I’m Katie, after three years of living and working in Australia and New Zealand and visiting countries such as Japan, the Philippines and Thailand, I decided to come to Morzine to work a winter season in 2019.

Here I realised, as so many people do, that maybe this was somewhere I wanted to stay for a while. Morzine is a new home for me and the community feel, outdoor activities and beautiful surroundings make everyday an adventure. I enjoy yoga, hiking, swimming, skiing as well as the challenge of learning a new language and embracing the French culture.

I have worked as a nanny this summer and last year I spent time in Italy as an English language tutor in summer camps, I’ve also volunteered in schools in the UK and for a local children’s charity during my time at university. Ellie’s Safe House really stood out to me, as throughout the time I’ve spent working in these environments it’s made me realise how important it is for young people to be able to talk about and express their feelings and have someone there to listen, I believe this is the kind of project that every community could benefit from. The Ellie Soutter Foundation also aims to promote social mobility in snow sports and coming from a background where snow sports or winter holidays were not seen as ‘the norm’ this is a value that really resonates closely with me as I would love snow sports to become more accessible for young people from a broader range of cultural backgrounds. 

I am very excited and honoured to be a part of the committee and can’t wait to get involved as I can see how passionate the team and wider community of Morzine and Les Gets feel about the foundation in honour of Ellie.