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Your checklist for Snow Running Sierra Nevada

What you need, category by category, with our #1 pick for this race. Tick what you already have.

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  1. GPS watch

    Garmin Instinct 3 AMOLED 45 mm

    Onboard topo maps, unlike the Instinct 3 Solar

    Downside: Shorter battery life than the Instinct 3 Solar (no solar charging or MIP display)

    View on Amazon →(opens in a new tab)
  2. Gear

    At least 300 lumens plus spare batteries: the night descent runs on hard snow with no references.

    Nike Ultrafly

    ZoomX foam: exceptional energy return inherited from the Vaporfly

    Downside: High price (190 EUR)

    View on Amazon →(opens in a new tab)
  3. Nutrition

    Carry a soft flask of warm isotonic: at -5 °C gels freeze and will not come out.

    Maurten Gel 100

    Hydrogel technology: excellent gastric tolerance

    Downside: High price compared to other gels

    View on Amazon →(opens in a new tab)
  4. Sun Protection

    Sweat-resistant SPF50 cream, reapply at aid stations

    ISDIN Fusion Water Sunscreen SPF 50+

    Ultralight texture, feels invisible on skin

    Downside: Small format (50 ml), may run short on ultras

    View on Amazon →(opens in a new tab)
  5. Body Care

    Anti-chafe balm on armpits, thighs and feet

    Julbo Aerospeed

    Photochromic lenses: adapt from forest to summits

    Downside: Higher price compared to non-photochromic glasses

    View on Amazon →(opens in a new tab)
  6. Car Rental

    Book in advance and check the mileage policy

  7. Trip logistics

    Registration, travel and insurance: what you should have sorted before race day.

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Seasonal kit

Cold weather at Snow Running Sierra Nevada: pack the winter kit

Layers, gloves, neck gaiter and footwear for running in the cold, with short-race and ultra versions.

See the full kit : What to Wear for Cold-Weather Trail Running 2026: The Complete Layering Kit

Race data

Terrain

Mountain

Difficulty

Intermediate

Distance

1 modalities

Visit official website(opens in a new tab)
  • Clásica 12,7K

    Distance
    12.7 km
    Elevation Gain
    D+ 920m
    Max Time
    -
Will your watch battery last the ~4 h of Snow Running Sierra Nevada?Worked out for the longest course (12.7 km). See which watches reach the finish with GPS on and which die on the way.Check my watch

Get ready for Snow Running Sierra Nevada with the 8-week plan

13 weeks to go: the 8-week plan starts in 5 weeks. Enter your date and it highlights your current week.

Week-by-week table with hill work, descents, strength and a taper, plus the right gear at each stage.

See the week-by-week plan

Gear up for Snow Running Sierra Nevada

Buying guides with the best value for money, picked for this kind of terrain.

Swipe to see all 4 comparisons

Historical weather

What to wear at 0 °C: guide and kit →

Typical weather for the race date (10-year average)

Temperature

-4°C – 5°C

Rain

23%

Wind

12 km/h

Sunshine hours

10h

Gear recommendations

Bring thermal layers (low of -4°C)

Buff Thermonet

Buff

Buff Thermonet

Thermal tubular Buff with Primaloft technology. Traps body heat, ultralight and versatile: hat, neck gaiter, headband. Ideal for high mountain.

View on Amazon →
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Craft Pro Hypervent LS Wind Top

Craft

Craft Pro Hypervent LS Wind Top

Thermal top with a windproof ripstop panel on the chest and a highly ventilated soft jersey back. Built for high-intensity sessions in cold, windy conditions, with long cuffs and thumb loops.

View on Amazon →
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HANKER Thermal Neck Gaiter

HANKER

HANKER Thermal Neck Gaiter

Unisex thermal seamless neck gaiter in Soft Air Plus fabric (97% polyester). Seamless fit designed for trail running, cycling, motorcycling and outdoor sports. A budget alternative to Buff for moderate cold.

View on Amazon →
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Icebreaker Merino 200 Oasis LS Crewe

Icebreaker

Icebreaker Merino 200 Oasis LS Crewe

Long-sleeve thermal top in 100% merino wool (200g). Natural temperature regulation, genuine multi-day odor resistance and a soft, non-itch handfeel from the fine merino yarn.

View on Amazon →
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Odlo Active Warm Eco

Odlo

Odlo Active Warm Eco

Long-sleeve thermal base layer made from recycled fabric with anti-odour treatment. Active thermal regulation, ideal as a base layer in the mountains.

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Odlo I-Thermic Women's Longsleeve

Odlo

Odlo I-Thermic Women's Longsleeve

Women's long-sleeve thermal top with insulating panels placed over cold-sensitive areas (lower back and kidneys). A mid-layer built for genuinely cold winter conditions, mountain outings or cross-country-style trail sessions.

View on Amazon →
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ROCKBROS Thermal Windproof Balaclava

ROCKBROS

ROCKBROS Thermal Windproof Balaclava

Thermal windproof balaclava covering head, ears, cheeks and neck. Designed for cycling and motorcycling, it works just as well on windy, freezing trail runs.

View on Amazon →
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Salomon Agile LS Tee

Salomon

Salomon Agile LS Tee

Lightweight quick-dry polyester long-sleeve tee with underarm mesh, a side pocket and reflective details. Works as a standalone layer in mild cold or as a base layer under a windbreaker on colder days.

View on Amazon →
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Salomon Cross Run Tight

Salomon

Salomon Cross Run Tight

Long trail tights with stretchy, breathable fabric. Adjustable waist, zipped back pocket. Protection from cold and vegetation.

