Land of Trail Running

Higher and higher

Running in the mountains allows you to escape the monotony of urban routes and breathe in fresh air whilst discovering breathtaking scenery, all whilst enjoying the tranquillity of nature. Giving meaning to the effort – that’s more or less the idea behind mountain trail running.

/ Trail in Vars

Our permanent routes

Situated in the heart of the Southern Alps, Vars is an ideal destination for trail runners , offering the chance to discover the valley’s diverse landscapes.
The resort offers a total of six permanent trail running routes, suitable for all levels, from beginners to experienced runners. Whether you’re looking for an introductory run to get started in the sport or a more technical challenge, you’re bound to find a route that meets your expectations. Each route is signposted, allowing you to enjoy nature to the full in complete peace of mind.

Spread across the Vars area and the Val d’Escreins, these trails offer varying levels of difficulty. An excellent way to train, improve your skills or simply enjoy the mountains in a different way.

I’m downloading the trail running guide6MB

Discovering

of our itineraries

Routes starting from Vars

Three routes starting from Vars await you, allowing you to explore the resort and the villages, as well as the beautiful scenery and legendary mountain passes such as the Col de Vars.

The Col de Vars

The Vertical Kilometre

A tour of the villages

Le Val'Vert

Le Val'Bleu

Routes starting from the Val d'Escreins

Running through the Val d’Escreins offers a number of attractions: the beauty of the landscape, lush natural surroundings featuring a variety of flora and rushing streams, and the ruins of the old village, which add a cultural dimension to the trail running experience.

Le Val'Rouge

The trail running event of the summer

Vars Mountain Trail

Every year at the end of July, the Vars Mountain Trail brings together mountain running enthusiasts on challenging and spectacular routes through the resort’s iconic landscapes.

The event offers a range of formats, allowing everyone to take on their own challenge, from introductory trail runs to more demanding distances:

The Tour des Crêtes – 45km / 3,100m elevation gain
The 5 Passes – 25 km / 1,400 m elevation gain
The KV: 3.7 km / 930 m elevation gain
Foulée du château: 10km / 430m elevation gain
Trail Biathlon: 2 or 4 km

Fancy taking on the challenge? See you at the next event!

Discover the Vars Mountain Trail

Packing the right kit for a trail run

Trail running in the mountains requires the right kit to ensure you get the most out of your run and stay safe.

Before setting off, remember to:

Wear shoes suitable for trail running and mountainous terrain.
Take enough water with you, particularly during the summer months.
Pack a windproof or waterproof jacket depending on the weather conditions.
Check the weather forecast before setting off.
Take a fully charged mobile phone with you and let a friend or family member know your route.
Adapt your route to your fitness level and the terrain conditions.

In the mountains, conditions can change rapidly. Good preparation is the key to a successful outing.