Explorers

OUTDOOR ATHLETES AND ADVENTURERS

Vincent Defrasne
Olympic biathlon champion, raised in the Jura mountains. From a young age, he built endurance and resilience in this demanding natural environment. His elite biathlon career deepened his connection to the mountains, a place of challenge and self-surpassing. Believing companies must play a key role in environmental issues, he founded AYAQ to offer high-performance technical gear designed with ecosystem respect, supporting adventurers in extreme conditions.
MIKE HORN
Legendary explorer known for extraordinary feats like crossing the Arctic winter in total darkness and circumnavigating the globe along the equator without motorized transport. A true pioneer and fierce planet defender, he embodies exploration and self-transcendence. More than an ambassador, Mike Horn leads product development at Ayaq, applying his unique experience to push technical performance and eco-design boundaries for today’s and tomorrow’s explorers.
ARNAUD JERALD
World freediving champion Arnaud constantly pushes the limits of underwater exploration.
In winter, he trains in high mountains, practicing ski touring with an alpine-focused approach. The ascent extends his physical and mental training, while the descent completes his journey.
Always seeking new challenges, he applies the same discipline and rigor from freediving to his high-altitude climbs.

1 3

YANN GEROME
High mountain guide and rescuer with the PGHM in Chamonix, specialized in all alpine disciplines: mountaineering, ski touring, climbing, and ice climbing.
A mountain practice driven by a constant pursuit of achievement, whether climbing iconic peaks, guiding groups, or seeking deep personal renewal.
ANTOINE CAPELLARO
[[default]]
High-altitude explorer driven by an unwavering passion for mountains and vast wilderness since childhood.
Winters spent navigating steep slopes and remote couloirs. For him, the essence of a successful outing lies in traversing wild routes as a team.
VALÉRIE AUMAGE
High mountain guide and instructor at the National School of Ski and Mountaineering, Valérie Aumage represents excellence. Her passion for mountains led her from childhood to master vertiginous faces through alpinism and ski touring. For her, the mountain is more than a natural environment: it’s a sanctuary of freedom and self-surpassing, offering deep balance and authentic connection with nature.

1 3

JULIA PELLIER
Mountain explorer embodying passion and mastery of alpine sports. Raised among peaks, her love for mountains grew early, with a high-level alpine skiing career. Ski touring, cross-country skiing, trail running, and cycling are daily pursuits, enriching a life dedicated to mountains and supporting others in their quest for self-transcendence.
SIMON DESTOMBES
High mountain guide and summit enthusiast for 40 years. A specialist in climbing, ski touring, and mountaineering, he has dedicated his life to fulfilling his childhood dreams in the heart of the mountains.
This journey has made him aware of our planet's fragility and the importance of protecting it.
IWAN SCHUWEY
Accomplished athlete with an inspiring journey. From Jaun, Switzerland, sport and exploration are central to his life through alpine skiing, cross-country, duathlon, winter triathlon, and adventure races. Former national coach for Swiss Triathlon, Iwan has shared his passion and expertise with many athletes.

1 3