By Louise de Lannoy & Jacques Galloy
The 2025 edition of Ski & Pray in Serre Chevalier was a tremendous success, combining excitement and spirituality. With 250 km of ski slopes and 108 participants of all levels, everyone fully enjoyed the slopes under a radiant sun and optimal conditions. Some also chose to go snowshoeing or snowboarding, discovering new sensations. “It wasn’t 50% Ski and 50% Pray, it was really 100% Ski and 100% Pray,” said Pierre, while another participant shared, “I came for the skiing, I skied a lot, and I’m leaving with the Pray.”
“This ski camp started modestly in 2016 and has been growing in popularity during the ‘white week,’ between university exams in January and the restart of classes in early February,” explains Jacques Galloy, coordinator. It is organized by the youth mission of the French-speaking Belgian branch of the Emmanuel Community, integrating different states of life at the heart of the mission: couples, priests, consecrated sisters, singles, as well as young people, young professionals, and adults, whether members or friends of the Community. For this edition, five students were particularly involved in promoting the trip: the “kot des bruns,” a project-based student residence within the Saint-Paul Foyer in Louvain-la-Neuve, a major student residence entrusted to the Emmanuel Community.
But Ski & Pray is much more than just skiing! The slogan holds true: “Tons of skiing and a great dose of spirituality!” Each day began with a time of praise, followed by a full day of skiing in the fantastic domain. Groups naturally formed based on friendships and skill levels. Every evening, a daily Mass was celebrated in the chapel of the Domaine du Prorel. The evenings were filled with enriching discussions and inspiring testimonies that nourished everyone’s soul. At the beginning of the trip, a board game night allowed participants to get to know each other. Mid-week, there was a beautiful prayer evening, and on the final night, a “Rock Night” brought even more joy.
“Ski & Pray was amazing. It helped me reconnect with God because we were surrounded by young people and incredible priests,” said Joachim, a first-time participant. Hélène added, “There was a great balance between physical activity and prayer.”
This week was also a wonderful opportunity for everyone to make meaningful connections. The caring and fraternal atmosphere allowed strong bonds to form and beautiful friendships to grow. Alice shared, “This Ski & Pray trip was even better than I had imagined, even though I was already very excited beforehand. After the exams, it was a truly refreshing moment—physically, socially, and most importantly, spiritually.”
The 2025 edition of Ski & Pray will be remembered as a unique week blending skiing and deep spirituality. Some came primarily for skiing but left with a deepened faith and were deeply moved by the spiritual dimension of the experience.
As they await the next edition, participants leave with hearts filled with joy, peace, and new friendships.
Looking forward to the next Ski & Pray!
📍 Website: http://www.emmanuelyouth.be/events/event/skiandpray/
📸 Photo album: https://www.facebook.com/media/set?vanity=emmanuelyouthbelgium&set=a.648727227680252
