MATT REED

Trail Running & Skimo

To start, can you tell us a bit about yourself—where you’re from, how did you end up in Verbier, and how your journey with Trail Running and Skimo began?

I grew up near Washington, DC, and first learned to ski on an icy hill in Pennsylvania, a far cry from anything alpine. My main sport growing up was swimming, and I spent countless hours in the pool. That early commitment to training is where my passion for endurance sports began. Years later, in the winter of 2016, a friend invited me to Verbier for a weekend. I still remember staring at the Combin massif in awe and feeling an urge to explore it. That spark is what I think ultimately led me toward trail running and ski mountaineering.

Were there any key people or moments that inspired you to take these sports more seriously?

A turning point came when friends invited me on a three-day hike around the Dents du Midi. I loved it so much that I returned a few weeks later to run the same loop in one go. That brought so many great experiences into one long day: a sunrise start, cool forest trails, alpine meadows, high rocky passes, an afternoon thunderstorm, and a long descent back to the valley. I was hooked.

Do trail running and skimo training complement each other for you?

Absolutely. Beyond just finding it more fun to ski in the winter than to run, the training overlap is huge. Both sports demand strong aerobic capacity, the ability to push for long periods (often at altitude), and similar muscular adaptations for climbing. In both, you’re driving forward with your legs, engaging your back, and using your arms and poles efficiently. The downhill part is less similar, of course.

What does a typical week of training look like for you during the summer season? And during the winter season?

This summer, I’m balancing trail running with road racing, running nearly every day. I like active recovery easy runs instead of full rest days. Most sessions are moderate distance, low intensity. Each week usually includes one long endurance run and one or two higher-intensity sessions to build speed or threshold fitness, usually aiming to match my training terrain to my race terrain. For this winter, the structure will be similar, but running will be swapped for skimo. This winter season, my main goal is a team race, so I’ll add focus on team coordination, gear familiarity, and technical elements like transitions, conversions, and roped skiing.

What are your big goals for the upcoming winter season?

I’m training with a group of Dutch friends in Verbier with the goal of becoming the first Dutch team (I’m American and Dutch) to complete the Patrouille des Glaciers in under 10 hours. We’ll be sharing our journey on social @breakingten and breakingten.com.

Is there a dream race or adventure you’d love to take on one day?

Western States has been on my mind since 2017, when I read about Scott Jurek’s legendary streak there. It’s a 100-mile race through remote, rugged California terrain, with 50 years of history and legendary crowd support — and conditions ranging from freezing to over 40°C.

How does living in Verbier shape your approach to the sport?

Verbier offers one of the Alps’ best mountain playgrounds and a community that lives and breathes mountain sports. It gives me constant inspiration – and a healthy dose of humility – to keep pushing and exploring.

What does being a Mountain Air ambassador mean to you?

Mountain Air is more than just a shop to me. Season after season, I’ve learned from the team’s deep experience — from mounting my first ski bindings with Pier Roh, to countless bike repairs with Gabi and Jason, to skimo gear advice from Ruary, Tom and Sam, and perfectly fitted boots from Nick. Imré has kept my hair in shape, Val and Alessio have welcomed friends and family with rental gear, and I’ve even picked up a few fashion tips from the other side of the store. Many of my days begin or end with an espresso or Mini Micro Evil at the café with Noa and Batiste. The list goes on. Being a Mountain Air ambassador is a chance to give something back to the people and the place that have given me so much, and to help more athletes and visitors experience the best of Verbier.

Follow Matt's Journey!

SEBASTIAN ERICHSEN

Bike - Downhill

Can you tell us a little about yourself? Where are you from, and how did you first get into biking?

I'm Norwegian but I grew up in Monaco. I discovered my passion for biking when I was about 4 years old spending summers in Verbier. I had a wooden like-bike with no brakes and would ride around with my parents on the single hiking tracks - and that is how my biking journey started.

What does biking mean to you personally?

Biking is my passion. I love the adrenaline rush and the constant technical challenges which make me have to push myself all the time.

Who or what inspires you most in your biking?

At the outset of my biking journey I was inspired by jon wilson (even though you can't keep up with me anymore😊) and Mikael Roux who gave me a great grounding in the fundamentals of biking technique and helped me to build my confidence and skills.

What do you like most about riding in Verbier?

Verbier is where I started my biking. The trails are amazing and cater to all abilities. The dedicated team at verbier bike-park do a fantastic job and creating ,shaping, maintaining the trails and adding more fun features.

What has been your proudest moment on the bike so far?

At my first ever downhill bike race I got a podium.

How do you manage to reconcile biking with school or other responsibilities?

I am very fortunate to attend a school which supports extreme sports including dh biking and has it’s own bike team of which i am a part of.

Do you have any goals at the moment - competitions, new tricks, adventures?

My objective is to always improve my riding by becoming stronger ,faster and better. I would like to be back on the podium again this season.

What does it mean to you to be a Mountain Air ambassador?

The team at Mountain Air have always been a huge support not just technically, constantly fixing my bike, but also emotionally through their kindness and good humour. I am extremely proud to be representing Mountain Air.

