Snowshoeing venture in the Pyrenees Mountains, Midi-Pyrenees

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I'm guessing that many people that use Guide2MidiPyrenees are all in the same boat. They've moved from the UK, live in their chosen place, and trying to make a go of things. I'm not much different except that I come to only come to work in the area as I haven't yet committed to moving from the West of France.

I work as an International Mountain Leader, or Accompagnateur en Montagne, in French. It's a good qualification to have, one of only two that allows people to work guiding in the mountains. Each winter I come to the Midi Pyrenees to run snowshoe holidays. It's a mixed bag as most Brits don't know what snowshoeing is all about - the UK doesn't have the right type of snow, and most people that come the area go skiing.

The French and other Europeans love it. It is a great way to carry on walking through the winter months, and a chance to see wildlife when everyone else is out skiing.

So, I'm on a quest to get clients. It's something that the British Association of International Mountain Leaders is also trying to do. We compete with the Bureau de Guide, which is where all the French go. I intend to be resourceful. Then a thought occurred, why not write a blog showing how I'm doing it and perhaps others will share their efforts and we can all benefit. Please, please feel free to comment.

I started with a my own website www.letloosewithadventure.com that I created using Microsoft Office Live. It couldn't have been easier and as a reasonable support network. Lots of photos, useful links, and attractions to keep the customers coming back.Running a website takes time, something I am short as I'm often away so I could have done with someone to keep it on the front page of Google.

Facebook, I like. I have plenty of friends who have lots of other friends, and the website receives plenty of hits every time I post something there. I recently saw a deal on mini maglite torches, so I've bought a dozen and then advertised those as a free gift if they book or persude someone else to book.

I met Martin and his Guide2MidiPyrenees site when visiting the Ron and Carole at their B&B - Chalet le Chapeau Bleu, which I am using for my own clients. He has some great ideas for promoting business in the area. We are going to approach other B&B and Gite owners to offer snowshoeing days to their clients on a daily rate. Hopefully, it's somehting they can use to sell their holidays.

I've written some articles on snowshoeing for Martin's site and one or two others. I'm trying to persuade people that it's a good winter sport, which it is they just don't know it.

I've bought into some magazines and advertorials, although a neighbour tells me that seldom works as people tend to switch off when they realise it's an advert.

There's plenty of free sites and links to add; it all takes time, and I've sent posters to all sorts of places. I also work freelance as a guide for several other companies, and where they allow me to, I've approached their clients.

I've a eight clients booked so far. I'll update as and when. Do share your thoughts. All the best, Kevin
 
Posted by: Kevin Albin on 30 August 2010