ESF-UK INTERVIEWS
Meet our Ambassadors
Read about the life experiences of our esf ambassadors.
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Our esf ambassadors have been selected for their energy, professionalism, talent and passion to represent all disciplines of winter sport.
Alizée - esf St Sorlin d'Arves
How was your childhood? Did you grow up in the mountains or in an urban environment?
I was born and grew up in the heart of the mountains, more precisely in Maurienne, in Saint-Sorlin-d’Arves. I spent my entire childhood in this ski resort and I still live there today. This allowed me to put on my first skis at the age of one and a half and make my first runs very early on, which naturally fuelled my passion for winter sports.
When did you first decide to become an instructor?
I first joined my local ski club, where I spent several years, from age 6 to almost 18, developing strong skiing skills. I took part in many competitions, both regional and national, which helped me improve my technique and competitive mindset. At the age of 17, I decided to leave competition behind and turn to teaching—a passion passed down to me by my grandfather and my father, both ski instructors with ESF.
What gives you the most pleasure in teaching?
What motivates me most in my job is being able to pass on my passion for skiing, just as it has always been passed down in my family. I love sharing my love of the mountains and seeing my students progress, gain confidence, and above all enjoy themselves.
There is something very rewarding about guiding someone—whether it’s a child discovering their first turns or an adult overcoming their fears. I also love the human connection, meeting people, and the unique atmosphere of the resort.
For me, teaching skiing is not just about learning a technique; it’s also about discovering an environment, a culture, and incredible sensations in the heart of the mountains.
I was born and grew up in the heart of the mountains, more precisely in Maurienne, in Saint-Sorlin-d’Arves. I spent my entire childhood in this ski resort and I still live there today. This allowed me to put on my first skis at the age of one and a half and make my first runs very early on, which naturally fuelled my passion for winter sports.
When did you first decide to become an instructor?
I first joined my local ski club, where I spent several years, from age 6 to almost 18, developing strong skiing skills. I took part in many competitions, both regional and national, which helped me improve my technique and competitive mindset. At the age of 17, I decided to leave competition behind and turn to teaching—a passion passed down to me by my grandfather and my father, both ski instructors with ESF.
What gives you the most pleasure in teaching?
What motivates me most in my job is being able to pass on my passion for skiing, just as it has always been passed down in my family. I love sharing my love of the mountains and seeing my students progress, gain confidence, and above all enjoy themselves.
There is something very rewarding about guiding someone—whether it’s a child discovering their first turns or an adult overcoming their fears. I also love the human connection, meeting people, and the unique atmosphere of the resort.
For me, teaching skiing is not just about learning a technique; it’s also about discovering an environment, a culture, and incredible sensations in the heart of the mountains.
Loic - esf Vars
How was your childhood? Did you grow up in the mountains or in an urban environment?
I am originally from Marseille. I lived there all my life in a small Provencal-style neighbourhood near the hills. Our only holiday each year was a week of skiing with the family.
What initially made you want to become a ski instructor?
I started competitive skiing at 15 in a city club, the Marseille St Antoine Ski Club. Starting so late, I never thought I could become an instructor; I thought it was only accessible to young people from mountain resorts. But with progress, the dream became possible.
What was your first experience with ESF like?
I had my first ESF lessons at age 3 at the ESF in St Léger les Mélèzes.
When did you first decide to become an instructor?
I’ve always been attracted to the profession. Seeing my friends teach and live from our shared passion made me decide to pursue this happiness too.
I am originally from Marseille. I lived there all my life in a small Provencal-style neighbourhood near the hills. Our only holiday each year was a week of skiing with the family.
What initially made you want to become a ski instructor?
I started competitive skiing at 15 in a city club, the Marseille St Antoine Ski Club. Starting so late, I never thought I could become an instructor; I thought it was only accessible to young people from mountain resorts. But with progress, the dream became possible.
What was your first experience with ESF like?
I had my first ESF lessons at age 3 at the ESF in St Léger les Mélèzes.
When did you first decide to become an instructor?
I’ve always been attracted to the profession. Seeing my friends teach and live from our shared passion made me decide to pursue this happiness too.
Lola - esf Ancelle Alpe du Sud
How was your childhood? Did you grow up in the mountains or in an urban environment?
My childhood was wonderful. I was lucky enough to grow up in the Hautes-Alpes, surrounded by beautiful mountains!
What first made you want to become a ski instructor?
