Few names in the world of freestyle skiing carry as much weight as Candide Thovex. The French ski icon, known for his boundary-pushing style, has consistently redefined what is possible on snow. From his X Games victories to his groundbreaking One of Those Days video series, Thovex has been celebrated as a pioneer in the sport.

However, even legends are not immune to setbacks. In 2024, Candide Thovex suffered a significant injury that forced him to step away from skiing to focus on rehabilitation. As he embarked on his recovery journey, he chose Tignes, one of France’s premier ski destinations, as the ideal place to regain his strength and prepare for a return to the mountains.

The Injury: A Setback for a Freeskiing Icon

While the exact nature of Candide Thovex’s injury has not been widely publicized, it is known that it involved ligament damage and structural issues, likely affecting his knee or ankle—common injuries among elite skiers. Given the high-impact landings and extreme maneuvers involved in big-mountain skiing and freestyle, even the most skilled athletes face immense strain on their joints and muscles.

A Career Marked by Resilience

Thovex is no stranger to injuries. In 2007, he suffered a broken back during a massive jump attempt in Chad’s Gap, Utah. Doctors were uncertain if he would ski again, yet he defied expectations, returning stronger and reshaping his style to focus on big-mountain freeriding rather than conventional freestyle competitions.

Now, in 2025, as he recovers from his latest injury, he once again demonstrates his legendary resilience, this time choosing the high-altitude terrain of Tignes as his recovery base.

Why Tignes? The Perfect Location for Recovery & Training

Tignes, located in the French Alps, is one of the most renowned ski resorts in the world. Known for its year-round skiing, high-altitude environment, and elite training facilities, it provides the ideal setting for professional athletes to recover and regain peak form.

High-Altitude Training Benefits

Tignes sits at an altitude of 2,100 meters (6,890 feet), with glacier skiing available at even higher elevations. Training at high altitude offers several physiological advantages, particularly for an athlete recovering from injury:

• Increased red blood cell production, improving oxygen efficiency.

• Enhanced cardiovascular endurance, crucial for stamina on long ski descents.

• Accelerated muscle recovery due to improved circulation.

For an athlete like Thovex, who relies on explosive power, endurance, and balance, training in thin mountain air provides an added advantage as he regains strength.

Cutting-Edge Sports Medicine & Rehabilitation Centers

Tignes is home to some of the best sports rehabilitation facilities in Europe, making it an attractive choice for professional athletes recovering from injuries. The Centre de Médecine du Sport Tignes-Val d’Isère offers:

• Hydrotherapy pools for low-impact rehabilitation.

• Cryotherapy chambers to reduce inflammation and speed up healing.

• State-of-the-art physiotherapy equipment, including altitude-controlled treadmills and resistance training gear.

With a dedicated team of physiotherapists, sports scientists, and orthopedic specialists, Tignes ensures that elite athletes receive the best possible care during their recovery.

Year-Round Skiing for Progressive Training

Unlike many ski resorts that close in the warmer months, Tignes offers year-round skiing on the Grande Motte Glacier, allowing Thovex to ease back into skiing at his own pace. The ability to gradually increase intensity—starting with gentle runs before returning to high-impact tricks—makes Tignes an invaluable training ground.

The Mental Aspect of Recovery: Overcoming Fear & Doubt

Physical rehabilitation is only one part of the equation—mental recovery is equally crucial for an athlete returning from injury. For someone like Thovex, who pushes the limits of skiing like no one else, the psychological challenges of recovery include:

Regaining Confidence in His Body

After a serious injury, many athletes experience hesitation when attempting high-risk maneuvers. Even if the body has healed, mental blocks can prevent full commitment to jumps and tricks. Thovex has likely spent time working with sports psychologists to rebuild his trust in his body’s ability to perform.

Managing Expectations from Fans & Sponsors

As one of skiing’s biggest icons, Thovex faces immense pressure to return at peak performance. With millions of followers anticipating his next big project, managing expectations while prioritizing long-term health is a delicate balance.

Embracing a New Approach to Skiing

Throughout his career, Thovex has adapted his style to suit his evolving strengths. After his 2007 injury, he moved away from slopestyle contests and into big-mountain freeriding and filmmaking. His recovery in Tignes may lead to a new chapter in his skiing journey, perhaps focusing more on creativity and cinematography rather than pure physicality.

What’s Next for Candide Thovex? The Future of His Skiing Career

As Candide nears the final stages of recovery, fans are eager to see what his next big project will be. Here are a few possible directions:

A New “One of Those Days” Film

His viral One of Those Days series, featuring high-speed, POV-style skiing through unconventional terrain, has amassed tens of millions of views. A fourth installment, showcasing his comeback after recovery, would undoubtedly captivate audiences.

Expanding His Influence in Ski Film Production

Thovex’s filmmaking and cinematography skills have set a new standard for ski movies. Post-recovery, he may focus more on directing and producing innovative ski content, rather than performing every stunt himself.

Pushing the Boundaries of Non-Snow Terrain Skiing

Thovex has already skied on sand dunes, grass fields, and even volcanoes in previous projects. His recovery period may have inspired new out-of-the-box ideas, leading to ski projects in environments we never imagined.

Mentoring the Next Generation of Skiers

As a respected figure in the ski community, Thovex could take on a more mentor-like role, helping younger riders navigate the world of professional skiing, content creation, and brand partnerships.

A Return to the Slopes with Renewed Strength

Candide Thovex’s time recovering in Tignes has been more than just a physical rehabilitation—it has been an opportunity to reflect, adapt, and evolve as an athlete and filmmaker. With world-class training facilities, high-altitude conditioning, and mental resilience, he is well-equipped to make a powerful return to skiing.

As fans eagerly await his next move, one thing is certain: when Candide Thovex comes back, he doesn’t just return—he reinvents the game. Whether through jaw-dropping ski films, innovative tricks, or unexpected new projects, his legacy as a visionary in the sport will only continue to grow.

Stay tuned, because the next chapter of Candide Thovex’s career is about to begin—and it promises to be nothing short of spectacular.

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