Several times finalists in the world championships and European Cups, many times champions of France in individual and team events, Célia and Marie are also outstanding in Vertical Races, an explosive competition consisting in tackling a 1000-metre elevation gain. The inseparable pair answered our questions about the « first and last time ».
When was the first time you skied ?
Célia: As soon as I could walk. With my dad but even more with my aunt, who took me to the Champ Bleu near my grandmother’s house.
Marie: My first time on the slopes was when I was 3. My father was a ski instructor and my mother loves skiing.
What was your first big emotion in the mountains ?
Célia: Célia: A cross-country ski at the top of L’Aiguille to see the sunset with my brother and a cousin. This was what turned me on to ski mountaineering. The view, the feeling of freedom, the enjoyment of the well-deserved descent after the effort. We were on top of the world!
Marie: Marie: At the age of 13, during my first ski with seal skins in Beauregard. But my most powerful experience was 4 years ago in the Couloir Barbey in Argentière with my brothers. It had just stopped snowing, and we were the first ones there. I felt a combination of stress, excitement and freedom in such a vast space. It really was a euphoric moment.
What is the main quality you appreciate in each other ?
Célia: Her love of life. You can count on Marie to have a good time and a laugh.
Marie: Her sense of humour. I also like her determination in everything she does.
What is the first thing people say about you ?
Célia: When they see us laughing together, they must say, what a pair of idiots! Then their viewpoint changes as they get to know us. At least I hope so…
Marie: That we are an explosive duo, and we laugh loud and often.
What is the first thing you put in your sports bag ?
Célia: Bars of chocolate. One tablet per day, with a preference for raspberry-flavoured chocolate.
Marie: The same for me! My favourite is plain chocolate with fleur de sel. One bar of chocolate for each day of training to be sure to have enough to share with the teammates.
Your most recent striking memory linked to your sport?
Célia: With my brother at La Pointe Percée. I had climbed almost all the summits in the Aravis chain except this one.
Marie: Célia’s sprint semi-final at the World Championships in Andorra. It was her first qualification for a World Championship final.
