There will be 600 of them heading out into the snow, with their headlamps screwed on and their eyes fixed on the peaks. On 17 and 18 January, Serre Chevalier is hosting the 9ᵉ edition of the Serre Che Snow Trail, which over the years has become one of the major winter events for trail running in the mountains. A 100 % nature race, fully booked several weeks in advance, which confirms the roots of the Briançonnais as the historic land of the white trail.
The story here is not new. In 2001, Serre Chevalier saw the birth of one of the very first winter trails in France, organised at Monêtier-les-Bains under the name of Trail Blanc. Twenty-five years later, the spirit is still intact, but the event has grown.
Organised by the Trail Running Attitude association, the Serre Che Snow Trail brings together runners from all over France to tackle the mountains at their most rugged in winter.
Two wild courses, far from the slopes
The heart of the event takes place on Sunday 18 January, with two routes deliberately set away from the ski area. Starting from La Salle-les-Alpes, the riders quickly switch to the opposite side of the slope, in the heart of the countryside. A gradual climb takes them to the hamlet of Les Tronchets, at an altitude of 1,900 metres, before the decisive junction.
The more experienced riders will continue on the Grand Parcours: 20 kilometres and 1,000 metres of ascent, in a demanding winter setting of snow-covered valleys and forest passages.
The others will tackle the Petit Parcours, a 10-kilometre run with a 600-metre ascent, with a descent via Puy de la Salle and Les Thures. Two complementary formats, but the same promise: a trail that's committed, technical and deeply mountainous.
The weekend's signature night-time event
Another highlight of the weekend is the night race on Saturday 17 January, which has become a signature feature of the event. At 6pm, 250 runners will set off at dusk, headlamps lit, in an atmosphere that's both sporting and festive.
Eight kilometres, 200 metres of ascent, and a route leading up to the hamlet of Les Guibertes, on snow-covered paths that take on a whole new dimension as night falls.
With the silence of the mountains, halos of light and encouragement along the way, this event is as appealing for its atmosphere as for its accessibility. It's a different way of approaching winter trail running, where performance meets experience.
Beyond the race itself, the Serre Che Snow Trail cultivates a warm and welcoming spirit, true to the DNA of trail running. The Salle de la Montagne, in the Pré Long shopping centre in La Salle-les-Alpes, will be the focal point of the weekend, hosting race number collection, post-race meals, podiums and social events.
Programme
Saturday 17th January
- 09:00 - 12:00: Pick-up of race numbers at the DECATHLON shop in Briançon (no registration)
- 2 - 6pm: Number collection and registration, Salle de la montagne, Pré Long shopping centre - La Salle-les-Alpes.
- 6pm: Start of the 8km night race.
- 18:40: Arrival of the first runner.
- 7pm: Post-race meal.
- 8pm: Podiums, Salle de la Montagne, Pré Long shopping centre - La Salle-les-alpes.
Sunday 18 January
- 07.00 - 08.30: Number collection and registration, Salle de la Montagne, Pré Long shopping centre - La Salle-les-Alpes.
- 09:00: Start of the Petit Parcours 10km and Grand Parcours 20km.
- 10am: Arrival of the first runner in the Petit Parcours 10km.
- 11am: Arrival of the first runner in the 20km Grand Parcours.
- 11am - 3pm: Post-race meal, Salle de la montagne, Pré Long shopping centre - La Salle Les Alpes.
- 13:30: Podiums, Salle de la Montagne, Pré Long shopping centre - La Salle Les Alpes.
- 3pm: Arrival of the last riders.