Rancho ep#11 -
Speed Skiing
In this new episode, Rancho introduces us to the speed-skiing discipline called Kilomètre Lancé, practiced by few and admired by all. Put on your red latex suits and let's dive into this universe with the video and an exclusive interview.
HELLO SIMON! INTRODUCE YOURSELF FOR THE UNINITIATED!
Simon Billy: To put it briefly, I’m a pure speed-skiing product. I love skiing in all forms, but KL (Speed Kilo) is what dreams are made of. I’ve been living for this for 26 years, now chasing the world record—for thrills and pleasure. In the Billy family, it’s a family tradition. My father did it (Philippe Billy)—he held the world record. My brother and I grew up with speed skiing; we fell into it as kids, like Obélix.
EXPLAIN SPEED SKIING TO US
Simon: Speed skiing is simple: always straight… the goal is to be the fastest. We use 2.40 m skis weighing about 14 kg per pair—hard to carve a turn. Add large fairings behind the calves, a Dark‑Vader‑style helmet to optimize aerodynamics and stability. The helmet and fairings are handmade by my father in the ski room—unique shapes from years of experience, testing, and research. Crucial family know-how. Also, a latex suit, custom‑tailored and ultra‑tight.
Enak:: In the KL scene, there’s a mythical 200 km/h barrier: once you break 200, you’re a "KL‑ister." There are three levels: under 200, between 200–215, then beyond 215. At those speeds, you’re literally above the snow—almost free fall. It’s a world that’s always fascinated me: few participants, little money, everything homemade. Only one suit maker, only one ski brand. It’s a sport for about 50 passionate people worldwide. We were keen to meet them.
WHAT MAKES A GOOD SPEED SKIER?
Simon: A good KL‑ister is above all passionate, hardworking, with a strong heart and mind. As Rancho says, full‑on skiing skills are essential even in the straight line.
Enak: You need precision… everything is calculated—from ski prep to snow grain. I still think—to throw yourself down at 200 km/h, you must be a bit crazy! I had never done it before…
SIMON, WHEN ENAK CONTACTED YOU “HI, I WANT TO DO SPEED SKIING AND HIT 200 KM/H”… HOW DID YOU REACT?
Simon: I thought it would be funny: Enak with a moustache, leather and latex suit! I spoke with my father—we know Enak skis well—so we thought 200 km/h was doable! When I first met Rancho, it was on the Chabrières track. I was getting dressed for the last training before the record attempt; he came in with his spurs and competition moustache, lightening the mood. He was fired up, wearing a 2.40 m ski, ready to tame the track! After some advice, we put him on the scoot and sent him on his first run.
LET’S TALK SUITS…
Enak: Putting on the suit was hell. Two people had to dress me. Once in it, I couldn’t compare that feeling to anything else. I was compressed everywhere—I couldn’t position myself, it didn’t breathe, since 0% air passes through! I was really miserable.
200 KM/H IS CRAZY, RIGHT?
Simon: 200 km/h is totally insane! For someone who’s never done KL, hitting that in just 3–4 days is a real challenge… a human feat. The Vars track is impressive—facing it, you don’t feel smart, you respect it.
Enak:: What was wild: at the top of a face, your ski‑gaze expects to carve 7 or 8 turns, but not here… you go straight, and your stomach flips—you feel like diving into the void. Acceleration is crazy: 0 to 200 km in 6 seconds—faster than Formula 1. Once launched, you do nothing! Don’t move at all—you hold your breath, your chest mustn’t move. Once you break 215 km/h, you have no motor control…
Simon:: Snow conditions during filming were tough—too warm, too soft—I experienced that with my first crash. So for Rancho to hit 200 km/h—possible in theory, but tough in practice. Hats off!
Enak: I passed 200 km/h. I did two runs at 140, two at 180 km/h, then one at 205 km/h. I then went back for a 210/215 run—and saw Simon crash spectacularly just behind me by 7 or 8 bib numbers. I saw the violence live. When everything goes well, you don’t realize the speed—but when I saw the crash, I felt the speed in my gut. I was thrilled! After Simon’s fall (he suffered a dislocated elbow and burns), they canceled the event because the snow was too dangerous (due to temperature and density)… I was overjoyed!
HOW WAS FILMING?
Simon: After a run, we all meet at the bottom to debrief, prep for the next, and shoot a couple of camera segments with Rancho. In the episode there’s a recurring character: "the cramp" in a black latex suit… “The cramp” sneaks behind us during an interview and vigorously pets the snowscoot handlebar used by a racer on the Speedmasters. The people around had no idea—it was genuine surprise and amazement on their faces!
Enak: I discovered the job of "burn‑healer" (a shaman… a magical guy!). In KL races, it’s the burn‑healer who’s on site—not a regular physician. The main risk is burns, and some KL‑isters refuse to start without the burn‑healer present. I told you—they’re crazy! 😀
