Clemence Philippart

Surname: Philippart

First name: Clemence

Age: 22

Discipline: Freeride skiing

Achievements:

4th in Europe on the FWT CHALLENGER 2025 circuit

How would you summarise your career?

When did you start your sport and why? What did you like about it?
I discovered freeriding at the age of 17, after more than 10 years of competitive downhill skiing at national level. I wanted to rediscover the fun of competition while continuing to live out my passion for skiing in a different way. That's how I joined the Freeski Academy: first to share good times with a group of friends, then to explore the mountains in all their diversity. Today, I practise freeriding more professionally, but still with the same enthusiasm and enjoyment as when I started out.

Any anecdotes about you and your sport?
I will always remember my first day at Freeski. I was really stressed and didn't know what to wear, as I had always been used to tight-fitting suits and slalom poles. I panicked and put on a rain jacket with ski trousers, which I didn't feel comfortable in at all. It wasn't suitable for skiing, but I managed quite well... and above all, I realised that I was now in the right place.

A key moment in your career?
My best memory goes back to the GMX competitions organised in Les Arcs. I must have been 10 years old. I wasn't used to winning in alpine skiing, but I took first place. I felt like a superstar, especially since my whole family had come to cheer me on.

Get to know Clemence better

What is your favourite spot?
The Aiguille Rouge, of course. There's so much to do on this beautiful mountain.

What is your typical day of skiing like?
Quick breakfast, I check the weather outside the window, call my mates to see where we're meeting up. We ride most of the day to find the best spots with the best snow, look for jumps to practise on, have a laugh... and in the evening, we go to bed thinking that tomorrow will be more of the same.

If Les Arcs were a film or a piece of music?
Stand On The World – The Joubert Singers. The music lives up to its name: it's joyful and you never tire of listening to it!

Any memorable falls to share?
This winter, during a competition in Austria, I wanted to do a backflip onto a rock. I knew I needed speed and that it was going to be technical. I tried, but I didn't succeed: I fell flat on my face in the snow. Fortunately, I got away without any injuries, just a bit dizzy... but that one will remain memorable!

Any advice on how to get the most out of Les Arcs?
Get up early to be the first on the slopes, climb to the top of the Aiguille Rouge for the best view of the valley, stop for lunch at the Bois de l'Ours to recharge your batteries, and finish at the snowpark at the end of the day to watch the sunset.

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