Yann, a ski career entirely with ESF Méribel
From Club Piou-Piou to red jumpers: he grew up with ESF Méribel
Published on 16/12/2025 - Written by Amélie
Yann Gateau is a child of the Méribel valley. After learning to ski from the age of 2 with his parents, he has never left skiing, for which he has developed a real passion.
Club Piou-Piou, Étoiles, instructor: Yann has gone through all the ESF stages to become an instructor in his resort, a logical choice for the young sportsman who divides his year between the slopes and his job as a flight assistant. He tells us all about his transition from student to teacher!
Growing up skiing in Méribel
Like most of the resort's natives, Yann put on his first skis at an early age and learnt all the fundamentals of the discipline in a course run by the local APE (Parents' Association) and the ESF Méribel. Every Saturday, and every day of the week during the school holidays, he attended ski lessons given by a single instructor throughout the season. He grew up in the same group, which enabled him to make rapid progress and forge strong friendships that continue to this day.
Also a keen cyclist, Yann took up cycling at club level. He then joined the ski club later, while studying industrial engineering, and has just completed the two years that enabled him to obtain his instructor's certificate.
Also a keen cyclist, Yann took up cycling at club level. He then joined the ski club later, while studying industrial engineering, and has just completed the two years that enabled him to obtain his instructor's certificate.
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Although he started teaching skiing with the ESF in 2020 during the school holidays, Yann completed his first full season in 2024-2025. He alternates between group and private lessons, and between children and adults, depending on the season. The main qualities of a ski instructor are "great adaptability and good interpersonal skills", says the Méribel native.
Learning by doing, demonstrations, varied exercises depending on the client's profile: Yann offers an effective method to help his students achieve their goals. The summit of the Saulire for the sunsets and the Altiport, "where you can do everything while enjoying the beautiful scenery", are his favourite sports to teach.
Learning by doing, demonstrations, varied exercises depending on the client's profile: Yann offers an effective method to help his students achieve their goals. The summit of the Saulire for the sunsets and the Altiport, "where you can do everything while enjoying the beautiful scenery", are his favourite sports to teach.
Skiing, helicopter piloting, ESF shows: a versatile profile at Méribel
When the winter season is over, Yann devotes himself to his other passion, working as a flight assistant. From ground site management to safety aspects, this second job enables him to help the helicopter pilots with their daily tasks. This year, he's preparing for his licence so that he too can become a professional pilot and make a living from his two hobbies.
His excellent knowledge of Méribel makes Yann's day-to-day work much easier and allows him to get involved in other aspects of the resort. With his colleague and childhood friend Arnaud, he organises the ESF shows which take place every Wednesday evening during the school holidays.
His excellent knowledge of Méribel makes Yann's day-to-day work much easier and allows him to get involved in other aspects of the resort. With his colleague and childhood friend Arnaud, he organises the ESF shows which take place every Wednesday evening during the school holidays.
These friendly events are an opportunity to show the public the different disciplines on offer at the ski school (freestyle, downhill skiing, cross-country skiing, snowboarding, monoskiing, etc). From teaching to organising events, Yann plays a full part in the life of the ESF Méribel and the resort!
Snowboard around the resortUnique sliding sensations!