Wednesday means skiing again! This day is more than ever dedicated to children thanks to the Ski Plan set up in 2017 by the City of Nice. Enabled by the return to a four-day school week, this plan gives young Niçois from 6 to 12 years old the opportunity to go skiing less than two hours from the sea, every Wednesday in January and February. The initiative was met with great success from its launch and continues to attract both children and parents.
“They say that people from Nice are mountain people who look at the sea,” claims Jean-Marc Giaume, territory deputy, in charge of education, school catering, and extracurricular activities. “We are lucky to be able to work in an area between the sea and the mountains, and the Metropolis wants to emphasize using it wisely by allowing children to have their feet in the water in the summer and in our beautiful fresh snow in the winter,” he rejoices during a visit to Auron for the occasion.
A Solidarity Initiative
This year, the Ski Plan allows 360 children to learn to ski or to improve their skills in the resorts of La Colmiane, Isola 2000, and Auron, for an entire day. They benefit from bus transportation from Nice before being taken care of by instructors from the French ski schools for 2 hours. Then, the afternoon is taken over by the activity leaders. “This initiative is also a support to the clubs and ski resorts as we bring many children outside of school holidays and we fill the restaurants as well,” explains the deputy mayor of Nice, who announces opening 50 additional places for next year.
Skiing with a Champion, No Fear
Last Wednesday, the children had the chance to spend the day with the Niçoise, Nastasia Noens. Injured and forced to miss a season, the French champion decided to share her talent with the beginner skiers to pass on her passion. “Not everyone has the chance to get on skis, so sharing it with dynamic children, who ask for more bumps and speed, is a pleasure. Plus, I took my first steps here in Auron, so it’s obvious to come back,” confides someone who knows the resort like the back of her hand.
At the end of these two months, the children will validate their level by presenting the star. Perhaps among them is the next generation of French skiing, the future Nastasia Noens or the future Matthieu Bailet, who knows?
