Thibault Anselmet: Finding Freedom on Skis in the Heart of the Alps
Table of Contents
- 1. Thibault Anselmet: Finding Freedom on Skis in the Heart of the Alps
- 2. A Family affair: Skiing Roots in Bonneval-sur-arc
- 3. Beyond the Gondola: embracing the Uphill Challenge
- 4. Self-Finding Through Effort: The Mental Edge
- 5. An “Escape” into Nature: Training with Purpose
- 6. The Future of Skimo: From the Alps to the World
- 7. What aspect of ski mountaineering do you find most intriguing,and how do you think the sport will continue to resonate with athletes and enthusiasts in the future?
- 8. Archyde Interviews Thibault Anselmet: Navigating the Heights of Ski Mountaineering
- 9. A Family’s Passion: The Roots of Ski Mountaineering
- 10. Beyond the Chairlift: the Essence of the Uphill Challenge
- 11. Mental Fortitude: The Inner Journey of the Athlete
- 12. Nature’s Embrace: Training as a Sanctuary
- 13. The Future and Legacy of Ski Mountaineering
For French ski mountaineer Thibault Anselmet, the mountains are more then just a training ground—they’re a sanctuary.
A Family affair: Skiing Roots in Bonneval-sur-arc
Nestled in the French Alps,near the Italian border,lies Bonneval-sur-Arc,Anselmet’s picturesque hometown. This village, once a contestant on a television show showcasing France’s most stunning villages, is a stone’s throw from world-famous ski resorts like Courchevel, Val Thorens, and Tignes. For anselmet, hitting the slopes was practically a birthright.
Like many young people in this alpine paradise, Anselmet began his skiing journey with alpine skiing
. Though, ski mountaineering, or skimo, was always simmering in the background, largely due to his father’s influence.
His father Fabien Anselmet is a former member of the French national team and has competed in several editions of the Pierra Menta, an iconic multi-stage duo skimo race, finishing among the top 10 in 2007.
Driven by curiosity, a teenage Thibault asked to accompany his father on a ski tour. That day sparked a passion that would eventually blossom into a full-fledged racing career. This passion isn’t confined to just Thibault and Fabien; it courses through the entire Anselmet family.
Thibault’s younger brother Jeremy, 21, has been a rising star on the World Cup circuit as the 2021-22 season, turning the sport into a family affair.
“Ski mountaineering, for me, for my family, takes up a lot of space. It’s a passion,” Thibault Anselmet said. “My brother and I were immersed in it. The whole family has been immersed in it for a long time. My father competed a lot before, so it’s an environment we love and we enjoy it. And we share this project as a family.”
Beyond the Gondola: embracing the Uphill Challenge
Skimo presented a stark contrast to Anselmet’s earlier days of relying on gondolas and chairlifts for alpine skiing.It demanded self-reliance, forcing him to conquer slopes under his own power. Yet, the constant remained: the profound joy he derived from being immersed in the mountain environment. This transition mirrors a growing trend in the U.S., where backcountry skiing and ski mountaineering are gaining traction, fueled by a desire for more challenging and immersive experiences.
In the U.S., areas like Colorado’s Elk Mountains and Washington’s Cascade Range are seeing increased interest in skimo, with local races and guided tours becoming increasingly popular. This mirrors the established culture in Europe, where skimo is a celebrated sport with a rich history.
Self-Finding Through Effort: The Mental Edge
For Anselmet, ski mountaineering is not just about physical endurance; it’s a journey of self-discovery. The demanding nature of the sport forces athletes to confront their limits, fostering resilience and mental fortitude. This resonates with a broader trend in sports psychology, where mental toughness is recognized as a crucial component of athletic success.
“What I like about ski mountaineering is not the pain of the effort, but what it gives me. In this sport, it’s difficult, but you learn a lot about yourself and that pushes you to progress,” Anselmet said.
An “Escape” into Nature: Training with Purpose
Anselmet emphasizes the importance of variation in his training, highlighting the mental and emotional benefits of spending time in nature. He sees his training not just as a physical endeavor, but as an chance to connect with the environment, observe wildlife, and appreciate the scenery. This perspective aligns with research showing the positive impact of nature on mental well-being, reducing stress and improving focus. For Anselmet, the mountains provide an “escape” that is vital for his overall well-being.He stated:
“It’s also a sport that allows for a lot of variation in training. That’s to say, you can also go to the mountains, to the great outdoors, and that’s an escape that’s important for me. I also like to take my time during training and observe the animals, the scenery and the nature.”
This mindful approach to training can be especially valuable for athletes in high-pressure environments, helping them to manage stress and maintain a balanced perspective. The U.S. Forest Service, such as, promotes responsible recreation and Leave No Trace principles, encouraging outdoor enthusiasts to minimize their impact on the environment.
