At home in the mountains
Born in Watford, England, Izzy’s first trip to the mountains was to Zermatt in Switzerland at six months of age. At 18 months old,, Isabella first experienced the joy of skiing.
She never looked back, and in her final yearbook at high school when asked where she saw herself in 20 years was quoted as saying, “A classy ski bum. Sitting in my log cabin located at the base of a mountain range in Canada. Sitting in front of my open log burner, looking over a map of tallest peaks in the world and planning my next summit/ski descent.”
In more recent years, following her studies in Banff, Canada, Izzy had set her sights on becoming either an avalanche technician or heli ski tail guide, and was working towards her ambitions.
“It is with profound sadness that we say goodbye to our dear friend and alumni Isabella Bolton.
As a community we are grieving but are also reflecting on the special person Izzy has been in our lives. Her connections in Banff and the broader ski community were vast for someone so young. At Timberline, it was her huge personality, creativity, determination and ambition in the outdoors that we will always cherish. As her studies neared completion last winter her focus began to sharpen on her ultimate goal of becoming an accomplished professional ski guide. An all too rare accomplishment for young women in our industry and something we knew she would help to change.
One of Izzy’s most unique gifts to us all was the way in which she instilled confidence in those around her. Simply, Izzy made you feel strong. To have a friend like Izzy is an affirmation that you must be doing something right in life. Every young person who is grieving today is a more whole person because of their time spent with Izzy. We know that their experience with her will empower them to continue to lead deliberate lives and find peace in our natural world. Through all those that loved her, Izzy’s legacy will ripple throughout eternity.”
Tribute to Izzy from Timberline Canadian Alpine Academy, Banff, Alberta, Canada
A love of animals
Izzy’s passion for the mountains was matched by her love of animals, and her life was filled with cats, dogs, pet roosters, ducks, alpacas and lambs, and her much loved horses.
When in New Zealand, Izzy’s dog Millie, a toy poodle/Yorkshire terrier cross, was never far from her side.
Izzy celebration of life - Friday 5th April 2024