Our story
The story of esf Val d'Isère
from 1932 to 1938
Three inspired men, Jacques MOUFLIER from Paris, Charles DIEBOLD from Alsace, and Nicolas BAZILE from Val d'Isère (who was the mayor at the time), passionate about the mountains and convinced that the site was naturally destined for a brilliant future, were the founders of Val d'Isère. From its inception, Val d'Isère established itself among the elite "great sports resorts".
In the winter of 1932-33, when Val d'Isère was a village almost dormant under the snow, two Austrians arrived to teach skiing (the Arlberg method) to the very few tourists. At that time, there were 132 inhabitants and 4 hotels: "Le Parisien," "Le Bellevue," "La Galise," and "Les Glaciers." They quickly realised they needed a few local mountaineers who already practiced telemark skiing for getting around and hunting. Thus, they became the "Four Musketeers": René BAZILE (the mayor's son), the brothers Adolphe and Fernand BONNEVIE from Fornet, and Marcel BONNEVIE, who immediately mastered the "snowplow" method used by the Austrians.
In the winter of 1932-33, when Val d'Isère was a village almost dormant under the snow, two Austrians arrived to teach skiing (the Arlberg method) to the very few tourists. At that time, there were 132 inhabitants and 4 hotels: "Le Parisien," "Le Bellevue," "La Galise," and "Les Glaciers." They quickly realised they needed a few local mountaineers who already practiced telemark skiing for getting around and hunting. Thus, they became the "Four Musketeers": René BAZILE (the mayor's son), the brothers Adolphe and Fernand BONNEVIE from Fornet, and Marcel BONNEVIE, who immediately mastered the "snowplow" method used by the Austrians.
Winter 33-34, the Austrians return, but the "gang of 4," confident enough to manage on their own, makes it clear to the "foreigners" that the Avalin people intend to remain masters in their own land from the following winter onwards. Moreover, the Austrian model is starting to annoy some people! This is how, in Val d'Isère, emerging from its isolated valley thanks to skiing, the first three local "instructors," René Bazile, Adolphe, and Fernand Bonnevie, throw the Austrian signs into the Isère river
"We were a bit fed up," recounts Fernand Bonnevie, eighty-nine years old. "We had learned to ski with two of them, who had taken us on as assistants when they came to settle in 1932. But we wanted to be independent. René was the mayor's son, he was thirteen, I was seventeen, and my brother was twenty. We were from a family of farmers. There wasn't much work; we tracked and groomed a slope at Makalu, near the houses. At that time, there was no esf, no diplomas, anyone could be an instructor. There were very few clients too. They came by bus or car to Sainte Foy, then by sleigh to Tignes, the old village by the lake, then walked to Val: it was 7 kilometers. We carried their suitcases and they paid us for that... Here, nobody had a salary yet, except the postman and the road worker!"
Excerpt from the book "Les pulls rouges"
Excerpt from the book "Les pulls rouges"
In 1934, the first ski lift, the Rogoney, was built and Robert PITTE opened the first sports store. The ski school of Val d'Isère was established that same winter of 34-35. With its 4 pioneers and a few other local youngsters (Charles DIEBOLD, Germain MATTIS, Jean GUNIE, Rémi MANGARD, Guy MORIS, Robert MANGARD, Robert RONDI, Jo SCARAFFIOTTI, Félix MATTIS, Henri OREILLER), they guided tourists (referred to as "clients" at first, later as "students") on the slopes of the Rogoney and Savonnette. As some began to gain proficiency, they were taken on ski touring excursions with seal skins on Solaise or from La Daille to the Col de Fresse. "On the descent," Fernand BONNEVIE recounts, "we made traverses interrupted by conversions or a snowplow turn that already resembled the 'stem'"
In the winter of 36-37, Charles DIEBOLD established the first French Ski School, where about ten locals worked within an organised office framework, moving away from the individualism of the early years. During a visit to Val d'Isère, ministers Pierre COT and Léo LAGRANGE were caught by surprise by the snow, boosting the station's fame. In the summer of 1937, President Albert LEBRUN inaugurated the road to Col de l'Iseran. The French Ski Federation, in collaboration with the Val d'Isère tourist office, organised the first summer ski competition on the Pissaillas Glacier, featuring downhill and slalom events with the participation of the French team and local champions including René BAZILE. The President awarded trophies to the winners, among whom was international champion Emile ALLAIS, who won the first grand prize. By the end of 1937, Val d'Isère had become a fully-fledged tourist resort.
