As part of the Critérium de la Première Neige 2025, discover the interview with Victor Muffat-Jeandet, the Val d’Isère fighter.
A new season begins. How do you feel when you arrive in Val d'Isère?
“As always, I’m really looking forward to coming back to Val d’Isère and seeing the French public again, almost like at home. Last year remains one of the most beautiful memories of my career: after my injuries and years of doubt, I finally got my World Cup points back. The emotion was incredible, especially on the first run with the crowd behind me. I’m really looking forward to reliving this experience and going even further this season, with two great runs to contend with.” – Victor Muffat-Jeandet
Last year, you chose to concentrate on slalom. Looking back, how did this choice change your preparation?
“It wasn’t an easy choice, we had to mourn the loss of the giant, but in hindsight it was the right decision. We saw it throughout the winter: I returned to the world top 20 and won World Cup races. Without this refocusing, I wouldn’t have been able to regain full concentration. Today’s top-level skiing is highly specialized, and to perform well you need to be able to train specifically in your discipline. My life has changed a little: I have fewer races, but I enjoy them more. Before, in Val d’Isère, I’d race the giant on the Face de Bellevarde on Saturday, and the next day I’d have to follow it up with the slalom, often tired, with a heavy back and legs. Now, I only have one race, I arrive on Sunday morning with more desire, more freshness, and I really feel in the best conditions.” – Victor Muffat-Jeandet
Do you have a special ritual just before departure?
“Running in France, and even more so in Val d’Isère, is really special. It’s a bit like being at home, with an incredible extra soul. You can feel the fervor of the public right from the start, and in the finish area, everyone is behind you! For me, it heightens my emotions tenfold. Some might see it as a source of pressure, but I always try to take the positive side and turn that energy into strength. It’s both an emotional engine and a real performance booster.” – Victor Muffat-Jeandet
If you had to sum up Val d'Isère and the Critérium in three words, which would you choose?
“What motivates me most of all is the desire to ski. I still have the same passion, the same pleasure of going out on the slopes. Every feeling is unique, and that’s what I love most in the world. Even last May, skiing in Val d’Isère, I realized that I’d never tire of it. This passion drives me every day. I’m lucky enough to share great moments with the group, and I’m really living the life I’ve always dreamed of. As long as I can, I’ll keep going.” – Victor Muffat-Jeandet
What's your fondest memory of the Critérium, on or off the track?
“I know I have the potential to aim for the podium in the slalom World Cup, I came very close in several races last year, so I’m really looking forward to continuing to express myself at this level. Of course, getting selected for the Olympic Games is also one of my major objectives, so that I can live this unique experience to the full. The idea is first to perform at the World Cup, then to look ahead to the Olympics. ” Victor Muffat-Jeandet
If you had to describe the Critérium in three words to someone unfamiliar with the race, which would you choose?
“I’d say “unique”, for its incredible atmosphere and mythical piste. “Brutal”, because there’s always a lot of ice, the Face de Bellevarde is one of the steepest and most demanding runs on the circuit. “Legendary”, because it is an integral part of the history of alpine skiing and French sport.” – Victor Muffat-Jeandet
What's the first thing you do when you arrive in Val d'Isère?
“The first thing I do when I arrive at the Critérium is clear the snow from my car. It’s the beginning of winter, there’s always fresh snow, and it’s really nice to start the season like this. Then I go to the Club, which is a bit like my second home. They’re used to seeing me arrive with all my skis and luggage. Whether it’s a training session or a competition, I can easily set up and store all my skis in the Club’s large room. I also get to use the weight room. Honestly, I could almost live there! All I’d need is a room, and I almost feel like I have a year-round membership.” – Victor Muffat-Jeandet