The Future of Skimo: From the Alps to the World
With skimo gaining recognition and popularity worldwide, athletes like Thibault Anselmet are at the forefront of the sport’s evolution. As the sport continues to grow, it will be captivating to see how athletes balance the demands of competition with the deep connection to nature that makes skimo so unique. For U.S. enthusiasts,this means more opportunities to participate in races,learn from experienced practitioners,and explore the stunning backcountry terrain that North America has to offer.
| Aspect | Description | U.S. Relevance |
|---|---|---|
| Family Tradition | Skimo as a shared passion within the Anselmet family. | growing interest in family-oriented outdoor activities. |
| Mental Fortitude | The importance of mental toughness in ski mountaineering. | increasing focus on mental health and resilience in sports. |
| Nature as Escape | Using outdoor training as a way to connect with nature. | Rising awareness of the benefits of nature for well-being. |
| Sport’s Growth | Skimo’s increasing popularity and recognition. | More opportunities for participation in the U.S. |
What aspect of ski mountaineering do you find most intriguing,and how do you think the sport will continue to resonate with athletes and enthusiasts in the future?
Welcome back to Archyde News! Today,we have the privilege of speaking with Thibault Anselmet,a prominent figure in the world of ski mountaineering. thibault, thank you for joining us.
A Family’s Passion: The Roots of Ski Mountaineering
Archyde News: Thibault, your hometown of Bonneval-sur-Arc, nestled in the French Alps, sounds absolutely stunning. How did growing up in such a picturesque village shape your path toward ski mountaineering and the mountains?
thibault Anselmet: Bonjour! Bonneval-sur-Arc is, without a doubt, a special place. Being surrounded by those peaks from a young age, it’s hard not to be drawn to the mountains. I started with alpine skiing, like many kids there, but the influence of my father, Fabien, who’s a former ski mountaineer, really sparked my interest in skimo. It’s in our blood!
Archyde News: Your father’s experience certainly set the stage. And the entire family is involved—your younger brother, Jeremy, is making waves as well. Can you elaborate on the family dynamic and how it fuels your passion?
Thibault Anselmet: Skimo is truly a family affair for us.We share our training, our victories, and even the setbacks. It’s a shared project, a passion that binds us. jeremy and I push each other to be better, and the support from the whole family is invaluable. We all understand what it takes to succeed in this sport.
Beyond the Chairlift: the Essence of the Uphill Challenge
Archyde News: The transition from alpine skiing to ski mountaineering must have been quite a shift. What do you find most compelling about conquering the uphill, the self-reliance aspect of skimo?
Thibault Anselmet: It is a significant change, moving away from chairlifts. The uphill journey forces you to become self-sufficient. But ultimately, there’s an remarkable joy in using your own power to reach the summit. You’re completely immersed in the environment, earning every turn. It’s a much deeper connection with the mountain.
Archyde News: We are seeing a growing awareness and interest in skimo in the United States. What do you think are the key elements of your sport that make it so appealing to those looking for something beyond traditional skiing?
Thibault Anselmet: What’s very appealing is an adventure and the ability to go to places that are not accessible by lifts. But one main point remains, there is a strong and genuine connection with the environment; therefore, allowing a mental escape and the freedom to improve oneself. It is the perfect escape from everyday life.
Mental Fortitude: The Inner Journey of the Athlete
Archyde News: You’ve mentioned that ski mountaineering is as much a mental challenge as a physical one. How does the demanding nature of the sport shape your mental approach to life and competition?
Thibault Anselmet: Absolutely. Skimo pushes you to your limits.It teaches resilience, focus, and the ability to embrace discomfort. You learn a lot about yourself in those challenging moments, and that self-knowledge translates to improved performance and a stronger mental game in all areas of life. It’s a constant journey of self-betterment.
Nature’s Embrace: Training as a Sanctuary
Archyde News: Your training regimen incorporates a mindful approach, including spending time in nature. How does connecting with the environment influence your performance and well-being?
Thibault Anselmet: For me, training is way more than just physical exercise; it’s a moment where I can reconnect to myself, the wildlife, and my surroundings. Nature serves as an “escape” and I spend time in the outdoors to improve mentally.This is very significant because it is there that I find balance from the pressure of competition. It helps me maintain a positive mindset and provides a sense of perspective. Seeing the animals, the scenery, it all adds to the experience.
The Future and Legacy of Ski Mountaineering
Archyde News: Looking ahead, as skimo gains wider recognition globally, what are your hopes for the sport’s future, and how do you see it evolving?
Thibault Anselmet: Right now, Skimo requires a lot of passion and determination. athletes who compete understand the necessity of perseverance to succeed. I hope participation continues to grow, it will also be fun to see how the sport incorporates new technologies, and how we athletes can continue to improve ourselves by learning more. But, above all, I hope it keeps its authentic spirit: a deep connection with nature and the mountains.
Archyde News: Thank you so much for your time and insights, Thibault. It’s been a pleasure.
Thibault Anselmet: Merci à vous!
Archyde News: what aspect of ski mountaineering do you find most intriguing, and how do you think the sport will continue to resonate with athletes and enthusiasts in the future? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