From 1937-38 onwards, the first French ski instructor diplomas were created, and naturally, the BAZILE and BONNEVIE brothers received the first medals (Emile ALLAIS received the first one)
Conceived by Charles DIEBOLD, 1938 saw the birth of the "Chamois de France." Today, this badge is still highly esteemed in all the French Ski Schools throughout France. In 1938, the STVI (Val d'Isère's ski lift company) was also established, marking a significant step in the development of the resort's infrastructure. Concurrently, the central school for ski instructor training opened its doors at Joseray, thereby solidifying the professional training of ski instructors in Val d'Isère.
From 1939 to 1948
In 1939, there were about ten locals teaching under the direction of the Alsatian Winter TOMIAC just as construction began on the Solaise ski lift. The resort was in full expansion mode when... the war broke out.
Between 1944 and 1945, they continued working during these disrupted years. With tourist traffic being quite limited, the few vacationers were cherished, and ski touring excursions were organised not only on Solaise but also towards Iseran, Bellevarde, Charvet, and even Grande Motte.
On Solaise, three slopes were created:
On Solaise, three slopes were created:
- "A" (the first marked slope in 1934, hence its name: the first letter of the alphabet!),
- "S" (named for its winding path and opened in 1943)
- and "M" (for "moyen" which means "intermediate", created in 1948).
By 1942, Val d'Isère had 242 inhabitants.
In June 1944, Germain MATTIS, a ski instructor highly regarded by his colleagues and students, was arrested by a patrol and deported to the Neuengamme camp in Germany.
His fellow instructors wanted to honor his memory by naming a slope after him, the "Germain MATTIS" slope.
In June 1944, Germain MATTIS, a ski instructor highly regarded by his colleagues and students, was arrested by a patrol and deported to the Neuengamme camp in Germany.
His fellow instructors wanted to honor his memory by naming a slope after him, the "Germain MATTIS" slope.
Starting from the winter of 1945, the French Ski Schools began to organise itself. Gaston CATHIARD, who succeeded Winter TOMIAC from 1942 to 1960, took over the direction of the esf in Val d'Isère. During this time, he laid the foundations for the National Union of Instructors. He became the leader of the school, initially located near the "Hôtel des Glaciers." Gaston CATHIARD was supported in his role by the core group of pioneers, to whom young locals from Val d'Isère or the High Tarentaise Valley were added each year. These individuals, known as "the elders," were the ones who shaped the esf, accumulating solid experience over the years in both teaching—developing pedagogical methods on the job—and their innate understanding of the mountains, often passed down through generations.
Here is the first list of instructors:
- 1. BAZILE René
- 2. BONNEVIE Adolphe
- 3. BONNEVIE Fernand
- 4. COHENDOZ Antoine (« coin-coin »)
- 5. GATE Robert
- 6. MANGARD Rémi
- 7. MORIS Guy
- 8. EYMIEUX Raymond
- 9. GUNIE Jean
- 10. ?
- 11. SCARAFIOTTI Joachim
- 12. MATTIS Félix
- 13. JACCOD Amédé
- 14. ?
- 15. GAIDET Esther
- 16. JACCOD Paul
- 17. MATTIS Sylvain
- 18. MORIS René
- 19. MATTIS Firmin
- 20. MORIS Fernand
- 21. ARPIN Jean (dit Jean XXI)
- 22. ?
