Marion is originally from Villard-de-Lans, a small town in the French Alps where cross-country skiing and biathlon are a big part of the local culture. She first tried cross-country skiing at the age of eight, and she was hooked right away. She got into competitive racing and biathlon that same year and continued to compete at a high level until the age of 21.
Her years as a competitive athlete helped shape the coach she is today, teaching her the value of discipline, teamwork, and hard work. She notes that, “Nordic skiing was a big family where I grew up, and being surrounded by people who shared the same passion for the sport was amazing.”
After hanging up her racing skis, Marion set off on a few adventures of her own. These included an eight-month trip through South America, completing her Bachelor’s degree in Sport and Sciences, living and working in the French town of Guillestre, and spending time in Anchorage, Alaska, where she volunteered with the NSAA.
Her next adventure brought her all the way to Canada in 2019 to work with the Whistler Nordic Development Centre (WNDC). As she likes to say, “I got sponsored for two years, and never left!”
Since arriving in the Sea to Sky, Marion has become a familiar, smiling face in our local Nordic community. In 2021, she started coaching Sea to Sky Nordics’ Race Development team. She later helped create the Next Gen program with WNDC, which aims to connect the club programs with the training center.
It was her experience coaching U16 athletes that really sparked her interest in getting more involved at the club level. “I had such a great time coaching U16 that it inspired me to get involved at the club level. I think club coaches have a huge impact on athletes’ personal development, and that’s something I want to be a part of.”
These days, Marion wears a couple of hats at Whistler Olympic Park, working as both the new head biathlon coach, as well as a retail advisor. During the winter, you can find her out on the Olympic range or in the Nordic Ski Shop in the main lodge. Be sure to stop by and say hello if you’re looking for equipment advice or just a friendly chat!
Looking ahead to the season, Marion is excited to introduce more young athletes to biathlon and help them discover what the sport has to offer. She’s also got some big goals for the team, including seeing Sea to Sky athletes make it to the Canada Winter Games and getting lots of our U13 athletes to the BC Championships.
Above all, she’s looking forward to helping young athletes develop their skills, build confidence, and experience the same sense of community that made Nordic skiing such a big part of her own life.
Some fun facts about Marion
We couldn’t welcome Marion without asking a few important questions:
Skate or classic?
Classic! (I’ve always had a soft spot for it.)
Favourite post-training snack?
Boiled eggs.
Dream skiing destination?
New Zealand!
Favourite thing about coaching?
Spending time outdoors while helping athletes build valuable life skills.
What do you do when not on skis or at the range?
In the summer, you’ll likely find me mountain biking. In the winter, I’m probably exploring the backcountry on skis.
Editors note! Watch Marion for….
A pencil in her hair for making notes on the range. Her contagious smile!
We’re thrilled to have Marion stepping into the role of Head Coach. She brings a wide breadth of experience, as well as a huge passion and enthusiasm to the club.
Her journey is a great reminder of the lasting impact that Nordic sport and club communities can have on young athletes. We can’t wait to see what’s ahead and watch our athletes grow with Marion leading the way.
Please give Marion a big Sea to Sky welcome when you see her. Here’s to a fantastic season ahead!!
Check out our 2027 biathlon programs and register today, or email Marion with your questions.