Snow Race 2022: Running on the Peaks of Montgenèvre
As the winter chill sets in and the mountains don their snowy mantles, trail runners gear up for one of the most thrilling events of the season: the Snow Race in Montgenèvre. Scheduled for January 30, 2022, this unique race invites participants to experience the rugged beauty of the Montgenèvre Trail area, a region renowned for its scenic summer courses that stretch over 300 kilometers. Now, runners have the chance to explore these majestic peaks in the heart of winter.
A New Route for a New Challenge
With its updated course, the Snow Race 2022 brings a fresh challenge to seasoned and novice runners alike. Designed to maximize the winter wonderland experience, the race stays high on the Montgenèvre peaks, ensuring that participants traverse snow-covered trails throughout the event. Depending on the chosen distance, runners will navigate one or two slopes of Montgenèvre, the oldest winter sports resort in the Hautes Alpes.
The long route offers a grueling 22 kilometers with over 1,000 meters of elevation gain, taking runners through some of the most stunning and remote parts of the region. The course begins by circling the Gondrans on the resort’s northern slope, bringing participants close to the fortifications beneath Mont Janus.
What Runners Will See on the Track:
- Gondrans on the northern slope: Historical fortifications beneath Mont Janus.
- Chalvet: Southern slope with panoramic views.
- Durance Valley: A stunning backdrop to the trail with breathtaking scenery.
- Balcony routes: Wild areas between larches and ridges, offering a true wilderness experience.
Wild Beauty of Montgenèvre
After navigating the northern slope, the Snow Race course continues to the southern side of Montgenèvre, leading to Chalvet. This section of the course, shared with the Rocher Dizeur race, offers spectacular views of the peaks and the picturesque Durance Valley. The setting is nothing short of extraordinary, with each twist and turn revealing new and breathtaking vistas.
The Snow Race is an immersive experience in nature. The balcony routes take runners through wild and untamed areas, where they encounter larch forests, ridge lines, and a sense of isolation that is both exhilarating and humbling. These trails will leave lasting impressions, filling your memory with images of snowy peaks and serene valleys.
Dress Warmly, Runners!
The Snow Race 2022 in Montgenèvre is an adventure that will push you to your limits while rewarding you with some of the most beautiful winter scenery in the French Alps. Lace up your trail shoes, prepare for the cold, and get ready to experience the Snow Race—a winter trail running experience like no other.