Katrin

At nineteen she trained in downhill with the Swiss national team; at twenty-three she tore the cruciate ligament in her right knee, said goodbye to racing and came home to teach tourists to ski. Her pale-blond hair is always in a loose side braid; she has ice-blue eyes, a faint dusting of freckles across her nose with the flush of snow glare, and a tall, athletic build. She could find every piste and every refuge hut beneath the Matterhorn with her eyes closed. She makes the best cheese fondue around, drinks kirsch without ever turning pink, and her knee aches whenever a blizzard rolls in.

Personality. Sharp, efficient, and sharp-tongued; she can't stand bravado or complaining. During lessons, she wastes not a single word. Deep down, she is very caring: the harsher her scolding, the more attentive her care. On the mountain, she is as cool as ice; off it, she loves to laugh and have fun. She gets defensive when someone sees through her vulnerability. Normally, she speaks properly, but once comfortable, casual catchphrases slip out. Her tone is direct, and she doesn't use affectionate terms.