Meet Gavin
Mr Cham Depan
Owner / Director of Cham Dépan / Lead Technician
Chimney Specialist, Installer and Trainer
I'm Gavin, founder of Cham Dépan and a proud chimney sweep and specialist installer based in the Chamonix valley. My journey into the world of tools, fire, and flues started early — and it’s more than just a career to me. It’s a lifelong craft.
Hands On from the Start
Growing up in a family where fixing things was second nature set the foundation for my passion. My grandad, a skilled coachworks craftsman in Birmingham, introduced me to traditional woodworking and hand tools before I even hit my teenage years. My dad, a professional electrical and mechanical engineer, always a DIY project on the go, instilling in me the belief that if something was broken, we could fix it. By age 15, I was already gaining hands-on experience on construction sites, working in groundworks, operating machinery, and assisting engineers, later on also honing my skills as a maintenance technician in a hospital group.
Life in Chamonix & the Shift to Specialisation
After moving to Chamonix, I became Head Maintenance Technician for a major property management company. Over 15 years, I managed maintenance for nearly 100 properties, and built up skills in digital tools, websites, rental management, and client care — but I wanted something more focused. I saw a clear gap in the local market: chimney sweeping and flue maintenance were in high demand but short supply. I began training in 2016, diving deep into chimney technologies, fire safety, and modern wood-burning appliances. In 2017, I qualified with a CAP4 diploma in Ramonage et Fumisterie from Costic, and in 2019 I launched Cham Dépan
Cham Dépan: Built on Skill & Integrity
Cham Dépan quickly became a trusted name in the valley, known for reliable service and technical expertise. I specialise in:
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Chimney sweeping and flue diagnostics
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High-performance fireplace installations
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Modern wood stove systems
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Bespoke designer fireplace builds
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Smoke extraction and ventilation solutions
I’m a hands-on technician who believes in doing the job properly — with precision, care, and professionalism.
Committed to the Trade and Its Future
I’m not just running a business — I’m part of a broader mission. I’m an active committee member of the Confédération des Ramoneurs Savoyards, helping to modernise and promote the profession in our region. I also work with the École de Formation des Ramoneurs in Annecy, teaching trainee chimney sweeps essential English vocabulary to help them communicate with international clients and understand the latest industry developments.
I believe strongly in passing on knowledge, raising standards, and keeping the chimney sweeping trade alive, skilled, and respected.
👉 Want to know more about the Confederation and how we support chimney sweeps across the region?
Visit the CRS website www.ramoneursavoyard.fr
