This weekend Chamonix hosts the annual ski touring competition, ‘La Trace des Grands’.
There’s something for everyone in this event. Whether you are in it to win it, or just to want to enjoy the experienced of taking part, you’ll find an event for you.
The idea is to bring together all ski touring enthusiasts, whether you’re a beginner, an avid ski tourer or a competitive racer.
Five different races
There are five different trails on offer, all open to touring skis, split boards and telemark skiers.
TDG E – ‘The Experience’
This is ideal for discovering ski touring at your own pace. With 720m of positive gain, the route takes place on a closed, groomed trail in the middle of the forest and is perfect for novices.
TDG V – The ‘Vertical’
Located on the closed and freshly groomed ‘La Pierre à Ric’ Grand Montets home run, this is 720 vertical metres of intense, high speed positive gain against the clock.
TDG 110 – The ‘Freerando’
This is a secured open race designed for all ski-tourers, through the heart of the glaciated mountains and with a challenge climb of 1295 vertical metres, but without the stress of racing against the clock. The pay-off is an off-piste descent (which will be timed for the more adventurous) on the legendary Face des Grands Montets.
TDG 65 & TDG 65DUO– ‘Ski Alpinisme’
This is a serious challenge over a demanding course taking in 2040m vertical – available to enter solo or in pairs. Travelling on a closed piste through the Argentière basin and then going off the beaten track to the Rachasses ridge, before skiing to the final, steeper and more technical part of the route to the summit of the Aiguille des Grands Montets.
Other events
Over the weekend there will be safety course, yoga and the chance to test next season’s equipment.
You can find out more about entry into the different races here.
Accommodation in Chamonix
For accommodation, please contact the Ski Weekend team on 01392 878 353 and our Chamonix specialists will be delighted to find the right accommodation for you.
Ski Touring and Off-Piste Courses
If you are interested in more ski touring experiences, but can’t make ‘La Trace des Grands’, then Ski Weekend is offering a range of courses from 15-17 March, which you can find more about here.
Alternatively, if these dates don’t suit then please contact us on 01392 878 353 to arrange bespoke backcountry courses.
