When friends and business partners Chris and Raquel first opened rūsc, they were stepping into a very different kind of mountain adventure. No crampons, no avalanche gear — just clay, creativity and community.
Studio rūsc
Now established in the valley, rūsc is a ceramics studio and artists’ co-working space offering pottery classes, life drawing, sculpture and ceramic painting. The name ‘rūsc’ comes from the Latin translation of ruche — meaning beehive — reflecting their vision of creating a busy, collaborative hub of artistic expression in Chamonix.
The studio is located in Chamonix Sud, the group of apartment buildings near the Aiguille du Midi lift station. It’s a generous, welcoming space designed to bring together local artists and give visitors the chance to experience a different side of this well-known mountain town.
We spoke to Chris and Raquel about what inspired them to open the studio — and about the creative side of Chamonix that’s easy to overlook.
Before rūsc
Chris and Raquel arrived at this project from very different paths, but both were searching for something more creative in Chamonix.
Chris, originally from Scotland, had spent over 20 years in the Alps running a chalet management business. “I needed an outlet,” he says. “Chamonix is so often just about sport.” After watching The Great Pottery Throw Down, he became intrigued by ceramics — just as Raquel opened a studio next door to his office.
Raquel, who is French, had worked in a demanding management career overseas. Art had always been essential to her, and when she returned to Chamonix, she decided to pursue it properly. She opened Atelier Raquel C in Chamonix Sud and began teaching ceramics — including Chris.
From Lessons to Partnership
What started as weekly classes quickly became more serious. Chris bought his own wheel and committed fully. “He had a one-year intensive,” Raquel laughs.
For Chris, ceramics reconnected him with his creative roots in theatre and fashion. For Raquel, it became clear they should build something together.
“I knew I wanted to start a business with Chris — he just didn’t know it yet,” she says.
That shared energy and complementary skillset became the foundation of rūsc: a collaborative creative space in the heart of Chamonix.
More Than a Mountain Town
Although rūsc began with ceramics, Chris and Raquel soon realised there was a wider appetite for creativity in Chamonix.
Chamonix is known for sport and adventure. But through Raquel’s first studio, it became clear that many people were also looking for something more reflective.
“We want to redress the balance,” says Chris. “So much of what’s celebrated here is external.”
A Space for Creative Exploration
While mountain landscapes inspire many local artists, rūsc encourages people to look inward as well as outward.
“I want people to come here and ask questions,” says Raquel. “To reconnect with their creativity and curiosity.”
Since opening, the response has been strong. Word of mouth has helped the studio grow, attracting all ages.
“It crosses generations,” Chris says. “Everyone has something inside them to explore.”
How rūsc Works
The studio operates on two main pillars:
Local artists can subscribe monthly to use the co-working space and exhibit their work.
Visitors and residents can book classes and workshops, from ceramics to life drawing and other creative disciplines.
The space also hosts exhibitions and includes a small boutique showcasing artistic work. Multi-class passes are available, offering discounted access to a range of workshops.
Whether you’re an experienced artist or a complete beginner, the team at rūsc focus on guidance and encouragement rather than perfection.
In a town best known for skiing, climbing and trail running, rūsc offers an alternative way to recharge. If your legs are tired — or if mountain sports simply aren’t your thing — a creative workshop might nourish you in ways you hadn’t expected
