If there is a period during which you must profit from Valloire in the Maurienne and at the foot of the Galibier, it is when two unique events are organized in France, the International Competitions of Snow and Ice Sculptures.

The first one is a traditional art born in Quebec. Every winter, the inhabitants of Saint-Anne Street and the surrounding area carve figures in the snow to decorate their doorsteps. It has become a speciality of short-lived art which has now been taken up by the most illustrious artists. They come from all over the world. From Scandinavian countries of course, but even from Burkina Faso!

For seventy two hours, equipped with graters, shovels and plaster floats, seventeen teams of three artists give substance to a banal, but ambitious, block of snow. They work in the daytime and at night with electric lights and spectators are many to encourage them along the Vallée d’Or, the main street of Valloire.

It is in another place, on the Plateau des Verneys, two kilometres from the village that the Ice sculpture competition takes place. There also, obviously work is done in the daytime and at night under coloured lights which give a magic aspect to the ensemble.

To admire these renowned artists working on improbable (but fabulous) materials to create a piece of work, the perpetuity of which will only exist on images when spring returns, is particularly exciting. There is something touching to see them getting involved, shouting at each other and exchanging in this chilled atmosphere. But as they all say the cold, it’s good, it allows us to work better!