L'AMICALE 2025 - A SOLAR WEEKEND

The first weekend of April 2025, in collaboration with our friends at Pomoca, we brought together 50 mountain enthusiasts for the first edition of l'Amicale, a snowboard/ski touring training event designed to reconnect people in ways other than through Instagram - by forging real links, in real life, in the heart of the Valais Alps, at St-Luc-Chandolin.

An event open to everyone

Participants from all over Switzerland, but also from Belgium and Germany, with all levels of ability represented - from experienced mountaineers to those discovering ski touring for the first time - met for 3 days in the Val d'Anniviers.

As well as technical training, l'Amicale was an opportunity to share convivial moments and enriching discussions about the mountains, including a talk with freeriders Jérémie Heitz and Nicolas Falquet.

The après-skis in front of the Grand Hôtel du Cervin were the perfect time to share a raclette with your toes in the air, chat about the day's adventures and meet new people while your socks dried in the sun.

DVA, rescue and steep skiing: the starter pack

 Accompanied by 7 certified guides, participants took part in practical workshops designed to help them better understand the mountains and stay safe. On the programme: searching for avalanche transceivers, first aid and fascinating discussions on best practice with Alex Emery, Air Glaciers' first-aid doctor, among others.

With the great snow conditions, some even took on their first steep turns, while others did their first rappel!

We wanted to offer an accessible and human event, combining training, sharing and safety. It's always a gamble to launch a first edition: you hope that the message gets across, that the atmosphere catches on... And then there's laughter, meetings, exchanges and mutual support. That's exactly what we wanted and that's what we've got, with the added bonus of exceptional weather. At the end of the event, we were all in high spirits and, between two coats of after-sun lotion, we were already talking about what's next!

Given the success of the event, a second edition is already being prepared for next winter. All that remains to be seen is where, when and with whom! We'll keep you posted in the autumn :)

Until then, we wish you all the best for your spring outings!