Staff Profile: Alex Winser

Growing up in Devon meant spending a lot of my time at the beach, with holidays consisting of camping and surfing; never in the hills. Northern England was another world to me! I was also lucky enough to go on a few ski holidays, where I soon realised that I had a passion for the mountains. At 18, I completed a three-month ski instructor’s course in Canada where I gained my level 2 teaching qualification. It was an incredible experience, and so I went on to pursue my love for the sport. I chased the snow and spent a season skiing in the Australian mountains (yes, there is actual snow there) to then find myself back in Canada instructing at the beautiful Lake Louise ski area.

Deciding to give my feet a breather from ski boots, I spent a summer in Banff working in an outdoor shop while exploring the trails on foot. The snow quickly came around again, and the instructors jacket was on. I was all set to take my level 3, until a ski accident left me needing a complete ACL knee reconstruction.

After accepting the fact I wouldn’t be able to ski for a while I moved to Germany, where I studied the language alongside teaching English. From being on my feet and skis all day, to sitting down with textbooks in a classroom, was definitely a challenge. I learned so much and visited some amazing places and, with my knee improving, I took to the popular German sport Langlauf (cross country skiing) and then finally back into downhill. 15 months later, I was back in the UK, working in retail as well as instructing in the winter.

I joined George Fisher in November last year as one of the supervisors,
and I now also work alongside the buying team for ski equipment and footwear.

The people I work with inspire me every day to explore more, and see what the Lakes really has to offer. Talk to any of the staff here, and they each have an adventure to tell!

For when I can’t ski, I have now found a new (and much cheaper) hobby... trail running! My days off now consist of finding new routes and finding my hill legs, and of course ticking off those Wainwrights! Luckily this place is just one big playground, and I just don’t think I will ever get bored of it. Running in the fells has made me really appreciate just how important the outdoors is, and how lucky I am to have it on my doorstep.I look forward to developing my skills in this fantastic shop, and seeing what else this beautiful place has to offer. 

See what I get up to on Instagram: @awinser24