‘MY HUSBAND HAD TO WEAR HOTPANTS ALL HOLIDAY!’
The World Cup Skier, 41, on her globetrotting life
What’s the coolest hotel that you’ve ever stayed in?
On our honeymoon in Africa, my husband and I stayed in this treehouse. It was ironic, because the area is famous for tree-climbing lions. Another highlight was a glass igloo in Finland. It wasn’t in the slightest bit fancy, but at night, the whole sky lit up and the view was epic.
What’s the funniest souvenir you’ve brought home?
When I was younger, I won a 10kg wheel of raclette cheese at a ski competition. I was travelling with it for four weeks – it was so heavy and a total nightmare to lug around.
Weirdest thing you’ve eaten on holiday?
In Iceland, the local delicacy is Hákarl, which is fermented shark – it’s basically rotten. Another time, during a stopover in Tokyo, we went to a local sushi place where there wasn’t a menu and I just ordered what everyone else was having. It turned out I was eating fish eyeballs. That was especially challenging.
Who is your favourite holiday companion?
My other half, Dougie. We have the same go-getter mentality and can get quite competitive with each other. We can’t sit on a beach and do nothing all day. He’s really good at launching into holidays that are really active and the itineraries are always packed.
What’s in your duty-free haul?
All the make-up I’ve forgotten to pack.
What three essentials do you always pack?
A ski suit, which I rent from Eco-ski. They provide an eco-friendly way of sourcing your gear. For£50, you can rent a ski outfit that would’ve cost hundreds of pounds, and it means I have a whole new look every trip. I’m never without my Chargemap card. It’s golden if you have an electric car as you don’t have to download any apps, you can just tap and charge your vehicle. I also swear by Selaura’s CBD supplements. They really help with my focus and brain fog.
What has been your worst holiday fail?
Last year, we went to Italy as a family and our luggage didn’t turn up. It eventually arrived an hour before our flight home. There were no toys for my boys [Lochlan, seven, and Cooper, five], I lived in a bikini, and my husband had to wear dodgy Italian hot pants the whole time. Despite that, it was really freeing. It made us realise you don’t need lots in your suitcase to have a good time. ■ Chemmy is working with The Austrian National Tourist Office to highlight the work being done by initiatives to protect our environment and the future of winter sports