Famous French Skiers

Jean-Claude Killy is a French former World Cup alpine ski racer who dominated the sport in the late 1960s. He achieved great success as a triple Olympic champion by winning all three alpine events at the 1968 Winter Olympics. Killy also made history by clinching the first two World Cup titles in 1967 and 1968. His outstanding achievements on the slopes solidified his reputation as one of the most successful and talented athletes of his time, leaving a lasting legacy in the world of alpine skiing.

Alexis Pinturault is a highly accomplished French alpine ski racer with an impressive track record in the World Cup circuit. He holds the title of the most successful French skier in World Cup history, boasting 34 victories. Pinturault has represented France at multiple World Championships and Winter Olympics, earning four bronze medals in the giant slalom. His achievements include being the overall World Cup champion in 2021, double combined world champion, and a two-time world junior champion in giant slalom.

Mathieu Faivre is a prominent French alpine ski racer known for his expertise in giant slalom. He has represented France in multiple Winter Olympics and World Championships, showcasing his exceptional skills on the slopes. In 2021, Faivre's talent was highlighted as he clinched two gold medals in giant slalom and parallel giant slalom events at the World Championships. His dedication, hard work, and remarkable performances have solidified his position as one of the top athletes in the alpine skiing world.

Tessa Worley is a retired French alpine ski racer and former non-commissioned officer. Throughout her career, she excelled in giant slalom, one of the five alpine disciplines. Worley competed at the highest level in World Cup competitions, showcasing her exceptional skills on the slopes. Known for her precision and technique, she established herself as a dominant force in giant slalom events. With a focus on this specialized discipline, Worley achieved numerous victories and accolades during her professional skiing career.

David Poisson was a French alpine ski racer known for his expertise in speed events. He debuted on the World Cup circuit in 2004 and represented France at the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver, achieving a 7th place finish in the downhill event. His career highlights include winning bronze in the downhill at the 2013 World Championships and earning his only World Cup podium in Santa Caterina in 2015. Tragically, Poisson passed away in 2017 during a training crash in Canada, striking a tree after going through safety netting.

Jean-Marc Boivin was a versatile and accomplished French adventurer known for his pioneering exploits in extreme sports. He set several altitude records in hang gliding and paragliding, achieved numerous first ascents and ski descents in the Alps, and was part of a team that broke a sub-glacial diving record. Boivin made history by being the first person to paraglide from the summit of Mount Everest. Tragically, he passed away following injuries sustained while BASE jumping off Angel Falls in Venezuela, the world's tallest waterfall.

Luc Alphand is a former World Cup alpine ski racer who excelled in speed events before transitioning to a successful career as a race car driver. His expertise in skiing allowed him to achieve numerous victories in the World Cup circuit. After retiring from skiing, Alphand seamlessly transitioned to motorsports, where he showcased his skills as a talented race car driver. He continued to compete and achieve success in various racing events, solidifying his reputation as a versatile and accomplished athlete.

Jean Vuarnet was a prominent alpine ski racer from France who achieved global recognition as an Olympic gold medalist. He revolutionized the sport of skiing by inventing the iconic "Tuck" skiing position, which has since become a fundamental technique in competitive skiing. Vuarnet's innovative approach to the sport not only earned him numerous accolades but also left a lasting impact on the skiing community worldwide. His contributions to the field of alpine skiing continue to be celebrated and studied by athletes and enthusiasts alike.

Candide Thovex is a renowned French professional skier, filmmaker, and entrepreneur. He has made a significant impact on the skiing world with his innovative style and groundbreaking achievements. Thovex is known for pushing boundaries and redefining what is possible on the slopes. Through his films and projects, he has inspired countless individuals and set new standards in the skiing industry. His dedication to the sport and creative vision have solidified his reputation as one of the most influential figures in skiing today.

Marie Edith Jeanne Bonlieu was a French alpine skier who competed in the women's downhill event at the 1956 Winter Olympics. She showcased her skills and determination on the slopes, representing her country with pride. Her athletic prowess and dedication to the sport earned her recognition among her peers and fans. Bonlieu's passion for skiing was evident in her performances, making her a respected figure in the skiing community.

Régine Cavagnoud was a highly accomplished alpine ski racer from France, known for her exceptional skills in the Super-G discipline. In 2001, she made history by becoming the World Cup and World Champion in Super-G. Throughout her career, she represented France at three Winter Olympics and competed in five world championships. Tragically, her promising professional life was cut short by a fatal high-speed collision during a training session, leaving the skiing world mourning the loss of a talented and dedicated athlete.

