Alex Duret isn’t a pro in terms of how professional skiers make a living. He doesn’t go to Alaska on a ski company’s budget. He doesn’t find his payday at film premieres. And as such– he spends more days on the slopes per season than most of the ski stars that grace the covers of Powder and Freeskier.
Duret, a Argentinian by birth who grew up skiing at Primeros Pinos, is making his living on the road, skis in tow– ready to teach people how to make a turn.
“I was lucky to work in very international skis schools, with other coaches from all over the globe, [which] allowed me to learn different techniques and philosophies.”
A ski schooler by trade, the 34 year-old found his path in life in a sort of roundabout way that is an all too familiar story for of most ski bums– a friend asked if he was interested in skiing in Japan. No brainer. Now, after countless hours of teaching and hours spent in PSIA courses and beyond, he’s still looking for the best possible turn.
Currently the Level 3 PSIA instructor splits time at two of the most famed ski areas in the entire world– following an endless winter from north to south and visa versa– every year. Summering in Portillo and wintering in Jackson Hole, he’s literally established himself as a mainstay at two of the best ski areas in the world and he’s not looking back.
“I’ve had the chance to ski many places and each one has an special spark. But I’m hooked to Jackson Hole… The terrain is terrific, the snow is amazing, and the mountain culture is inspiring.”
But what makes Duret unique is his ability to chameleon from place to place, no matter how different the culture, no matter how different the skiing– he gives it his all. “Ski Instructing opens a lot of doors,” says Duret adding that it’s the difference between each skier that makes his job special. “I have a lot of clients come hot out of the gate being like, ‘I want to ski Corbet’s’ but unfortunately that’s not how it always works out.” Yet when it’s ready– so is Duret. Allowing students to realize their ski dreams is the pinnacle; whether that’s the simple feeling of loading and unloading turns on a beautiful groomer or sending into Corbet’s on a powder day.
The end result– more skiers from more diverse backgrounds in a sport that desperately needs growth to sustain itself. And while we talk our fair share of trash about the ski schooler attitude and crack jokes such as: What’s the difference between a ski schooler and god? God doesn’t think he’s a ski schooler… instructors like these keep our sport young. We like that.