Romy Chapotte Berthet
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Romy Chapotte Berthet

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  • NICKNAME : Romy
  • BIRTHDAY: 18 September 1990
  • HOME: Les Gets, France
  • DISCIPLINES: Ski freeride
  • CAREER HIGHLIGHTS:
    • Ride N’Roses girly French ski webserie

ABOUT ME

After ski racing for 3 years on the FIS circuit, I competed on the FWQ competitions and the famous “derby”. It was the start of my passion for mountain skiing and freeride. It was also the beginning of a video project, the first female ski movie/web series in France, the Traine ta Grolle (previously Ride N’ Roses).

Every winter we travel through the mountains to broadcast 3-4 ski episodes per year. The goal is to promote women in skiing and to help people discover new freeride and ski-touring spots.

My permanent job is a ski instructor at ESF and head coach for the local ski club of my resort (kids from ages 6 to 16)

What MOMENT do you ski for?

I ski for the feelings and sensation that this sport can give you first, but also for all the moments that you can live in the mountains. Mountains and the top of a summit is the only place where I can feel so good. Skiing contributes to my happiness every day, especially when it’s shared, because for me skiing has to be shared with people you love, people who have the same passion…it’s also a good way to meet people.

How do you recharge your batteries for the next challenge? 

The best way for me to recharge my batteries after a ski session and prepare for the next one is a good beer shared with your ski mates. You can talk about what you have learned that day, about your different experiences and vision of the mountains. This is always useful in such a specialized sport where you face risks every day. I also like to get away from skiing during the spring and summer. This allows me to train and to get fit for the winter, but also to focus on others sports and learn important skills that help my skiing. During this time I love to spend time in the mountains where I ride my enduro bike, go hiking, or play golf, etc. It’s important to be a beginner at something so you learn new sports in elements where you feel less comfortable like the water by learning to surf or wakesurfing on the lake.

What’s your favorite quote? Why does this quote resonate with you? 

“Life is short, so enjoy it the fullest” (John Walters) Every moment matters, live life like a game, play it safe, love and laugh a lot, taste experiences, focus on the present and not the future or what is gone and spend all these moments with good people - with people who make you feel happy.

How do you conquer difficult situations?

I try keep in mind that there are no problems but only solutions. So when I have to conquer a difficult situation in life or in the mountains, I try to take it easy first to then roll out the best action plan. And to always stay strong with a positive mind.

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

Nothing great was ever accomplished without making sacrifices. Sometimes you have to think more of the others in your job or in your personal life and you leave yourself on the side for a while but that helps your personal growth. Sometimes you make choices because of money or to spend time in a place you don’t like for someone else or for your job/studies but it’s the same result – you end up with more knowledge and experience for the future.

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

Nothing can be successful without passion and a positive mind.

What do you do when you aren’t skiing? 

I’m lucky that my passion is also my job, so I spend lot of time on my skis. But I also like to practice a lot of other sports during my free time. Learning a new job during the off-season presents a challenge, but I always love to learn and discover new things, to meet new people, etc… That’s why, for me, traveling is really important. I like to go to new places and discover the world; you always come back richer from traveling.

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

I always try to remember how lucky I am that I have good health and that there are always bigger problems out there. That helps me to keep positive. And to overcome pressure, sports have helped me a lot for sure, but I also try to work on controlling my feelings with relaxation and breathing practice, yoga and alternative medicine.