Josiane, the living memory of esf Courchevel 1850!

She got to know the ski school when there were only around fifty instructors, and was one of the first qualified instructors to work there. The atmosphere, the work, the contact with customers: Josiane tells you all about her happy memories of this unique school. 

Josiane, aged 81, hung up her skis almost 10 years ago. Born in Courchevel, she had always skied and had taken part in a few competitions. When she joined esf Courchevel 1850 in the early 1960s, she entered a predominantly male environment. 

She became one of the first women to hold the national diploma, which she obtained at the age of 24 after training at the Ecole Nationale de Ski et d'Alpinisme (ENSA) in Chamonix. 

When asked why she has never switched resorts, she immediately replies: ‘Why change? Everyone wants to come to Courchevel!

Josiane has many fond memories of her time at esf Courchevel 1850. The friendly atmosphere, her passion for her sport and her desire to meet people from all walks of life encouraged her to remain loyal to the school for 53 winters. 

While private lessons make up the majority of the esf's activity today, group lessons were numerous when Josiane was working. Over the years, she developed friendships with regular customers who gave her the chance to try out new experiences, such as two heliskiing sessions in Canada, accompanied by Jean-Claude. 

Eight hours of work, a lot of off-piste and few breaks: Josiane's days were packed, much to her delight.

Although she noticed some changes from the 1980s onwards, Josiane has no regrets: ‘Things change and that's normal’. And she's delighted to see that more and more women are taking up the position of instructor. 

Together with Jean-Claude, who used to work both as a forest ranger and as an instructor, they have never left the ski family and don't hesitate to pay the esf teams a visit when they go down the slopes. 

They are also members of a former instructors' association, which enables them to keep in touch with their former colleagues. Still passionate about the sport, Josiane continues to keep in touch with developments in the profession and in courses, and is a keen spectator at the various competitions. 

Picking blueberries and raspberries, making jam and occasionally looking after her grandchildren are among the main activities of the woman who was the first woman to be awarded the n°1 in the group of instructors at esf Courchevel 1850.