I was scrolling back through some old photos recently and came across this one of Lake Montriond in the French Alps.
I took it early one morning in the summer of 2018. Nearly eight years ago to the day.
Looking at it now, it’s just a photo of a beautiful alpine lake.
At the time, though, I had no idea it would mark the beginning of a completely different chapter of my life.
Life felt a little uncertain back then. I’d just come out of a relationship and knew I needed a change of scenery.
So I packed up my little Kia, put my spaniel Daisy in the passenger seat, and drove to Morzine in the French Alps.
I’d never been to Morzine before.
I didn’t know a single person.
I’d somehow landed six weeks of work as a sports massage therapist and, beyond that… I had absolutely no idea what to expect.
Sometimes you just have to say yes…
Looking back now, it was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.
The mountains had a way of slowing everything down.
My days were spent hiking through the Alps, swimming in crystal-clear alpine lakes and gradually becoming part of a brilliant little community. Life felt simpler. Less rushed. More connected.
There wasn’t one defining moment where everything suddenly changed.
It was quieter than that.
I simply started to feel more like myself again.
One decision leads to another…
When I came home, I realised I didn’t want to return to exactly the same life I’d left.
That one summer gave me the confidence to make another big decision.
A few months later, I moved to Brighton.
That move opened doors I could never have planned for. It brought new friendships, new work opportunities and introduced me to people who’ve had a huge impact on both my life and my career.
Looking back now, it’s easy to join the dots.
At the time, though, none of it was part of a grand plan.
I was simply following something that felt right.
The dream that wouldn’t go away…
Over the years, I’ve been lucky enough to return to the French Alps almost every summer and winter.
It’s become one of those places that feels like home.
In 2022, I was back there running Wim Hof Method workshops and preparing to host my first retreat in the Alps that winter.
Some of you might remember that retreat never happened.
At the time, I was genuinely gutted.
But life has a funny way of redirecting us.
Instead of heading to France, I created what became the Isle of Skye retreat, followed by Highland Wintering, The Wild Reset and so many other adventures that have shaped Big Sky Adventures into what it is today.
Sometimes the things that don’t happen end up leading us exactly where we were supposed to be.
Returning to Morzine to Host an Adventure Retreat in the French Alps…
And now, next June, I’m finally heading back.
Not to work for someone else.
Not to run workshops.
But to host my very first international retreat.
Into the Alps has honestly been years in the making, and it feels quite surreal to finally be sharing it.
It’s a five-night adventure retreat in Morzine, France, designed for people who love being outdoors and want the chance to properly switch off.
We’ll spend our days hiking in the French Alps, swimming in alpine lakes, enjoying breathwork and mindset coaching, sharing incredible food, and having the kind of conversations that only seem to happen when you’re surrounded by mountains.
There’ll be adventure, plenty of laughter, and space to reconnect with yourself.
Most of all, I want people to experience the place that has given me so much over the last eight years.
The lesson I’ve taken from all of this
I think what I’ve been reflecting on most is how impossible it is to know where one decision might lead.
Back then, packing the car and driving to Morzine just felt like something I needed to do.
I wasn’t thinking eight years ahead.
I certainly wasn’t imagining I’d one day be taking groups of people back there.
The same was true when I moved to Brighton.
None of it was planned. I was just following what felt like the right next step.
Looking back, it’s amazing how those small decisions have shaped everything that’s come since.
Join Me in Morzine
If you’ve ever felt drawn to the mountains, I’d love to share this part of the world with you.
Into the Alps is a five-night adventure retreat in the French Alps, taking place from 13–18 June 2027 in beautiful Morzine, France.
We’ll explore mountain trails, swim in turquoise alpine lakes and rivers, enjoy breathwork and mindset coaching, eat incredible food, and spend five unforgettable days surrounded by some of the most beautiful scenery in Europe.
If you’re looking for more than just a holiday – if you’re craving adventure, connection and time to reset – I’d love to welcome you.
You can download the brochure here and join my mailing list here. You’ll be the first to hear about priority booking, special offers, new adventures and the occasional update from me (I promise, no spam!).
