Today’s episode celebrates the release of the new film from The North Face, ‘Of A Lifetime’, featuring Xavier De Le Rue, his brother Victor and his daughter Mila. 

The film covers an expedition the three of them took to Antarctica. Not only is the scenery breathtakingly beautiful, but you will be gripping your seat when you see some of the insane faces that Xavier and Victor take on. 

The trip was also a rite of passage for Xavier’s daughter Mila, who turned 18 while they were in Antarctica.

In my extended interview with Xavier (previously released as Episode 208), we discuss his competitive past, the cliff named after him in Verbier, his move into film making and adventures in places such as Alaska, Svalbard and, of course, Antarctica. 

 

 We also discuss his almost fatal avalanche and how it changed his views about risk-taking. Finally, we talk about his views on sustainability and the future of our sport.

Save money on your ski hire by using the code ‘SKIPODCAST’ at intersportrent.com, or simply take this link for your discount to be automatically applied at the checkout. 

Xavier broke his ribs while taking time off from filming in Lobufen (7:30)

FIS bought the Freeride World Tour in 2022 (9:30)

Watch the Freeride World Tour on YouTube

To celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Verbier Extrme this amazing night shot was captured (11:00)

Xavier went to Antarctica in November 2023 (12:30)

The trip involved crossing Drake’s Passage (15:00)

The Svalbard adventure took place in 2016 (17:30)

Xavier took brother Victor with him to Alaska (20:30)

Victor won the Freeride World Tour for the third time in 2024 (21:30)

Xavier’s daughter Mila is also on the Challenger Tour (21:15)

Xavier is from St Lary in the French Pyrénées (23:30)

Iain skied in the Bruson sector of Verbier in March 2024 (25:30)

Watch Xavier’s ‘How to’ videos on YouTube (26:45)

Learn how to ski on ice! (27:15)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wjfh9F9eT34

We discuss Xavier’s avalanche experience (29:00)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t6EXW_e2ETU

“Paranoia can be a good thing” (30:30)

Xavier has clear views on air bags (33:00)

Listen to Xavier’s sustainability podcasts (38:00)

Find out about the Audi Experience camps (38:30)

I enjoy all feedback about the show, I like to know what you think, especially about our features so please contact on social @theskipodcast or by email [email protected] 

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