Discover the thrill of skiing with Valérian!
Published on 26/03/2025 - Written by Coline
Skiing is a unique adventure, where the feeling of freedom goes hand in hand with incomparable thrills.
With the development of infrastructures and equipment adapted for people with disabilities, a new discipline has emerged in the esf: handiskiing, an opportunity to make winter sports more accessible and let everyone enjoy the magical experience of skiing!
Valérian Mermillon has been a handiski instructor at Les Menuires for 7 years now, and invites you to take a closer look at a discipline that's as exciting as it is exhilarating.
Skiing without limits with a disabled ski instructor!
Originally from the Ain region, Valérian naturally chose to start his career as an instructor at Les Menuires after spending his childhood skiing on the resort's slopes.
It was after completing his sport-study course, during which he did all his work placements in the resort, that he obtained his diploma and began his career as a classic ski instructor, followed by handiskiing.
Handiskiing sessions are always a time for sharing and exchanging ideas, and are an unforgettable experience for both the student and the instructor.
"Over and above the technique and advice, it's an opportunity to meet people who are open-minded and happy to be able to experience the joys of skiing. We talk about disability as it is and we adapt to it; we really enter into people's intimacy" explains Valérian, driven by the pleasure of being able to make skiing accessible to people who didn't always think it was possible.
Handiskiing sessions are always a time for sharing and exchanging ideas, and are an unforgettable experience for both the student and the instructor.
"Over and above the technique and advice, it's an opportunity to meet people who are open-minded and happy to be able to experience the joys of skiing. We talk about disability as it is and we adapt to it; we really enter into people's intimacy" explains Valérian, driven by the pleasure of being able to make skiing accessible to people who didn't always think it was possible.
Courses tailored to your needsOur instructors will take you to the heart of the domainThe right support to help you get to the heart of the estate
If Valérian is now in charge of offering classic ski lessons to young and old, as well as to people with disabilities, it's because he has followed a specific training course - available as soon as he has obtained his instructor's diploma.
Instructors wishing to specialise come together for a week's training at the start of the season in Val Thorens. Over the course of these few days, they are prepared for all the different forms of handiskiing, which can be adapted to suit everyone's needs.
From standing skiing, guided by the voice of an instructor, for visually impaired or blind people, to wheelchair skiing practised alone or piloted by a teacher, the instructors offer a memorable skiing experience, whatever the disability.
They strive to provide the best possible support for people seeking independence (treadmills, skids, turns, chairlifts, etc.) and/or to offer them a moment of pleasure during a stroll through the most beautiful corners of the resort!
Instructors wishing to specialise come together for a week's training at the start of the season in Val Thorens. Over the course of these few days, they are prepared for all the different forms of handiskiing, which can be adapted to suit everyone's needs.
From standing skiing, guided by the voice of an instructor, for visually impaired or blind people, to wheelchair skiing practised alone or piloted by a teacher, the instructors offer a memorable skiing experience, whatever the disability.
They strive to provide the best possible support for people seeking independence (treadmills, skids, turns, chairlifts, etc.) and/or to offer them a moment of pleasure during a stroll through the most beautiful corners of the resort!
Les Menuires, a ski resort accessible to all
Offering the best possible skiing experience for people with disabilities also means making sure that the infrastructure is accessible (ski lifts, gondolas, PRM access, chairs suitable for all ages, etc.).
Valérian and the rest of the team of disabled ski instructors work in close collaboration with the various people involved in the Les Menuires resort to ensure a smooth and simple experience for everyone every season.
Want to experience a unique moment on the slopes of Les Menuires? With a lift pass, adults and children with reduced mobility, accompanied by their loved ones, can join Valérian for an hour and a half or a half of sensational dualskiing!
Valérian and the rest of the team of disabled ski instructors work in close collaboration with the various people involved in the Les Menuires resort to ensure a smooth and simple experience for everyone every season.
Want to experience a unique moment on the slopes of Les Menuires? With a lift pass, adults and children with reduced mobility, accompanied by their loved ones, can join Valérian for an hour and a half or a half of sensational dualskiing!
Snow sports for everyone!Enjoy an exceptional experience in Les Menuires