- 23. BONNEVIE Jean (dit Jean XXIII) comme le pape
Note: The first women instructors were Annie MAILLARD (a gardener) and Paule ERNY MORIS. It's worth noting that in 1955, out of 500 certified instructors, there were only 10 women (2%), including Paule ERNY MORIS
In 1947, Charles DIEBOLD brilliantly organised the first "Grand Prix de Printemps." It was an immediate success! By the third year, this competition had risen to become one of the most prestigious sporting events, eventually evolving into the "Critérium de la Première Neige" in 1955. The first Tarentaise ski team included no fewer than four locals from Val d'Isère: Henri OREILLER, Firmin MATTIS, René and Fernand MORIS. During this competition, the team wore sweaters knitted by women from Val d'Isère depicting a white eagle, symbolising the strength and vitality of our valley! In 1948, Henri OREILLER, son of a baker, won gold in downhill skiing and combined events at the Winter Olympics in Saint Moritz
From the 50s to the 60s
The first National Challenge of Instructors took place in 1951 in Méribel and was won by René MORIS. He also won it individually and as part of a team in 1953. Once again, Gaston CATHIARD was the founder of this event. The esf of Val d'Isère could then proudly boast of winning numerous challenges (11 to date!), on par with the ENSA (École Nationale de Ski et d'Alpinisme). It's worth noting that in 1949/50, the Coves ski jump (still visible in ruins today) was inaugurated for ski jumping, where enthusiasts made leaps of up to 50 meters. Additionally, the Bellevarde ski lift opened for Christmas in 1952
In late 1954, Val d'Isère hosted the 3rd International Ski Congress, an event that had a significant impact. It was an opportunity for the municipality to invest in new facilities, which would house our new esf, the town hall, and the community hall.
In 1955, the first "Critérium de la Première Neige" was organised. During this edition, Jean BOURDALEIX from Chambéry, a member of the French team, reached the podium in giant slalom and combined events. Firmin MATTIS from Val d'Isère won the slalom. Jean Claude KILLY, still a child at the time, was among those taught by Adolphe BONNEVIE and dreamt of matching the achievements of Firmin MATTIS, who later became his coach. Firmin also coached many young talents from Val d'Isère, including confirmed prospects like the Goitschel sisters, Patrice BIANCHI, Ingrid JACQUEMOD, and others. The lessons from the instructors bore fruit...
By 1956, Val d'Isère had grown to 528 inhabitants and 36 hotels. It was recognised as the "most sportive high-altitude resort in France." Guy ARPIN and the esf of Val d'Isère won the challenge.
In June 1957, our village experienced a significant flood, and in 1959, measures were taken to contain the Isère River.
Starting from 1959-60, Gaston CATHIARD handed over the direction of the esf to René MORIS, who would ensure the continuity and development of the school for the next 20 years. Between 1945 and 1960, the esf grew from about thirty instructors to over sixty, reaching one hundred by 1978.
In June 1957, our village experienced a significant flood, and in 1959, measures were taken to contain the Isère River.
Starting from 1959-60, Gaston CATHIARD handed over the direction of the esf to René MORIS, who would ensure the continuity and development of the school for the next 20 years. Between 1945 and 1960, the esf grew from about thirty instructors to over sixty, reaching one hundred by 1978.
Among them were many great skiers, and during this time, the esf of Val d'Isère achieved numerous victories in the instructor challenge.
In 1962, Philippe MATTIS was in action... he won at home! Then, the esf won the team trophy in 1964, 1965, 1966, 1968, 1969, and 1970!
In 1962, Philippe MATTIS was in action... he won at home! Then, the esf won the team trophy in 1964, 1965, 1966, 1968, 1969, and 1970!
During the same 1960s era, our Val d'Isère champions triumphed. Firstly, with Christine and Marielle GOITSCHEL, followed by Jean Claude KILLY. Upon their return, they were carried in triumph by our instructors and the people of Val d'Isère. The town celebrated...
The evolution continued... In 1967, the Daille ski lift began operating. In 1971, an agreement between STGM (Tignes) and STVI (Val d'Isère) allowed skiers to move between the two resorts. The Iseran ski lift, on the other hand, began operating in 1972.
The evolution continued... In 1967, the Daille ski lift began operating. In 1971, an agreement between STGM (Tignes) and STVI (Val d'Isère) allowed skiers to move between the two resorts. The Iseran ski lift, on the other hand, began operating in 1972.
