49 years of teaching on the slopes: portrait of a ski instructor like no other!

If you've been to Val Thorens during your winter holidays, you may already have spotted a pink helmet on the slopes. A sparkling and original accessory in the image of the instructor who wears it, and proudly matches it with her iconic red esf outfit.

Fabienne came to the Vallée des Belleville after living in Grenoble for 10 years, following her father, a professional fireman who was also a ski and mountaineering instructor. It was a change of environment for the whole family and a challenge for the little girl she was at the time, to find her place among children born in the three neighbouring resorts.

This challenge was met when she joined the ski club and took part in her first competitions, but also thanks to the many contributions made to the valley by her father, Francis Pandier, who created the Firemen's Christmas, initiated a trip to Grâce and inaugurated a first-aid station.

Following the ski club and slalom competitions, it was only natural that Fabienne should look to become a ski instructor in Les Menuires. Although the situation in the Vallée des Belleville was not favourable at the time, the very recent Val Thorens ski school offered her a job straight away. The resort, which had been created a few years earlier, was growing and recruiting, despite the fact that opinions were still divided on its creation.

So Fabienne took the SETAM bus to the resort every day. Before embarking on her first season, she teaches beginners on the glacier during the summer and guides more experienced skiers on the Péclet. These areas are accessible via a chairlift that was closed some 28 years ago. She then began the winter season in kindergarten before moving on once she had her 2ᵉ degree Brevet d'Etat in her pocket, obtained at the age of 18, and guiding her first groups of children and adults in downhill skiing.

Over the years, Fabienne has always remained loyal to esf Val Thorens and now has 49 seasons under her belt, with the same pleasure in skiing with her students. For some of them, she is now teaching the third generation of the family the essential technical skills. Every year, grandparents, parents and children come together to share a memorable holiday with our dynamic instructor, who "has a lot of fun in her job and always tries to keep her spirits up".

Her good humour and sunny personality are something that many of them enjoy every year on the slopes. It's an opportunity to perfect their technique, but also to discover Fabienne's positive philosophy. Whatever the conditions, this Savoyard at heart invites them out to learn to ski in all weathers, but also to enjoy the fresh air and recharge their batteries. So, are you ready to follow her to the 3 Vallées ski area ?