Our Champions
Meet the athletes who inspire us
At esf Méribel, some of our instructors are more than exceptional teachers—they are elite athletes proudly representing France on the international stage.
From alpine skiing and snowboarding to freestyle, telemark and cross-country skiing, they combine a passion for teaching with top-level competition, sharing their expertise and inspiring the next generation of skiers.
From alpine skiing and snowboarding to freestyle, telemark and cross-country skiing, they combine a passion for teaching with top-level competition, sharing their expertise and inspiring the next generation of skiers.
FAQ
Léonie Carroz
Alpine skiing
One of the youngest members of the esf Méribel team, Léonie Carroz has been skiing since the age of three and competing since she was ten with the Méribel Ski Club, before joining the Savoie Ski Committee.
Her achievements include:
Léonie has also qualified for the FIS Junior Alpine World Ski Championships.
"Being an esf instructor is a real pleasure because I get to share my passion and knowledge with every skier I teach."
Her achievements include:
- Three-time French U18 Championship runner-up
- Five FIS victories
- Fourth place in the French U21 Slalom Championships
- Six starts in the European Cup (Slalom and Giant Slalom)
Léonie has also qualified for the FIS Junior Alpine World Ski Championships.
"Being an esf instructor is a real pleasure because I get to share my passion and knowledge with every skier I teach."
Thomas Luxcey
Alpine skiing
Qualified in mountain walking, alpine skiing, snowboarding, adaptive skiing, freestyle and freeride, Thomas Luxcey is both an esf Méribel instructor and a high-level athlete.
Living with a hearing impairment, Thomas represented France at the World Deaf Alpine Ski Championships, held in Jasná, Slovakia, from 6 to 14 January 2025. He delivered an outstanding performance, winning three medals: a silver in the Special Slalom, and two bronze medals in the Parallel Slalom and Alpine Combined.
His achievements not only showcase his talent but also highlight Savoie and esf Méribel on the international stage.
"I've been competing since I was very young. I joined the Méribel Ski Club as a child and, with my father being a ski instructor, becoming part of esf came naturally.
Living with a hearing impairment, Thomas represented France at the World Deaf Alpine Ski Championships, held in Jasná, Slovakia, from 6 to 14 January 2025. He delivered an outstanding performance, winning three medals: a silver in the Special Slalom, and two bronze medals in the Parallel Slalom and Alpine Combined.
His achievements not only showcase his talent but also highlight Savoie and esf Méribel on the international stage.
"I've been competing since I was very young. I joined the Méribel Ski Club as a child and, with my father being a ski instructor, becoming part of esf came naturally.
When I was younger, I often helped to 'close' the Flèche courses after the races. Skiing on heavily marked and difficult slopes taught me resilience and helped me improve my technique. Those experiences played a big part in my early success, including a third-place finish at the French Championships.
Later, I chose to leave the mountains to study in Paris and gain new experiences. But I always knew I would return. After my studies, I resumed my ski instructor training and returned to competitive skiing.
My work allows me to take part regularly in memorial races, which help me maintain my level and constantly challenge myself. My training is consistent, and although the standard on the international Deaf circuit continues to rise—with many younger athletes also competing in FIS events—I'm more motivated than ever to keep improving.
The Challenge des Moniteurs is a perfect example: the level is incredibly high, and it's exactly the kind of race that inspires me to come back each year and perform even better."
Later, I chose to leave the mountains to study in Paris and gain new experiences. But I always knew I would return. After my studies, I resumed my ski instructor training and returned to competitive skiing.
My work allows me to take part regularly in memorial races, which help me maintain my level and constantly challenge myself. My training is consistent, and although the standard on the international Deaf circuit continues to rise—with many younger athletes also competing in FIS events—I'm more motivated than ever to keep improving.
The Challenge des Moniteurs is a perfect example: the level is incredibly high, and it's exactly the kind of race that inspires me to come back each year and perform even better."
Yoann Rostolan
Telemark
Yoann Rostolan has established himself as one of France's leading telemark skiers on the Telemark World Cup circuit.
After finishing runner-up in the Sprint event in Pinzolo, Italy, he secured another podium finish with third place at Trillevallen, Sweden, marking his second World Cup podium of the season.
After finishing runner-up in the Sprint event in Pinzolo, Italy, he secured another podium finish with third place at Trillevallen, Sweden, marking his second World Cup podium of the season.
Philippe Lau
Telemark
After competing in alpine skiing with the Méribel Ski Club until the age of 15, Philippe Lau chose to specialise in telemark skiing, following in the footsteps of his older brother under the guidance of coach Denis Gacon.
Today, he combines international-level expertise with his passion for teaching.
"What I love most about esf is sharing my passion for telemark skiing. My greatest satisfaction is seeing my pupils improve, gain confidence and enjoy every moment on the snow."
Today, he combines international-level expertise with his passion for teaching.
"What I love most about esf is sharing my passion for telemark skiing. My greatest satisfaction is seeing my pupils improve, gain confidence and enjoy every moment on the snow."
