How did you get into skiing?
My half-sister is Canadian and lives in Vancouver, so I was lucky enough to spend many of my school holidays visiting her. She took me up to a tiny resort, Cypress Mountain in West Vancouver, and introduced me to snowboarding. Whilst I wasn’t a great snowboarder and spent a lot of time on my bum, knees and face, I absolutely loved it. A few years down the line, I donned some skis during a university trip and have never looked back.
Which is your favourite country and why?
It has to be Switzerland! The scenery is simply stunning and it’s great to visit both in summer and winter. I love the contrast it has to offer. Arrive for a week of skiing in Zermatt by cog wheel train and horse drawn carriage or in Andermatt on the iconic and futuristic Glacier Express. Any country that produces raclette as good as the Swiss is a winner in my book.
Which is your favourite resort and why?
I definitely have a soft spot for Kitzbühel in Austria. The cobblestone streets lined with rainbow-coloured houses are charming on both the bright days of summer and under a blanket of snow in the winter. The après-ski scene has a great atmosphere and the extensive slopes offer amazing skiing!
Which is your favourite chalet?
Whilst spoilt for choice with all the incredible chalets we feature, I will never forget the boot room at Chalet Gentianes in Courchevel. Pulling back the door to head outside, it truly looks like you’re about to step into Narnia with all the snow-covered pine trees. Truly magical!
Where is your favourite après ski spot?
That’s easy – in a private outdoor hot tub with a drink in hand. No crowds, the DJ of your own playlist and an uninterrupted view. Bliss! One of my favourite hot tubs for a vin chaud with a view would have to be at Chalet Spa Verbier with the most incredible mountain backdrop.
What is your favourite ski memory?
Seeing in and celebrating the New Year with friends in Tignes and enjoying some great skiing on New Year’s Day is definitely up there with the greats. There’s no better way to start the year than on the slopes with good company, and with so many other’s in agreement, we always recommended booking your New Year trip far in advance so we can find a chalet that ticks all your boxes.
Where is your favourite place to eat on a ski trip?
I adore the traditional alpine interiors of La Sachette in Tignes les Brevieres. A hidden little gem tucked further away in the village, it is one of my favourite lunch restaurants, best enjoyed out on their large sunny terrace with gorgeous views.
What is your top travel tip for ski trips?
Beware of scam companies – if the price seems too good to be true, it generally is. The cost of our chalets will always be the same price as if you were to book direct, but with the added benefit of our personal, complimentary concierge service for all your needs prior to departure, from restaurant reservations to booking transfers and ski schools. At Firefly Collection, between us we have visited the resorts, seen the chalets and skied the pistes. We offer expert, first-hand knowledge and can help with the most specific of questions.
Which was your favourite balcony view?
When it comes to mountain vistas, Chalet Grace in Zermatt doesn’t come across much competition. It has amazing views of the village below and across to the iconic Matterhorn. The views don’t just stop on the balcony though. Stepping inside the Matterhorn dominates the view through the floor to ceiling living room windows and peeps through the perfectly positioned upper windows in the grand dining room. The Matterhorn can even be enjoyed from the bathtub in the master en-suite bathroom. Views don’t come much better than this!
Where would be your ultimate ski trip?
Japan! I’d love to head there in the spring, to hit the slopes in Hakuba in April and then make my way down the mountains to experience the iconic cherry blossom season. I love that you can experience the best of two seasons at once.
What would you love to do off the slopes that you haven’t done before?
As it’s hard to pull me off the slopes in the winter, I’d love to give a biathlon a go!
What are your top resort recommendations for families for ski holidays?
Méribel and Morzine are great resorts for multi-generational groups. They’re extremely family-friendly and well suited for children, with great in-resort facilities and activities for non-skiers too. Kids love the tobogganing in Méribel.
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