The Alps already offer a huge playground, from the Maritime Alps to Slovenia, via Switzerland and Italy. As for the Pyrenees, their wilder character often reserves some wonderful surprises. You can have a real adventure in just a few hours, without necessarily going to the ends of the earth.
But I also like to get away, to explore, to look for something different, to discover other mountain environments. Skiing in Andalusia, in Sicily on the slopes of Mount Etna, on the slopes of Mount Olympus in Greece. Climbing Toubkal in Morocco, crossing the Carpathians or the Balkans, heading off into the silence of Scandinavia... Wherever there's snow, relief and a culture to discover, there's a journey to be imagined.
I like skiing as an effort, as a way of progressing, for the glide and the performance. But that's not what it's all about. What drives me is discovering a territory, immersing myself in a rhythm, a landscape, a language. Together, we cross a mountain range, taking the time to stop, chat and taste what the region has to offer.
Local gastronomy is often part of the trip: a mountain dish shared in a hostel, a home-made speciality at a local's house, an early morning market before putting on your skins... All these are opportunities to gain a better understanding of the place and the people who live there. Skiing becomes a way of getting around, a way of getting to know people.
With very few exceptions - such as Kyrgyzstan two years ago - I undertake to organise these trips without flying. I choose destinations that are accessible by train, then by bus or hire car. It's a personal commitment, as much as a choice of adventure: turning a simple journey into a real journey, and limiting our impact.
It all depends on the project. Some trips are accessible to regular ski tourers, while others require more autonomy or technical skills. I always take the time to talk things over beforehand to make sure that everyone finds their place in the group. What I'm looking for is a good balance between the desire to make an effort and curiosity about the place.
I work with a partner agency, Les Matins du Monde, to offer a supervised package that complies with the legislation. As soon as you sign up, I take over and look after all the logistics: transport, accommodation and preparation for your stay. You can concentrate on what's really important: your desire to go, your skis and your bag.
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