Teaching in 5 languages: Gérard puts his passion at the service of tourists from all over the world!
Published on 08/01/2026 - Written by Amélie
During his 45-year career as a ski instructor, Gérard Dusserre has travelled to many countries and learnt several languages. These skills enable him to give lessons to foreign tourists who come to Val Thorens to learn or improve their downhill skiing! Passionate about his sport and keen to meet new people, Gérard talks about his unusual career.
Ski instructor in South America: a seminal experience
Originally from Ancelle, a small ski resort near Gap, Gérard grew up on the slopes and developed a taste for the mountains and winter sports. Over the years, he developed an adventurous spirit and a thirst for discovery. He obtained his instructor's diploma after studying skiing in Barcelonnette and then, on the advice of a Chilean skier, travelled to Chile to discover the South American ski resorts.
Gérard began his career in the exceptional setting of the Andes Mountains. For almost 8 years, he alternated between the winter season in Europe and the winter season on the other side of the Atlantic, while taking a few weeks' holiday on the beaches of Brazil to slow down the pace. He then worked in the resorts of San Carlos de Bariloche in Argentina and La Parva and Portillo in Chile. Although the infrastructure was less developed in the 1980s, this was a seminal experience for Gérard, who learned to speak Spanish, Portuguese and English.
Gérard began his career in the exceptional setting of the Andes Mountains. For almost 8 years, he alternated between the winter season in Europe and the winter season on the other side of the Atlantic, while taking a few weeks' holiday on the beaches of Brazil to slow down the pace. He then worked in the resorts of San Carlos de Bariloche in Argentina and La Parva and Portillo in Chile. Although the infrastructure was less developed in the 1980s, this was a seminal experience for Gérard, who learned to speak Spanish, Portuguese and English.
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A tailor-made downhill skiing courseA versatile course before the ESF Val Thorens
On his return from South America, Gérard worked for a time as a tour leader in Morocco and Tunisia, before moving to Switzerland, where he spent 20 years as a mountain leader and ski instructor.
Keen to return to France, Gérard seized the opportunity offered by the opening of Club Med in Val Thorens. With its excellent snow conditions and its location at the heart of the 3 Vallées ski area, the resort offered teachers dream conditions. Thanks to his mastery of foreign languages (he also has a solid knowledge of Italian), Gérard is one of the most sought-after instructors to give ski lessons to tourists from faraway places.
Keen to return to France, Gérard seized the opportunity offered by the opening of Club Med in Val Thorens. With its excellent snow conditions and its location at the heart of the 3 Vallées ski area, the resort offered teachers dream conditions. Thanks to his mastery of foreign languages (he also has a solid knowledge of Italian), Gérard is one of the most sought-after instructors to give ski lessons to tourists from faraway places.
Enjoy ski lessons with a passionate instructor in Val Thorens!
"To do this job for a long time, you have to love people", Gérard sums up. Being a ski instructor requires great interpersonal skills, as well as an ability to adapt, empathy and attention. Using a caring approach, the Ancelle native helps his pupils to progress on the slopes and takes the opportunity to learn more about their culture: "these exchanges are nourishing and help to deconstruct the prejudices that we may hear".
Whether you come from France or elsewhere, Gérard will be delighted to teach you how to ski or perfect your technique, as well as showing you around Cime Caron and Pointe du Boucher, two of his favourite spots in Val Thorens!
Whether you come from France or elsewhere, Gérard will be delighted to teach you how to ski or perfect your technique, as well as showing you around Cime Caron and Pointe du Boucher, two of his favourite spots in Val Thorens!
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