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In the world of alpine skiing, passion often starts with a single race, a single skier, or even a single banner. For Gaël, the story began in 2019 at the World Championships in Åre, Sweden, where his interest in ski racing first took hold. What started as curiosity soon grew into a unique commitment that would eventually lead him to run the official fan page for American-Slovenian slalom skier Lila Lapanja. Since then, skiing has become his true passion.

Discovering the World of Ski Fandom

Like many fans, Gaël’s entry into the alpine ski community was sparked by a personal connection. After following American downhiller Alice Merryweather on television, he attended his very first World Cup race in Crans-Montana in February 2020. There, in the grandstands, he encountered the vibrant world of ski fan clubs and met Lionel Agoutin, founder of the Alpine Ski World Cup Fan Community. A simple gesture—receiving a fan banner—marked the start of something bigger.

During the off-season, Gaël launched a fan page for Merryweather. But when injuries sidelined her career, he began covering all U.S. women’s ski racers. Among them was Lila Lapanja, whose talent and engagement stood out. Over the Christmas holidays in 2020, he reached out with an idea: a dedicated fan page just for her. Lapanja loved the initiative, and on January 21, 2021, the Lila Lapanja Fan Page was born.

Why Lila?

For Gaël, the answer is simple: Lila represents perseverance and positivity. “She competed as an independent athlete for seven years, and the fan page was created to highlight her career and show she deserves greater recognition,” he explains.

What fascinates him most are her determination to chase childhood dreams and her ability to stay positive, no matter the circumstances. On the fan page, Gaël always ends race summaries on a hopeful note: “The best is yet to come.”

A Turning Point: Racing for Slovenia

In 2024, Lila made the bold decision to join Slovenia’s national squad. For Gaël, the news felt like liberation: “She now has the opportunity to thrive as part of the Slovenian team, racing with her eyes on the 2026 Olympics.”

The Slovenian media welcomed her warmly, and Lila quickly became a familiar name across Europa Cup and World Cup start lists. With her track record—including four U.S. national titles and multiple Nor-Am Cup wins—she carries the rare distinction of being one of the longest-serving independent athletes ever to compete on the World Cup circuit.

Memorable Moments

Over the years, Gaël has collected countless memories following Lila’s career. From her comeback run in Levi 2020 after nearly two years away, the meetings in Saas Fee when she was training in late summer, to her generous gesture lending him her ski poles to descend a mountain after a race in Les Diablerets, each story carries a touch of the personal connection between fan and athlete. 

But perhaps the most memorable moment came in Levi in 2021, when the world was still adjusting to COVID-19 restrictions. After finishing her race, Lila greeted Gaël with a sign of her poles—a small gesture that spoke volumes about the mutual appreciation between skier and supporter.

Beyond the Slopes

Running a fan page has given Gaël much more than ski memories. It’s brought new friendships, travels to Finland, Austria, Liechtenstein, and countless race venues, and connections with other fan communities across Europe. His family and close friends have supported his efforts from the very beginning, cheering him on as he dedicates his free time—and often much more—to keeping fans connected with Lila’s journey.

Even Lila herself has acknowledged the impact: in an interview with Top Ski News, she described Gaël’s efforts as giving her “a new perspective on my skiing, and also a sense of satisfaction with what I’ve achieved.” That mutual appreciation between athlete and fan is at the heart of their story.

And it goes both ways: off the slopes, Lila is known for her warmth and generosity. She always takes time to sign autographs, pose for photos, and connect with fans after races. Her gratitude toward the support she receives shines through, making her not only a remarkable athlete but also a genuinely caring person.

Looking Ahead

As Lila continues to grow with the Slovenian team, eyes set firmly on the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina, Gaël is ready to keep supporting her every step of the way. His wish for her is simple yet powerful: “To be happy, confident in herself, and to fulfill her goals.”

For Gaël, what started as a fan experience has turned into a mission: to share Lila’s story, celebrate her achievements, and connect fans around the world. Because in skiing, as in life, the best truly is yet to come.

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