Humans of Méribel - Ski Sunday Special

One of the many brilliant things about being a Ski Instructor in Méribel and Courchevel, is meeting people every single day. Whether it is having a chat with fellow instructors at the ski school, or spending quality time with clients on the mountain. It is very refreshing to meet such a diverse group of people, and hearing all about their experiences in life. Last winter I started a new personal project that was a collaboration of both of my careers, ski instructing and professional photography, called 'Humans of Méribel'. It is very much inspired by the fantastic Brandon Stanton's Humans of New York. Every day Brandon goes out onto the streets of New York, meets people, asks for their photo and a little bit about themselves. It's such an interesting concept, and one I thought I'd try in the Alps.

This project runs on Facebook, and very occasionally on this blog page as well. This month, and in the run up to this coming winter, I thought I'd post a few articles from this project. First up this week I, along with other Humans, took part in a respected charity event last March, called the Coeur Blanc Challenge. This chap below is one of the founders of the event.

"What do you think of my new ski jacket Martin? I had it taylor made by 'G.D.Golding'. Geoffrey is a Royal Warrant Holder and makes the military ceremonial outfits for the Royal family, notably the Queen."

"I'm speechless Pierre, is it made of Gore-Tex?"

"I don't believe it is dear boy."

Next up, two presenters from a well known BBC TV programme called 'Ski Sunday'!

"Some people might recognise me as being a guest presenter on Ski Sunday. I like to snowboard a lot, and have managed to pick up three 'X Games' gold medals along the way. Perhaps I'm most famous for winning a Bronze medal in the 2014 Winter Olympics at Sochi in Russia in the snowboard slopestyle event. Some of my strangest memories from the day I won the medal is that I couldn't stop hugging people! I'm here in Méribel to participate in the Coeur Blanc Charity event. Can you share any secrets and tips for this please Mr. Photographer?"

"We've just finished filming (15th March) the BBC's Ski Sunday for this series, where I co-present alongside Graham Bell. I'm now entering into the busiest time of the winter. Last night I arrived in Méribel after having left Verbier in Switzerland. Today I will take part in a team that includes Jenny Jones and Sir Steve Redgrave, in the Coeur Blanc Challenge. Then first thing tomorrow morning I fly out to Alaska for some filming, and then leave there next Thursday for more of the same  in the Rockies. It's hard work and tiring this 'Living The Dream' lifestyle. I've hardly seen my family at all back in Verbier this winter."

There you go, how cool is that, meeting people that you are familiar with from TV. I did get to chat to Sir Steve Redgrave but didn't manage to grab a photo of him. He is really tall by the way! I hope you enjoyed this re-introduction to the Humans of Méribel project, click here for the link to the actual facebook page. Feel free to share away on social media, or leave a comment below. You might like to start scanning the webcams from this weekend onwards, it looks as though snow is forecast again in the Alps. Happy days. Next week's Humans post will feature another Olympian from back in the day. Martin.