Esf Val Thorens is also a family affair!
Published on 27/03/2025 - Written by Amélie
Created in the 1970s, Val Thorens can boast of being the highest ski resort in Europe and, as a result, attracts visitors from all over the world. Today, the resort has over 300 instructors who teach winter sports to young and old alike, whatever their level.
Among them are several members of the Berthon family, including Kévin, Director of esf Val Thorens. Here's a look back at his father Patrick's career and the central role played by skiing in their tribe!
From the Vosges to esf Val Thorens
Born in Mulhouse in Alsace, Patrick Berthon learned to ski with his brother Éric from their mother. Born into a family of skiers, she was a volunteer instructor for the "snow Wednesdays" organised in the Vosges to give children from local communes the chance to discover the sport.
In autumn 1974, Patrick's parents discovered Val Thorens on a holiday with friends. Enchanted, they decided to take their children there for the end-of-year festivities, and then every year during the winter and Easter holidays.
In autumn 1974, Patrick's parents discovered Val Thorens on a holiday with friends. Enchanted, they decided to take their children there for the end-of-year festivities, and then every year during the winter and Easter holidays.
Patrick and Éric improved their skiing skills by taking part in competition courses, the area offering them far more possibilities than the Vosges.
In 1978, when there weren't enough professionals to meet the needs of the time, the esf offered Patrick his first job as an instructor. He then developed a taste for teaching and became a full-time instructor in the winter of 1980-1981, after his military service in Germany.
Meet the team of instructors!Skiing, a cross-generational passion
The two brothers took part in numerous competitions, and Éric became World Moguls Champion in Tignes in 1986. He also qualified for the 1988 (Calgary) and 1992 (Albertville) Olympic Winter Games.
Skiing is also a very important part of the lives of Patrick's three children.
Skiing is also a very important part of the lives of Patrick's three children.
Kelly, 25, is an aspiring instructor and is taking part in the Freeride World Tour Challenger; Shannon, 34, is a community manager at Salomon and teaches skiing during the school holidays.
Kevin, their brother, is now the director of esf Val Thorens, while Bastien, Shannon's husband, is an instructor every weekend and takes part in occasional activities at the school.
A wide range of activities in Val Thorens
With the disappearance of the glacier, Patrick can no longer ski in the summer. For a long time, he diversified his disciplines: he was one of the first instructors to teach snowboarding, and also offered moguls and free ride courses.
Today, his work is mainly focused on ski lessons at Club Med and the Val Thorens esf, a resort with a bright future.
Situated at an altitude of 2300 m, Val Thorens offers quality snow that allows you to ski for around 5 months - a much longer season than other resorts in the Alps. Proud of how far his children have come, and aware of the privileged location of the ski school, Patrick is fulfilled by his passion!
Situated at an altitude of 2300 m, Val Thorens offers quality snow that allows you to ski for around 5 months - a much longer season than other resorts in the Alps. Proud of how far his children have come, and aware of the privileged location of the ski school, Patrick is fulfilled by his passion!
Gain confidence on the slopes!