Christina Coutts (38), from Northern Ireland and Mat Shannon (37), from Sheffield met in June 2015. After dating for over a year and discovering their shared passion for snowboarding, they melted each other’s hearts. The pairs visit to Chill Factore at the end of 2016 was certainly an unforgettable experience for both of them as they shared a romantic moment at the top of the slope.
Christina and Mat
As Mat was warming up his ski legs at the indoor real snow slope, he was also plucking up the courage to ask Christina to spend the rest of their lives together. As Christina set off on her third run of the day, she turned to see that Mat was down on one knee.
Reflecting on the magical moment, Christina said: “We’d talked about getting engaged, but I always thought that it would happen in the usual setting like over dinner or something. I was completely taken back when Mat revealed the ring on the snow and asked me to be his snowboard buddy for life!
“It was the perfect proposal because we were doing something that we both love. I can remember the excitement and how happy I felt, although I must admit that I can’t remember much of the little speech that Mat had prepared because I was so surprised and overwhelmed at the time! One of the best moments of my life happened on the slope and I can’t wait to share more special moments on our snowboarding adventures.”
Mat is an avid snowboarder of 15 years and Christina herself had learnt to snowboard on the indoor slopes. Their love for the outdoors and an active lifestyle created great attraction between the couple and with this, the pair started snowboarding indoors. The couple went on their first snowboarding holiday in March 2016 as a result of their practice.
The couple have explored various resorts across Europe including; Scotland, Bulgaria and Poland which have proven to be an ideal setting for a romantic getaway, with their most recent trip to Poland for New Year being described as magical and picturesque. Mat and Christina are adamant to continue exploring together and have big plans for future trips to resorts in Canada and North America.
With mesmerising views across the alps and breath-taking landscapes, it’s no secret that the majority of ski resorts are home to some of the most romantic backdrops in Europe during the snow season.
Mat and Christina’s relationship has gone from strength-to-strength thanks to their shared interest. Christina added: “Snowboarding and going on snowboard trips has made me fall in love with Mat even more. He has always been patient, kind and really supportive and if it hadn’t been for him then I wouldn’t have enjoyed learning so much, and maybe I wouldn’t have got to the snowboarding level I’m at now.”
Mat and Christina enjoy other activities such as mountain biking, hiking, climbing, surfing and kayaking. Since the proposal, the couple have plans to get married later this year.
To help couples rekindle their love this Valentine’s Day, Chill Factore are offering the first 50 couples who enjoy a ski/snowboarding date on Tuesday 14th February a free chocolate treat. Couples will also be able to enjoy love songs on the slope **. To make a booking visit http://www.chillfactore.com