Vanessa Vidal is a former alpine skier from France, known for her participation in the 2002 and 2006 Winter Olympics. She made her debut in the Alpine Ski World Cup during the 1994–95 season and achieved her best World Cup finish in the 1999–2000 season. Vidal won the combined category of the French National Championship in 1997 and also secured a career-best fourth place in the slalom event at Bormio during the same season.

Taïna Barioz is a successful French alpine skier known for her impressive achievements in the sport. She has secured two podium finishes in the Alpine Skiing World Cup, both in giant slalom events. Additionally, she claimed first place in the 2014 FIS NorAms competition. Barioz also represented France at the 2018 Winter Olympics in PyeongChang, South Korea, where she showcased her talent by finishing in 19th place in the giant slalom event, emerging as the second-best French skier in the competition.

Marielle Goitschel is a retired French alpine skier known for her exceptional success in major championships and the Winter Olympics during the 1960s. Renowned for her dominance in slalom and downhill events, she achieved a total of 11 World Championships medals in alpine skiing. Notably, she secured multiple gold medals in various competitions, including the 1964 Winter Olympics and the 1966 World Championships in Chile. Goitschel's remarkable career culminated with a final gold medal in slalom at the 1968 Winter Olympics in Grenoble before retiring from competitive skiing.

Émile Allais was a pioneering figure in French alpine skiing, known for his exceptional racing career and innovative teaching methods. He achieved significant success in the late 1930s, winning multiple world championship titles and Olympic medals. As a technical director and consultant, he contributed to advancements in slope preparation and ski design, collaborating with industry leaders like Skis Rossignol. Allais played a key role in the development of modern skiing techniques and equipment, leaving a lasting impact on the sport worldwide.

Perrine Pelen is a former World Cup alpine ski racer from France. She had a successful career, winning multiple medals at the Winter Olympics and World Championships. Pelen also achieved notable victories in World Cup races and secured the season title in slalom. After retiring from competition, she pursued further education and graduated from HEC Paris. Her achievements on the slopes and in academics demonstrate a well-rounded and accomplished professional life.

Clément Noël is a prominent French alpine ski racer known for his expertise in the slalom discipline. He made a significant impact in the skiing world by finishing fourth in the slalom event at the 2018 Winter Olympics. His remarkable journey continued as he clinched the gold medal in the slalom competition at the 2022 Winter Olympics, solidifying his status as one of the top athletes in his field. Noël's impressive performances have cemented his reputation as a skilled and accomplished competitor in alpine skiing.

Marie Bochet is a highly accomplished French alpine skier and Paralympic Champion. She made her mark in the skiing world at a young age and has since become a dominant force in the sport. Bochet has competed in multiple IPC Alpine Skiing World Championships and Winter Paralympic Games, consistently showcasing her talent and determination by winning numerous gold medals. Beyond her athletic achievements, Bochet has also taken on leadership roles within the International Paralympic Committee, further solidifying her status as a respected figure in the Paralympic community.

Christine Goitschel was a prominent French alpine skier who achieved great success in her career. She and her sister Marielle were considered the world's best female skiers after the 1964 Winter Olympics. They made history as the first female siblings on the same individual event's Olympic podium. Goitschel retired from her sporting career after the 1968 Winter Olympics, due to an injury. She later married her coach and together they opened the ski resort of Val Thorens. Goitschel also ventured into publishing sports magazines. She received prestigious honors for her contributions to the sport.

Carole Montillet-Carles is a highly accomplished French alpine ski racer with an impressive career in the World Cup circuit and the Olympics. She has achieved significant success in her sport, winning an Olympic gold medal and establishing herself as a top competitor in alpine skiing. Known for her skill, determination, and competitive spirit, Montillet has made a lasting impact on the world of skiing and has earned a reputation as a talented and respected athlete.

Christophe Saioni is a retired French alpine skier who participated in the 1998 and 2002 Winter Olympics. Throughout his career, he showcased exceptional skill and dedication to the sport, competing at the highest level of international competition. He represented his country with pride and determination, demonstrating a deep passion for alpine skiing. Saioni's performances on the slopes inspired many aspiring athletes and left a lasting impact on the alpine skiing community.

Julien Lizeroux, a retired French World Cup alpine ski racer, specialized in slalom, giant slalom, and combined events. He achieved three World Cup victories in slalom and won silver medals at the 2009 World Championships. Lizeroux faced setbacks due to a problematic right knee, leading to surgery and missing the 2012 season. Despite challenges, he made a comeback in 2014 and had successful seasons from 2015 to 2017, including a world championship win in the team event. Lizeroux retired from professional skiing in January 2021.

