If you follow ski progression metrics as closely as I do, you know that the word "mellow" usually implies low-angle groomers or a casual cruise through the park. But when Candide Thovex uses it, we need to recalibrate our entire scale.
The Flying Frenchman just dropped a new edit labeled as a "mellow" day, and frankly, the data suggests otherwise. At over 40 years old, Thovex isn't just maintaining his baseline; he's executing maneuvers with a precision that rivals athletes half his age. I broke down the footage to see what "mellow" actually looks like in Thovex-vision.
The Technical Breakdown
The clip, filmed primarily in Leysin, Switzerland, showcases a level of edge control and air awareness that is signature Thovex. Here is what stands out from a technical perspective:
- The Cork 720 Blunt: This isn't just a spin; it's a lesson in axis control. Thovex initiates a cork 720 but stalls the rotation with a blunt grab (grabbing the tail of the ski while the skis are crossed). This requires immense core strength to hold against the rotational G-force before spotting the landing. Most skiers scramble to get gear down; Candide places it.
- Transition Efficiency: Watch how he manages speed. He doesn't scrub speed with aggressive checking turns. Instead, he pumps transitions and uses the terrain's natural curvature to maintain velocity. It’s fluid dynamics in action.
- The "Wander" Factor: The edit is framed as him just wandering through the park. This casual framing masks the high-consequence nature of the features he's hitting.
Equipment Check
Candide is riding his own brand, Candide Skis, which he launched after parting ways with Faction. His setup is designed for this specific blend of all-mountain charging and freestyle creativity—stiff enough to handle mach speeds but with enough pop for massive airs.
For those looking to replicate this style of riding (good luck), you need a ski with a symmetrical or near-symmetrical flex pattern and a waist width around 100mm for versatility.
My Top Picks for a Thovex-Style Setup:
- The Ski: Faction Studio 1 Skis – Faction's heritage is deeply tied to Candide's development, and their current freestyle line retains that DNA.
- The Boot: Dalbello Il Moro Boots – You need a progressive flex that absorbs heavy landings without collapsing.
- The Vision: Oakley Flight Deck L Goggles – Peripheral vision is non-negotiable when you are spotting landings inverted.
Why This Matters
In an industry obsessed with the "next big thing," Thovex proves that mastery trumps novelty. His "mellow" day involves deep cornice launches and cork 360s that are smoother than most people's straight airs. It serves as a reminder that gear and specs only get you so far—mechanics and style are the true differentiators.
If you are inspired to head to Europe to find your own "mellow" lines in the Alps (Tignes and Val d'Isère are mentioned in related reports), you can book your French Alps ski trip and see if you can keep up.
Source: POWDER
