📝 Detailed information
🏢 About the local organisation
You will be participating in this heritage site’s development project, which aims to open the silver mine to the public. Since 2011, volunteer workcamps have been reviving the accessibility to this site, both above and underground. Archaeological digs have also been taking place since 2009. The Vallauria mine was exploited between the middle ages and 1930. Today the site represents an example of remarkably well conserved historical and geological heritage, and is one of the most important mines in the Alps.
💼 What the programme involves
You will be working underground at the entrance of the Pozetto gallery. You will work on making the entrance of this mining gallery more secure and accessible. It will become the entrance for the guided visits. You will be building a descending ramp which will form a pathway (lined with mortared walls), and lengthening the staircase which was worked on last year. The materials (sand and lime) for this project will be delivered to the site by helicopter.
You will be working four days per week from 08:30 to 12:00 and 14:00 to 17:30. You will be accompanied by a technical supervisor and this work-camp will be archaeologically monitored.
🏠 Accommodation on site
You will be sharing a room with 3-4 other volunteers. Bathrooms are also shared. Meals are prepared by our kitchen staff. You will be asked to lend a hand with the preparation of some food, tidying the dining area, and doing the dishes.
📍 About the location
Tende - 2 hours from Nice by train. Neige et Merveilles is situated at 1.500 metres of altitude in an isolated mountainous area, 10 km from the Closest village of Tende, and 50 km from Vintimille (Italy).
The program of activities that we offer will allow you to discover the Alpine environment where we are located, as well as the discovery of the region’s historical and cultural heritage. Discovering the mining village and previous work carried out at the site will be an important part of your stay. You will also be able to participate in other activities such as hiking, visiting picturesque villages in the Roya-Bévéra valley, and sporting activities such as visiting a forest adventure centre.
ℹ️ Additional information
You will be working underground at the entrance of the mine.