Don't Tell Me I Can't......Learn To Ski!

Hazel Manuel was surprised how much she enjoyed the winter sports challenge

- Niamh Burns

Pushing myself off the lift, I balance my skies and glance up to take in the breathtaking scenery. as I breathe in the cool, crisp air, I can’t believe I’m standing on top of a 1,300m mountain surrounded by the beautiful French alps. at 49, my only regret is not deciding to do this sooner.

While I loved going on adventurous holidays where I’d cycle in Europe and ride horses in South America, taking a ski trip in the depths of winter never appealed to me. I wanted to spend my holidays relaxing and having fun, and when my daughter Willow was born in August 1988, and I split from her dad two years later, it was even more important to use holidays as a chance to unwind. I’d take Willow camping in Wales and Devon, and inter railing across Europe.