Ascent to Les Arcs: specific equipment required
Ascent to Les Arcs: specific equipment required
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Saturday 31 January updated on 01-31-2026 at 8:06
Saturday 31 January updated on 01-31-2026 at 8:06
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Surname: Plagne
First name: Nemo
Age: 22
Discipline: Freeride skiing
Achievements:
FWT challenger
When did you start your sport and why? What did you like about it?
I have always sought to progress off-piste, attempting tricks and jumping over every little rock I found in my path. I was self-taught in freeriding until I joined the Freeski Academy at the age of 16. From then on, everything accelerated: competitions on the adult circuit and my debut as a professional skier. From a childhood dream to a true love, freeride skiing means absolutely everything to me.
Key moments in your career (competitions / films made / sponsors signed)
For decades, memorable events have been taking place in the Les Arcs ski area. Around thirty years ago, Xavier Troubat made history by performing a magnificent backflip in the Aiguille Rouge sector. The action was immortalised in a photograph and the legend was born. Today, every winter, with my friends from the Freeski Academy, we wait patiently for the "X bar" to be in good enough condition to ski in our coach's footsteps. It's a jump that may seem quite normal, but it's charged with emotion. I always look forward to doing it again.
Any anecdotes about you and your sport?
The "X bar" is one such symbol: a legacy, a tradition, and a symbol that makes the heart of every freerider in Les Arcs beat faster.
What is your fondest memory of Les Arcs?
Two years ago, on a powder day, my best mate and I made the first tracks from the top of the Arendelière couloir. I think that remains one of the most memorable moments I've ever had on skis.
What is your favourite spot?
L’Aiguille Rouge, for obvious reasons: the quality of the slopes, the facilities and the snow cover.
What is your typical day of skiing like?
I take the 9am funicular, warm up at the top of Cachette, then let loose until I start to feel hungry. When that happens, I like to stop at Bois de l'Ours in Les Arcs 2000 for a tasty burger with sweet potato fries. Then, depending on the conditions, I either extend my session or head back down to the funicular to rest up and do it all again the next day.
If Les Arcs were a film or a piece of music?
Let it snow! Let it snow! Let it snow! Please!!
Any memorable falls to share?
A double backflip where I got a little too 'sleepy' between the two rotations... Result: I ended up flat on my stomach. To be honest, I don't remember much about it!
Any advice on how to get the most out of Les Arcs?
The wide choice of slopes is more than enough to have fun and enjoy your holiday to the full. That said, the off-piste terrain is just as vast. I would strongly advise hiring an instructor for the day to ensure you can venture off-piste in complete safety. Otherwise, when you don't know the area and follow tracks without knowing where they lead, that's when you really put yourself in danger.
