“Hugo's expert approach combines drive and motivational skills with empathy and compassion, a rare and very desirable mix in someone to whom one entrusts one's fitness goals. Not only this, but he inspires confidence for his knowledge and vast experience of a broad range of sporting pursuits and cross-country skiing in particular: there are many building-blocks on the way towards those first tentative gliding movements on snow, and Hugo guides you through each one, personally sharing the pain and the triumph of mastering every stage. I was part of an eight-strong, all-female group of complete novices at cross-country skiing, with the seemingly far-fetched aim of completing the Engadin Marathon 2019, a gruelling 42 km cross-country race with 14,000 participants, which has a 51 year heritage and attracts the world's elite. After 6 months under Hugo's steadfast eye, we made it through and are already signed up for next year. I would recommend Hugo and Glide to anyone seeking to become Marathon fit or just wanting a different approach to fitness, one that incorporates an element of fun and diversion.”

Kate Slesinger, Publishing Director for Tatler & Vanity Fair

“I'd never done a marathon or any other endurance event before. I thought I was fairly fit, but Hugo's training sessions and advice were essential for me to reach an appropriate level of fitness to complete (and enjoy!) the Engadin Marathon. He took a holistic view of the challenge, and covered everything from the kit we needed, to being realistic with goals & remembering to have fun. He is so positive, so encouraging and so knowledgeable, he made the whole process from the first training session to crossing the finish line far more enjoyable and far healthier than it would have been without his coaching.”

Vicky, Project Manager

“Hugo's marathon coaching achieved the magic balance of motivation, expertise, and fitness. His customised monthly training plan, combined with his patience, humour and encouragement kept us on track and motivated until the very end. Whether you are hoping to get marathon-fit or take on a cross country ski adventure, Hugo's enthusiasm and dedication will make the journey, and get the desired results. I would highly recommend Hugo and Glide.”

Betsy, Designer

"This was my second time at ESM…This year, replacing the generalist PT with Hugo’s customised regime of fitness and technique, I shaved off a whole hour of my time! That’s what I call results. I’ll definitely train with Hugo next year."

Anonymous Avid Skater

"For my first marathon, learning a new sport which requires balance and skill is not an obvious decision. However, in Hugo, I found an excellent coach and mentor. His patience, encouragement and his specific, accurate and imaginative exercises, were essential in both learning how to Nordic skate ski and in developing endurance and strength to meet the physical challenge. Particularly, for our group of eight women, all either completely or fairly new to Nordic skiing, this could have been a challenge. However, after 6 months of Hugo’s specially crafted exercises and training, we all completed the Engadin marathon and are returning next year. I would highly recommend Hugo to anyone or any group wishing to increase their physical fitness or preparing for a specific challenge."

Jenna Quinn, CEO of Studio QD

“This was a 5* x-country ski mini break from wet, grey London to the sunlit Jura Mountain range on the France/Switzerland border. Our group of varied experience on skis were taught the “skating” skiing technique together with the classic x-country style. Martin, our French ultra ski-marathon instructor and guide (together with Hugo) was expert at guiding us through the exceptional fir tree lined landscape highlighting the natural wonders with such encouragement and enthusiasm that we sampled hours every day in the mountains (or on one memorable afternoon, learning the skills required for biathlon).

There were endless kilometres of cross country ski slopes with trails groomed and wild and a night in a refuge with the best panoramic view of the Alps which I have ever seen. The sight of the sun going down over Lake Geneva was breathtaking. Every single aspect of our stay was effortlessly taken care of by Hugo from the transfers to the hotel bookings, the lunch and dinner reservations to the ski hire and mountain pass. We sampled local cheeses and wines and burnt it off very quickly the following day. It was such a good break in magical company. Thank you Hugo for an incredible experience, most of which took place on very long skis. I knew it was going to be a good trip but I had no idea how good.”

Ingrid, Lawyer

“Hugo offered the perfect coaching combination of detailed training plans month by month and lot of encouragement to those of us who were new to the sport. Due to his complete dedication throughout the entire 6 months, all of us accomplished a very significant goal of completing our distances. Most importantly, Hugo is fun, enthusiastic and reassuring when the going gets tough. He is highly recommended”

Joan Pattle, GP

Jura experience review

“Like most great events .... it all started over a coffee ... your guard is down and before you know it you have been lulled in to an idea that seems like a great plan. It will be ok, it’s months away, but soon the months disappear and then it’s weeks then days. Reassured by the positive vibes from Hugo, who provided lists of what to pack, detailing full itinerary, and comforting you that you won’t be the slowest or the worst, what could possibly go wrong? Having found my way to Genève, with my rucksack full of light weight synthetic clothing, it was only an hours ride by taxi until I arrived at a quirky, quaint hotel in the middle of nowhere in the Jura Mountains. The message came through ... the guide will pick you up in 5 min… get changed…. and see you later. This was the start of the most incredible few days which combined, many hours of cross country skiing, in beautiful fairy tale locations, not a soul in site, great camaraderie and bonding with a fantastic crowd and at the end of the day you really felt that you had achieved a great deal and had earned a well-deserved pint or glass of wine. Personally I can’t think of a better tonic than to arrive at an unmanned refuge in the middle of nowhere light a fire, and bed down after a long day. Our guide, I will just mention, somehow managed to cook the most amazing sausage and cheese dish, and to our surprise he even had a box of the red stuff in his ruck sack and some candles that he had carried all day! The next morning we were up and out early…. The day could not have been more lovely, blue sky everywhere, new snow, and again not a soul in sight .. led by our amazing guide ... with the positive Hugo giving well needed instruction as to how one should ski off piste downhill with “silly thin skis”. Those who wanted to speed off, did a longer circuit and those who weren’t quite as fast and able consolidated their technique on a shorter, yet quite challenging track . ……every now and again you would see some huskies towing a sledge……just the most wonderful day ended in a different small hotel with one side in Switzerland and the other in France (where magically our suitcases had been dropped !!) There was lots of other voluntary activities, one morning we did a biathlon race , which involved skiing as fast as you can around a course then trying to shoot 5 targets. One asks if there was a dull moment ... and I would honestly say no, say yes to everything .. put your phone away and get involved …Hugo is the most experienced, thoughtful, caring person who will ensure you will have a good time, and he knows the locals.

Sign me up for next year!”

Rob James, Founder & Owner, Plantation Shutters