- Gaspard Buraud
- From: Chamonix, France
- Ambassador since: 2025
- Outdoor activities: Paragliding, Mountaineering, Skiing
Achievements:
- The ski movie “Upurkushun” that fast-tracked us onto stages of mountain festivals around France and Europe.
- First ski descents and ski explorations in Patagonia.
- Opening a new daring ski line in the mighty east face of Mont-Blanc.
Gaspard Buraud is part of a new generation of "Chamoniards" (residents of Chamonix) who combine multiple disciplines like skiing and paragliding to explore high-altitude peaks. He became a Norrøna Ambassador in 2025.
What is your main activity and why do you love it?
My main activity is Ski but it’s been a few years that I realized that if you want to push it further, be more creative, and chase new lines then you’d have to combine it with other activities such as mountaineering or paragliding.
What exits me the most about skiing is the feeling of freedom, the feeling of flowing at the surface of the snow, the power it gives you to explore and connect with remotes places far in the mountains. When those moments are shared with good friends, memories skiing can give you is priceless!
How old were you when you became passionate about this activity?
I was about 14 years old.
What activities did you enjoy during your childhood?
At first it was mainly playing outside, exploring around, building cabins etc., then at the age of 8, I started competing in cross-country skiing and Biathlon but I quickly moved to ski and mountaineering which makes more sense here in Chamonix.
How would you describe the nature where you grew up?
Growing up in the shadow of the mighty Mont-Blanc range is something unique in the world. There's a kind of magnetic resonance, an energy emanating from this mountain range that hits you in the face, it's obvious. Just visually it's super impressive. Even though I grew up there, every time I look up at these towering peaks of granite covered with ice overlooking the valley I'm flabbergasted.
How can you help take Norrøna another step forward in innovation and product development?
I am constantly outside whenever I have free time and therefore I put my gear to the test in many different conditions throughout the year. I need good stuff to handle all kinds of conditions, and I'd be happy to work hand in hand with Norrona and give my feedback to make the best mountain apparel.
What adventures do you dream of undertaking in the future?
I have so many ideas but here are a few:
- Departing from Chamonix, reach Zermatt by paraglider to climb the Matterhorn, then return by paraglider.
- Go on an expedition to Patagonia with my mother to climb the Corcovado, a beautiful volcano, covered by an ice cap and lost in the Valdivian jungle on the Chilean coast.
- Go on a ski expedition in Karakoram to ski 7000 meters peaks.
Do you have a profession alongside your main activity? If so, tell us about it!
I spent most of my time training for the ski instructor and mountain guide diploma, my dream job.
What book has made the biggest impression on you – and why?
Sales Gosses by Sam Beaugey. It tells the story of a generation of chamoniards back in the 90’ that explored the limits of extreme skiing, climbing, mountaineering, and BASE jumping with a real touch of rock and roll. It is super inspiring as I am myself part of the new generation of Chamoniards who follow their tracks.
Gaspard Buraud in action
