La Trace des Grands, which unites lovers of ski mountaineering and epic off-piste descents is being hosted by Chamonix Mont-Blanc in France on 19 & 20 March 2022.
The event, which is being organised by the association Outdoor Legacy, is expected to attract some of the world’s best freeride skiers. And the weekend will also include ski touring for all abilities.
The courses in the Mont-Blanc massif and on its glaciers have been thoughtfully designed so that spectators can gather at various strategic points and admire the spectacular views.
The Grands Montets domain in Chamonix is synonymous with great skiing. It is an unparalleled freeride spot and the starting point for many off-piste and ski touring routes, including the famous Haute Route which links Chamonix to Zermatt.
The Three Races
Ski mountaineering with the TDG 65 (V+ 2000m)
The flagship event departs 8am on Sunday 20 March from Plan Joran station (1,252m). The itinerary takes in Lognan, Argentière basin and the Point de Vue, a passage along the Rachasses ridge (skis on back), the summit of the Aiguille des Grands Montets (3296m), and a freeride descent back down to Lognan. The entire race is timed.
A leisure hike or the stopwatch, La TDG Vertical (V+ 720m)
A vertical race for the competitive athlete, but also an untimed discovery outing for 16 to 99-year-olds. Departure at 6.15pm on Saturday 19 March from Plan Joran base station (1252m).
An opportunity to share memorable moments with family or friends on a secure course through pine trees and beneath a moonlit sky.
Freerando or skitouring with the TDG 110 (V+ 1300m)
A course open to all winter ski touring enthusiasts: ski, split, Telemark, monosplit. An invtitation to share the TDG experience at one’s own pace (chrono ascent time given as an indication), to live and breathe the beauty of these mountains. For the serious contenders, the descent down the Grands Montets face will be officially timed. Race starts at 9.30am on Sunday 20 March from the Lognan plateau (1972m).
Throughout the weekend, the sports village on the Grands Montets domain will welcome a large number of partners and exhibitors, as well as the biggest ski test of the winter:
Mont Blanc Natural Resort, La Chamoniarde, POW (Protect Our Winters), Suunto, Blizzard, Technica, Dynastar, Volkl, Salomon, Zag, Pomoca, Black crows, Ogso, Scott and other surprise exhibitors.
During these two days, there will be prevention and safety workshops with La Chamoniarde and a Saturday evening screening at the VOX cinema of two films produced using soft mobility: Conscience by POW and le Diamant des Alpes by Sébastien Montaz-Rosset with the participation of Vivian Bruchez and Mathieu Navillod. The profits will be donated to the POW association.
The day pass is offered to competitors on Sunday, March 20. They, and the person of their choice, will also benefit from a 50% reduction on ski passes (1 to 3 days) if they wish to enjoy a long weekend in the Chamonix valley.
The number of participants in the two races on Sunday is limited to 600 people. No limitation for the Vertical TDG. For the podiums, the prize money ranges from €100 to €500, plus partner prizes and a draw open to all participants. Online registration at www.latracedesgrands.com
The new event is the brainchild of Pascal Croz, Damien Sablon and Bénédicte Leclercq. Pascal Croz, director of the Grands Montets slopes, wanted to revive the top of the Grands Montets (following a fire in 2018 fire) and revitalise the site through a major event.
Damien Sablon, a mountaineering and ski touring enthusiast, questioned the absence of a broadscale ski touring event in Chamonix, given the exceptional playground it represents in the heart of the Mont Blanc massif.
Bénédicte Leclercq, event’s manager at the Compagnie du Mont-Blanc, organised a meeting between these two key players and offered the valuable support of the lift company. Following on from this meeting they created the association Outdoor Legacy. Its name is a tribute to past generations and to the sporting history of the Chamonix valley.
More information and registrations
Contact: info@latracedesgrands.com
PHOTOS: www.guevarart.com
