Get to know Carina Otero, avid skier and the founder of She is Not Lost

Hi, I’m Carina!

I’m the creator and curator of She is Not Lost, an online community for celebrating and inspiring female travelers. My personal love of travel and belief that women should be writing their own rules for how they explore the world have led me on adventures around the globe. The insights I’ve gained from my travel experiences have greatly influenced my relationship with skiing, a sport that I love and dream about all year long— even after the last snow has melted.

As a solo female traveler, I’ve developed a familiarity with planning and taking my own trips to near-and-far destinations, regardless if anyone else is able to join me. I’ve since cultivated a similar approach when it comes to skiing— and to date, a considerable majority of the days I’ve spent on the mountain have been solo. I’ve written at length on the subject here, and am grateful that the skill and experience I’ve gained from my solo ski trips have contributed to me having more fun, more confidence, and less stress any time I go skiing.

And now, my deep passion for the sport and love of writing and photography have led me to create a blog dedicated to my experiences on and around the mountain: Ski is Not Lost.

Carina Otero at La Plagne Paradiski, France

The mountains call my name..

Similar to my philosophy that it’s never too late to start traveling, I firmly believe that it’s never too late to learn how to ski. I personally got a late start compared to many skiers that I know, and never attempted the sport until the age of 26.

As a Southern California native I always spent more time at the beach than in the mountains, and never had much experience with cold weather growing up. I first tried skiing in 2015 after my sister moved to Colorado and she invited me to visit the mountains with her. I picked it up relatively quickly and enjoyed it, but over the years that followed I was only able to try it just once or twice a year. When I started planning trips that allowed me to ski more days consecutively, I noticed my skills really started to improve and I would become more and more enamored with the sport, the adventure of exploring new destinations, the excitement of experiencing different conditions, and the magic of fresh snowfall. I’ve since made a personal commitment to make skiing a priority, and thanks to my remote-work lifestyle I’m grateful to have skied 30+ days every season over the past few years.

Discovering various regions, experiencing different cultures, and navigating new terrain while skiing has been an exciting way for me to travel the world, and I look forward to continuing to broaden those horizons— whether it’s with friends or family, within a group, or solo.

Carina Otero At Le Massif De Charlevoix, Canada

On setting goals..

While I mostly played organized team sports (soccer and volleyball) growing up, I never really experienced the satisfaction of reaching individual, physical achievements until I started skiing. Being able to tangibly quantify and really feel how much I’ve improved over the days, weeks, and seasons I’ve spent skiing is a personally rewarding experience, and each day that I head to the mountain I have a goal in mind. Some days it’s to experience a particular run or see a specific view point, sometimes it’s to rack up vertical feet if conditions allow and I’m already familiar with the station, and other days it’s simply to take it easy, have fun, enjoy the fresh air, or explore a new place.

My goal for this Ski is Not Lost blog is to hopefully provide valuable, informative, and inspiring content that will help you achieve your personal goals and aspirations while skiing.

Discover my best advice for planning a ski trip, my top tips for improving your technique, and my favorite products and gear on the blog. Are you interested in partnering with Carina? Scroll down to get in touch via the contact form.

ShOP MY SKI GEAR & FAVORITES

SKI TRIP PLANNING ADVICE

FEATURED WINTER DESTINATIONS

SKI technique & Safety Tips

Where I’ve skied..

A quick Q&A with Carina..

Favorite run:
Sarenne, Alpe d’Huez, France

Favorite station:
Tignes, France

Station I’d love to visit again:
Whitefish, Montana— I’ve improved a lot since I visited in 2021, so it’d be fun to explore more of it

Favorite country:
Currently France! I’m learning to speak French so it feels like I get to improve multiple skills at the same time

Favorite view while skiing:
A total cloud inversion “mer de nuages” while skiing Alpe d’Huez, and the Nacreous/Polar stratospheric clouds I saw while skiing Tignes

Favorite pre-season workout:
Reformer pilates for strength, balance, and toning

Ideal pre-ski breakfast:
No breakfast

Favorite post-ski snack:
Apples and Justin’s Honey Peanut Butter

Favorite mountain town:
Val d’Isère, France

Station I was most surprised by:
Northstar, California— I guess I had always associated Tahoe skiing with Heavenly, but Northstar became an immediate favorite and I skied 23 days there during the 21-22 season. It’s also where I saw the most improvement in my skills

Proudest moment:
A few come to mind: Backflipping off the bungee ramp at Tignes, charging Le Tunnel piste at Alpe d’Huez, and every time I check my stats after a fast run and realize I’ve set a new personal top speed record

Top speed:
72.4 mph on my Black Crows Divus, Johan Clarey piste at Tignes, France

Tallest run:
7,213 feet from Klein Matterhorn to the village at Zermatt, Switzerland

Most vertical skied in a day:
42,767 feet at Northstar, California

Favorite app for tracking ski stats:
Slopes App— It’s also great for tracking and sharing your location

Where to next?

