At the 2024 Jib League stop in Sugarbowl, California, Alaïs Develay didn’t expect to be pulled up into the pro session. She was riding in the open division, holding her own, when organizers tapped her to step in with the pros. It had never happened before. Well, not to a woman, anyway. That shift changed everything.
“They had never taken a woman before, but they gave me a chance. Riding with some of the best filled me with dreams and gave me real belief in my skiing.”
Proving something, maybe, but it was all about being seen, in her way. Develay showed up with her ski boots buckled and her mind full-up with how to make a good impression. And as she came ready, the moment confirmed what she already suspected… that she belonged.
Raised in the French Pyrenees, Develay has always had a sharp edge to her riding and her presentation. Not the kind built around medals or points, but a type of creative defiance that defines her skiing. She blends technical command with a natural ability which has captured a respectable following amongst the core skiing online. It’s this energy that made her stand out in the open division. Ultimately, what got her noticed at Sugarbowl.
“When I tore my ACL at 16 during a competition, it was a really challenging time. Looking back, that experience built me. It made my passion for skiing and my motivation to come back even stronger. It taught me discipline, patience, and gave me the mental strength I rely on every day.”
An injury like that can push a young skier out of the sport entirely. For Develay, it only sharpened her motivation to return, and stronger, too. Instead of dialing back, she rebuilt, bringing more intention and power to the way she moved.
For Develay, one of her small rituals is writing.
“Before a big day, I write in my notebook. It helps me stay present and connect with myself. I always carry a small one in my ski backpack, just in case I need it. And I often remind myself of something my mom used to say: ‘No one knows better than you what’s good for you.’”
This connection to her own voice and internal compass is what drives her skiing. You can see it in the way she approaches a feature. Sometimes it’s light, sometimes it’s aggressive, but always with a natural rhythm that feels unique to her.
“I want them to feel freedom and playful energy, like a dance unfolding on the mountain. I hope they sense that raw flow of spontaneous movement. And maybe it sparks something in them too: a desire to move, create, or express themselves in their own unique way.”
More than just a skier, Develay has grown into a role model for a new generation of women who don’t wait for permission, expanding her platform as a brand ambassador for 1000skis. Her community runs deep, with people like fellow pro skier Léo Fourcade offering both friendship and belief when it was needed most.
“Léo Fourcade is one of the biggest inspirations for me. He has a unique style and a beautiful vision of life and skiing. A beautiful human being on and off the mountain. He believed in my skiing even before I truly did.”
One memory stands out. During the Innsbruck stop of Jib League, at a DIY rail session in Mutters, Develay and Fourcade pushed each other to explore the setup in new ways. She front-flipped off a car. Later, she crashed trying something else and dislocated her jaw.
“Léo stayed with me at the emergency room for hours. After that long day we still went to Montagu, where I received the news about joining the 1000 Skis pro team and I got my invitation to the Slvsh Cup by Joss. I’ll always remember that Léo was there throughout all these important moments. He was so happy for me, and his support changed everything for me.”
In those hours, where she was riding, filming, crashing, celebrating, there’s the whole story. One where talent matters, but being surrounded by belief, community, and shared joy matters more. Because, in the end, what else does?
Alaïs Develay rides the fs 01 120.
