Xavier Gachet, born in 1989, has ski mountaineering in his blood. He was born and lives in Arêches Beaufort, the location of the Pierra Menta. When he was just a few months old, little Xavier went with his mother to see his father compete in the Pierra Menta. At seven years old, with his father and brother Arnaud, he tried climbing skins for the first time. It was love at first sight, and he has never abandoned that passion. After much training, he was selected for the national ski mountaineering team and won national titles in all the disciplines. “I like ski mountaineering,” says Xavier, “because it is practiced by ‘mountain people’ who love skiing! I am certain that young people need our teaching, and I hope I can still give a lot to this sport.”