Ride with a Pro
Thibaud Duchosal
Thibaud is a real Goyet, a true Villaroger lad through and through. Since being a wee nipper he's had off piste and powder fields in his sights – literally – his garden is right at the foot of the Aiguille Rouge. The rest is your classic story tale stuff. He immersed himself into slalom competitions at a young age and then worked his way up to instructor level, teaching in the Tarentaise resorts.Passionate about sport – and being a natural at most of them too – he became fully involved. As a youngster he was swimming at international level, and then he moved onto roller hockey playing at national level. But there was one sport which stood out from the rest – "la glisse". Skiing. He tried the KL – kilometre lance, ('flying kilometre', of which Les Arcs has a legendary descent), as a consequence he was asked to represent the French team – as their future star. But the decision had already been made. Being surrounded, constantly, by picture perfect powder fields the choice is simple. Freeride.
At seventeen he inscripts for the Les Arcs Freeride event. Equipped as a tourist with only a pair of piste skis, he still manages to finish third place in the first heat, but then has a major wipe-out on the next run. A youthful error. He does discover the domain though – and he will come back stronger. A seed has been sown and the journey begins.
There is definitely a place for him in this adventure.
Until present the competitions haven't bought him much luck. Injuries or falls have limited his success. A nasty hit in the eye during a roller hockey match this summer bought an orange light to the scene. Orange light for warning. It has made him view things in a different way. A more philosophical approach, also making him more respectful of 'la glisse'.
Being on the mountain with Thibaud you are aware of his respect for his natural environment. Always being safety conscious, but knowing how to choose the best lines. Like the descent down the Face Nord on the last day of the season. No tracks. Blue skies. 3 of us and a photographer. Thibaud leading the way skilfully and gracefully down one of his favourite garden rides. His enthusiasm for the mountain in all her forms is infectious, and as he says "We should respect the mountain; it is a school of life which brings both pleasure and rigour. We have to show her respect and never underestimate her."
Too many Sunday freeriders, keen to try out the latest tricks they've seen on video clips, or armed with the latest gear and gadgets, think they know it all – they jump off into the unknown with no thought of safety, for themselves or for others. Perhaps being from living at the base of a glacier Thibaud sees things for what they really are. The need to have respect and admiration for your surroundings. The mountain, a second mother figure has given him the chance to travel the world, to meet new people and communities – the mountain who enables him to reflect the different images – look at the reflection in his mask, these images fill Thibaud's mind – mountains, mountains and mountains; waiting to be explored.
Freeskiing Experiences with Thibaud Duchosal
Chile Ride with a Pro
The 3 valleys with pro skier Thibaud Duchosal
Due to it's hight and location,the ski area has always good snow. You will ride famous runs such as Santa Teresa, the spot of El Colorado and the off-pist reference in Chile. Andes 3 Valleys Freeski Trips
Russia Ride with a Pro
Pure Powder, Pure pleasure
10-day ski trip to Russia with pro-skier Thibaud Duchosal. Spend 2 days discovering Moscow before flying to Sochi and Krasnaya Polyanato ride the legendary Caucasus powder and be a movie star. Caucasus Russia Freeski Trips
Fortunate to grow up in the heart of the Swiss Alps in Nendaz, Richard Amacker, born on June 19th 1988, jumped on his first pair of skis at the age of two. He spent the next 16 years alpine skiing....