Douds Charlet (2011)

Going into the first stage of the Freeride World Tour 2011, Chamonix local Douds Charlet has a lot to live up to. Can he best his second place finish from last year and bring home the gold?

 

FWT: You've been working on your mountain guides certification for the last few years. Tell us what skills are required. Have you finished it yet? 

Douds: To become a mountain guide you need to do a lot of hiking, skiing, and rock and ice climbing to get to the level you need for the first technical exam at the ENSA, the probatoire. After that it takes four years to become a guide. Next summer I will finish my last exam.

 

FWT: In the FWT10 you were one of the top riders with a 2nd place at Nissan Freeride de Chamonix and 4th place at the Nissan Russian Adventure by Swatch event that was held at La Flégère. What will you do in 2011 to maintain your momentum throughout the whole contest?

Douds: I will try to do my best without breaking any bones!!!

 

FWT: How would you describe your riding style?

Douds: Like a cat.

Feline feeling

FWT: You're one of the most freestyle-oriented snowboarders on the tour. Why do you think there are not more snowboarders who do well at both freestyle and freeride?

Douds: It depends on the spot where you ride. If you ride in Chamonix you have to know everything about snow and glaciers if you don’t want to die! 

 

FWT: If they added a big table top at the bottom of the course right before the finish line that you could hit to get extra points but lose points if you crash, what would you throw?

Douds: A backside 720 tail grab, or a 900 if I happened to fall higher up on the course!!! This year, I’m going to ride a bit more mellow in order to achieve a better result.

 

FWT: What is your board setup for FWT competitions?

Douds: I’ve been riding an Imperivm board for the past three years. I’m regular foot with a stance of 18˚ in front and -10˚ in back. The main difference is the board size. I ride a 4cm longer board when I’m freeriding. 

 

FWT: Are you in any videos this year?

Douds: Yes, Punch Line by PVS productions. 

 

FWT: What do you feel are your strengths and weaknesses going into the FWT11?

Douds: I feel really good and I’m confident for this season.

Douds performing well (2nd) at the Nissan Freeride de Chamonix-Mont-Blanc 2010

 

FWT: Which FWT11 event are you most looking forward to and why?

Douds: I want to see the face at Sochi before I choose my favorite face. I’ll tell you at the end of the season which is my favorite but last year it was Sochi/Flégère – big pow pow powder!!!!!