Thibaud Puippe

Born in 2009 in Val-d’Illiez, where winter sports are an integral part of local culture, Thibaud grew up on skis. From an early age, he joined the village ski club, discovered racing and nurtured his first ambitions.

In spring 2021, he joined Ski Valais as part of the CRP Ski Team Dents du Midi, a demanding and high-performing regional structure. In May 2025, his results allowed him to take a new step: he left Ski Valais to join the NLZ West in Brig, which welcomes young Swiss athletes selected among the best of their generation. One of the three National Performance Centres, it represents an important step towards elite sport and the FIS circuit.

At the end of his first FIS season, in May 2026, his performances earned Thibaud the official NLZ status. This recognition distinguishes the eight best athletes in his category at the end of their first season. It is therefore a fine reward for his work, consistency and commitment throughout the year.

Between resilience and passion

Thibaud showed great resilience, overcoming several injuries in U12 without losing his motivation. In U14, despite difficult starts with high bib numbers, he quickly improved his performances, won the title of Valais slalom champion and gained access to IRW competitions, building his confidence and experience.

In his first year of U16 (2023/2024 season), his progress was confirmed: regular podiums and a first qualification for the Swiss championships. Then in 2024/2025, he won the IRW overall ranking (best athlete from French-speaking Switzerland). He also wore the Swiss leader’s jersey until 20 March 2025, proving his excellent national level and remarkable consistency throughout the season. In the last two races, he was unfortunately forced to retire in the giant slalom, then straddled a gate just a few gates before the finish in the slalom. These two race incidents ultimately dropped him to 6th place in the Swiss overall ranking, after he had led it until those final two events. His international selections also allowed him to compete against athletes from Europe and the United States. At the FESA CUP in Les Ménuires, he finished a brilliant 4th in slalom, demonstrating his potential on the international scene.

When he entered the FIS circuit in November 2025, Thibaud discovered a very demanding level, which he approached with seriousness and enthusiasm. During this first season, he set himself two ambitious goals: to finish as the best Swiss U17 in slalom in FIS points and to earn his official NLZ status. He achieved both successfully. A FIS NJR slalom victory at Les Crosets, 6th place at the Swiss U18 Slalom Championships in Meiringen (1st U17) and 18th place at the Swiss U18 Giant Slalom Championships in Elm (4th U17) notably marked this first year on the FIS circuit.

Goals

Building on the progress he has made, Thibaud is approaching his second FIS season with new ambitions and the determination to reach the next level.

In slalom, he is aiming for 1st place in the Swiss U18 ranking, while in giant slalom he aims to break into the Top 3. The main challenge of the season will be to finish in the Top 2 of the Swiss Cup, a result that would allow him to take another step on his path towards the top level and gain access to the Swiss-Ski C Squad.

Partenaires

Thibaud’s progress is made possible thanks to the support of his valued partners, who provide the means for him to train, travel, and perform at the highest level.

➡️ Région Dents du Midi
➡️ Fischer
➡️ Vola
➡️ Reflex Levages SA
➡️ Jubin Frères SA
➡️ Ski-Club Val-d’Illiez
➡️ Raiffeisen de la Vallée d’Illiez
➡️ DM Bois
➡️ Panathlon Club Chablais

Awards

Follow Thibaud on social media:

• Facebook
• Instagram