From the 70s to today
In the 1970s, skiing became more accessible to the general public: new equipment emerged, visitor numbers increased, and Val d'Isère expanded rapidly. With the station experiencing strong growth, new independent ski schools were established alongside the esf. The esf transformed from a mere team into a full-fledged enterprise. The veterans who had witnessed the evolution of various teaching methods over time adapted to these new developments.
Every year, our school organised memorable instructor celebrations featuring ski blessings, raffles, torchlight descents, dances, parades, costume contests, and more. In 1974, the esf of Val d'Isère once again won the instructors' team challenge (with Alain CHAUDAN, Alain MARCHAND, and André GUNIE)...
Every year, our school organised memorable instructor celebrations featuring ski blessings, raffles, torchlight descents, dances, parades, costume contests, and more. In 1974, the esf of Val d'Isère once again won the instructors' team challenge (with Alain CHAUDAN, Alain MARCHAND, and André GUNIE)...
In 1979, Patrice Leconte filmed "French Fried Vacation 2" in the resort. Fernand BONNEVIE became a cinematic star thanks to his famous ski pole planting lesson given to Michel Blanc in the movie
In that same year, René MORIS handed over the reins to the new director, Jean Louis MORIS, for 3 years.
During the winter of 1979-1980, the esf office opened in La Daille, with Jean Lou MORIS as the Director.
From 1983 to 1989, Bertrand CATELAN served as the head of our esf. In 1984, the resort celebrated its 50th anniversary! What a journey it has been... Changes continued to unfold. The center of Val d'Isère was restructured in 1987, and the school was relocated and rebuilt. Also in 1987, the "Funival" funicular began operation.
In 1988, Didier BONNEVIE, Lionel FAYOLLE, and Olivier REBERT won the team challenge of the instructors: it was the 10th victory for the esf of Val d'Isère! Our school also boasts a world speed skiing champion in monoski, Emmanuel BELLIER, and a French champion in Speed skiing, Philippe GOITSCHEL. By 1989, the esf had grown to include 150 instructors, 40 coaches, and 19 guides. That same year, Bernard CATELAN stepped down as director, passing the baton to Jean Claude CRAMPE, who led our school from 1989 to 1999. During the 1990s, Val d'Isère hosted the instructor challenge in 1989 and 1991. In 1992, the entire resort buzzed with excitement as it hosted the Winter Olympics on the Face de Bellevarde
Our staff continues to grow, and today, the ESF is one of the most prominent ski schools in France.
1936: 10 instructors
1945: 30 instructors
1959/60: 60 instructors
1973: 75 à 120 instructors (depending on the time of the year)
1978: 100 instructors
1989/90: 150 instructors + 40 entraîneurs + 19 guides
1992/93: 200 instructors
1993/94: 250 instructors
2003: 300 instructors
2006: 353 instructors
Since 2018: over 400 instructors
1945: 30 instructors
1959/60: 60 instructors
1973: 75 à 120 instructors (depending on the time of the year)
1978: 100 instructors
1989/90: 150 instructors + 40 entraîneurs + 19 guides
1992/93: 200 instructors
1993/94: 250 instructors
2003: 300 instructors
2006: 353 instructors
Since 2018: over 400 instructors
In 1999, Michel BOBBI was elected as director.
During the winter of 2002, Stéphane MONGELLAZ won the instructors' challenge, and in 2005, Pierre PAQUIN raised the colours of our school both individually and as part of the team.
Val d'Isère hosted the "FIS Alpine World Ski Championships" with tremendous success during the winter of 2009 on the "Face de Bellevarde," and many of our instructors participated in this event. Already accustomed to working every early season for the "Critérium de la Première Neige," they were actively involved in preparing various courses, smoothing them, ensuring control, and also providing guidance as guides to various VIPs, journalists, and even high-level athletes to introduce them to our fantastic and extensive ski area
De 2009 à mai 2017, Patrice MONNIER a succédé à Michel BOBBI en tant que directeur de notre Ecole de ski.
Au cours de l'hiver 2011, Mathieu BOZZETTO remporte une belle médaille olympique lors des JO de Vancouver... Il a depuis, rejoint les rangs au sein de notre école en tant que moniteur !