ALOYS CHEVALLEY

Mountain Guide

Can you tell us a little about yourself? Where are you from, and how did you first get into skiing?

I remember putting on skis for the first time in the kitchen of my dad's farm in a tiny village in the Vaud countryside. Then I was able to ski in Verbier thanks to my uncle. I must have been 8 years old when I realized that I would love skiing all my life.

Do you have a favorite mountain to ski on? What makes it stand out for you?

I like intineraries that pass between seracs and glacier crevasses. Every mountain has at least one aesthetic line!

What inspired you to become a mountain guide, and how did you pursue that path?

My father raised sheeps, so maybe shepherds and guides have the same « raison d'être » in the mountains.

Can you share a particularly challenging moment as a mountain guide and how you overcame it?

Sometimes I make an error of judgement, I keep calm and find the best solution. it's all a challenge. It's all positive!

What are your goals or aspirations for the next phase of your career?

Good question… maybe (rock) climb difficult routes and ski aesthetic lines in good company.

Beyond skiing, you also enjoy climbing and guide in the summer. How does your experience in climbing complement your role as a Mountain guide?

Rock climbing is a school of life. It helps us to know ourselves better. It's an asset to share with my clients.

You also work sometimes as a mental coach for young skiers in competitions. What do you believe is the most critical aspect of mental preparation for success?

Motivation is the key! You have to do what you really want to do, trust your instinct.

MILA DE LE RUE - SKI

Tell us a little about yourself. What's your background? How did you start skiing?

My parents put me to skiing when I was 2 or 3. I started with ski racing and did compétitions until I was 12. I then switched to freeriding and also started competing. At first I didnt really like it, I was only going with my dad, but as soon as I joined the verbier freeride club and started meeting new friends.. I loooved it.

Who or what inspires you the most when it comes to skiing?

I just love going skiing with friends, we always laugh. I just really like the "vibe". Even competitions are fun because it's only fun people.

What’s your most memorable skiing adventure, and why? What challenges have you faced in your skiing journey, and how have you overcome them?

My craziest adventure has to be my first expedition to Antarctica, it was my first filming trip and in a very special and crazy place. I was with my dad and uncle. It was a crazy experience, and I learnt so much. I was very very scared at first and even over there. I was scared to fall, have accidents and I had to deal with my fears which was the hard part. This expedition taught me so much and I am so grateful I was able to participate in it thanks to my dad and uncle.

How do you balance skiing with other aspects of your life, such as work, family, or other hobbies?

I'm still at school, so I have a very normal life as a student, and I really like to have to these 2 different worlds. I have my closest friends with who I go to school, go on holiday, ... and then I ski with others, and its 2 completely different relationships and its very fun.

What does the future look like for you in skiing? Any goals or dreams you’re working toward?

I would love to go on the tour, to continue competing but the film in Antarctica really inspired me to do more filming and there's so many places I want to ski, and travel.

Tell us a little about your life in sports!

I’ve been a pro snowboarder for 24 years, from freestyle to freeride whilst filming projects in the mountains! I won the Freeride World Tour in 2014 which was a real highlight for me. I started yoga 22 years ago to avoid injuries and help come back quicker after injury - this lead me to becoming a yoga teacher because I want to share my feelings of peace when i’m practicing. Surfing was always my number 2 sport after snowboarding and with the opportunity to surf in Alaïa in the middle of the alps my life has become even better as I can surf regularly !!

What is your favourite snowboard run in the 4 Valleys?

Bec des Rosses of course because the conditions are rarely good and the engagements is high !!!

Tell us a little about yourself. Where are you from, and how did you first get into skiing and biking?

Aloha ! When I was put on skis at age 2, I quickly developed an addiction to speed and fresh air … and to this day I haven’t quite had enough yet ! Growing up in French vineyards, mountain biking was the best way to explore nature up and down the hills. Clearly I was more into the Down the hills already. The Alps then naturally quickly became home.

How do skiing and biking fit into your lifestyle and personal identity?

My university years were very focused on answering 1 philosophical question: « If skiing is my favorite ever thing, how can I manage to do it everyday ? » And well I figured that building chairlifts, gondolas and chalets can only happen in the summer, leaving the whole winter to shred !!

What are your core values when it comes to skiing and biking?

Nature rules.

Do you have any pre-ride or pre-ski rituals or routines that get you pumped?

It’s all about reggae, man.

What’s your most memorable skiing or biking adventure, and why?

Jumping on my friend Cundo's boat for a few hours on Lake Nahuel Huapi in Patagonia, 7 friends making our way through the bush with our skis on the back for a day before reaching the hut which was going to be our off grid home for a while was wild. I like wild.

How did you first discover your passion for trail-running?

I started running when I was 6 years old and this sport has been part of my life ever since. I also ran in the mountain but didn’t call it trail running yet and had weather flasks nor a vest to bring allong water and fueling. I used to sqeeze an energy bar in the sports bra, put 10 francs in the socks, tie a jacket around my hips and stop at fountains or huts for water.

What do you see as you biggest success in the sport?

My biggest achievement is being a finisher of the trail Verbier St-Bernard with 76km and +5300m elevation, a race that I had trained for 6 months and enjoyed from start to finish line.

