Chamonix Activity Review: 19th February 2013
Joining the procession down the Pierre Ric
The torch-lit descent is a classic family event. In ski resorts all over the world crowds gather to watch the ski instructors snake down the hill their way lit by their flaming torches. It is a great spectacle in Argentiere, Chamonix and is an event anyone can join in.
During the holiday season (February to March) the ESF in Argentiere invite members of the public to join the procession which takes place every Tuesday. We met the ski school at their office at 5pm, collected our torch and headed for the last lift to the top of the hill.
Although Argentiere was in the shade the mid station is still light and sunny at 5 'o' clock and the views as the sun set were beautiful. It was strange to see the Grand Montets so quiet, especially during the holiday period but we had plenty of time to enjoy the scenery and a glass of wine courtesy of our new friends at the ESF before the sun went down and it was time to light our torches.
Once lit we followed Seb the director of ESF Argentiere down the Pierre Ric piste. The snow was fresh and grippy so the ride down was not too difficult and in the dark no one can see if you are perhaps not as stylish as the other members of the procession. The ride down took about twenty minutes and we were joined for the last section of the piste by the children and those who didn't fancy skiing a red piste in the dark carrying a burning stick – the sensible ones.
It was great fun to be part of the procession and it is a very memorable treat. If you are coming out on holiday over the next three weeks I would highly recommend it.
To join the torch-lit descent costs just €2 and as long as you are comfortable skiing down a red run then joining in from the top is the best way to get the most out of the experience.
For more information about the Torch Lit Descent with ESF Argentiere visit our Events Calendar.
