Let your confidence grow..
and the good times roll!
Katie and the team
Hi – I’m Katie
The first time I skied I was 4 with my ski mad Dad and family in Aviemore. This holiday created my first and most horrific child memories! Hahaha! Blue ice and blizzards were the main theme! Then after crying my way through many European ski schools I could finally keep up with my older brother – at which point I LOVED IT! – (My mum became a typical Ski Goddess wondering at times if she should leave my Dad and us to it for this ski malarkey! She still skis age 80!)
At 17, not feeling the need for University!, I started my ski instructor courses. In 2006, after much blood, sweat, tears and joy I achieved the highest international qualification.
I now have 30 years of ski teaching experience and have completed over 36 worldwide winter seasons including Andorra, New Zealand and Canada, until France beckoned. Châtel is now home where I live with my little daughter and my big dog!
Life Philosophy Life is supposed to be Fun!” ~ Laugh, Love, Dream Big, Live Big… and Laugh some more!
You may not know I made an Indie/Folk/Pop CD under my stage name Damson Jones!!
WHAT’S MORE
I founded Ski Goddess in 2010 after recognising common challenges faced by female skiers. I am passionate about teaching and combine my expertise in mindfulness training, together with my interest in female vs male bio-mechanics.
15 years on I am extremely proud of what Ski Goddess has achieved. I hope we will continue to grow, helping as many women as possible reach their skiing goals, building this wonderful community of incredible women along the way!
Meet everyone that helps make Ski Goddess happen..
Ali W.
How I got to now: 10 years was enough in the corporate rat race! So, I switched to flexible working with lots of travel. This led me to winter seasons and eventually Châtel where I met Katie. She’s slowly chipped away at me to help her run the business and she’s finally succeeded!
Skills: BA (Hons) in Accountancy and Finance so I keep Ski Goddess on the right path! I’m practical, organised and non-flappable so often step in, even if it’s fixing the toilet..
Life Philosophy: Live life to the max, have no regrets, snatch every opportunity and remember there’s no alternative planet if we screw up this one!
You may not know: The number of countries I’ve been to always corresponds with my age
Jess
How I got to now: I’m a Kiwi, practised Paediatric Occupational therapist and at 30 went travelling, fell in love with skiing and Alpine winters and never made it back home! Settled in France for the last 8 years and live in Châtel – found a Frenchy who would take me in! Gained my Pilates qualification while pregnant and then added mum to my resumé.
Skills: I have a Bachelor of Occupational Therapy Degree, 200 hour yoga qualification and an Internationally Certified Reformer and Mat Pilates Qualification.
Life Philosophy: Live everyday as if it were your last. Smile always, laugh often. Don’t be a dick. Dance like no one is watching.
You may not know: I learnt to ski at 30, hated winter and terrified of diving!
Isla
How I got to now: Took a gap year and decided skiing was more fun than Uni! 25+ seasons later still going with that decision.
Skills: Skiing wise, techy chat in simple words and piste mixed with powder. Off snow, the worm.
Life Philosophy: Don’t be a dick
You may not know: There are 18 different species of penguin in the world.
Ali G.
How I got to now: I came for just one winter season to Châtel almost twenty years ago and realised what was possible in life… now I live near Morzine year round and ride bikes in the summer. I’ve skied and taught all over the Portes du Soleil and I love coming back to Châtel to ski with all the goddesses.
Skills: Qualified BASI Level 4 International Ski Teacher Diploma and French bike instructor and guide diploma
Life Philosophy: Even if you think you can’t do something make a start and see how you get on… and type 2 fun is fun too!
You may not know: I’m probably the messiest person you’ll ever encounter!
Jo – Chef
How I got to now: My journey to the SG kitchen has been a delicious adventure, driven by a lifelong passion for food. I’ve always believed that to stay inspired, you have to keep learning. That’s why, during my inter-seasons, I make a point of staging at various Michelin-starred restaurants. It’s my way of diving into new techniques, gathering fresh ideas, and keeping a pulse on the latest trends.
Skills: I take so much pride in my work as a chef. People genuinely LOVE my food, and that connection is everything to me. For me, food isn’t just about presentation on a plate; it’s about creating an experience. I’m super professional in the kitchen, adaptable, and can cater to anyone’s tastes and needs with enthusiasm.
Life Philosophy: My philosophy, both in and out of the kitchen, is pretty simple: “Create with passion, serve with joy, and never stop exploring.”
You may not know: I competed in the junior chef of Wales when I was 17 years old and won!