Catherine Hughes

Product Manager - Europe

Catherine Hughes
Started at Ski Independence:

August 2015

Skier or snowboarder:

Skier

Skied since:

1993

Get in touch:
Call me:
0131 243 8097

I started skiing at Hillend dryslope when I was 5 and have been hooked ever since. Skiing up north in Scotland was the next step before moving on to skiing in Europe. I spent a year studying in Chambéry at the Université de Savoie which I deliberately chose so that I’d be able to go skiing every weekend! I've also worked in Italy so was able to ski extensively in the Valle d’Aosta and the Dolomites.

Interesting fact:

When I was about 7 years old I brought the chairlift at my local dry ski slope to a halt. I was a little too eager getting off the chairlift and ended up in the safety netting! Thankfully, I have now mastered the art of taking a chairlift.

What inspires you?

When it comes to skiing, aside from the fresh mountain air, stunning vistas, and complete sense of relaxation that only comes after a day whizzing round the slopes, nothing gets me quite as excited as the theme tune to Ski Sunday! Because the programme usually starts in early December the music definitely brings with it a sense of anticipation about the winter to come…

What's your favourite resort, and why?

My favourite resort has to be San Cassiano in the Dolomites. In fact, I love the entire Dolomiti Superski area for so many reasons. The scenery is second to none (it has to be seen to be believed) but what I love most of all is the hospitality of this region. The cosy mountain huts and restaurants serve delicious food and offer great value for money and you’ll always be greeted with a warm smile wherever you go. The ski area is also enormous and despite having been to this region several times, I still feel there are vast areas I’ve yet to explore.

My next trip:

I've always wanted to visit Saas Fee in Switzerland so that's where I'm headed for some spring skiing. I love charming, historic resorts and I think this ticks all the boxes. I can't wait to stay at the family-run Hotel Allalin and taste the fantastic cuisine. I'll try to squeeze in another trip as well if I can...

Resorts skied in France:

Val Thorens, Méribel, Avoriaz, Morzine, Les Arcs, Les Deux Alpes, Tignes, Val d'Isère, La Clusaz, Flaine, Samoens, Les Carroz, Les Gets, La Plagne, Courchevel

Resorts skied in Switzerland:

Gstaad, St Moritz, Zermatt

Resorts skied in Italy:

Madonna di CampiglioSan Cassiano, Selva di Val Gardena, Plan de Corones, Plose, Racines, Pila, Courmayeur, Cervinia

Resorts skied in Austria:

St Anton, Lech, Zurs

Resorts skied in Scotland:

Cairngorm, Glencoe, Glenshee and Nevis Range