DAME IT!

Everyone knows that feeling of being the first on the slopes, of being able to make your first track in well-groomed snow. But do you know who works at night to give us such a perfect feeling? Meet Laurent, a mountain and Vercors lover, who shares the secrets of his trade.

Published on 29 March 2023

DAM-AGE

It’s hard to find anyone more Corrençonnais than Laurent. Born into a farming family, his father was also a groomer and boom operator during the winter at the Alpine ski resort.

It’s now been 40 years since Laurent took up the torch, and every winter he travels the resort’s slopes aboard his snow groomer. His job is an escape, a connection with nature and the peace and quiet of the mountains. Away from the world, but always with the desire to satisfy ski lovers.

The story doesn’t end there, as Laurent passes on his passion to two of his children. Today, one works for the Corrençon en VercorsNordic ski area and the other for the Alpine ski area.

Ever since they were little, they’ve been with me in the snow groomer. I also followed the example of my father, who was also a groomer and boom operator at the resort.

MAN VERSUS WILD

When the last light of day gives way to night, it’s time for Laurent to take the reins of his snow groomer and hit the slopes. Alone in his cabin, he surveys the peaks, moves the snow and shapes the slopes like an artist.

But before becoming a groomer, he trained as a mechanic and worked in public works. This training enabled him to get to know his machine perfectly. Later, he followed in his father’s footsteps and became a groomer in 1983. When we talk to Laurent, he talks about his job with love. He loves being close to the environment and the calm of being alone in the face of nature, which can even be wild.

The mountains hold no secrets for him, whatever the season. In summer, he tends the slopes, and in winter he grooms them. It’s an outdoor job that lets him combine his mechanical skills with his love of the mountains.

Over-the-ear headphones for 1 min grooming anecdote

“From the groomer, you have access to magnificent landscapes”.

THE PLACE TO BE

What Laurent loves about the Vercors are the magnificent landscapes he can see from Corrençon en Vercors. He likes to take the time to contemplate the peaks from the village heights. From his groomer, he admires the most beautiful sunsets and sunrises, and the Vercors holds no secrets for him.

He speaks of the area with a great deal of love, because it’s where he grew up. A landscape enthusiast, he speaks of the destination as an ideal.

Laurent is proud to be able to participate in the development of tourism in his region, as in addition to his grooming business, he also owns a family gîte in Corrençon.

I’ve always lived here, and I can’t see myself living anywhere else but here. As soon as I leave the Vercors I get a bit sick, so it’s true that it’s complicated.

THE VERTACO BOARD

“There are some lovely hikes to be had in the mountains or on the Hauts Plateaux. There are new activities developing like electric scooters or electric bikes so it’s interesting.”

Discover our mountain bike trails

To find out more

©carolesavary Paysage Ski Hiver 2020 (41)

Our ski areas

©focusoutdoor Vtt Amis Droits Finété2025 (11)

Cycling

OH MY GOAT!