Dominique, aka Drodro, is a ski instructor in Courchevel, but that's not all!

Although nothing seemed to predispose Dominique Prudent to becoming a ski instructor, it would be unthinkable today not to count this native of Bresse among our staff at esf Courchevel 1850. If you haven't yet had the chance to meet him on the slopes, here's a portrait of an instructor with an unusual and passionate background.

Dominique, 33, had never skied before when some friends took him on a festive trip to Courchevel. The first descents turned out to be more technical than expected, but the resort's friendly atmosphere enabled him to make the most of his first evening. It was on the way back that he met an esf instructor, Hugues Chapou, who offered to teach him the basics the next day, as he would be on holiday.

It was a chance meeting and a first lesson that gave Dominique the pleasure of skiing. The discovery of a real passion, which led him to join the esf training course to become an instructor himself. Although he was the oldest in his class, his enthusiasm and motivation enabled the man now known as Drodro to obtain his diploma and join the ranks of the esf instructors in Courchevel for almost 30 years now.

For Dominique, passing on his passion is a driving force, almost a matter of course, and he is proud to wear the red uniform, a symbol of high standards, rigour and responsibility. For him, teaching skiing isn't just about learning a technique: it's about welcoming, reassuring, instilling confidence and, above all, passing on a passion. Pupils need to arrive with a 'buzz' and leave in the same way.

Dominique accompanies both adults and children on the slopes, particularly in private lessons. He attaches great importance to behaviour, attitude and respect: respect for the school, safety rules, customers and the mountain. Leading by example is an integral part of their role. This discipline, acquired on the slopes, has served him well beyond skiing, particularly in his entrepreneurial career.

Alongside his work as an instructor, Dominique has been running a refrigerated transport business in Bressans since 1981, which has grown from a single lorry to over 150 vehicles and 300 employees. For him, there is a clear link between skiing and the business world: organisation, high standards, a sense of teamwork and respect for rules are shared values.

Dominique often says that skiing is a real school for life. You learn to ski in all conditions, not just in good weather. It's about cultivating personal discipline, adaptability and a sense of responsibility. Being an instructor also means representing a school, a resort and a region to clients from all over the world.