Strava trail challenge in the Alpes Vaudoises
Put this challenge on your leisure or training programme! 3 courses of varying levels located in Villars, Gryon and Bex.
WANT TO TRY A NEW SPORT THIS SUMMER? WHY NOT TRY TRAIL RUNNING?
It's a sport that doesn't require a lot of equipment and enables you to discover your region and a host of scenic spots. No need to be an expert athlete; everyone can choose his or her pace or even walk to feel more comfortable (even I often walk uphill to lower my pulse rate).
The peaks and summits of the Vaud Alps offer an ideal terrain and a magnificent setting for hikers and trail runners. Run along bucolic paths through meadows, alongside forests and along old mule tracks. Look up and take in the superb scenery - it will reward your efforts.
From 1 July to 30 September, record your time on the Strava platform when you run one of the trail routes in the Alpes Vaudoises. Those who complete one or more of these routes will be entered into a draw to win prizes!
HOW TO TAKE PART - Register on Strava - Complete one or more routes between 1 July and 30 September - Take part in the challenge as many times as you like - Register your time on Strava to be included in the rankings and be in with a chance of winning a fantastic prize drawn at the end of the season (1 route completed = 1 chance of winning)
The routes are lightly signposted (pink "Challenge Trail" stickers). However, we strongly recommend that you load the route onto your mobile phone or smartwatch to make navigation easier, as there are many junctions.
THE STRAVA TRAIL CHALLENGE COURSES
On the programme for this challenge are 3 courses of varying levels, located in Villars, Gryon and Bex.
CHALLENGE 1: Villars
Departing from the cable car in Villars, this trail route takes you first to the Grand and Petit Chamossaire, offering breathtaking views of the Vaud Alps. On the way back, you pass over the Col de Bretaye and the Col de Soud. With 12km and 945m of ascent, it's a demanding loop.
STAGES :
Roc d'Orsay cable car
Bouquetins
Direction la Sausse
Roc d'Orsay
Le Chamossaire
Lac Noir - Bretaye
Col de Soud
Roc d'Orsay cable car
Ascent : 980 m. Negative ascent : 980 m.
CHALLENGE 2: Gryon
This 12km loop starts not far from Barboleuse station. It takes you to the heights of Gryon before branching off towards the magnificent hamlet of Taveyanne. You then reach Les Chaux, the highest point at 1825m, before descending via Frience.
STAGES :
La Barboleuse
Taveyanne
Les Chaux
Frience
La Barboleuse
Ascent : 671 m. Negative ascent : 671 m.
CHALLENGE 3 : Bex
With a difference in altitude of 362m, this is a slightly easier 9km route that takes you first along some pretty paths around the Montet hill. You then join the Gryonne river, which you follow as far as the Salines de Bex before returning to your starting point through the vineyards.
LES ÉTAPES :
VITA route
Tour of the Montet hill
La Gryonne
Salines de Bex
VITA route