To many, Victor Schuller needs no introduction in fact. The 27 year-old ski racer was born in Colmar and brought home a bronze medal from the Super G event at the 2016 World Junior Championships in Sochi. Now sponsored by the Alpine Collection and with an exciting professional career area of him, Victor now trains and races in Val d’Isere, where you may even spot him on a chairlift this summer!

Where did you learn to ski and at what age? Do you remember your first time on the slopes?

I was born in Colmar in Alsace and I grew up there. My dad introduced me to the ski slopes when I was just two years old. I learned to ski between the Vosges region in north-east France and also in Val d’Isere, where we used to go on holiday each winter; I learned a lot about skiing in Val d’Isere!

When did you first dream of becoming a professional alpine skier?

The first time I dreamed of being a professional alpine skier was at the age of nine or ten. I saw stars like Bode Miller, Benjamin Raich and Daron Rahlves on TV in the World Cup. They made me dream!

How did it feel to win a bronze medal at the Junior Olympics?

At the Youth Olympics I was very happy to win a medal. It's always great emotions when you get on a podium. It was a team race, which is not common for an individual sport, and it was super cool to be with friends on a podium.

How was the last winter season for you?

Last season was tough both mentally and physically. I had just had my best season in 2021, winning the European Downhill Cup. I was really motivated to perform in the World Cup but I injured myself a lot, with a left ankle fracture in the spring of 2021 and four left hand fractures in the middle of winter 2022. It affected me a lot and I didn't been able to be at 100% of my ability all winter.

Summer is a very special time in the mountains. How do you continue training when there is no snow?

When there is no snow, we must not hesitate to change our minds and do other sports and activities instead! This helps me to keep in shape and also to regenerate after the winter season. The mountains are great for this because in the summer season it's super calm and soothing and there's a huge variety of activities for everyone to choose from. Personally, I continue to train on my road bike and mountain bike, I play tennis, I hike and of course I spend a lot of time in the weight rooms to keep in shape.

What other activities do you do in the mountains in summer?

I love mountain biking and also e-biking which has become a really big deal in the mountains in the summer season. Tennis, trail running, hiking and glacier skiing (when conditions are good) are also my favourites.

What hopes do you have for the next winter season?

For next season I first want to arrive in great physical shape to be able to be 100% at the races. I would really like to shine at the first European Cups and reveal myself at the World Cups. Of course, I also have the World Championships in Courchevel in February 2023, which give me a lot of desire.

What are your favourite things in Val d'Isère during the winter season?

In Val d'Isere in winter there are two things that I love! A good super G workout on the OK World Cup track, and also a good morning of freeriding followed by an afternoon at La Folie Douce!

You can follow Victor’s summer activity training in the mountains and also his progress towards the Winter 23 ski season on his Instagram @vic_schuller.