Simon Hoskyns

I completed my 1st winter ski season as a ski bum after leaving school. Travelling out to Sauze d'Oulx, Italy, (not knowing one ski resort from another) and with just a basic Italian phrase book in my rucksack I found a job in a hotel as a pot washer. However, I was also trained as a barista (before anyone knew what they were) which was enormous fun. After graduating from university I headed back to the Alps for a 2nd season. I was a handyman for Bladon Lines in Meribel, looking after their chalets and also those of sister company, Ski West. This was the best ski resort job ever. The 2nd season was followed by three fun but ultimately unrewarding years in a London advertising agency before I returned to the Alps yet again. A season for the Ski Club of Great Britain in St Anton was followed by another season working for Powder Byrne in Flims and Klosters, Switzerland. Returning to London I joined the fledgling Alpine Answers in 1995, becoming partner in 1997.