ABTA has announced that a Norfolk-based ski company, which was launched by Sir Richard Branson’s former ski instructor, has called in the liquidators.
SkiYodl was founded by Simon Latarche and Oliver Dannatt, the son of the former head of the British Army Lord Richard Dannatt and the Lord-Lieutenant of Norfolk Lady Philippa Dannatt.
Oliver had previously worked for four years as a ski instructor at The Lodge, Sir Richard’s mountain retreat in the Swiss resort of Verbier, according to the Eastern Daily Press.
Here he taught the Virgin Group founder and other celebrities including chef Jamie Oliver, model Claudia Schiffer and the late Chelsea footballer Gianluca Vialli.
Oliver went on to work at a shipping broker and launched SkiYodl, a platform selling ski transfers, equipment and clothing hire, airport transfers and chalet catering in early 2020 after securing seed funding.
In 2021, it raised a further £770,000 in crowdfunding, as reported by the Eastern Daily Press. Simon resigned in September 2025.
ABTA said the company appointed liquidators RCM Advisory on 22 July. It said it did not believe Ski Yodl had sold any packages at the time of its failure, adding: “The company also sold accommodation only, which they did not protect with ABTA.
“Customers that paid by credit or debit card and had accommodation-only bookings will need to contact their card issuer for assistance with obtaining a refund. Any customers that paid by other means such as bank transfer will need to register their claim with the liquidator, RCM Advisory Limited, on 01603 331960 or [email protected].”