What is your favourite trail around Verbier?

I’m in love the trail section down from les Planards to les Esserts. It flows, has nice turns and a fantastic view of Verbier and les Combins. I also love the route from Cabane Brunet up to Cabane Panossière via Col des Avouillons and back down along the bisse de Corbassière to Fionnay.

What is special about snowboarding in Verbier?

I started snowboarding when I was about 9 years old. When I was younger I used to move around a lot, riding in a lot of different resorts but have found myself coming back to Verbier for the past seasons. It has some of my favourite runs and endless opportunities for freeriding.

What your highlight for all your years on a board?

My biggest achievement would be finishing 3rd overall on the Freeride World Tour and simultaneously getting awarded Rookie of the year. I have been working hard for a long time to have these opportunities and it feels great to see it pay off. I love the feeling snowboarding gives me, a sense of freedom and being able to express myself riding and enjoy all of it with friends.

What is your favourite run in the 4 Valleys?

Good question … I wouldn’t say I have a favourite “run” but I love riding Mont Gele. It is my favourite mountain in the 4 Valleys, has tons of different runs and I always seem to find new lines and features.

Do you remember a time before biking and skiing?

Not really! I first went skiing when I was 2 and I was pretty much raised on motocross bikes and mountain bikes as a kid in the UK. I’ve been in Verbier since 2008 and it’s been an incredible way of life.

What has been the peak of it all?

Teaching my little nephew to ski from 2yo and he’s now 19 and is the French giant slalom champion at elite level and heading to the Winter Olympics with the French national team. Very proud uncle.

Where should people go if they’ve got one day in Verbier?

They shouldn’t miss out on skiing some of the freeride here including backside of Mont Fort.

Favourite bike trails on the mountain?

The green from the top of Fontanet into La Chaux is great fun and rideable for all levels - it’s also one for the most beautiful and scenic bike runs in the world with amazing views of the Combins. If you want something tougher, it has to be Tyres Fire, the yellow race track from Ruinettes down to Verbier.

What kick-started your career as a skier?

I grew up in a ski resort (Morgins) and my mother is a ski instructor, so skiing has always been part of my life. I got into freeriding after my kiwi stepbrother qualified for the Freeride World Tour. I thought, if he can do it, so can ! And I did! At the end of the winter 23-24 I qualified for the Freeride World Tour!

What would you say is your peak experience on a pair of skis?

My biggest achievment I’d say is to just realise how much you can progress if you believe in yourself. I attempted my first backflip on skis at age 25 and three seasons later, I landed my first double backflip.

What do you get up to when the snow melts?

There are two sports that come to mind: surfing, because the feeling of freedom is so similar to skiing - you feel so connected to nature and there’s nothing like it; and trail running/just generally being outdoors, the landscapes, the quiet - it’s all so magical.

What do you like best about skiing in Verbier?

What I like most about skiing in Verbier is the atmosphere among all the Verbier freeriders. I'm part of the Verbier Freeride World Tour Club, which is like a family, and it's always a pleasure to train and ski with the club and friends.

What are your goals in your skiing career?

My goals in my skiing career are to go as far as I can, whether it's in competitions or even making great videos. I'd love to make my own ski movie.

What is the highlight of your career?

I think I'm at the peak of my career at the moment, because I spend the whole season in Verbier, which means I can train every day, compete, and feel it directly on my skis. I'm still making a lot of progress in many aspects of my skiing.

How did you get into biking and why is it our passion?

I started biking at 2 years old, when we lived in Mexico City, but I really started mountain biking when we moved back to Switzerland when I was 5. I met Jon Wilson in Verbier when I was 7 and I have been riding with him since then. He taught me how to go very fast down sketchy trails. It's bit scary sometimes, but I love the feeling of going super fast. I am very proud that I came in first in my age category at the Chainless Race in Verbier and Mountain of Hell in Les Deux Alpes. I did the Grenouille jump last summer and people told me that I was the youngest to have done it. I am not sure if this is true, but I'd like to believe it! My favourite bike trail in Verbier is a mix of different trails, "the rainbow trail." It starts at Ruinettes on the red and into Tu Cuci jump line, then into yellow tyres fire onto red, blue, black jumps and back to yellow with a 12m jump, then back to blue jump line and into the red down to Medran. I also like Rodze because of all the jumps. Yes, I love JUMPS!

How did you get into each sport and what do you consider your biggest achievements to be in them?

I started skiing when I was 2 years old on the slopes of France with my Mum and Dad. Since then I have improved to what I can do today, which are backflips, three sixty’s and five forty’s, along with some cool grab combos that I’m working on. I also compete in the junior freeride competitions that take place during winter, with my best result being second place in Chamonix in 2023. I started biking late, at twelve years old, when I moved to Verbier to live. Since then I have made some amazing personal achievements and competed in numerous DH bike events, including those in the Hot Trail Series. My best result was second place in les Crosets in 2022. Some tricks I can do are no handers, one handers, no footers etc. This season I’ve been working towards a backflip. I have made some big achievements In both of these sports, particularly in the past two years, and I’m always pushing myself to do better.