Well, my first love was obviously skiing. I started at 2 years old with my dad in La Clusaz.
He was a ski instructor and ran a ski freeride school with his brother.
As a kid, I remember having spent all my winters skiing with my dad or uncle in little freeride groups.
This is also where I learned how to evolve safely in the mountains.
I skied a lot with a mountain guide who taught me so much, like how to use a rope for rappelling walls, how to identify dangerous avalanches zones and how the snow evolves and changes over time.
From that, what was a hobby became my passion.
Now, I keep on skiing in the mountains with friends, at home, in la Grave or Scandinavia.
I’m also a ski patroller in la Clusaz. I like that I can really spend every day in the mountains!
I’m not competing in freeride - I’ve done some in the past but quickly realized it wasn’t my thing
What MOMENT do you ski for?
I ski for the friendly moments, like when you’re on top of the run you just climbed, and you know you are about to have a pure moment of delight with your friends … I also ski for discovering new places. On ski trips, I’m always very excited. I love being in a place where I’ve never been before, my eyes are looking everywhere, staring at the landscapes that surround me … And obviously for the feelings and the adrenaline I get when I’m going fast on a crazy run - when the conditions are perfect and the powder is deep or when I jump a cliff and I’m flying like a bird … Those are the moments.
How do you recharge your batteries for the next challenge?
I generally hang out with some friends after a huge day of skiing. If I’m too tired, I stay at home and listen to my favorite records and I think about what I’m going to do next !
What’s your favorite quote? Why does this quote resonate with you?
“Life begins at the end of your comfort zone” by Neale Donald Walsch Because I have many memories of adventures that I’ve been through, whether it was in the mountains or in a daily routine, where things were not going as I wanted to, but I managed to succeed. And it’s those moments that make you understand the joy of living and make you become more mature. … And it gives you great memories too !
How do you conquer difficult situations?
With music. Personally, it helps me a lot because it is the second thing that I like to do best. Whether it’s playing or listening ! Friends and family are also the best way to conquer difficult situations! They know how to make you happy!
What do you do when you aren’t skiing?
I love traveling in countries I’ve never been before with friends or family. When I have a little bit of time, I really enjoy playing music! I spend time in the mountains - hiking, climbing, bivouacking, and having fun! But mostly, I’m waiting for the winter to come back !
What strategy do you use to overcome pressure and stress for optimum performance?
When I’m in the mountains, I’m always a little bit stressed, even if things are going well at the moment. I’m always thinking about what the potential risks are. So, to avoid pressure, I minimize the risks. I inform myself about avalanche risks, on the web or by asking the local ski patrollers. I never leave home without my avalanche devices - my shovel and my probe, and I make sure that my friends have them too. I go with someone who knows where we are about to go if I don’t and I always keep an eye on my friends.
