Au Revoir, Bertrand, Co-Founder and Soul of the School

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Bertrand de Monvallier, co-founder, co-director and soul of Oxygène, now OxySki. He passed away after a ten month fight against illness. A true inspiration to many, his passion for life went above and beyond. Our thoughts are with his family and everyone who knew him.

A true inspiration

Bertrand had a large personality and a genuine passion for life that inspired everyone around him. He had a clear vision of where the ski industry in France was heading, and the drive to build something different.

Building a school from scratch

Bertrand created Oxygène Ski & Snowboard School in La Plagne exactly thirty years ago with his brother Pierre, and his other brother Julien later joined the venture. His vision was simple: fun, friendly, small group ski and snowboard lessons, with family focused activities, always led by what clients actually needed. This approach struck a chord with English speaking skiers and snowboarders from the very start, a clientele Bertrand was particularly fond of. His fluent English helped him build a lasting network of partners in the UK and beyond, starting with Mark Warner in La Plagne, followed by Ski Beat, Silver Ski, VIP Ski and others.

What he leaves us

Bertrand was a true skier, entrepreneur, loving father, husband, brother, friend and a pillar of his community. At this time of year, as spring skiing begins, the best way to honour him is to make the most of the slopes, exactly as he would have wanted. We like to think he is still watching over his teams, wherever he is, and the passion for skiing that drives them.

A donation in his memory

If you wish, you can make a donation in Bertrand's memory to Des Etoiles dans la Mer, a French charity that helps fund research into glioblastoma brain tumours.

What comes next

Oxygène, now OxySki, carries forward the values Bertrand and his brothers built the school on. To learn more about that journey, read about our story.