mountain yoga
in the alps and online
Tādāsana, or Mountain pose in sanskrit, is the foundation of all yoga poses, and the basis from which they are derived. A strong foundation built on focus and concentration, it is the perfect place to begin your yoga practice.
Oh, and I live here, in Sainte Foy Tarentaise, France, so the mountain theme kind of makes sense...
Hey, I'm Hannah, and if you're here, I guess you're interested in my yoga journey. For me, it began over a decade ago, in a church hall in my home town of Bolton, UK. A wonderful teacher inspired my journey deeper into this beautiful practice. Combine this with my lifelong love for the mountains, and in 2009 I followed my heart to the French Alps, working winter seasons in Tignes.
Skiing and snowboarding became huge passions, and fortunately, my yoga practice continued as the perfect antidote to the various aches and pains that come with these adventurous sports. I practised, albeit somewhat sporadically, until a major knee surgery in 2014 following a traumatic ski accident. A 9-month long recovery ahead of me, and a year off the skis, I wondered if yoga could help. After the surgery, I couldn't bend or bear weight on my right leg. Physiotherapy and lots of hard work in the gym brought strength back to my leg, but I lacked flexibility. I turned back to yoga, initially for the physical benefits, as many of us do, and I'm so grateful to say I discovered so much more.
My practice deepened. I discovered more than the physical, and through asana (yoga poses), pranayama (breath practices) and meditation, yoga became a constant source of refuge, of grounding, and of peace in my daily life. As the cliché goes, yoga transformed my life. I wanted to share this feeling with others.
I qualified as a yoga teacher in 2016 from Santosha Yoga Institute in Uluwatu, Bali, and after traveling to Australia, New Zealand, Nepal and India, I returned to Tignes in 2017 to begin teaching weekly classes and share my love and passion for yoga in the French Alps. Tadasana Yoga was born! I continue to study yogic teachings and philosophies, and have followed continuing education in children's yoga, pre- and post- natal yoga, restorative and yin yoga. There's always more to discover and learn, and I love the journey!
Over the years I have worked with several leading snowsports figures, including Olympic legend Jenny Jones, backcountry boss Neil McNair, ex-UK pro Katie Blundell, and the inspiring Corinne Mayhew, India Cairns and Amy Twigge of Tignes Womens' Progression Sessions fame, and shared yoga with many mountain locals and holiday-makers. Combining my two passions of snowboarding and yoga is my favourite thing, and sharing these passions with others is just the best!
My philosophy is that yoga can be of benefit absolutely everybody - it is not exclusively for the flexible, the strong, or the spiritual, and it isn't exclusively practiced on a mat or in a studio. To me, yoga is a sense of ease, flow, creativity and gratitude, to be carried with me on the journey through this life.
My classes reflect my beliefs, and are accessible to everybody, from seasonnaires looking to find some tranquility in the midst of a busy season, to the stiffest, achy-est, never-stretched-in-their-lifetime hardcore skiers and snowboarders. I offer ski and snowboard specific classes tailored to soothe and strengthen the body, bring stillness to the mind, and create a little yoga bliss.
Hannah’s yoga is a must when you are in Tignes! She is a brilliant teacher and makes everyone feel comfortable in class. Suitable for all abilities. It’s the perfect way to unwind and stretch after snowboarding/skiing. Can’t recommend highly enough!"
Hannah's classes are fantastic. We join her in person when we're in Tignes and for Zoom classes when we're in the UK. They are really easy to follow and there are always options so that you can do the moves whether you are a beginner or more advanced. I am so much more flexible and balanced now, especially after the 4 week preparation for snow sports course. I highly recommend them."
Just the best! Hannah’s yoga class really is the best around, she makes you feel so relaxed (especially if your new to yoga like me)
Guaranteed to come out with a smile on your face after the end of every class.