From competition to coaching with Philippe
From race to transmission: he now shares what he learned at the highest level
Published on 09/03/2026 - Written by Amélie
An instructor with the ESF Méribel since 2005, Philippe Lau uses his past as a competitor to enrich his lessons and his teaching methods. Club des sports, junior world championships and world cups: his career illustrates his passion for winter sports, his rigour and his high standards. From his beginnings to his favourite disciplines in the resort, discover the portrait of a loyal ski school instructor!
Skiing, an obvious passion
Born in Méribel, Philippe Lau learned to ski from his parents just after he had learned to walk. His love of the sport and its environment won him over at an early age, and set the course for his future career. While he first mastered downhill skiing, he discovered many other sports such as snowboarding and cross-country skiing as part of his apprenticeship at the Sports Club, which he joined when he was 14.
Encouraged by a coach, Philippe then turned to telemark skiing, where he was attracted by the friendlier, more accessible environment. He entered the ski-study programme at Bourg-Saint-Maurice secondary school, then the classic programme at lycée, while continuing to ski at the same time. Thanks to better recognition of telemark skiing, he joined a ski-study programme during his DUT at Annecy.
Encouraged by a coach, Philippe then turned to telemark skiing, where he was attracted by the friendlier, more accessible environment. He entered the ski-study programme at Bourg-Saint-Maurice secondary school, then the classic programme at lycée, while continuing to ski at the same time. Thanks to better recognition of telemark skiing, he joined a ski-study programme during his DUT at Annecy.
Discover telemark skiing with PhilippeA course with a world championThe impressive list of achievements of Philippe, instructor at ESF Méribel
Building on his experience and level, Philippe took part in the Junior World Championships. His good results enabled him to move up the ranks and compete in the World Cup from 2006 until 2019 - apart from a few participations in competitions in France for fun. No fewer than 58 World Cup victories, 3 World Championship gold medals and 12 crystal globes make up his list of achievements!
Alongside his competitions and training, Philippe gives ski lessons at the ESF Méribel. He also decided to take his instructor's diploma and obtained his state diploma in 2014, finishing at the top level.
20 years as a ski instructor at ESF Méribel
Today, the native of the resort offers a wide range of lessons, from snowboarding to downhill skiing and telemark skiing - the sport which, in his opinion, offers the most freedom. In particular, he devotes his time to competition courses, designed for teenagers and young skiers aiming to pass their ski instructor's exams.
His approach to teaching is based on his passion for passing on his knowledge; he enjoys talking to a wide variety of people and has built up many friendships over the years. Seeing his customers progress and enjoy their skiing is his greatest satisfaction.
Philippe's favourite spots? Courchevel Moriond, where the teaching conditions are good, the crowds are low and the slopes have good quality snow all day long. He also enjoys going to Mont Vallon in the mornings, the Olympic Express area or Saint-Martin: quiet spots where you can fully appreciate the environment. Come and take ski lessons with Philippe at the ESF Méribel!
Philippe's favourite spots? Courchevel Moriond, where the teaching conditions are good, the crowds are low and the slopes have good quality snow all day long. He also enjoys going to Mont Vallon in the mornings, the Olympic Express area or Saint-Martin: quiet spots where you can fully appreciate the environment. Come and take ski lessons with Philippe at the ESF Méribel!
Downhill skiing, snowboarding, telemark skiingCall on Philippe for your lessons at ESF Méribel