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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!

Every year at the end of the summer season, at the end of September/beginning of October, for 4 days, the biggest trail running event in the Mediterranean basin thrills running enthusiasts. From the high mountains to the shores of the legendary Côte d’Azur, the Nice Côte d’Azur by UTMB takes you on a voyage of discovery through the landscapes of the Southern Alps and the Côte d’Azur coastline over four distances. From the 20km course to the 100-mile course, you’ll enter the Mercantour National Park, an exceptional protected natural area with glacial lakes, and wander through Alpine valleys offering breathtaking panoramic views. The final touch: the finish in the heart 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!

Every year at the beginning of February, the Obs by night returns in friendly and convivial mode! Set off with your headlamps, skis and poles for a night-time ski mountaineering race. During this dry ascent, you’ll be timed only on the ascent. Staggered departures every 20 seconds provided by the ESF of La Foux d’Allos. On your marks, get set, go! This race against the clock promises 776 metres of ascent over a distance of 3.5 kilometres. It’s the challenge of the year!

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

Every year in March, the prestigious Paris-Nice stage race, known to cycling aficionados the world over, starts in Ile-de-France and finishes a week later in Nice, on the Promenade des Anglais, or in the vicinity of the capital of the Côte d’Azur (regularly at the Col d’Èze, perched at an altitude of 507 metres, a balcony overlooking the Côte d’Azur coastline and in particular Cap Ferrat, or more recently at Auron). Considered a dress rehearsal for the Tour de France, the Race to the Sun, which has seen some of the biggest names in cycling compete, covers some 1,200km across France, with the hinterland of Nice the most eagerly awaited passage due to its hilly terrain. Time for the climbers!

The Grand Béal, an annual rendez-vous on the slopes of the Queyras valley

Renowned for over 30 years, the famous ski mountaineering competition takes place every year in Arvieux, on the last Sunday in March or the first Sunday in April, depending on the calendar. Get your adrenalin pumping at this legendary and popular high-mountain event, which attracts internationally renowned athletes and has hosted World Cup and European events. As a team or on your own, take part in a wild race like you’ve rarely seen, over three courses in an exceptional mountain environment far from the developed trails. This event is on the FFME calendar.

The Grand Prix de la Vallée by night in Chabanon Selonnet

See you in January or February 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.

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

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

The Trail de Dormillouse, a summer challenge in Montclar

Every first half of August, the resort of Montclar organises a nature race through the unspoilt countryside of Lake Serre-Ponçon and the Ubaye and Blanche valleys. Sign up for the Trail de Dormillouse and choose from three routes ranging from 10 to 40 kilometres, between forest tracks, single-track paths and mountain pastures. Our two favourites: the tour of Dormillouse, for its sublime panoramas over the lake. And the tour that takes in the Dormillouse fort and the magical ridges of the Blanche mountain range… the effort is well worth it in these picture-postcard settings.