Depuis 2013, notre ESF est dotée d'un nouveau chalet de 200 m2 au coeur du jardin d'enfant et une rénovation complète a été effectuée au sein du chalet d'accueil du centre. Le site internet est également en constante amélioration et comporte désormais un site marchand accessible aux tablettes et smartphones.
Depuis juin 2017, Franck TRIOULLIER, est directeur de notre Ecole de ski.
Dynamisme, progrès, enthousiasme, rigueur, qualité..., nous continuons notre belle aventure...
Et comment ne pas terminer ces lignes sans une immense pensée pour tous nos moniteurs disparus, qui ont laissé leurs traces comme une marque indélébile dans l'histoire du village, du ski et de notre ECOLE... C'est à eux que cet historique est dédié.
During the winter of 2002, Stéphane MONGELLAZ won the instructors' challenge, and in 2005, Pierre PAQUIN raised the colours of our school both individually and as part of the team.
Val d'Isère hosted the "FIS Alpine World Ski Championships" with tremendous success during the winter of 2009 on the "Face de Bellevarde," and many of our instructors participated in this event. Already accustomed to working every early season for the "Critérium de la Première Neige," they were actively involved in preparing various courses, smoothing them, ensuring control, and also providing guidance as guides to various VIPs, journalists, and even high-level athletes to introduce them to our fantastic and extensive ski area
De 2009 à mai 2017, Patrice MONNIER a succédé à Michel BOBBI en tant que directeur de notre Ecole de ski.
Au cours de l'hiver 2011, Mathieu BOZZETTO remporte une belle médaille olympique lors des JO de Vancouver... Il a depuis, rejoint les rangs au sein de notre école en tant que moniteur !
Depuis 2013, notre ESF est dotée d'un nouveau chalet de 200 m2 au coeur du jardin d'enfant et une rénovation complète a été effectuée au sein du chalet d'accueil du centre. Le site internet est également en constante amélioration et comporte désormais un site marchand accessible aux tablettes et smartphones.
Depuis juin 2017, Franck TRIOULLIER, est directeur de notre Ecole de ski.
Dynamisme, progrès, enthousiasme, rigueur, qualité..., nous continuons notre belle aventure...
Et comment ne pas terminer ces lignes sans une immense pensée pour tous nos moniteurs disparus, qui ont laissé leurs traces comme une marque indélébile dans l'histoire du village, du ski et de notre ECOLE... C'est à eux que cet historique est dédié.
From 2009 to May 2017, Patrice MONNIER succeeded Michel BOBBI as the director of our ski school.
During the winter of 2011, Mathieu BOZZETTO won a beautiful Olympic medal at the Vancouver Winter Olympics... Since then, he has joined our school as an instructor!
Since 2013, our esf has had a new 200 square metre chalet in the heart of the children's garden, and a complete renovation has been carried out at the reception chalet in the center. The website has also been constantly improved and now includes an online store accessible on tablets and smartphones.
Since June 2017, Franck TRIOULLIER has been the director of our ski school.
Dynamism, progress, enthusiasm, rigor, quality... We continue our beautiful journey!
And how could we not end these lines without a profound thought for all our departed instructors, who have left their mark as an indelible imprint in the history of the village, skiing, and our SCHOOL... This historical account is dedicated to them.
During the winter of 2011, Mathieu BOZZETTO won a beautiful Olympic medal at the Vancouver Winter Olympics... Since then, he has joined our school as an instructor!
Since 2013, our esf has had a new 200 square metre chalet in the heart of the children's garden, and a complete renovation has been carried out at the reception chalet in the center. The website has also been constantly improved and now includes an online store accessible on tablets and smartphones.
Since June 2017, Franck TRIOULLIER has been the director of our ski school.
Dynamism, progress, enthusiasm, rigor, quality... We continue our beautiful journey!
And how could we not end these lines without a profound thought for all our departed instructors, who have left their mark as an indelible imprint in the history of the village, skiing, and our SCHOOL... This historical account is dedicated to them.
Writer of this history: Laurence FLECHET