Hi! I’m Andrey. I was born in a small mountain town in Siberia and now live in the French Alps with my girlfriend Maria. We both work as ski instructors, and mountains are a big part of my life — both work and passion. I also have a 14-year-old son who shares my love for nature and adventure. I enjoy an active lifestyle: skiing and snowboarding in winter, cycling and hiking in summer, and riding my motorcycle in the off-season. I love sports in all forms — especially those that bring me closer to the outdoors. Another side of me is more creative: I play the piano and enjoy music deeply, especially classical and ambient styles. I also have a background in filmmaking and storytelling. I travel slowly and thoughtfully, always curious about people, cultures, and everyday life. I prefer meeting locals over sightseeing and believe the best memories are made around shared meals, walks, and conversations. Always happy to share stories, help out, or just enjoy the simple things together.
Interested in Adventure Sports
Interested in Art
Fluent in English
Learning German
Why I'm on Couchsurfing
I travel not to check places off a list, but to understand the rhythm of life in different corners of the world. I believe the best way to experience a country is through its people — their daily routines, meals, stories, and ways of thinking. Hotels are fine, but nothing compares to sharing tea with someone who lives there, walking together through the streets, or discovering a hidden spot only locals know. Couchsurfing gives us the chance to connect beyond tourism — and I love to host and be hosted by people who are open, curious, and kind.
Music, Movies, and Books
Radio Evasion, Kexp, Boiler room, Burning Man, Cercle, Arte Concert, KCRW, NPR Music etc. Khruangbin, Bonobo, Tommy Guerrero, Darkside, Nicolas Jaar, David August, Monolink, Be Svendsen, The Blaze, Christian Loffler, Max Cooper, Mdou Moctar, Lee Scratch Perry, Shortparis, Biffy Clyro.
One Amazing Thing I've Done
2010: Became a father 2011: Smuggled iPhones from the United States 2012: Took my mother to the island of Santorini 2013: Quit a very profitable business in luxury electronics 2014: Drowned in the ocean at low tide 2015: Nearly died in the jungle at night 2016: Broke my spine while jumping on skis 2017: Got back to skiing 2018: Directed a film for a festival in Latvia 2019: Made a lot of money on the streets of Hong Kong 2020: Hosted travelers in Paris for Christmas 2021: Took my son to Saint Petersburg 2022: Got into a fight with a barber in the medina of Essaouira 2023: Bought my first BMW GS motorcycle 2024: Walked the red carpet at the Cannes Film Festival 2025: EBC trek, 5642m Kala Patthar w/o guide&porter 2026:
Teach, Learn, Share
I can teach skiing from zero to advanced — whether you’re a total beginner or want to master your carving or off-piste technique. I’ve been a professional ski instructor in the French Alps for years and love helping people feel confident and free in the mountains. I can also share some tips on traveling light, adventuring with minimal gear, and organizing treks (even in places like the Himalayas). I’ve had plenty of experience hitchhiking, backpacking, sleeping under the stars, or figuring out how to get around when money is tight. I speak Russian and French, and can help you practice either language. I enjoy cooking, especially simple Thai dishes, and I’d love to learn more about local cuisines wherever I travel. I play the piano and am always happy to talk about music or improvise something together. I’m also curious to learn more about traditional crafts, climbing techniques, local beliefs, filmmaking approaches in different cultures, and everyday life in places far from my own. Let’s share stories, food, music, mountains — and maybe a new perspective or two.
What I Can Share With Hosts
• I can cook you a warm meal (Thai, French or Russian inspired) • I can teach you how to ski or help plan a trek • I can play the piano if you have one — or simply share good music • I can help with small repairs, travel tech tips, or photography • I can offer stories from Siberia, Hong Kong, the Alps, and a few wild nights in between • And of course, I’m happy to help out at home, with chores, cooking, or conversation We’re always happy to bring a small gift or surprise from France — just let us know what would make you smile.
My Interests
• Skiing and winter sports • Motorcycles and road trips • Hiking and remote mountain treks • Piano, music composition, and sound design • World cinema and filmmaking • Cycling (road & gravel) • Travel storytelling and spontaneous adventures • Slow mornings, deep conversations, homemade food • Sharing time with my son and discovering the world together
