From the first star to the red ski suit: the story of a passionate instructor!
Published on 16/02/2026 - Written by Marie
Born in Orléans in 2001, Valérian has never been far from the mountains. Since his earliest childhood, he has spent every winter holiday in Les Menuires, where his grandparents own a flat. It was here, on skis from the age of two and a half, that it all began: first with private lessons, then at the Smurfs Village. Skiing soon became an obvious choice. By the age of five or six, he was already talking of nothing but gliding, thrills and the mountains, with a clear dream: to become a ski instructor.
From family holidays to an obvious vocation: monitorat
As a child, Valérian quickly progressed from first star to gold star at just eight years of age. Despite a few Flèches and Chamois, the obsession with time and competition appealed less to him. Around the age of eleven, he preferred to follow adult groups off-piste rather than pursue the competitive route. What he loved above all was the freedom, the discovery and the pleasure of skiing.
As a teenager, he continued to come to Les Menuires during the holidays, first with his parents and then with his friends. Keen to stay close to the mountains, he initially decided to study architecture in Grenoble. But after two years, it became clear that he belonged on skis. So he contacted esf Les Menuires, started training with the local esf Academy and passed the essential technical entry test. The Covid period, spent largely in the resort, further strengthened his link with the Vallée de Belleville, particularly through ski touring.
As a teenager, he continued to come to Les Menuires during the holidays, first with his parents and then with his friends. Keen to stay close to the mountains, he initially decided to study architecture in Grenoble. But after two years, it became clear that he belonged on skis. So he contacted esf Les Menuires, started training with the local esf Academy and passed the essential technical entry test. The Covid period, spent largely in the resort, further strengthened his link with the Vallée de Belleville, particularly through ski touring.
Tailor-made ski lessonsIn the company of a qualified instructor!A demanding training programme at the ESF Les Menuires
Technical test, pre-training, teaching up to intermediate level, then Eurotest, theory and practice, Valérian is now in his third season as a trainee instructor, starting in December 2023, and knows that he still has two or three years to go before he fully obtains his diploma.
At esf Les Menuires, he finds a stimulating and instructive environment. The courses bring together profiles from all over the world, creating a real human and professional richness. Downhill skiing, snowboarding (which he teaches once a week), and eventually off-piste skiing : Valérian is developing a multi-skilled practice, with a marked liking for hiking and committed skiing, emblematic of the 3 Vallées ski area.
At esf Les Menuires, he finds a stimulating and instructive environment. The courses bring together profiles from all over the world, creating a real human and professional richness. Downhill skiing, snowboarding (which he teaches once a week), and eventually off-piste skiing : Valérian is developing a multi-skilled practice, with a marked liking for hiking and committed skiing, emblematic of the 3 Vallées ski area.
Passing on, adapting and sharing the mountains
What drives Valérian today is above all passing on his passion. He loves teaching children, taking part in their fun and their first discoveries on the snow. Seeing their laughter and their desire to come back the following winter is his greatest satisfaction. With adults, the challenge is different, but can be just as varied: restoring confidence after an injury, making progress without rushing, achieving personal goals, etc.
Bilingual in English and currently learning Dutch, Valérian particularly enjoys the international courses, which are frequent in Les Menuires. He loves this constant adaptation: changing language, understanding expectations, adjusting his teaching methods. This flexibility, combined with the independence of the job, fits in perfectly with his vision of teaching.
He is also very attached to the resort, and likes to share his favourite spots with his pupils, when the level is right, such as the Becca piste or the off-piste sector of La Masse. Outside the season, Valérian also enjoys surfing, hiking and running, and is already dreaming of going skiing in Japan or New Zealand once he has his degree. All with the same desire: to discover, learn and pass on.
Bilingual in English and currently learning Dutch, Valérian particularly enjoys the international courses, which are frequent in Les Menuires. He loves this constant adaptation: changing language, understanding expectations, adjusting his teaching methods. This flexibility, combined with the independence of the job, fits in perfectly with his vision of teaching.
He is also very attached to the resort, and likes to share his favourite spots with his pupils, when the level is right, such as the Becca piste or the off-piste sector of La Masse. Outside the season, Valérian also enjoys surfing, hiking and running, and is already dreaming of going skiing in Japan or New Zealand once he has his degree. All with the same desire: to discover, learn and pass on.
A learning experience adapted to your needsLessons for all ages and levels