From athlete to teacher: how Sébastien passes on his passion for ski racing at esf Courchevel
Published on 25/03/2026 - Written by Amélie
Born in Bourg-Saint-Maurice, Sébastien Pichot started skiing at the age of 3 and a half alongside his parents. He continued his apprenticeship at the Les Arcs ski club, combining his schooling with his passion for skiing.
From the French national team to esf Courchevel, Sébastien tells us all about his career!
From top level to ski instructor
When he joined the Les Arcs ski club, Sébastien wasn't particularly good on the slopes, but he loved it. The values conveyed by the discipline and the good times spent with his friends stimulated him and, over the years, the young skier made real progress. He joined the ski-study section at Bourg-Saint-Maurice secondary school, then the Moûtiers and Albertville lycées, and went on to study business technology at the Annecy IUT.
At the same time, he started skiing at a high level and was accepted into the French national team. He finished his studies before devoting himself fully to competition, right up to World Cup level and his 31st birthday.
As a professional sportsman, Sébastien had the opportunity to take his ski instructor's certificate at an accelerated rate, so when he arrived in Courchevel in 2014, he gave ski lessons and, more often than not, competition courses during the school holidays at the esf.
As a professional sportsman, Sébastien had the opportunity to take his ski instructor's certificate at an accelerated rate, so when he arrived in Courchevel in 2014, he gave ski lessons and, more often than not, competition courses during the school holidays at the esf.
Book a ski lesson with SébastienFrom instructor to manager of the Courchevel Slalom Park
Sébastien teaches alpine skiing at all levels and to all ages, children and adults alike. Enjoying a relaxed atmosphere, contributing to the progress of his pupils and practising his favourite sport on a daily basis: he is discovering a new profession that he really enjoys.
In 2018, with the opening of the Slalom Park slalom stadium, he was given the opportunity to become site manager by responding to a call for tenders renewed every four years. He then took charge of a number of aspects, including general organisation, safety, the opening (which consists of signing the reference time for each test), plotting the tests, setting up the stopwatches, welcoming skiers wishing to register, the start list, and organising the stadium during the races (microphone, music, etc.).
Although this job has taken Sébastien away from the teaching approach to skiing, it has put him in contact with the competitors of tomorrow. His advice for their future careers? Believe in yourself, try to improve every day by working hard and, above all, always have fun!
In 2018, with the opening of the Slalom Park slalom stadium, he was given the opportunity to become site manager by responding to a call for tenders renewed every four years. He then took charge of a number of aspects, including general organisation, safety, the opening (which consists of signing the reference time for each test), plotting the tests, setting up the stopwatches, welcoming skiers wishing to register, the start list, and organising the stadium during the races (microphone, music, etc.).
Although this job has taken Sébastien away from the teaching approach to skiing, it has put him in contact with the competitors of tomorrow. His advice for their future careers? Believe in yourself, try to improve every day by working hard and, above all, always have fun!
A versatile career at esf Courchevel 1850
Depending on the results of the next call for tenders, Sébastien will be able to continue his mission as Stadium Manager or return to teaching.
Whatever happens, he is convinced that competition is an excellent school of life: there are more failures than successes, you learn from them, persevere and progress!
From Le Praz to La Tania, Sébastien particularly enjoys skiing among the fir trees. Maybe you'll be lucky enough to hit the slopes with him during your next stay in Courchevel 1850!
From Le Praz to La Tania, Sébastien particularly enjoys skiing among the fir trees. Maybe you'll be lucky enough to hit the slopes with him during your next stay in Courchevel 1850!
Meet the Courchevel 1850 team!