Valentin Giraud-Moine

Valentin Giraud-Moine has never known any world beyond the mountains. He was on skis almost before he could walk, and he grew up with a deep-seated conviction: one day, he would be among the world’s elite. He never let go of that conviction—even when everything, or almost everything, seemed determined to tear it away from him.

In 2010, the dream became a reality. Valentin joined the French national alpine skiing team. From his very first World Cup seasons in 2013, his talent shone through. Things moved quickly—too quickly, some might say. Two podium finishes came in quick succession, including one on the Streif in Kitzbühel, the most feared and legendary downhill run on the world circuit. At 24, on this legendary course that the best skiers fear as much as they admire, Valentin established himself as one of the most promising young talents of his generation.

But fate has its own twists and turns. The week after that podium finish, a horrific crash in Garmisch-Partenkirchen turned everything upside down. It was an accident of rare severity, one that nearly cost him the use of his legs. Months of recovery followed—surgeries, rehabilitation, deep doubts, and moments of renewed hope. Two years of inner struggle, of ups and downs, of mornings spent starting over from scratch. It was during this journey that Valentin forged what would become his trademark: a steely resolve, a resilience that nothing seems capable of breaking, and an ability to turn adversity into fuel.

He’s back. After winning the European Cup, he reclaimed his spot in the World Cup and proved, race after race, that great careers aren’t built on comfort, but on the ability to bounce back. Until 2021, he represented France on the world’s greatest circuits—ten seasons, ten winters crisscrossing the Alps, the Rockies, and the Scandinavian slopes—gaining an intimate knowledge of the roads, hotels, and exceptional experiences that accompany the life of a top-level athlete. A raw, precious resource that he chose to put to work for Apex One.

“Failure taught me something that victory could never have taught me: that the most cherished memories are built on shared experiences, hard work, and the people we meet along the way. That’s exactly what I want to offer with Apex One.”
— Valentin Giraud-Moine