DIY with Valley Talents

In 2026, it’s been 10 years since the self-taught "Jonno" from Johannesburg founded his workshop, Rōnin Skis. Long story short, the name originates from ancient Japanese warriors who were independent, answering to no one but themselves. It embodies a mindset of independence and zero compromise that this samurai of handcrafted freeride skis shares in his workshops. Three days of sawing, glueing, sanding, and finally, the pure joy of an environmentally friendly pair of skis, sharp as a katana, ready to carve through the powder. Created by and for you, they smell of sawdust and pride.

333, Route des Moussoux - Chamonix-Mont-Blanc

06 16 21 91 38

Quiet on the set… Raquel Calleja is a ceramicist, and Christopher Kerr was her very first student. Together, they created Rūsc Studio, their workshop-boutique-gallery where they host students of ceramic throwing, artists in residence—upholsterers, visual artists, sculptors, jewellers, photographers… and you! You (and your kids) can create your own precious piece during workshops in ceramics, of course, but also in modelling, upholstery, or even porcelain (for those of us less inclined to work with large pieces). Rūsc is a laboratory of materials, textures, and ideas, where each carefully created artwork is born. Far from the buy-and-discard mentality, it's a true manifesto of being made to last.

99, Promenade Marie Paradis - Chamonix-Mont-Blanc

07 82 40 60 16

Don't sign up for their workshops thinking you'll just fill your Sunday with a creative hobby; you'll make a very bad impression… Jean-Luc and his daughter Emma are passionate experts in their fields: he is a master engraver, author, and former advertising executive; she is a visual artist, composer, and director, named a Knight of the Order of Arts and Letters. In this digital age, their Engraving Workshop is a rare place where they teach the demanding techniques of intaglio and relief engraving to those who prefer to work with the material itself. And when, at the end of their workshop, both experienced craftspeople and beginners (including children) see their work, imperfect yet vibrant, come off the press, they understand why Picasso told his printers: "Now let's get down to business." »

275, chemin de l’Ordon - Chamonix-Mont-Blanc

06 80 40 34 99

At the Chamonix Art School, painting is as natural as breathing: spontaneous and free. Cat Kartal, a nomadic artist and inspiring teacher for whom "life is nothing but movement," encourages students to let go of their conscious minds and give free rein to instinct and gesture. Budding artists of all ages paint new wave dreamcatchers on glass, decorate mobiles made of wood and clay, or venture into the forest to fill the pages of a travel journal with watercolours. Art is always close to nature, and with Cat, nature is never dead but always full of life.

102, Route des Trabets, Place de la Fruitière - Les Houches

06 33 02 17 61