It is 6:30 a.m., Sunday December 15, when the bus to Luz Ardiden arrives in the parking lot of the Plumaçon arenas, in Mont-de-Marsan. Its passengers are all in ski jackets and pants. The night was short but the excitement was felt. This is the first outing of the season for Stade Montois ski. And the conditions are there: it snowed overnight in the Pyrenees and a sunny day awaits skiers. Nicolas, club instructor, does not hide his enthusiasm. “It’s going to be a great recovery day. Compared to last season, it will change us. »
The licensees still remember last winter, which was particularly bad. “It was 20°C at Christmas,” recalls Maxime Réglat, president of Stade Montois ski, who was forced to cancel several planned outings due to lack of snow. From now on, the club organizes outings at the last minute, from one week to the next. For this first of the season, all the places sold out very quickly. “We were forced to refuse people,” says the club president.
“Family spirit”
Leisure outings are enjoyable. For Nicolas, these are the logistical advantages. “It’s more convenient than taking the car. There we don't have to do anything or prepare, we just have to enjoy the day. » For Florent, who has been licensed for around fifteen years, it's skiing in a group. “I no longer had anyone to ski with me, so I signed up for an outing. Since then, I've been there every weekend. What keeps me coming back? The family spirit of the club! »
After a breakfast offered by the volunteers and the rental of equipment for the day, the coach begins the last bends to the station. The atmosphere is more energetic. Impatience is felt. Through the window, we can already admire the landscape transformed by the snow. All that remains is to put on the skis.
Some skiers also gained altitude in the air.
A.J.
“We have 11 instructors with us today, divided into around ten groups, depending on the level and affinities of the skiers,” explains Maxime Réglat, who is also an instructor. In his group, there is Dorian, who has not skied for fifteen years. “I'm afraid I've forgotten, but the sensations will come back little by little. We'll take it easy! » The first turns are a little hesitant, but he easily gets his bearings. “It could have been worse,” he said at the end of the first descent. And Jean-Marie adds: “It’s so nice to ski in these conditions. »
Aperitif offered
They are indeed optimal, and the fresh snow delights the Montois, while it is around -5°C at the top of the resort. Maxence wants to take on the slopes and “take on bumps”. The student of 3e learned to snowboard with the president of the club a few years ago, while participating in outings at Stade Montois. The group is completed by Sébastien, also a snowboarder, who came with his family. As well as Juliette and Maud, two 19-year-old students.
Juliette, who is studying for a hearing aid diploma, plans to return from Bordeaux to Mont-de-Marsan every weekend to take part in the outings this season. “I'm taking the train very early tomorrow morning to go to class. The round trip is worth it. I've been at the club for a long time, but I still enjoy coming. »
The descents continue at a brisk pace until meal time which brings together the 60 participants around an aperitif offered by the club. Before setting off again, with a full stomach and liver.
Volunteer monitors
The majority of skiers have been skiing for years, but beginners are also part of the journey. Like Éléana, 8 years old, who is putting on skis for the first time in her life. She is supervised by Sandrine, amazed by the little girl's ease. “She is very comfortable, and listens well to what I ask of her. In one day, she made enormous progress. She can already make turns. »
Sandrine has been an instructor for three years: “At the beginning, I did not want to complete the federal instructor training. There was a need for supervisors in the club. I let myself be tempted and I really like it, especially with beginners! »
A.J.
Little Éléana was able to learn to ski with Sandrine, her instructor.
The powder-rich day ends around 4:30 p.m. The return to Mont-de-Marsan is quieter than the outward journey. We even hear some snoring which indicates that the organisms have consumed a lot of energy. Maxence, the snowboarder, loved the day. “It was cool,” he says. He and several other licensees present will obviously be there during the next outing.
