Les 2 Alpes Night Snow Trail 2019 preview

The unique event returns on January 19th 2019

Location: Les Deux Alpes
Imprint: By Ian Huyton, Updated 16 January 2019

Back for the seventh year running, Les Deux Alpes’ Night Snow Trail continues to attract a growing number of trail runners each winter. In 2018, over 500 runners took part in the three courses.

Three features set this event apart from other trail races – it is run on snow, in the dark, and there is more downhill than up. This is achieved with a 17:30 start on Les Crêtes at 2200 metres altitude and a finish at 1600 metres in the Amphibia sports hall. In between, a choice of four courses provides a challenge to all levels of trail runner. Whichever distance you choose, running on the pistes of Les Crêtes as dusk turns to night is a magical experience.

New this year, a five-kilometre, all-downhill course offers an ideal introduction to trail running. This follows the Desmoiselles green ski piste from start to finish. Next up, the ten-kilometre course starts with a 220 metre climb up the Petites Crêtes piste to the Diable au Coeur, before a long descent via the Bellecombes 1, Jandri 2 and Demoiselles pistes to finish in the centre of the resort. The 15km and 20km courses follow the same route until the last kilometre of the Demoiselles, before dropping down through the chalets of the Petit Plan sector to the bottom of the resort. Both cross the bridge to the Vallée Blanche side of the resort before heading into the woods around La Moliere.

Also new this year is a special category for French fire-fighters, or ‘pompiers’. With 250 firemen and women expected, this will increase the size of the event by around half. The Night Snow Trail has always had a great atmosphere and the arrival of the pompiers should only improve the festive feel of the race.

Registration costs €25 online or €30 from on the day of the race. Registration and collection of numbers will be from 14:00 onwards in the sports hall. Remember that you will need identification (passport or driving licence) and a medical certificate stating your fitness to run. The entry fee includes the gondola ride to the start, a hot meal after the finish and a complimentary gift. There will be prizes for the first three men and women for each distance, plus the fastest in each age category.

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