The skiing destinations and experiences on the top of my bucket-list:

- Jackson Hole, Wyoming
- Big Sky, Montana
- Åre, Sweden
- Lofoten, Norway
- Iceland
- Whistler, Canada
- Banff, Canada
- La Grave, France
- Aspen, Colorado
- Chile
- New Zealand
- Japan
- Alaska
- Georgia
- Cat skiing
- Heli skiing

Carina Otero in La Vallée Blanche, France

Featured articles..

Blog

Summer Skiing in the French Alps 2026: Tignes Grand Motte Glacier

Visiting Tignes in the summer has been an unforgettable experience, and my only regret is not planning a longer trip to be able to spend more time doing all the fun outdoor activities. Summer skiing on a glacier is definitely a feat I’ll be checking off my bucket-list, but beyond the thrill and excitement of it all, the experience was profound and left a lasting impression on me.

Tips for Planning a Ski Trip in Today's Changing Climate

With any trip, it’s always best to start considering your options and making reservations early, but with unpredictable weather and unreliable snow conditions, choosing a ski destination months in advance can feel like a gamble. In my experience, I’ve learned that by managing my expectations and following these tips, you can increase your chances of having a great ski trip.

RECCO Rescue Reflector: A Must Have for Any Skier or Outdoor Adventurer

Originally developed for avalanche rescue operations, RECCO can be used to conduct searches for outdoor adventurers in any season. The technology consists of a RECCO detector that is operated by a rescue professional, and a RECCO reflector that is worn by the individual. In this article I describe the reasons why you should use RECCO reflectors if you are planning any type of outdoor activity, regardless of season.

The Benefits of Skiing Solo

Thanks to the flexibility my remote-work lifestyle allows, I’ve been able to make skiing, my favorite sport, a priority over the last few years. I’m grateful that due to the sheer amount of time I’ve been able to spend skiing, my skills have drastically improved in a matter of just a few seasons. In this article I describe the many benefits of skiing solo on-piste, and why I encourage you to go for it even if you don’t have any to ski with.

Tips for Choosing a Ski Lease: The Remote Worker's Guide to Relocating to a Ski Town

There are many benefits to relocating to a ski town, one of the most important being that it could be more economical. If you have the flexibility to relocate to a ski town, you can spend more time on the mountain and lower your average cost per day for all of your skiing-related expenses. This article describes a few tips for choosing and booking a monthly rental if you’re considering relocating and working remotely from a ski town.

How to Improve Your Skiing as an Adult: Tips You May Not Have Thought of Yet

Learning to ski as adult may seem daunting, but by applying these practical tips, you will be on your way to improving your technique and having fun on the mountain in a matter of days.

The latest on the blog..

Blog

Summer Skiing in the French Alps 2026: Tignes Grand Motte Glacier

Mont Cervin Palace and Spa Nescens: A True Sanctuary in the Center of Zermatt

My third trip to Zermatt proved to be a transformative experience. Discover everything I loved about my stay at the legendary Mont Cervin Palace, and how the customized programs at their Spa Nescens helped me reconnect with myself in one of my favorite winter destinations in the world.

Crans Ambassador: A Ski and Spa Resort in Crans Montana

A ski and spa combination may be the best itinerary for a winter getaway, and the Crans Ambassador in Switzerland is a wonderful place to experience it. If you are planning a ski trip to Crans Montana, this article describes what I loved most about my stay at this hotel, along with my recommendations to make the most of your visit.

Schweizerhof Zermatt: The Best Hotel for a Solo Traveler and Her Dog

I’m a solo traveler who loves visiting ski destinations with her dog, and this stay was perfect in every way. Discover everything I loved about staying at Schweizerhof Zermatt with my dog, and learn more about their unique room types, superior amenities, and the thoughtful details that made my experience unforgettable.

Savior Heat: Rechargeable Heated Ski Gloves

If you are considering getting heated ski gloves for yourself or as a gift for someone else, continue reading to learn what I love about my pair from Savior Heat, and about my experience testing them for the first time during a recent trip to Tignes and Val d’Isère in the French Alps.