Carole Merle is a prominent former French Alpine skier known for her expertise in Giant slalom and Super-G disciplines. Throughout her career, she achieved remarkable success by winning a total of 22 World Cup races, securing 6 World Cup season titles, and earning 1 World Championship gold medal. Her exceptional skills and dedication to the sport have cemented her legacy as one of the most accomplished athletes in the world of Alpine skiing, inspiring many with her outstanding achievements on the slopes.

Jean-Baptiste Grange is a retired French alpine ski racer who specialized in slalom and previously competed in giant slalom and combined events. He made his World Cup debut at age 19 and went on to win multiple World Cup races and titles, including the 2009 season title in slalom. Throughout his career, Grange also achieved success at the World Championships, winning medals and world titles in slalom events. Despite injuries that temporarily sidelined him, Grange returned to competition and continued to excel in his discipline.

Annie Famose is a retired French Alpine skier who achieved success in the 1960s. She was a key member of the dominant French national team and won multiple medals at top competitions. Known for her versatility, Famose excelled in the slalom discipline and secured victories in World Cup races. Her career highlights include winning the slalom World Cup title in 1967 and earning numerous podium finishes across different events. Famose retired from competitive skiing after the 1972 season.

Patrick Vallençant was a renowned French alpinist and skier who made significant contributions to the world of ski mountaineering. As a leader of the French school of ski mountaineers, he was known for his innovative techniques, including the creation of the "Pedal-Jump Turn." Vallençant's motto, "si tu tombes, tu meurs" ("you fall, you die"), reflected his fearless approach to the sport. He also co-founded the Degré 7 ski apparel company. Tragically, his life was cut short in a climbing accident unrelated to skiing.

Isabelle Mir is a highly accomplished former Alpine skier from France. She achieved great success during her career, winning silver medals at the 1968 Olympics and the 1970 FIS Alpine World Ski Championships. Mir also had impressive performances in the Alpine Skiing World Cup, winning the women's downhill in 1968 and 1970, and finishing second in 1967 and 1969. Her overall success in the 1968 Alpine Skiing World Cup further solidified her reputation as a top competitor in the sport.

Henri Oreiller was a highly accomplished alpine ski racer from France, known for his impressive success at the 1948 Winter Olympics in St. Moritz, Switzerland. He won two gold medals and a bronze at the Games, establishing himself as the most successful athlete of that event. Oreiller's skill and determination on the slopes made him a standout figure in the world of alpine skiing during his career, earning him recognition as an Olympic gold medalist and a respected competitor in the sport.

Guy Périllat Merceroz is a former World Cup alpine ski racer known for his exceptional skills on the slopes during the 1960s. Hailing from the renowned skiing destination of La Clusaz in Haute-Savoie, he established himself as one of the top ski racers of his time. Périllat's professional life was marked by numerous accomplishments and victories in alpine skiing competitions, showcasing his talent and dedication to the sport. His performance and achievements have solidified his legacy as a prominent figure in the world of alpine skiing.

Jean-Noël Augert is a renowned French former alpine skier known for his exceptional skills on the slopes. He made a significant mark in his career by competing in the 1972 Olympics, where he showcased his talent in the slalom and giant slalom events, finishing in fifth place. Augert's dedication and commitment to the sport earned him recognition as a skilled and competitive athlete in the world of alpine skiing, leaving a lasting legacy in the skiing community.

Henri Duvillard is a renowned French former alpine ski racer known for his exceptional versatility and achievements in various skiing disciplines. He holds the distinction of being one of only seven men to have won World Cup races in all disciplines that were contested during his time. Duvillard showcased his talent on the international stage by competing in multiple events at the 1972 Olympics, achieving a notable fourth-place finish in the slalom. His career is marked by remarkable skill, determination, and success in the world of alpine skiing.

Patrick Russel is a former French Alpine ski racer who achieved great success in the technical disciplines of giant slalom and slalom. Throughout his career, he won three discipline championships in the World Cup, including back-to-back slalom titles in 1969 and 1970, as well as a giant slalom championship in 1971. Russel also demonstrated his skill on the world stage by earning two silver medals in slalom and combined events at the 1970 World Championships in Val Gardena, Italy.

Alain Penz is a retired French alpine skier who achieved great success during his career. He represented France in the 1968 and 1972 Winter Olympics, showcasing his skills on the international stage. Penz was renowned as the world's top amateur slalom skier, demonstrating his exceptional talent and dedication to the sport. He also competed on the French team in the slalom World Cup, achieving notable results and tying twice. Penz's professional achievements highlight his prowess and contribution to the world of alpine skiing.