Powder White is the first Ski business to go bust in 2024

If you have been caught out by the collapse of Powder White, we can help with finding a new ski holiday and offer advice on how to obtain a refund. Call our sales team now on 020 8313 3999 or contact us by email at webenquiry@skiline.co.uk.

The Powder White website has been taken down and replaced with a message where the directors blame a combination of Brexit, Covid and the cost-of-living crisis for its demise.

We have heard from several Powder Whites clients in the last few days; several are now rebooked, some staying in the originally booked accommodation.

One group were especially worried about a refund as they had paid the balance (£17,000) by bank transfer. They didn’t think the bank transfer would be covered.

In this case because both, Credit card and Bank transfers are by the same person, we were happy to give him the good news that they could claim the full amount from his credit card provider. He made a chargeback and rebooked.

Unfortunately, another group was not so lucky, as their transaction to pay Powder White was completed by two individuals in the group, so only the smaller amount of the deposits paid by card will be refunded.

We have also spoken to a Powder White client who reported they paid their balances by bank transfer to a company called Powder White Lite Limited. We have not been able to establish if this Powder White Lite is continuing to trade.

If your ski holiday has gone up in smoke, Skiline can definitely help. Call us on 020 8313 3999, we won’t let you down and as members of ABTA, you have total protection.

Powder White started life as a small Tour Operator in 2003, selling mainly cheaper ski chalets with shared bathrooms, at the bottom end of the market, but after Covid started to compete with Ski Line as a travel agent but without any bonding to protect clients’ money.

In our opinion, Powder White should not have been allowed to trade for a few years. Companies House showed the business had been losing money for years. The last set of accounts posted up until May 2022 showed losses had reached (£406,413). The company had been making losses since 2018, but somehow continued to sell ski holidays until January 2024.

Any clients who are owed money are recommended to contact their credit card company to arrange a charge back.

Unfortunately, Powder White are not alone, there are several ski agents trading today with similar balance sheets to Powder White.

This company’s failure highlights the importance of booking through an ABTA bonded agent. ABTA require its members to have a minimum capital of £50,000.