This profession runs in my family — my grandparents are instructors, my dad is too, as well as my older sister. I’m very proud to follow in their footsteps and to represent the values of ESF. It’s a real privilege to be able to teach my passion.
When did you first decide to become an instructor?
I would say… always ????
How did the process go, and what did the “technical test” involve at the first stage?
In cross-country skiing, the technical test went very well. It was a timed skating race, which I really enjoyed! It was followed by a demonstration.
What are your aspirations?
My family, especially my father and my sister, who are both instructors, are my biggest inspiration. My dad teaches both alpine and cross-country skiing, and he even graduated top of his class. He’s a true inspiration!
My childhood was wonderful. I was lucky enough to grow up in the Hautes-Alpes, surrounded by beautiful mountains!
What first made you want to become a ski instructor?
This profession runs in my family — my grandparents are instructors, my dad is too, as well as my older sister. I’m very proud to follow in their footsteps and to represent the values of ESF. It’s a real privilege to be able to teach my passion.
When did you first decide to become an instructor?
I would say… always ????
How did the process go, and what did the “technical test” involve at the first stage?
In cross-country skiing, the technical test went very well. It was a timed skating race, which I really enjoyed! It was followed by a demonstration.
What are your aspirations?
My family, especially my father and my sister, who are both instructors, are my biggest inspiration. My dad teaches both alpine and cross-country skiing, and he even graduated top of his class. He’s a true inspiration!
Léa - esf La Féclaz Savoie
How was your childhood? Did you grow up in the mountains or in an urban environment?
I grew up in a suburban environment, at the foot of the mountains, near Chambéry. I was very close to ski resorts, which allowed me to spend a large part of my childhood on the slopes. I practised both alpine skiing and cross-country skiing.
What initially made you want to become a ski instructor?
What made me want to become a ski instructor was, above all, the desire to share knowledge. I have always enjoyed sharing my passion and helping people progress. What I particularly love is seeing someone who is just starting out, who doesn’t yet know how to move on skis, and helping them step by step to gain confidence and improve. That progress is extremely rewarding.
I also deeply enjoy working outdoors in the mountains. It’s an environment where I feel at home, and I’ve always known I wanted a job with skis on my feet, close to nature.
What are the reasons behind your passion for your winter discipline (skiing, biathlon, snowboarding, Nordic skiing, etc.)?
I started young with competitive cross-country skiing, then became interested in biathlon because I loved rifle shooting. These disciplines truly fascinate me, and I really want to introduce others to them because they are fantastic to practise.
Cross-country skiing, for example, is a very cardio-intensive sport that combines effort and enjoyment: you exert yourself like in running, but in a beautiful setting with snow and forest. The glide, the descents, the contact with nature… all of this creates unique sensations.
Biathlon adds another dimension: concentration, stress and emotion management, and competition with others make the activity even more engaging and fun.
I grew up in a suburban environment, at the foot of the mountains, near Chambéry. I was very close to ski resorts, which allowed me to spend a large part of my childhood on the slopes. I practised both alpine skiing and cross-country skiing.
What initially made you want to become a ski instructor?
What made me want to become a ski instructor was, above all, the desire to share knowledge. I have always enjoyed sharing my passion and helping people progress. What I particularly love is seeing someone who is just starting out, who doesn’t yet know how to move on skis, and helping them step by step to gain confidence and improve. That progress is extremely rewarding.
I also deeply enjoy working outdoors in the mountains. It’s an environment where I feel at home, and I’ve always known I wanted a job with skis on my feet, close to nature.
What are the reasons behind your passion for your winter discipline (skiing, biathlon, snowboarding, Nordic skiing, etc.)?
I started young with competitive cross-country skiing, then became interested in biathlon because I loved rifle shooting. These disciplines truly fascinate me, and I really want to introduce others to them because they are fantastic to practise.
Cross-country skiing, for example, is a very cardio-intensive sport that combines effort and enjoyment: you exert yourself like in running, but in a beautiful setting with snow and forest. The glide, the descents, the contact with nature… all of this creates unique sensations.
Biathlon adds another dimension: concentration, stress and emotion management, and competition with others make the activity even more engaging and fun.
Julien - esf Alpe d'Heuz
When did you first decide to become an instructor?
I decided to become a ski instructor when I had to choose for high school. I joined the ski section at the Mountain Professions High School in Saint-Michel-de-Maurienne, which trains students to become ski instructors.
What gives you the most pleasure in teaching?
