Off-piste, snowboarding and downhill skiing with Samy
In search of the perfect track: portrait of an ESF instructor off the beaten track
Published on 07/04/2026 - Written by Amélie
Originally from Hauteville-Lompnes, Samy Fourrier has been an instructor at ESF Méribel for 20 years. With a wide range of clients and disciplines, a privileged geographical location and a high-potential area, Samy wouldn't change his job for the world. Find out more about his career and try out the mountains with him on your next stay in the resort!
Samy's double career
Hauteville-Lompnes, a tiny resort in the Haut-Bugey region, is best known for cross-country skiing and biathlon. It was through these disciplines that Samy discovered winter sports and the joys of sliding. Over the years, he was also introduced to downhill skiing and joined a sports training programme at college; Wednesdays were devoted to training, and Saturdays and Sundays to competition.
Samy then joined the Lycée des Métiers de la Montagne in Saint-Michel de Maurienne to study for a ski instructor's diploma and a BEP in sales. Skiing every winter for 3 years enabled him to make great progress on the slopes and optimise his chances of becoming a ski instructor. He went on to do a Bac Pro in sales at Chamonix high school, followed by a BTS in sales at Sallanches. It was at this point that he was able to start working as an instructor, teaching at weekends and during the school holidays to finance his diploma.
Samy then joined the Lycée des Métiers de la Montagne in Saint-Michel de Maurienne to study for a ski instructor's diploma and a BEP in sales. Skiing every winter for 3 years enabled him to make great progress on the slopes and optimise his chances of becoming a ski instructor. He went on to do a Bac Pro in sales at Chamonix high school, followed by a BTS in sales at Sallanches. It was at this point that he was able to start working as an instructor, teaching at weekends and during the school holidays to finance his diploma.
Explore the estate with SamyA passion for winter sports in MéribelSki lessons in Méribel, heart of the 3 Vallées
At the end of his studies, and after 4 years teaching in Chamonix, Samy discovered Méribel and the immense playground offered by the 3 Vallées ski area. So in 2006, it was a natural step for him to apply to the resort's ESF, which welcomed him into its team of instructors.
Samy particularly likes Méribel's central position in the resort: "You can easily go to Courchevel or the Belleville valley to explore other areas. Méribel has great off-piste and on-piste potential; you can do everything! His favourite spots? The Olympique sector, which is sometimes forgotten, yet magical with its forests, combes and quality snow, and Mont Vallon.
Samy particularly likes Méribel's central position in the resort: "You can easily go to Courchevel or the Belleville valley to explore other areas. Méribel has great off-piste and on-piste potential; you can do everything! His favourite spots? The Olympique sector, which is sometimes forgotten, yet magical with its forests, combes and quality snow, and Mont Vallon.
Off-piste, downhill skiing, snowboarding: discover the area with a passionate instructor in Méribel
Samy's teaching approach is based on communication; he talks a lot with his students to find out their level, their expectations and their objectives. This stage is crucial for the instructor, as it allows him to personalise his lessons as much as possible!
Children or adults, private or group lessons, on-piste or off-piste skiing: Samy likes to vary his lessons so that it's never the same week. He also gives snowboarding lessons, where the sensations remind him of those of surfing, which he teaches in the summer in Seignosse.
But it's off-piste skiing that gives him the most freedom, with the chance to discover undiscovered spots in an area he's been exploring for 20 years. If you have the right equipment (avalanche transceiver, shovel, probe), you don't need to be an excellent skier to take off-piste lessons. At the versatile 3 Vallées ski area, you can learn specific techniques and enjoy skiing on immaculate snow thanks to Samy's advice and expertise!
But it's off-piste skiing that gives him the most freedom, with the chance to discover undiscovered spots in an area he's been exploring for 20 years. If you have the right equipment (avalanche transceiver, shovel, probe), you don't need to be an excellent skier to take off-piste lessons. At the versatile 3 Vallées ski area, you can learn specific techniques and enjoy skiing on immaculate snow thanks to Samy's advice and expertise!
Discover off-piste skiing in MéribelUnique sensations in the 3 Vallées!