Torchlit descent & ski show February 2017
Fantastic family entertainment in Alpe d'Huez
The famous torchlight descents by the fabulous ski instructors of ESF ski school are always one of the highlights on the events calendar here in Alpe d’Huez and last Wednesday was no exception.
A huge crowd, the largest I have ever seen, gathered up at the newly refurbished signal slope at the top end of town by the DMC lift to take in the spectacular entertainment.
The event got underway at 18:15, just around dusk, and started with a quirky fire-juggling circus style act. After that the main ski show got underway with a demonstration of skiing and snow-sports through the years, starting with old wooden Nordic style skis right through to the early pioneers of snowboarding with parallel snowboards.
Thrills and spills were provided thanks to a huge kicker ski jump that allowed snowboard and ski instructors to wow the massive crowd with a huge array of jumps and tricks. Synchronised skiing followed with Red Arrow like precision which is always a real favourite with the crowds. Alpine skiers, snowboarders and Nordic skiers all displayed their impressive skills.
The jumps and tricks continued to thrill the crowd, dovetailing perfectly with slope action and the action was relentless, all set to pumping tunes with fireworks thrown in throughout for good measure.
The action began to draw to a close with a famous torchlight descent by around 200 ESF ski instructors, weaving their way down the signal slope and the event was closed with a bang, a wonderful firework display from way up on the signal slope. A great way to finish a great event.
In all the event lasted for nearly 75 minutes – and it did get a bit chilly, so wrap up well if you are planning to pop along to the next ones, which will take place on Wednesday 22nd February (6.30pm) and Wednesday 1st March (6.45pm) 2017.
