Hervé, (left) and Lou talking boots and skis, 2013. Click to enlarge.
We’re devastated today by the tragic news of Scott industrial designer Hervé Maneint’s death in the Chamonix Alps, due to rockfall.
As an “industry friend” Hervé’s bubbling spirit has been part of WildSnow since we got to know him at a Scott press event some years ago. He worked especially hard on innovating Scott’s boots, pushing the industry closer to important developments such as breathable boot liners, beefy yet lightweight options, and an overall clean elegance of design. But mostly, Hervé was simply one of those people who always added a positive take to the day. I loved his smile, and how he always circled the conversation back to how it felt to get a ski boot into the middle of a turn. Though I never did get his contention that covering a liner with leather instead of nylon could make it ski better — that’s still out for testing. Condolences to Hervé’s family and friends.
Official statement below, slightly edited-condensed:
Annecy, France / Givisiez, Switzerland. The SCOTT Sports family is in shock after receiving the tragic news that Hervé Maneint, Ski & Ski boot Senior Product Manager, has died in a skiing accident near Chamonix, France this past Friday afternoon. Hervé, born 1961, was hit by a falling rock when skiing with two mountain guides and one more person; he died instantly.
Hervé Maneint had worked for SCOTT since 2000. He was responsible for the entire Ski and Ski boot development and a great ambassador for the passion of skiing beyond SCOTT. Beat Zaugg, CEO of SCOTT, says, “The passing away of Hervé Maneint is a shock for the entire company. We have lost more than just an enthusiastic employee. Hervé lived his profession with an incredible dedication. To him, his job was not work; it was his passion. Hervé was larger than life. He was loud, humorous, always had strong opinions, he could be annoying, irritating, but, above all he was alive and passionate. He loved his work, his skis, his boots, the sea and the mountains, his family, his wife and his two sons. And he had such a big heart…”
The thoughts of the entire SCOTT family today are with Hervé’s family, his relatives and his friends. We will always remember Hervé’s great personality, his truly inspiring spirit and his heart-warming character.
A few of our Scott posts involving Hervé:
Early days of the transition from Garmont to Scott.
Cosmos 2 boot, lots of progress.
Press trip with Hervé and Scott.
10 comments
Herve was such a good guy. So passionate about life, his family and his work.
It was a pleasure to know him, He was one of the good ones!
Hi Gringo, yes, he was a real light for us during industry work such as ISPO, super positive, fun to talk with, innovative. I didn’t know him very well personally, and was planning on perhaps visiting him for a few days in France, sad that’s not going to happen. Lou
Here is a video of Herve (in the red pants) doing what he did best, enjoying the mountains behind his home in Chamonix.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GhF6qZkyeiA
Gringo, thanks for sharing the video link. That was special.
Sad news. I can only imagine the emotions of his family and close friends. I was climbing and skiing in Chamonix last week. So far this April, from what I can tell, there have been at least four deaths from skiing accidents, and several others from climbing accidents, in the range. It’s really sobering, and it puts the whole thing in perspective. Not easy to process.
Are the circumstances of how Herve Maneint came to be killed by rock fall known? As the backcountry gets increasingly crowded, are people not being sufficiently considerate of those below them? I expect such question seem pointless right now, but perhaps it could be helpful someday. Sincere condolences to those close to M. Maneint.
See, I’d imagine details will come to be known. Main thing about rockfall is it’s indeed probably in the top 3 objective hazards of mountaineering, and sometimes it results in pretty much unavoidable accidents. For those of you seeking to let accidents such as Herve’s inspire you to up your skill level and care, rockfall hazard can be mitigated by being extra vigilant and adjusting behavior in all places where it could happen, but again, sometimes it’s impossible to be 100% safe from it. The physics are particularly scary, as the amount of energy carried by even a small rock falling a short distance is surprising, and for example makes helmets somewhat of a joke, as well as making consequences severe. Lou
For those interested Herve was in the south facing Angelique couloir when he was killed. Especially this time of year when the ice is melting, it is known for high rock fall hazard.
At least this tragedy does not appear to be the result of someone’s carelessness or callousness. Again, condolences. http://www.chamonix.net/english/news/fatality-in-the-angelique-couloir
Sorry for your loss, Lou, and friends of Hervé. Sounds like he was a great person.
While its not a new hazard, with the permafrost melting out of the high Alps, rockfall has been becoming even more of an issue each year.