Q&A: Charlotte Dutton

The snowboarder and fashion model speaks to WideWorld

It seems like a blessed existence. One that thousands of women would gladly brave avalanches for. A career that spans pro snowboarding, with international trophies in the cabinet, and a simultaneous career as a fashion model for the world’s most high-profile brands. That’s Charlotte Dutton’s lot in life.

The Ealing native has blazed a trail across these two opposite worlds, from half-pipes in Whistler to shoots in Paris. After being spotted as a 16-year old by the legendary US snowboard coach Scott Palmer she attended the Stratton Mountain School, Vermont, balancing a career in fashion at the same time. Now, following in the footsteps of that other highly recognisable boarder Shaun White, she’s launching her own clothes line, Misticon, for similarly adventurous females. WideWorld caught up with Charlotte in London to find out about her boarding, favourite mountains – and how to look good up them.

So, Charlotte, how do you juggle snowboarding and modelling?

It’s always been a bit of a challenge but I just allocated time to both and had a big diary!

What was your big break in boarding – and also modelling?

My big break in modelling was getting scouted in London, that’s how it all started. The snowboarding break came from getting scouted by Scott Palmer at the junior world championships and given a scholarship to go to snowboard school in the USA.

What do you think of Great Britain’s performance at the Winter Olympics?

Well, the girl who got the gold for Great Britain [Amy Williams, Skeleton] did very well. I think the team outfits needed some help though – I would have made the team way more stylish outfits! Maybe at the next Olympics!

What are the difficulties of being a British snowboarder?

Well, the lack of snow in the UK for starters, but if you start young enough and can get some sponsorship or even better a scholarship to a sports academy for snowboarding like I did then you have a good chance to do well.

What’s the most challenging of all boarding disciplines, and why?

All of the disciplines have challenging parts to them so I couldn’t choose.

What do you consider to be your best performance in snowboarding?

Coming first in the US championships, or 4th in the world at Juniors Half-Pipe.

Charlotte was the first Brit ever to win prize money at the US Open. The next season’s Junior World Championships saw here notch up a 4th in the half-pipe – the highest for a British athlete. Although she’s now focusing hard on her coaching career, it’s undeniable that she’s an inspiration to women boarders – and men too. With more wins at the British Junior Championships in half-pipe, Border X and Giant Slalom, as well as a second placing at the seniors, Charlotte has gone on to represent Britain for five seasons and three World Cup tours too. Try doing that while balancing a catwalk career, and you’ll see why we’re impressed.

Are there parallels between your two careers?

No, they are complete opposites. The only time they came together was for my ranges for Topshop, when I did the ‘motosno by Charlotte Dutton’ collections.

Which comes first for Misticon, Fashion or function on the slopes?

It’s 50/50. You’ve got to look good, but at the same time you need functional clothing in a mountain environment. We put a lot of effort into both fashion and function.

What makes the range different to other, similar brands? 

Misticon is a playful collection packed with pieces that look great in the city but also look fab on the beach, mountains or in the country. Misticon clothing can be easily dressed up or dressed down as it’s both sporty and stylish. No other brand does active sportswear-meets-fast-paced city life.

Can you see yourself as the female Shaun White?

No – there is only one Shaun White, and I’m not ginger!

Can you give us three tips for better snowboarding?

Firstly, learn to turn properly! Don’t just go straight to the parks and jumps – people who do that always hurt themselves. Secondly, practice makes perfect. The more you get out on the snow the better you’ll be. Lastly, don’t be too hard on yourself. Sometimes you have bad days on the hill when you can’t land any of the tricks you usually do. I just enjoy après ski on those days instead.

Can you tell us your three favourite places for boarding?

Whistler in Canada. That’s where my main house is – I go there a lot. Also the French Alps: I like everywhere in France, it’s a great country. And the Tyrol valleys in Austria, especially Mayrhofen are all my favourites.

For more information about Charlotte click here

To find out more about Misticon clothing, click here