Meet our new esf director: Mathieu, competition in DNA
Published on 20/02/2026 - Written by Marie
The Les Menuires ski school is a story that has been written for over 60 years, with you on the slopes, but also with our team of instructors in red. So many encounters and seasons, which are sometimes marked by new chapters in our esf, as is the case this year with the handover to a new director.
After 8 years in this role, Jean-Sébastien Lainé has given way to Mathieu Hustache for this season. We'd like to take this opportunity to introduce you to this passionate and dynamic competitor.
From the Maurienne to the Tarentaise, the constant desire to push back his limits
Originally from Maurienne, and the son of a ski instructor, Mathieu quickly discovered the joys of snow sports and skiing. These feelings were amplified when he took part in his first alpine skiing competitions with the Saint-Jean-d'Arves Ski Club, which continued to fascinate him throughout his career, and still do today, with the same intensity.
These stimulating experiences led him to join the ski-study section in Modane. While studying business at the IUT in Annecy, and after participating in several European ski cups, Mathieu joined the ESF in Les Menuires, already renowned for its competitive spirit. This ski school was ideally located in the heart of the world's largest ski area, Les 3 Vallées, for this Maurienne native who was constantly seeking to push his limits. Between memorials, the opening of the Flèches and Chamois tests, the ESF instructors' challenge, etc., he immediately found his place and never left.
These stimulating experiences led him to join the ski-study section in Modane. While studying business at the IUT in Annecy, and after participating in several European ski cups, Mathieu joined the ESF in Les Menuires, already renowned for its competitive spirit. This ski school was ideally located in the heart of the world's largest ski area, Les 3 Vallées, for this Maurienne native who was constantly seeking to push his limits. Between memorials, the opening of the Flèches and Chamois tests, the ESF instructors' challenge, etc., he immediately found his place and never left.
The esf les menuires is waiting for you!Skiing, snowboarding, competition, freeride, etc.A born competitor with contagious enthusiasm
After graduating in 2010, Mathieu Hustache quickly established himself as one of the pillars of the dynamic ESF Les Menuires competition team. In 2012, he became head of competition training, a key role in a school where a culture of performance is part of its DNA. At that time, Guy-Aimé Hudry, then director, and Pascal Crey, technical director, instilled a real spirit of conquest that had a lasting impact on Mathieu.
A former high-level athlete, he has an impressive track record: several seasons on the FIS circuit, participation in the European Cup, a total of 26 FIS points and a role as forerunner for the Technical Test and Eurotest. A regular finalist in the ESF Instructor Challenge between 2006 and 2018, he finished third in 2018 and secured several podium places, not to mention two team victories. Mathieu continues to live out this competitive spirit today by participating in challenges and passing on this high standard to younger generations.
His enthusiasm is contagious. He enjoys sharing his passion with young people, helping them reach a high level and training future instructors. Many skiers who have taken part in the competition courses in Les Menuires have found him to be a demanding but deeply committed coach.
A former high-level athlete, he has an impressive track record: several seasons on the FIS circuit, participation in the European Cup, a total of 26 FIS points and a role as forerunner for the Technical Test and Eurotest. A regular finalist in the ESF Instructor Challenge between 2006 and 2018, he finished third in 2018 and secured several podium places, not to mention two team victories. Mathieu continues to live out this competitive spirit today by participating in challenges and passing on this high standard to younger generations.
His enthusiasm is contagious. He enjoys sharing his passion with young people, helping them reach a high level and training future instructors. Many skiers who have taken part in the competition courses in Les Menuires have found him to be a demanding but deeply committed coach.
From training to management: a long-term commitment to the ESF Les Menuires
Keen to become even more involved in passing on his knowledge, Mathieu then joined the State Diploma training programme at the Lycée de Moûtiers, where he trains future instructors. This involvement in training is part of a broader vision of the profession: preparing for the future while maintaining high technical and human standards.
At the same time, in 2014 he joined the management committee of the ESF in Les Menuires, where he was elected for four successive three-year terms. This long-term commitment demonstrates his deep attachment to the school and the resort. As the new director of our ski school, he will officially take up his post in May 2025, continuing the work carried out by his predecessors.
A competitor at heart, a renowned instructor and a team player, Mathieu embodies a modern ESF that is ambitious and true to its values. His appointment to the management team is a natural step in the history of the ESF Les Menuires: a school focused on excellence, knowledge transfer and a passion for skiing in all its forms.
At the same time, in 2014 he joined the management committee of the ESF in Les Menuires, where he was elected for four successive three-year terms. This long-term commitment demonstrates his deep attachment to the school and the resort. As the new director of our ski school, he will officially take up his post in May 2025, continuing the work carried out by his predecessors.
A competitor at heart, a renowned instructor and a team player, Mathieu embodies a modern ESF that is ambitious and true to its values. His appointment to the management team is a natural step in the history of the ESF Les Menuires: a school focused on excellence, knowledge transfer and a passion for skiing in all its forms.
Challenge yourself!Pushing your limits with esf