On 20 February 2025, at nightfall, the French ski resorts will once again light up with the charity event ‘Les P’tits Flambeaux’. After a first successful edition in 2024, which enabled more than 5,000 children to enjoy the unique experience of the mountains, this initiative is back with even more ambition and generosity.
A nationwide charity event
Organised by France Montagnes, under the impetus of its three founding members: the National Association of Mayors of Mountain Resorts (ANMSM), Domaines Skiables de France (DSF) and the National Union of French Ski Instructors (SNMSF). This event aims to mobilise French ski resorts around an essential cause: to enable disadvantaged or sick children to discover the mountains and all they have to offer.
For one evening, more than 150 resorts will organise a simultaneous torchlit descent across the country. This spectacular performance will be carried out by the instructors of the Ecole du Ski Français (ESF), in partnership with the ski lift teams and the local tourist offices. 20,000 torches will be distributed to raise funds for three major associations involved in children and the mountains: Petits Princes, Génération Montagne and Enfance et Montagne.
Les P’tits Flambeaux: a mobilisation in favour of children
The main objective of ‘Les P’tits Flambeaux’ is to make the mountains accessible to children who, for economic, medical or social reasons, have never had the opportunity to enjoy them. The first edition in 2024 made it possible to finance mountain holidays for sick children or children from disadvantaged backgrounds. This year again, the initiative intends to amplify its impact.
How can I take part in the ‘Les P’tits Flambeaux’ torchlight descent?
The event is open to all and anyone can take part in several ways:
- Purchase a torch from the ESF offices, tourist offices or ski lifts in the participating resorts.
- Register for a torchlight descent, subject to availability.
- Make a donation directly to the beneficiary associations.
In addition to the charitable aspect, this event is also a magical spectacle. Seeing the mountains sparkle under a starry sky thanks to the thousands of lit torches is a unique experience to enjoy with family or friends.
The three associations supported
The funds raised during the event will be donated to three organisations committed to the well-being of children:
Association Petits Princes: making sick children’s dreams come true
Since 1987, the Petits Princes association has been making the dreams of children and teenagers with serious illnesses come true. Thanks to this initiative, these young people have extra energy to face their daily medical challenges. In partnership with the ANMSM, the association enables sick children to enjoy unique experiences in the mountains as part of the ‘Famille plus, la montagne solidaire’ operation.
Génération Montagne: facilitating access to the mountains for all
Created in 2022 by Domaines Skiables de France, the Génération Montagne fund supports projects of general interest aimed at promoting access to winter sports for young people. In particular, it enables pupils from urban areas to discover the mountains. In 2023, for example, 30 pupils from Saint-Denis were able to go on a trip to Les Carroz in Haute-Savoie, an enriching and unforgettable experience.
Enfance et montagne: supporting discovery classes in the mountains
The Enfance et Montagne endowment fund works to maintain snow and green classes in France. In three years, this programme has funded more than 1,560 discovery classes, offering 39,000 children the chance to learn and grow through contact with nature and mountain sports.
A concrete and lasting impact
The benefits of this initiative go beyond the simple framework of the event. Thanks to the funds raised, numerous actions have been set up:
- Access to skiing and holidays in the mountains for children from disadvantaged backgrounds.
- Support for families and young patients with therapeutic holidays away from hospitals.
- Training in snow sports adapted for people with disabilities.
- Environmental initiatives and raising awareness about preserving the mountains.
At the same time, the 2025 event also marks a historic milestone: the 80th anniversary of the French Ski School (ESF), which has played a key role in passing on the values of the mountains and skiing to new generations since its creation.
Why support ‘Les P’tits Flambeaux’?
Supporting ‘Les P’tits Flambeaux’ means committing to a more inclusive and united mountain. It means giving disadvantaged or sick children the opportunity to discover a magical environment, to breathe the pure air of the summits, to experience moments of happiness far from their sometimes difficult daily lives.
It is also an invitation to generosity and celebration: whether you are a skier, a tourist, a mountain professional or a simple spectator, everyone can do their bit and help light up the mountains to put a smile on children’s faces. On 20 February 2025, let’s light thousands of torches for solidarity together!
