On 20 February 2025, the snow-covered peaks from the Alps to the Pyrenees lit up in a very special way. For the second year running, the solidarity event "Les P'tits Flambeaux" lit up the slopes of 150 French ski resorts, bringing together more than 100,000 participants in a wave of emotion and solidarity.
As night fell, 20,000 torches transformed the French mountains into a veritable spectacle of light, symbolising hope and mutual aid.
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While the spectacle was grandiose, the objective went far beyond aesthetics. Behind this sea of light was a single aim: to enable children, who are often deprived of holidays, to discover the joys of the mountains.
The operation raised over 150,000 euros, all of which was donated to three emblematic charities: Little Princes, Mountain Generation and Children and mountains.
Ski resorts united by a single objective
The money raised will be used to fund mountain trips for sick children, discovery classes and educational projects.
In the first edition, thanks to the generosity of participants, more than 5,000 children were able to enjoy a holiday in the French mountains. This year, the record number of participants should enable even more children to benefit.
The event is coordinated by France Montagnes, with the support of three major mountain institutions: L'Association Nationale des Maires des Stations de Montagne (ANMSM), Domaines Skiables de France (DSF) and Le Syndicat National des Moniteurs du Ski Français (SNMSF).
Everyone involved in the mountains, from ski instructors to ski area managers, got together to light these solidarity torches. "The mountains win you over says Jean-Luc Boch, Chairman of France Montagnes, underlining the importance of promoting the values of mutual aid and sharing that are the lifeblood of French ski resorts.
An unforgettable show with a universal message
On the slopes, scenes of solidarity abounded. The torchlight descents were the highlight of the evening, providing children and families with a magical experience.
The magic of the show was mingled with human warmth: children laughing, beginner skiers sharing a torch, and looks of amazement at the thousands of little flames waving under the stars.
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For Eric Brèche, President of the SNMSF, the event is about more than just sliding. "This event helps to unite the mountain community and create unforgettable memories. Thanks to our efforts, 700 classes and over 17,500 children were able to discover the joys of the mountains last year.
This success already heralds an even more ambitious third edition in 2026. The organisers hope to mobilise even more resorts and partner associations in an unprecedented show of solidarity.
In the meantime, the "P'tits Flambeaux" remain a powerful symbol: that of a mountain open to all, where every torch lit lights the way for those who dream, one day, of treading the snow for the first time.
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