Perfect Moment Skiwear: A Review of My Jacket After 4+ Years

I’ve been so happy with the Perfect Moment ski jacket I purchased 4+ years ago, that I just bought the updated version of my same jacket in a fun pattern. In this article, I describe all the features that I love most about my Oversized Parka from Perfect Moment, and why I decided to get the Maya Jacket too.

Spring Skiing in the Alps with a Short-Term Lease from AutoFrance

If you are weighing your transportation options for an upcoming ski trip to the Alps, this article describes my experience choosing Auto France for the second time, the benefits of having your own car to have the freedom to access multiple ski destinations, and how the Car-2-Europe program’s roadside assistance came to my rescue when I needed them.

The Capra Saas-Fee: Sublime Skiing in a Charming Swiss Village

My stay at The Capra was the perfect blend of relaxation and rejuvenation. The five-star property provides a luxurious experience without any of the fuss, and their impressive and impeccable caliber of hospitality mirrored the authenticity that Saas-Fee is known for. Learn more about my experience staying at The Capra with my dog and skiing in Saas-Fee, as well as more detailed comparisons that describe what sets the village apart from other destinations in the Swiss Alps.

How to Get Comfortable Planning a Solo Ski Trip

As a seasoned solo traveler who learned how to ski as an adult, I didn’t let “not having anyone to go with” stop me from practicing the sport I fell in love with. I like to think of skiing on-piste as being similar to many other sports that can be practiced without waiting for anyone else: like cycling, running, or playing golf. I’ve since skied more than 100 days alone over the last few years, and have compiled the tips that helped me get more comfortable planning solo ski trips all over Europe and North America.

How to Visit and Ski in Zermatt Switzerland on a Budget

Despite Zermatt Switzerland being a notoriously expensive ski destination, there are some clever ways to save money when planning your visit. Discover my tips for skiing and visiting Zermatt on a budget.

IKON or Epic for Skiing in Europe: Which Pass is Better?

Discovering and exploring ski destinations around the Europe is a passion of mine, and I always try to find ways to make my hobby as economical as possible. The IKON and Epic Passes offer access to European partner destinations, and I was curious to determine which one was better. Continue reading for a comparison of the two passes for skiing in Europe, and learn why I chose the IKON Base Pass as an American skier who is based in France.

My Top Hotel Recommendations in Zermatt Switzerland

After multiple visits I’ve come to know the town of Zermatt well, and in this article have listed and described my favorite hotel properties to help you choose the best type of accommodation for your travel style. Read more to discover what I love most about each of my top hotel recommendations for your visit to Zermatt.

How to Start Skiing Black Runs Safely and Confidently

I’m grateful that in my first season of taking the sport seriously, I was able to progress to confidently skiing black diamond runs. I have since skied in over 50+ stations across 8 countries, and have easily conquered some of the most iconic pistes in the French Alps. Discover more about how black pistes are defined, as well as my safety tips and techniques you can use to build confidence to start skiing them.

Traveling to Italy for the 2026 Winter Olympics? Milan-Cortina Isn't the Only Pairing– Consider These Alternatives

The key to getting ahead of the masses when planning your Winter Olympic travels is to get creative and think outside the box– and while the host cities are technically Milan and Cortina, venues are actually spread throughout Northern Italy and offer inspiration for alternative itineraries. Discover where each sporting event will be taking place , and my suggested pairings with nearby destinations to make the most of your trip.

Hotel Post Lech Arlberg: The Best Hotel for a Girls’ Getaway Ski Trip in the Austrian Alps

My love of skiing and traveling has led me to discover unforgettable winter destinations and make meaningful friendships with others that share the same passions. My friend Laura and I have been planning annual ski trips in the Alps together the last few years, and our visit to Lech was a first for both of us. Learn more about my experience staying at Hotel Post Lech for our girls’ ski trip, and discover my favorite features of the hotel and recommendations for exploring the surrounding area in Arlberg.

My Bucket-List Ski Experiences: Inspiration for Your Winter Travels

Skiing and traveling are two of my greatest passions, and being grateful for past experiences and setting goals for the future are the two practices I find most important for living a fulfilled life– creating this bucket-list allows me to celebrate all four of these elements at once, and I hope it will inspire you to do the same for yourself. Discover all of the bucket-list ski experiences I’ve had thus far, a map of every station and resort I’ve skied, and the destinations and experiences I hope to visit and accomplish someday.

Hotel de LEN in Cortina d'Ampezzo: A Dog-Friendly Destination in the Dolomites

As an avid skier, visiting Cortina d’Ampezzo had long been on my bucket list, and staying at a beautiful and welcoming hotel ideally located in the center of town is something I’ll never forget. Learn more about my experience staying at Hotel de LEN in Cortina d’Ampezzo ahead of the next Winter Olympics, and discover my favorite amenities, features, and recommendations for exploring its surroundings.

