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Defi Vertical Ski Challenge 2017
A new race to the top of the mountain
The Les Deux Alpes Défi Vertical, or Vertical Challenge is a new event this year for those who like to ski uphill.
Open to everybody over fifteen, the challenge is aimed at experts and novices alike with medals awarded for altitude gained.
The ski touring challenge will start as the sun comes up at eight o’clock in the morning. Participants will climb from the resort centre at 1600 metres towards the glacier, two vertical kilometres above. The climb will cover several stages throughout the morning, with each stage having its own cut-off time. A medal and diploma will be awarded to the skiers depending on what altitude they reach. Food stations will be provided along the course – one for each stage – to keep you going.
The idea is that each skier can choose their own level of achievement, according to their ability and aspirations. Nonetheless, the cut-off times do mean that there is a pressure to climb at a certain pace, and there will be prizes for the fastest racers, so this is a competition as well. Prizes will go to the first three men and women plus the fastest in each age category.
The achievement medals will be given out as follows:
- Bronze – reaching Les Crêtes (2100m) by 9am
- Silver – reaching La Toura (2600m) by 10am
- Vermeil – reaching the glacier(3200m) by 11am. Note: Vermeil is gold plated silver, or silver-gilt, and often comes between gold and silver medals in France
- Gold – reaching the top of the glacier (3600m) with no cut-off time for the final stage
The event will be followed by a hot meal and prize giving in the Palais du Sports from one o’clock.
Entry costs 20€ in advance or 25€ on the day.
Read more from Ian on his website.
