Is trail running in the winter better than in the summer? It could be as it is so much fun!
It’s a superb way to enjoy the snow, the mountains and the breathtaking scenery while keeping fit.
So don’t hesitate to grab your boots and hit the trails that are perfectly suited to the sport.
Trail runners, walkers and snowshoers share the same paths in the Vallée Blanche sector in a very friendly atmosphere. To access this playground, start at the foot of the Vallée Blanche Telemix.
From the village of Venosc, it’s possible to make magnificent outings along the Vénéon river. The Venosc cable car links up with the 2 Alpes plateau in less than 8 minutes. This valley generally has less snow. In winter, the sun only makes a few rare appearances.
The bottom of the slopes and the resort’s streets and lanes are ideal for getting your feet wet: everything here is flat! Just be careful not to slip on the icy patches!
At the end of the day, after skiing, it’s common to come across trail runners on the Demoiselles green run. A beautiful 1650m climb to the Crêtes at 2100m.
The experts at the Association de Trail recommend that you exercise extreme caution: “if this trail is tolerated, never venture onto the others”.
Be aware that the groomers start their ‘night’ work in the ski area as soon as the pistes close.
“White trail, winter, cold: the first piece of advice is obviously to cover up well, especially your hands and head. The time of day is crucial when choosing what to wear. When the sun is at its zenith, it beats down hard and keeps you warm. There’s no need to pile on layers of clothing. At night, on the other hand, the air is very cool with headlamps. That’s when all your gear comes in handy! Another important factor is the level of effort. Intensity heats up quickly and, depending on the conditions, you can’t always give 100%. For example, on an outing with lots of powder, it’s hard to run and therefore to warm up. That’s when you have to dress well”.
The first piece of advice is to have good trail shoes with good grip. That’s the basics: don’t venture onto slippery, snowy terrain without suitable soles!
For greater ease and peace of mind, you can buy crampons that can be clipped onto more conventional running shoes.
Poles: it’s up to you… a question of habit…
Carry a small rucksack with a few energy bars, some water and a first-aid kit…
For longer tours, remember to take a charged mobile phone with you.
What a chance to enjoy these beautiful mountain landscapes under this immaculate, freshly fallen snow! Your Trail outing will be all the more incredible! Your legs, on the other hand, are likely to remember it for a few days… it’s not easy running in fresh powder!
We recommend that you try to run on existing tracks so that you don’t sink too deep! The return to the station on the slopes should be less demanding: just let yourself go “down the slope”…
Remember to keep well hydrated to reduce muscle soreness.
In winter, with a dry cold, the feeling is the same as in summer on compact ground. You’ll feel like you’re growing wings and your run will be fast! Let’s face it, you need to be in good physical condition to run fast and long!
Patches of ice, which are sometimes barely visible, are your worst enemy: be careful!
With good shoes and treaded soles that aren’t too smooth, everything should go extremely smoothly!
