Lucy Bowles

Skier and a beginner snowboarder.

I’m lucky enough that I’ve been skiing with my family in the French Alps for a couple of weeks every year since I was four. So for me, skiing has always been the highlight of my year, and I count down the days until I’m back in the mountains again. 

To the dislike of my family, I’m a first-lift kind of girl - I love making the most of a full day on the slopes and I enjoy exploring large resorts. Fuelled by hot chocolate stops, you’ll catch me sailing down tree-lined runs, tackling mogul fields, and attempting some off-piste too!

I learnt how to snowboard a few years ago, but crashing one too many times put me off it for a while. It’s about time I gave it another go! Maybe with more padding this time…

Sitting on a suspended bench on the side of a cliff overlooking a glacial reservoir on a via ferrata in Switzerland. I was thankful for the rest stop after climbing to dizzying heights, and the view of Lac de Moiry’s turquoise water was a real pinch-me moment!

I haven’t been on any ski safaris yet, but I love the look of our Åre and the Arctic Ski Safari. I’d love to see the Northern Lights, and the idea of staying in the original ICEHOTEL® is so exciting. Above all, this tour has a huge heli-skiing zone. I just know I’d love it!

This January, I skied in the French Alps. I’m usually a spring skier (snow AND long, warm days, it’s the best), but it was great seeing familiar places under a heavy dumping of snow!

I haven't got anything in the diary yet, but I’m keen to tie in some ski touring on my next trip. A chance to combine exploring, getting my step count up, and skiing off-piste? I’m sold! 

In terms of location, I have my eyes on Banff, Canada. I’ve enjoyed watching the UK tour of the Banff Mountain Film Festival every year, and it’s made Banff a dream destination for me. While there, I’d love to try out some hiking or climbing in the national parks too!

I was once sea swimming by myself and enjoying a beautiful sunset while in the Seychelles, when my family started waving frantically at me from the beach. I was confused at first, but it turns out I wasn’t alone out there… several small sharks and stingrays were enjoying the sunset too! Slightly terrified, I swam straight back to safety. I’m still scared of stingrays!

Don’t put your lift pass in the same pocket as your phone or credit card. This sometimes confuses the lift pass machines, and you don’t want to be that person who holds up the queue. Even worse, you might drop and lose your lift pass if you’re regularly taking your phone out for photos on the slopes. That would be a long walk back to the hotel… 

My tip: when shopping for a ski coat, pick one with lots of pockets!