The Differences Between Skiing in Europe and the United States

Discover a map of all the stations and resorts I’ve skied in Europe and in the US, and continue reading for some of the key cultural, economic, and geographical differences I’ve noticed in my personal experience skiing extensively in both continents over the last few years.

A Holiday Gift Guide: For the Skier

If you’re looking for ideas to gift the skier in your life, you’re in the right place. This list of unisex gifts is a thoughtful curation of my favorite ski or winter accessories that I personally use and love, or is currently on my own wish list!

Carina Otero is Named SmartFlyer Ski Contributor Ahead of the 2024-25 Ski Season

SmartFlyer is a full-service luxury travel agency that understands consulting with an on-the-ground expert is key to discovering can’t-miss experiences and creating tailor-made itineraries that are as unique as their clients. Learn more about Carina’s content contributions for SmartFlyer thus far and stay tuned for more to come during the 2024-25 ski season!

Ski Gear and Equipment: What is Unisex and What Isn't?

If you are shopping for ski gear, you may be wondering if the differences between women’s and men’s equipment actually matters. Having tried and tested numerous brands for skis, equipment, and accessories, I’ve compiled a list of the types of gear that could be considered unisex, and the types that are truly better geared toward women or men. Discover the differences and similarities I’ve found to be important when it comes to ski gear, along with my personal recommendations.

Why I Choose Sixt Car Rentals for My Ski Trips to the Alps

If you intend to drive to your destination in the Alps and explore multiple regions and ski stations while you’re there, having a car is necessary. Learn why Sixt is my preferred rental car company for my ski trips to the Alps, and discover what I find most important when considering a rental car for your trip.

Top Platforms to Book Your Ski Accommodations in the Alps

I’ve had great experiences finding weekly and monthly ski accommodations in the Alps on Airbnb and Booking.com, but if you feel that those options may be limited, you can also expand your search by checking other platforms or local agencies. Click to discover more trusted platforms for booking accommodations for your ski trip in the Alps.

Ski In and Ski Out of This Dog-Friendly Hotel in Levi Finland: Hotel Levi Panorama

Combining my love of skiing with solo travel has been a fun and rewarding way for me to discover new destinations, but I must admit I wasn’t exactly solo on my recent trip to the Arctic Circle– my sweet dog Gigi joined me, and we were able to experience the magic of Levi Finland together. Learn more about my experience staying at Hotel Levi Panorama with my dog, and discover my favorite amenities, features, and top choices for cafes and restaurants nearby.

Ski Gear: What to Buy Second Hand, and What to Buy Brand New

In my years of skiing and testing different brands for apparel, gear, and accessories, I’ve learned which items are best to buy brand new, and which items you could search for on a second hand market to score some big savings. Discover a few of my tips for shopping for ski gear either directly from retailers or on resale sites, along with my personal recommendations.

Late Season Skiing in Zermatt Switzerland - Is It Worth It?

Is Zermatt, Switzerland the best destination for late season skiing? I would say yes. Read on to discover the many benefits of booking your ski trip to Zermatt late in the season, and the reasons why my experience traveling there at the end of April was so great.

My Favorite Ski Safety Features on the Slopes App

As someone who often skis by herself, safety is always a top concern of mine. I’m grateful that the Slopes App has been a helpful tool while I explore as many ski stations and resorts as I possibly can, and work toward improving my technique. Continue reading to learn more about Slopes Apps safety features I love, use, and access every time I go skiing.

Smartwool Intraknit Merino Base Layers for Skiing: My Review After 5+ Years

Over the last three years, I’ve been alternating between two sets of the same Smartwool Intraknit Merino Base Layers while spending a considerable amount of time in the mountains and skiing at least 30 days a season. Discover what I love most about the material and fit of my favorite Smartwool base layers, and how I’ve washed and cared for them to stay in great condition.

Halfdays Skiwear Review: The Aston Jacket and Alessandra Pant

A review of my experience testing the Halfdays Aston Jacket and Alessandra Pants on a ski trip to Finland. In this article, I describe my favorite features and what I love about each piece, and share how they’ve held up after a few seasons. Read on for more tips, details, and where to shop for Halfdays skiwear.

Practical Safety Tips for Skiing Alone On-piste

Is it safe to ski alone? It can be if you follow these top safety tips to help while skiing, so you can have a great experience and can focus on having fun, improving your skills, and enjoying the outdoors. Continue reading for my best tips for being safe when skiing alone.

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