Ski mountaineering is becoming incredibly popular – why not come and have a go on a spectacular marked course? Sunday 15 February 2015 will be the fourth edition of this annual event.

The three previous editions have been held in the Aiguilles Rouge, the Vercors and last year Le Tour. This year the race will be held in Superdévoluy.

What does a race involve?

Ski mountaineering races test all the skills that the ski mountaineer might encounter. Uphill progression by ski may be on gentle slopes requiring gliding or steep slopes where kick turns are needed. Very steep and or icy slopes are ascended on foot, possibly using crampons. Descents can be steep in places, the terrain is mostly off piste and so the skier needs to be able to cope with whatever snow conditions prevail underfoot. Some courses have flat sections where skating may be advantageous. All ascents and descents will be marked and the uphill sections have a track ready in place.

2015 race options

The championship race will involve approximately 1700m of climbing and include sections on foot. The area is famous for caves and natural arches; weather permitting these will feature in the race course – in particular the “Heroic Traverse”! The need for harnesses, via ferrata tethers and crampons is likely.

The intention of the event is to encourage all to participate. Anyone is welcome. There will also be a shorter course of approximately 900m climbing, for those not wanting to compete in the championship, or just wishing to “have a go”. Additionally, the organisers plan a further course that will not require technical skills.

Why not make a weekend of it – ski the lifts on the Saturday and race on the Sunday?

Weekend programme:

SATURDAY 14 FEBRUARY

There will be an athletes' reception & free mountain film night in the “Welcome Hall” in Super Dévoluy.

From 1700 - Athlete reception, last minute registration, race number distribution.                

1830 - Race briefing in “Maison d’accueil – Superdévoluy”.

1900 - Dinner “Pasta party” Registration by email : animation@ledevoluy.com

2000 - Free mountain film night with  “Dejame Vivir” Seb Montaz-Rosset’s film on Kilian Jornet, featuring Mathéo Jacquemoud.

SUNDAY 15 FEBRUARY

Race day Grande Trace

0700 - Last minute race pack collections, Athlete reception at the foot of the slopes (Pelourenq chairlift) and at Maison d’accueil, Superdévoluy.

0830 - Start

1230 - Lunch at the SuperDévoluy Sports Centre

1500 - Prize giving ceremony at the SuperDévoluy Sports Centre and Prize Draw.

Race entry

For more information on the race and to register for the event, please consult the event website: www.lagrandetrace.fr 
Follow the event on Facebook

For accommodation or for any information about the Devoluy Resort, please contact:
Office de Tourisme du Dévoluy
Web site: www.ledevoluy.com
Phone : +33 (0)4 92 58 91 91

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