24 Hours... from Telluride to St. Moritz (and back) Hello! I’m a social media influencer, cookbook author and TV personality. I’m based in the gloriously high mountains of Telluride in Colorado, but I’ve got a wonderfully engaged global readership. I love my job as a digital influencer as it has afforded me so many unique opportunities and to see some of the most beautiful locations. It allows me to have the freedom to work anywhere that has internet connectivity and has opened up doors such as being approached by Macmillan, who published my cookbook ‘High Alpine Cuisine’ this past August – 75 inspired dishes from extraordinary mountain escapes around the world. I hopped on the blogging train in 2009, when the idea of being a digital influencer was in its infancy. I am one of the pioneers, by deciding to take the leap and make social media a full-time job. Originally, I was a freelance textile/graphic designer for Walt Disney but after having my children, decided to enter the world of this crazy business that increasingly speeds up. I move as fast as I can with it. As a creative person, the idea of reinvention always fascinated me, whether it be in my personal appearance (jet black hair to platinum blond) or where I live; born and bred a New Yorker, I lived in Southern California for 13 years before moving to my new residence in this remote, high alpine oasis. Building my website sounded like the best idea for a reinvention and the best way to take all of my passions with me: food, fashion, travel and beauty. My goal then and now; to share the most beautiful & tasty things life has to offer so that I can motivate others, to live their best life. Unlike many other social media stars these days, I’m not in high school, a fan of Snapchat nor a super model (though that would be lovely). Instead, I am a 40 something mother of 2 – my greatest loves and coaches for what’s trending on social media. They are the generation that did not know life before the era of digital influencers, and as such, snicker about my fashion focused Instagram posts where I (their mom) am a model. Every photo I share on Instagram is a selfie and I have thus mastered the art of taking my own picture no matter where I go. Speaking of where I go and great stories on fashion and food... I love St. Moritz. I fell in love with it back in 2012, when I was graciously hosted by the Swiss and Engadin Tourism boards on one of my first trips as an Influencer. It was also my very first trip to the Swiss Alps, a place that had been on my bucket lust list, forever. It was and still is, one of the most fantastic places I’ve ever visited and this gem in the Engadin, now feels like a second home. As soon as I touch down, I hit the ground running. I check into my beautiful hotel, grab a hot chocolate from Hanselmann, an Engadin nut tart from Hauser and usually have some event to dash to. This year, it was the 35th Snow Polo event. I love the energy there and am happy to get invited back as media year after year. I’m sure to hit the sunny slopes of Corviglia as fast as I can too. I love the skiing here, and I’ve enjoyed so many aspects of it which include off piste and night skiing on the Corvatsch, Yoga on Snow (humbling and exotic) and ‘skiing around the world’ on the Snow Safari. All of these experiences have made such an impact on my life. So, can you go from Telluride to St. Moritz and do it all in just 24 hours? I have proven time and time again that you can. But it also becomes a healthy addiction to want to come back to visit every year.
Please follow me on my adventures. Website: MarlaMeridith.com and Instagram @MarlaMeridith
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