Highlights

The Trafanelle

La Trafanelle

FEBRUARY
LES GOURNIERS NORDIC CENTRE

‘‘ The NORDIC CARNIVAL of Les Gourniers
©Mireille Coulomp

Not just a Nordic event, but a real local tradition !

Here, you’ll set off on a race first developed in 2008, by lovers of Nordic skiing, with a touch of madness in the costumes and a real masked ball of cross-country skiers. This team cross-country skiing race has become a real local tradition over the years in the hamlet of Les Gourniers. Its natural setting in the midst of the mountains is simply magical. In fact, when you arrive at Les Gourniers, you’re sure to be fascinated by this wild and unspoilt nature which marks the southern gateway to the Parc national des Ecrins.

Les Gourniers

A festive programme in an exceptional natural setting

This event has become an unmissable highlight at the start of the winter holiday. So, come and discover a Nordic area accessible to all, amid a festive atmosphere of mutual aid. It’s the big day: a little elf is warming up while a magician clashes with a pirate, and all our teams are ready to set off under the arch of the starting line. You don’t need a costume for this popular race, though it is strongly recommended. In any case, what’s for certain is that a good sense of humour is mandatory!

Practical information on the “Trafanelle”:

  • Race open to everyone from 4 to 94 years old, beginners or experienced
  • Teams of three. You can build your team on site on the day.
  • Loop of just under 1 km

An unmissable event for those nostalgic for vintage skiing!

A derby with a festive and unusual programme!

The Derby is a timed race that is both athletic and fun at the same time, open to all lovers of winter sports. However, your skiing ability must be at least level 3. You’ll set off from the ridges of Serre du Mouton, at an altitude of 1,975 m, with an unforgettable view of Lake Serre-Ponçon, to embark on a route through a stunning off-piste valley, marked with slalom gates, bumps and bends, to continue on the Scorpus slope and through the woods until you reach the heart of the resort, located at an altitude of 1,560 m – for a total vertical drop of 415 m.

  • Teams of two set off every 30 seconds
  • Race open to adapted skiing for those with disabilities
  • The derby is held in two rounds
  • The final time is calculated from the average of the two participants and the two runs
  • Teams with costumes and vintage equipment from before the 1990s will be granted a 30-second advantage per course
  • Award ceremony: a special prize for the best costume. Many prizes to be won.

A derby with a festive programme: 

  • Registration for the event is free – though you must have paid for a ski pass.

Safety remains a priority for the resort and does not stand in the way of original costumes (quite the opposite in fact!): helmets are therefore compulsory.

Event will be held subject to snow conditions

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‘‘ A great and entirely unique day, full of giggles between friends, with my costume and old skis from yesteryear – to be repeated next year ..."
AVIS TRAFANELLE
Jérémy