Far from the groomed slopes, Fred Chabert teaches you to read the mountains differently
Published on 22/12/2025 - Written by Amélie
The highest ski resort in Europe, Val Thorens enjoys a privileged location in the heart of the 3 Valleys. To make the most of the resort, the ESF offers a wide range of ski and snowboard lessons for all the family.
But other activities, such as ski touring, off-piste skiing and ice climbing, allow you to discover another facet of the resort and its surroundings. Here's the proof with Fred Chabert, who has been a mountain instructor and guide in Val Thorens for almost 15 years.
Teacher, ski instructor and mountain guide
Originally from the Vercors region of France, Fred admits that he fell into the passion for skiing "like Obelix in the pot when he was little". Both his father and grandfather were ski instructors, so it was only natural that he should follow in their footsteps, training as a carpenter at the same time.
After taking part in a number of competitions, Fred joined the ENSA (Ecole Nationale de Ski et d'Alpinisme) in Chamonix as a teacher, training future ski instructors. He has been involved with the school for some twenty years, teaching at all levels and gradually specialising in off-piste skiing.
This new environment fascinated him and gave him a different perspective on the mountains and their ecosystem. He qualified as a mountain guide in 2015.
The freeride experienceEveryday off-piste skiing in Val Thorens
After many trips to South America, Korea and Lebanon to train the instructors and athletes of tomorrow, Fred arrived in Val Thorens during the 2011-2012 season. With his wife having grown up here, he settled in and initially split his time between training at ENSA and as an instructor, before working full time at the resort. At the ESF, he now has the dual role of ski instructor and high mountain guide, enabling him to live out his passion for the great outdoors to the full.
Off-piste skiing means giving specific technical advice to his students. Before each outing, Fred takes care to gather as much information as possible by talking to the piste patrollers and other professionals in the field. He also consults the BERA and weather reports to assess the conditions and avalanche risk in the area.
Off-piste skiing means giving specific technical advice to his students. Before each outing, Fred takes care to gather as much information as possible by talking to the piste patrollers and other professionals in the field. He also consults the BERA and weather reports to assess the conditions and avalanche risk in the area.
His courses, most of which are private, are an opportunity to discover spectacular glaciers, such as Gébroulaz, and to cross couloirs using a rope and harness. A unique experience for ski lovers looking for something new and adventurous!
Taking your time to enjoy the mountains
From Lac du Loup to the Orelle sector, Val Thorens has a wealth of renowned off-piste and ski touring areas. Fred offers a fun, relaxed approach to his lessons. On every outing, he takes the time to involve his students in the safety process.
The presentation of the equipment, the instructions and the day's conditions becomes a time for discussion: together, they analyse the snow data and adjust the choice of route according to the group's technical abilities; in this way, they become aware of the issues and adapt their behaviour to the activity they are practising.
Fred sees his lessons as an opportunity to get away from the busy resort, but also to "take time to enjoy the environment and the moment". A slow, gradual effort is also better for your physical condition, and will lead you to take on challenges you hadn't dared imagine before. Snowboarding, off-piste skiing, ski touring or ice climbing initiation: take advantage of all Fred Chabert's skills during your stay in Val Thorens!
Fred sees his lessons as an opportunity to get away from the busy resort, but also to "take time to enjoy the environment and the moment". A slow, gradual effort is also better for your physical condition, and will lead you to take on challenges you hadn't dared imagine before. Snowboarding, off-piste skiing, ski touring or ice climbing initiation: take advantage of all Fred Chabert's skills during your stay in Val Thorens!
Get away from it all with ski touring