Thobias, telemark touring

Thobias is our long-standing tester of telemark and touring equipment, with nearly 40,000 metres of elevation gain per year. Originally from the Aravis region, he comes from a background in Nordic skiing, which he competed in from the age of 7, up to the Mont Blanc committee. A versatile athlete, he also enjoys cycling, trail running and triathlon.

He discovered telemark skiing as a teenager, initially for the pleasure of the movement, then became seriously involved. After his first competitions in 1992, his cross-country skiing skills earned him a place in the French national team from 1995 to 1997, with appearances in world championships, two Pierra Menta telemark races and a memorable Défi Foly.

A skilled telemark skier with a passion for long classic races and ski touring, he has also contributed to the development of the discipline by working for the French Telemark Association. Now a postman, freelance writer and cross-country skiing instructor, he continues to explore the Aravis mountains far and wide, with a soft spot for La Tournette... and a dream: to one day telemark ski in the Lofoten Islands.