Charlène Plaisance
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Charlène Plaisance

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  • NICKNAME: Chacha
  • BIRTHDAY: 10 September 1991
  • DISCIPLINES: Freeride
  • CAREER HIGHLIGHTS:
    • 3rd FWQ Europe-Oceania ranking (2017-2018 and 2018-2019)

ABOUT ME

For the last 25 years, skiing has always been a part of my life.  This passion which I live for today evolved all through my childhood and is a big part of who I am. I live my passion fulltime through skiing, freeride and ski touring. I love this feeling of freedom and discovery that I get from each of my outings.  I also like to share this passion: I am a ski and snowboard instructor in the French Alps. Parallel to my sporting activities I obtained a degree in commerce, management and marketing at INSEEC in Chambery.  During the summer I keep moving with outdoor sports including climbing, trail running, wakeboarding, hiking… I am an outdoor girl!

What MOMENT do you ski for?

For the freshness on my face on powder days. For the adrenaline at the top of a big line. For the feeling of freedom on ski touring days. For the smile on our faces after a good day of skiing with friends. For the adventure when I ski in a new place. I feel alive when I ski.

How do you recharge your batteries for the next challenge? 

I spend time with family and friends, cook good meals and go to sleep early! I do some stretching and watch ski movies! And for me the best way to recharge my batteries is to be outside, go skiing with my friends or just walk around.

How do you conquer difficult situations? 

I try to keep a positive attitude. Even if it’s difficult at the moment, I know everything will be better later. I try to understand why I am in this situation, and what is possible to overcome it. Hard times are a form of learning. I also talk to myself : “You can do it” or “Don’t worry!”

 What sacrifices have you had to make to get to where you are today and were they worth it? 

When I was younger I did a lot of alpine ski racing. Combining school with training left no time for birthday parties or big holidays! I don’t have any regrets about this part of my life though. I became independant at an early age, I learned about myself and I met my best friends at the ski club. Today, I’m living my life like I want, doing what I love. I don’t think these are sacrifices. I just know what to do to be ready for the day! It’s all about what you want and what you can do to reach your goal!

How does your mindset (or attitude) influence your performance? 

I am a sensitive person. I can feel a thousand emotions in one day! When I’m stressed, I feel it in my whole body - my legs feel like cotton. On the other side, I can feel good with the simple things in life! I’m not very self confident - I have many questions in my mind like : “what will happen if I fall? I don’t know if I am able to do it”. But I’m working on it! For example I know what to do before the start of a competiton to reduce my stress and be more confident. I like challenge and I’m stubborn, so when I have a goal, I do everything I can to reach it.

What do you do when you aren’t skiing? 

I look at the photos and videos of my previous adventure. I organize my next outing. I go to the climbing gym. I sleep!

What strategy do you use to overcome pressure and stress for optimum performance? 

Before the season I like to see a sophrologist to understand what happens in my body and my mind and reorganize the energy. I try to have a good state of mind and I work a lot on my breathing. I think it’s important to have good preparation to be ready for any situation.