Armand Marchant writes Belgian ski history

A standout performance in Gurgl

Competing in challenging World Cup conditions, Marchant rose to the occasion. After finishing ninth in the first run, he delivered a stunning second run and posted one of the fastest times of the day. He climbed to second overall, finishing just 0.07 seconds behind French skier Paco Rassat. Eight more men had to take action and they all started with an advantage thanks to a better first run. Still, Marchant remained in second place, as no one was able to beat the Belgian in the second run. This result surpassed his previous career best of fifth place and marked a defining moment in his career. Armand Marchant’s performance captured the attention of the ski world and filled Belgium with pride, a nation not traditionally associated with alpine skiing success. His finish now stands as Belgium’s first World Cup podium in alpine skiing.

A journey of recovery and determination

Marchant’s return to the top of the sport was anything but easy. In 2017, a devastating training crash in Switzerland left him with multiple fractures, torn ligaments, and severe knee damage. Over the following years, he underwent seven surgeries and more than two years of rehabilitation, facing immense physical and mental challenges. During this difficult period, he was forced to watch the 2018 Winter Olympic Games from home. His eventual return to competition demanded patience, discipline, and unwavering belief. The World Cup silver medal he earned in Gurgl is the result of years of perseverance and determination.

Armand Marchant Training Indoors at Ski Indoor 4810

Following his recovery, Marchant spent countless hours training at Ski Indoor 4810 in Passy, where one of our large Treadmill SkiMachines is installed. With a spacious 7 by 11 meter training surface and adjustable speeds and slopes ranging from 10 to 18 degrees, the facility offers ideal conditions for high-level technical training and carving. Advanced projection systems simulate slalom courses, while a three-camera setup captures every run in detail. Professional coaches are always nearby and provide precise, immediate feedback. These advanced tools allow athletes to analyze their performance right after each session and make targeted improvements. Ski Indoor 4810 has become a popular training destination for skiers of all levels, from recreational skiers to elite competitors, as well as ski clubs such as Ski Club Mont D’Or, Ski Club Combloux, Ski Club Les Houches, Ski Club Passy-Varan, Ski Club Saint-Gervais, Ski Club Praz-sur-Arly, and Interclub Magland Desert Blanc. Marchant’s commitment to indoor training played a key role in his return to world-class performance and highlights the value of structured, year-round training.

The Future of Athlete Ski Training

Indoor skiing is increasingly used to complement on-snow sessions, offering consistent conditions and highly focused technical work. Following the success of the Passy location, Ski Indoor 4810 has opened new centers in Nîmes and Les Orres, extending access to high-level training in more regions of France. These facilities allow athletes to develop technique, speed, strength, and endurance in a controlled environment. While outdoor training is often limited by weather, fatigue, and injury risk, indoor training enables repetition, detailed analysis, and steady progression without seasonal restrictions. Armand Marchant’s World Cup silver medal is a powerful example of how modern training methods can help athletes reach the very top of alpine skiing. Especially in France, with its many elite ski clubs and high-performing athletes, the potential for new indoor ski centers is enormous. As this momentum grows, we’re helping more clubs open their own indoor training centers, creating the next generation of competitive skiers. 

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