I decided to become a ski instructor when I had to choose for high school. I joined the ski section at the Mountain Professions High School in Saint-Michel-de-Maurienne, which trains students to become ski instructors.
I grew up in a suburban environment, at the foot of the mountains, near Chambéry. I was very close to ski resorts, which allowed me to spend a large part of my childhood on the slopes. I practised both alpine skiing and cross-country skiing.
Experiences with British skiers and advice for future ESF clients:
I teach a lot of British clients, mainly in January or at the end of the season. They usually ski well—unless they’ve been partying all night! Haha. They’re always very motivated and not afraid of the storm!
Don’t hesitate to take lessons at any level—it helps you improve, gain confidence, and enjoy the mountains even more!
I decided to become a ski instructor when I had to choose for high school. I joined the ski section at the Mountain Professions High School in Saint-Michel-de-Maurienne, which trains students to become ski instructors.
What gives you the most pleasure in teaching?
I decided to become a ski instructor when I had to choose for high school. I joined the ski section at the Mountain Professions High School in Saint-Michel-de-Maurienne, which trains students to become ski instructors.
I grew up in a suburban environment, at the foot of the mountains, near Chambéry. I was very close to ski resorts, which allowed me to spend a large part of my childhood on the slopes. I practised both alpine skiing and cross-country skiing.
Experiences with British skiers and advice for future ESF clients:
I teach a lot of British clients, mainly in January or at the end of the season. They usually ski well—unless they’ve been partying all night! Haha. They’re always very motivated and not afraid of the storm!
Don’t hesitate to take lessons at any level—it helps you improve, gain confidence, and enjoy the mountains even more!
Chloé - esf La Creuse
How was your childhood? Did you grow up in the mountains or in an urban environment?
I grew up in the mountains in Hauteluce in the Beaufortain region, where I had a truly privileged childhood. I was lucky enough to grow up in an incredible setting, surrounded by nature. My daily life was dictated by the seasons, with downhill and cross-country skiing in the winter at Les Saisies and all sorts of outdoor activities the rest of the year, like swimming, hiking, running, mountain biking… It was a very free and active childhood, where I simply learned about sharing, independence, and above all, respect for the mountains. Growing up here instilled strong values in me and naturally led me to skiing, which became a true passion and is now my profession.
What was your first experience of esf?
My very first experience with the ESF was as a student. I grew up with the image of the red sweaters on the slopes; they were part of the landscape and almost part of the local culture. Later, when I joined the ESF as an instructor, it took on a special significance. It was no longer just a symbol of my childhood, but the beginning of my own journey.
When did you first decide to become an instructor?
I made this decision when I stopped competing at a fairly young age. I knew I wanted to continue skiing, but not through competition. Skiing was a part of me; it was unthinkable to stop completely. Following in my mother's footsteps then became the obvious choice. It was a way to stay in this world I've always loved, while giving new meaning to my practice. Passing on knowledge, sharing, guiding... it was a natural progression, but with an even stronger human dimension. We were in high schools based mainly in skiing (St Michel de Maurienne & La Motte Servolex) where I started training to pass the first exam, the technical test.
I grew up in the mountains in Hauteluce in the Beaufortain region, where I had a truly privileged childhood. I was lucky enough to grow up in an incredible setting, surrounded by nature. My daily life was dictated by the seasons, with downhill and cross-country skiing in the winter at Les Saisies and all sorts of outdoor activities the rest of the year, like swimming, hiking, running, mountain biking… It was a very free and active childhood, where I simply learned about sharing, independence, and above all, respect for the mountains. Growing up here instilled strong values in me and naturally led me to skiing, which became a true passion and is now my profession.
What was your first experience of esf?
My very first experience with the ESF was as a student. I grew up with the image of the red sweaters on the slopes; they were part of the landscape and almost part of the local culture. Later, when I joined the ESF as an instructor, it took on a special significance. It was no longer just a symbol of my childhood, but the beginning of my own journey.
When did you first decide to become an instructor?
I made this decision when I stopped competing at a fairly young age. I knew I wanted to continue skiing, but not through competition. Skiing was a part of me; it was unthinkable to stop completely. Following in my mother's footsteps then became the obvious choice. It was a way to stay in this world I've always loved, while giving new meaning to my practice. Passing on knowledge, sharing, guiding... it was a natural progression, but with an even stronger human dimension. We were in high schools based mainly in skiing (St Michel de Maurienne & La Motte Servolex) where I started training to pass the first exam, the technical test.