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Tricks, snowpark and freedom with Nathan
Tricks, snowpark and freedom: Nathan teaches freestyle skiing with passion in Méribel
Published on 02/03/2026 - Written by Marie
Passion is indeed the first word that springs to mind when talking to Nathan Thebaud, a former freestyle ski athlete and now an esf instructor in Méribel. But to sum him up in these few words would not do justice to the hyperactive nature of this native of Brittany.
Here's a portrait of an enthusiastic instructor who's passionate about skiing and snowboarding!
DNA jumping, a young non-conformist skier
Although he was born in Brittany, Nathan soon discovered the slopes and the joys of winter sports with his parents, who were passionate about the mountains. It was a real encounter with the mountain environment that made him want to jump even before he really knew how to ski, first during a week's holiday every year, then even more so when the family decided to move to La Plagne.
At the age of 11, Nathan joined the freestyle section of the local sports club. While his instinct continued to be to learn and perfect tricks, the club encouraged him to take up mogul skiing to improve his alpine skills and technique.
At the age of 11, Nathan joined the freestyle section of the local sports club. While his instinct continued to be to learn and perfect tricks, the club encouraged him to take up mogul skiing to improve his alpine skills and technique.
It was a winning combination, as Nathan quickly moved on to a series of competitions, including on the European circuit, and even took part in several World Cup events until he was 23.
It was an intense period, of which he still has precious memories, but one that also required sacrifices with his numerous trips to international events. He opted to return to his roots at La Plagne, taking advantage of his status as a top-level athlete to embark on an accelerated ski instructor training programme.
It was an intense period, of which he still has precious memories, but one that also required sacrifices with his numerous trips to international events. He opted to return to his roots at La Plagne, taking advantage of his status as a top-level athlete to embark on an accelerated ski instructor training programme.
Take a freestyle lesson with NathanHe puts his passion at the service of your learningFreestyle, a unique freedom that Nathan teaches today
After his first season teaching at La Plagne, Nathan joined the esf Méribel with the same enthusiasm and passion for freestyle skiing.
The school capitalises on his enthusiasm and experience, and soon entrusted him with dedicated courses, as well as responsibility for freestyle demonstrations as part of the Ski Show organised by the instructors every Wednesday evening during the school holidays.
Nathan is deeply grateful for this trust, which has enabled him to pass on his love of the sport to new generations. Children and teenagers who have been awarded the Étoile d'Or can take advantage of a freestyle course at Méribel to experience a new way of skiing, more fun and free than downhill.
Nathan is deeply grateful for this trust, which has enabled him to pass on his love of the sport to new generations. Children and teenagers who have been awarded the Étoile d'Or can take advantage of a freestyle course at Méribel to experience a new way of skiing, more fun and free than downhill.
While freestyle requires a good technical grounding and respect for essential safety rules, it frees you from constraints for a unique experience both on and off the slopes.
Private freestyle lessons: ready to take on the challenge with Nathan?
From children's beginners to teenagers, Nathan also sometimes takes adults snowboarding or skiing. Whatever the level of his pupils, he asks them what their motivations and objectives are, and adapts according to their answers, while maintaining an essential guideline: first tests on the slopes to evaluate alpine technique, first tricks without jumping (switch, 360° slide, etc.) and finally first jumps in the snowpark.
Nathan sees his role as esf instructor as that of a driving force, enabling them to gain confidence and perform their first tricks in complete safety, by finding their balance point and managing their bodies in space.
It's a real source of satisfaction for this former athlete, who finds his balance over the course of the season by wearing the red outfit, but also through a wide range of projects. A passionate hyperactive, Nathan also helps out as a coach for the Courchevel Freestyle Ski Club on 10 to 20 days during the season and shoots freeride clips for Black Crows, Pictures and Smith.
Nathan sees his role as esf instructor as that of a driving force, enabling them to gain confidence and perform their first tricks in complete safety, by finding their balance point and managing their bodies in space.
It's a real source of satisfaction for this former athlete, who finds his balance over the course of the season by wearing the red outfit, but also through a wide range of projects. A passionate hyperactive, Nathan also helps out as a coach for the Courchevel Freestyle Ski Club on 10 to 20 days during the season and shoots freeride clips for Black Crows, Pictures and Smith.
Days off? Yes, but Nathan never stays away from the powder and even took up the challenge of making his own freestyle film with two friends, Eliot Gorry and Antonin Rivet, last winter: SideKick.
For the rest of the year, he adapts to the changing seasons without ever giving up his passion for board sports , including skateboarding, wakeboarding and surfing. This enthusiastic freestyle skier promises you a unique session in Méribel! Ready for a new challenge?
For the rest of the year, he adapts to the changing seasons without ever giving up his passion for board sports , including skateboarding, wakeboarding and surfing. This enthusiastic freestyle skier promises you a unique session in Méribel! Ready for a new challenge?
Freestyle skiing in complete safetyLearn new tricks in Méribel