Hortense Mermillon

Our ambassadors

Athlete

Passionate about mountain sports, Hortense spends most of her time outdoors, exploring trails and summits. A Nordic ski instructor in winter and a refuge assistant warden in summer, she lives to the rhythm of the seasons and wide-open spaces. Driven by a deep love of nature and adventure, she finds in trail a way to combine self-surpassing and freedom.

Key Achievement

KV de Fully 2023: 3rd woman and 1st espoir in 41'39 (Personal Record on KV).
Skyrace des Matheysins 2024: 16th woman, 2nd espoir, 7th French woman, a first experience at a skyrace.
Montée du Nid d'Aigle 2024: 2nd espoir, 11th woman, and 6th French woman.
KV du Grand Serre 2024: 4th woman in 42'06.
Saintexpress 2024: 8th woman in 4h02'56, a first experience on a long-distance format — a rolling night race that pushed me well outside my comfort zone.

Future projects

Skyrace des Matheysins.
'Ultra trail Grand Colombier 42 km format in preparation for the Marathon du Mont Blanc.
Marathon du Mont Blanc, a first experience on this demanding race.
Matterhorn Ultraks Extreme in Zermatt, a 27 km skyrace with 3100 m of positive elevation gain.

Interview with Hortense Mermillon

3 words that define you as an athlete?

Determined, competitive and passionate.

3 values that define you as a person?

Respect for the environment in my practice, passion for this outdoor sport and sharing it with fellow enthusiasts (spending great moments in nature).

Why do you feel you belong to the Cimalp family?

I'm really happy to be part of the Cimalp family, which I feel shares so many of my own values: a passion for trail and nature, respect for the environment, and sharing great moments with fellow enthusiasts.

Your best and worst mountain memory — and why?

My best mountain memory is simply a beautiful sunset at the top of the Jura mountains with my partner. My worst mountain memory is a race I really suffered through and ended up abandoning — the Skyrace des Gorges du Tarn — due to knee pain. I then spent over a month getting back to it by following a dedicated recovery protocol.

What do the mountains inspire in you?

The mountains inspire me with a sense of freedom — discovering wild places, escaping and breathing in pure mountain air.

What is your relationship with the environment and ecology?

I studied in fields related to the environment and ecology (a BTS in Nature Management and Protection, and a professional degree in Natural and Leisure Spaces Management). For me, protecting the environment — our very playground — is essential. Respecting nature and being aware of all the issues at stake is paramount. Starting with reducing your carbon footprint (by competing in France and Europe, in my case).

Another great passion / talent beyond sport?

Cooking healthy and delicious meals, making candles.