2023 EDITION

Don't miss our Top 10 sporting

events in the French Southern Alps!

Surrounded by snow-covered mountains, forests and rivers, and sometimes even with a view of the sunny Mediterranean, these yearly outdoor events are an invitation to rock to the beat of the competitions and rub shoulders with great champions! They’re fantastic opportunities to escape to music or winter sports-style in the mountains, whatever the season.

The Nice Côte d’Azur by UTMB, a unique Mediterranean trail!

From September 28 to October 1st 2023, be ready for the 2nd edition of the Nice Côte d’Azur by UTMB. This running trail starts high up in the mountains and ends on the banks of the legendary Côte d’Azur, and will take you through the landscapes of the French Southern Alps over four distances. From the 20-km course to the 100-mile one, open the doors of the Mercantour National Park, its glacial lakes and Alpine valleys with breathtaking 360° views. And to cap it all: the finish in the middle of Nice on the famous Promenade des Anglais!

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Une publication partagée par Nice Côte d’Azur by UTMB® (@nicecotedazurbyutmb)

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Une publication partagée par Val d’Allos l’Espace Lumière (@val_dallos)

L’Obs by night has the Val d’Allos humming!

On February 4, 2023, l’Obs by night is back in a warm, friendly style! Set off with your headlamps, skis and poles for a night-time ski mountaineering race. You’ll be timed only on the climb on this steep slope. Staggered starts every 20 seconds ensured by the ESF of La Foux d’Allos. Ready, steady, go! This race against the clock has a height difference of 767 metres over a distance of 3.4 kilometres. Just the challenge you need for the year to see if you can beat the first edition’s record.

The Ladies Night Tour and its slalom champions in Pra Loup

On February 28, 2023, in Pra Loup, the Ladies Night Tour is back for 4 Alpine skiing events. Come and encourage all the star women! This night-time parallel slalom exhibition event highlights the best French women skiers, athletes and hopefuls of French skiing. A really impressive show on the snow with some memorable encounters, particularly during the signing sessions set up for the occasion.

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Une publication partagée par PRA LOUP (@pra_loup)

The Paris-Nice race under the sun promises some great climbs!

On March 11 and 12, 2023, the Paris-Nice race includes a big mountain stage before the final stage on the Côte d’Azur. All-terrain cyclists will be participating in this great comeback of the time trial. From La Verrière in the Yvelines to the Promenade des Anglais, there are special ascents all along the route. In all, there are 1,200 kilometres with a 7th stage which will start in Nice and finish at the Col de la Couillole. Ready to climb, the cyclists prepare for the 142.9 kilometres with the finish at the top. The race ends in style with a 118.4 km loop through Nice which includes the Sentier du Vinaigrier.

The Grand Béal is back on the runs of the Vallée du Queyras

The Grand Béal is making its comeback after an absence of four years. Save the date for the famous ski mountaineering competition in Arvieux on April 2, 2023. Get a boost of adrenalin in the 31st edition of this popular, mythical event which takes place in the high mountains on three courses. In a team or on your own, take part in a wild race of a kind you’ve rarely seen before, in an exceptional mountain environment away from the groomed runs. This event is on the FFME calendar (and support for the finale of the Coupe de France).

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Une publication partagée par Station de Chabanon Selonnet (@station_chabanon.selonnet)

The Grand Prix de la Vallée by night in Chabanon Selonnet

See you on January 28, 2023 in Chabanon for the Grand Prix de la Vallée by night, organized by the Ski club Blanche Serre-Ponçon. When night falls, wrap up in warm clothes and head for the lit-up wall of Pra Milan and a slalom for young skiers from the clubs in the French Southern Alps. And the race can start in a warm friendly atmosphere! And right nearby, the bars and restaurants of the resort have some scrumptious and comforting pairings for the chillier among you.

The Elite Alpine Skiing Championships are coming in Les Orres

From March 21 to April 1st, 2023, the Championnats de France de ski alpin Elite will take place in the resort of Les Orres with the elite of French skiing. After having hosted the Coupe d’Europe downhill events on the technical and selective run of La Pousterie, the resort will welcome no less than 250 French skiers who will defy each other on an FFS-approved run. The competition includes five disciplines: Downhill, Super Giant, Giant Slalom, Slalom and Super-Combined. A unique event to find out before everyone else who will win this highly-prized national title.

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Une publication partagée par Michaël Lejeune (@michael.ljn)

The “Faites de la Montagne” under the sun of the Alpes Maritimes

On February 4 and 5 and on July 4 and 5, 2023 in Saint-Dalmas-Le-Selvage, the “Faites de la Montagne” is an invitation to relax, marvel and surpass yourself in a protected setting dedicated to outdoor and nature sports. Start with an introduction to a new sport with a mountain leader and guide before ending the festivities with an original outing: day and half-day hikes, climbing, botany walks, zen or well-being, zero waste workshop, storytelling workshop, watercolour workshop or local cuisine.

The Trail de Dormillouse, a summer challenge in Montclar

On August 12, 2023, the resort of Montclar is organizing a nature race. Put your name down for the Trail de Dormillouse and choose among the three courses from 10 to 40 kilometres, single-track and Alpine pastures. Our two favourites: the trail around Dormillouse with a view over the Lake of Serre-Ponçon, and the Ubaye and Blanche valleys. And the trail which goes past the Fort of Dormillouse and the magical ridges of the Blanche range… well worth the effort in picture postcard settings.

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Une publication partagée par Station Montclar (@station.montclar)