, Lottie, walking our dog, Hobbs, playing tennis.
Favourite drink: like Mhairi, I do love a glass of champagne - preferably at the Blizzard!
Ultimate goal: for Lottie to ski well - and better than me!
What you don't know about me: I am a good old Irish girl.
Brenna Rowe
Position: Resort Manager
Background: I'm a proud Cornish girl who spent most of her childhood in either a Spider Man costume or prancing around in an Arsenal kit. From an early age, I threw myself into every sport imaginable, competing at a high level in rugby, football, and netball. But at 17, I made the bold decision to hang up my boots and explore the world.
Since then, I’ve fully embraced the nomadic lifestyle: road-tripping through eight European countries in a van at 18, sailing around Thailand and Malaysia for a month, trekking through the Himalayas in Kashmir with no electricity or phone signal to let my parents know I was having the time of my life. Not long after, I got stuck in India during the first global lockdown. A few years later, I was swimming with 12-meter whale sharks in the Philippines on a random Tuesday and living on Hamilton Island in Australia, where the Great Barrier Reef was quite literally my backyard for nearly a year.
Now, at 24, I’m lucky enough to call the French Alps home, all thanks to the wonderful Debbie and Paul. I work in what I confidently claim is the best ski resort ever to exist. After my first snow season with Mountain Rooms & Chalets, they offered me a full-time role… and here we are. Basically made out of bread and cheese, and loving every second of alpine life.
Your favourite ski run in Val: Grand Pre
When I'm not working, I am: you will usually find me going for cold water dips, heading out on coastal walks, hitting the gym, sampling a local beer or two and always, always, chasing the sun!
Favourite drink: A Crabbies Ginger Beer!
Ultimate Goal: It should be to learn French..... But let's be real, it's to open a bagel shop! Brens's bagels has a ring to it right?
What you don't know about me: I have 8 Siblings (my parents are foster carers!)
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.