French Ski Resort Pays Tribute To Rising Star Following His Untimely Death

The residents of a French ski resort have paid tribute to freeride skier Hugo Hoff who died on the slopes in the Gervasutti couloir, in the Mont Blanc range, on the last day of May, shortly after lockdown restrictions were eased allowing skiers and boarders back on French slopes.

Hugo Hoff was only 20 years old and a rising star of the Les Arcs Freeski Academy.

“His club, together with everyone in Les Arcs, are all in shock and send out their deepest sympathy to his family and friends,” a resort statement reads, continuing, “With his huge smile, slice of shyness and a love of adventure, Hugo will be sorely missed.”

Having spent his youth at the Serre Chevalier Ski Club, Hugo had chosen to join the club ‘Les Arcs Freeski Academy’ at age 16 to pursue his dream of becoming a freeride champion.

This ambition had been progressing well with Hugo winning the 2017 Freeride Junior Tour (Europe /Oceania), and being muted to soon be part of the 22 elite skiers on the Freeride World Tour

“With Ugo Troubat, his riding accomplice, he skied steep slopes and off-piste at Les Arcs, their favourite playground,” said Xavier Troubat and Laurent Niol, his coaches from the Freeski Academy, who added, “He had become the idol of the little kids of the club, a role model and a source of motivation. He will leave behind a memory which permanent, fluid, soft and harmonious.”