Ski mountaineering is an ideal sport for nature lovers as it takes place in the most beautiful landscapes between earth and sky in our region. After many years of decline due to the rise of alpine skiing and snowboarding, ski mountaineering is experiencing a new boom.
The practice of ski mountaineering has diversified, ranging from multi-day expeditions with a primarily contemplative purpose to very challenging day races.
The General Council of the Alpes-Maritimes, in partnership with the French Federation of Mountaineering and Climbing (FFME), has decided to focus on this type of daily competitions to launch the 1st Ski Mountaineering Challenge 06.
These ski mountaineering races mainly take the form of “Vertical Races” or “Uphill Challenges.” They have a mass start and involve climbing a mountain route using skis equipped with mobile bindings.
2015 Calendar
In 2015, the 1st edition of the Ski Mountaineering Challenge 06 is contested over 8 dates between January and March:
After Valberg, Roubion-les Buisses, Borรฉon, and La Colmiane, on Sunday, March 8th, it’s Castรฉrino’s turn for the only race in the Challenge conducted in a classic form with both ascents and descents… an event that has just joined the Challenge and is actually the 10th edition of the Trophรฉe Victor de Cessole organized by the Club Alpin Nice Mercantour.
Next, on Sunday, March 15th at Isola 2000 and Saturday, March 21st at Auron.
These races, which will reach Cime du Cheiron (at Grรฉoliรจres-les Neiges), Crรชte de Piagu (at Borรฉon), and Pic de la Colmiane, will be contested over distances ranging from 3 to 5 kilometers with elevation gains of around 500 meters.
