10 / 11 / 2025

Meet Laurent Revaz – HC Salvan and the Tinderet ice rink

In Salvan, in the heart of winter, it's impossible not to hear the laughter of children, the squeak of skates and the lively music coming from the refreshment bar. The Tinderet ice rink has become a real hub of activity and a meeting place for the whole region. Meet Laurent Revaz, hockey enthusiast and driving force behind this wonderful local adventure.

A passion born among friends

Laurent and around fifteen local friends relaunched the Salvan Hockey Club in 2017. At the time, everything revolved around a small artificial ice rink, set up with the support of the local council. Soon, the desire for a real ice rink became apparent... A dream that came true in 2020, with a surface large enough to host the first matches.

Since then, things have evolved considerably: in 2019, the junior movement was launched, in 2021 the project for a covered ice rink was born, and for the winter of 2024-2025, thanks to the brass band festival and the marquee erected for the occasion, this dream became a reality. Since it has been covered, the ice rink has almost tripled its attendance!

Today, everything runs smoothly thanks to volunteers: around thirty adults and nearly a hundred children participate in the club's activities. Members range in age from 3 to 80, and there is a dynamic committee and an independent group responsible for managing the ice rink and refreshment bar. And the desire remains the same: to share and pass on this passion.

A unique atmosphere at HC Salvan

HC Salvan is above all a story of friendship and passion. The club is not registered in an official league, which gives it the freedom to organise its own matches and tournaments. Teams love coming here to play: the atmosphere is incomparable, with supporters, music and the announcer setting the crowd alight at every match.

There is also a partnership between the municipality of Salvan and HC Martigny, which helps to strengthen the links between the plains and the mountains. And why not, in the future, welcome the juniors of HC Martigny to train at Tinderet?

Events that bring people together

The ‘Carnaglace’, the ‘Discoglace’ evenings, the ice pétanque tournaments... These events have become real traditions in the valley. The inhabitants of Salvan, as well as visitors from the plains, appreciate the friendly and festive atmosphere at Tinderet.

The ice rink also hosts birthday parties for children up to 12 years old, a great way to celebrate this special day on the ice. For a CHF 50 drinks package at the refreshment bar, young skaters can enjoy an unforgettable time with their friends.

Memories engraved in ice

Laurent has no shortage of stories! After a match in Sembrancher, the team stopped at the youth ball to continue the evening. Back in Salvan, there was a surprise: one player was missing! With no train to take them home, his mates had to go on a rescue mission.

And then, in the early days, when the ice had to be made by hand, the members spent the whole weekend watering the rink. Mattresses in the refreshment bar, games console and taking turns to water the rink! A time that was as demanding as it was unforgettable.

What's next? A four-season project

Everything that is collected today is reinvested in future projects. The most ambitious: the Tinderet Meeting Centre, a four-season space with a pétanque court, barbecue area, lawn, children's garden, new refreshment bar and multipurpose hall.

The project was approved by 93% at the 2022 primary assembly, at the same time as the vote for the cable car. Since then, it has been progressing smoothly. With political support and the energy of the club's network, the future looks promising.

A final word

‘Come and see us!’ says Laurent enthusiastically. Whether you want to skate, drink mulled wine or simply have a good time, the Tinderet ice rink welcomes you all winter long.

All the information about the ice rink can be found here: https://www.valleedutrient.ch/fr/patinoire-de-salvan-fp448