View on Amazon →
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Salomon Cross Warm Glove

Salomon

Salomon Cross Warm Glove

Thermal running gloves with a non-slip palm and touchscreen fingertips. Light, warm and compatible with poles.

View on Amazon →
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Under Armour ColdGear Armour Compression Mock

Under Armour

Under Armour ColdGear Armour Compression Mock

Compression thermal top with a dual-layer fabric: ultra-warm brushed interior and quick-dry exterior. Second-skin compression fit with stretch mesh panels at the back and underarms for ventilation without losing warmth.

View on Amazon →
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Under Armour ColdGear Armour Compression Mock (Men's)

Under Armour

Under Armour ColdGear Armour Compression Mock (Men's)

Men's high-neck thermal compression top: brushed interior that holds heat and a quick-dry outer. Base layer for cold-weather runs.

View on Amazon →
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Bring thermal gloves (low of -4°C)

Gore Wear C5 GORE-TEX Glove

Gore Wear

Gore Wear C5 GORE-TEX Glove

Glove with a fully waterproof, windproof GORE-TEX membrane and light insulation. The pick for running in snow, sleet or heavy rain while keeping your hand dry.

View on Amazon →
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Gore Wear M GORE-TEX Thermo Glove

Gore Wear

Gore Wear M GORE-TEX Thermo Glove

Warmer variant of the Gore Wear C5 GORE-TEX: the same fully waterproof, windproof membrane, with extra thermal lining for intense cold on top of snow or rain. The pick when the problem isn't just water, but water AND hard cold at once.

View on Amazon →
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Icebreaker Oasis Liners

Icebreaker

Icebreaker Oasis Liners

Thin merino wool glove, lightweight and breathable, with good moisture management and none of the overheating of a thick technical glove. Ideal as a liner layer or for mild winter temperatures.

View on Amazon →
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LEKI Ultra Trail Storm Shark

LEKI

LEKI Ultra Trail Storm Shark

Glove for pole runners with the Shark system: clips straight into the grip of compatible LEKI poles, transferring force without closing your hand. Windproof and water-repellent.

View on Amazon →
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Ronhill GORE-TEX Windstopper Glove

Ronhill

Ronhill GORE-TEX Windstopper Glove

Running glove with GORE-TEX Windstopper fabric: blocks wind and repels light rain without the bulk of an insulated glove. Thin, close-fitting and dexterous.

View on Amazon →
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Salomon Bonatti Pro Waterproof Glove

Salomon

Salomon Bonatti Pro Waterproof Glove

Lightweight waterproof glove built for running, not just standing still in the snow: a waterproof membrane with more dexterity and less bulk than a thick membrane glove, for sustained rain without giving up handling gels or poles.

View on Amazon →
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Salomon Cross Warm Glove

Salomon

Salomon Cross Warm Glove

Thermal running gloves with a non-slip palm and touchscreen fingertips. Light, warm and compatible with poles.

View on Amazon →
(opens in a new tab)
Salomon Fast Wing Winter Glove

Salomon

Salomon Fast Wing Winter Glove

Technical winter trail running glove with a windproof outer shell and warm lining. Built for long outings in intense cold, wind and some moisture in the mountains.

View on Amazon →
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Sealskinz Waterproof Lightweight Glove

Sealskinz

Sealskinz Waterproof Lightweight Glove

Lightweight waterproof glove from a brand that specializes in outdoor sport waterproofing. A solid middle ground between a thin windproof glove and a thick membrane glove: genuinely waterproof without the bulk or price of the Gore C5.

View on Amazon →
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Consider long tights for nighttime cold

Amazon Essentials Active Sculpt Plus-Size Leggings

Amazon Essentials

Amazon Essentials Active Sculpt Plus-Size Leggings

High-waisted leggings with Active Sculpt compression fabric, available in plus sizes. Wide waistband that doesn't roll down or over-compress during long mountain outings.

View on Amazon →
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HANKER Women's Cropped Compression Leggings with Pockets

HANKER

HANKER Women's Cropped Compression Leggings with Pockets

Compression capri tights with high waist and phone pockets. Quick-drying, suitable for running and trail.

View on Amazon →
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Izas Olimpia Women's Long Tights

Izas

Izas Olimpia Women's Long Tights

Women's long leggings with a shaping, push-up compression effect, stretch breathable fabric and reflective details. Originally designed for gym and yoga, but the compression and reflective details also make it usable for low-light running.

View on Amazon →
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Joma Academy Knight Men's Thermal Tights

Joma

Joma Academy Knight Men's Thermal Tights

Men's thermal pants with a brushed inner lining, built for training and running in cold weather. Elastic drawstring waist and heat-retaining fabric for winter outings or cold early mornings.

View on Amazon →
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Joma Vela II Women's Shorts

Joma

Joma Vela II Women's Shorts

Lightweight, stretch women's running shorts with a wide size range (4XS to 2XL). Breathable fabric built for training and running in summer without overheating.

View on Amazon →
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Salomon Comet Warm Tight W

Salomon

Salomon Comet Warm Tight W

Salomon women's thermal long tights for training and racing in the cold. A warm layer for autumn and winter.

View on Amazon →
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Salomon Cross Run Tight

Salomon

Salomon Cross Run Tight

Long trail tights with stretchy, breathable fabric. Adjustable waist, zipped back pocket. Protection from cold and vegetation.

View on Amazon →
(opens in a new tab)

Snow Running Sierra Nevada 2027: 12.7 km on snow at night

Snow Running Sierra Nevada started in 2012 and has become the biggest mountain race on snow in the world: 800 bibs and a 12.70 km course with 919.90 m of climbing between Pradollano, Borreguiles, Tajillo de la Alhambra and the Loma de Dilar radio telescope. You start at sunset and finish in the dark.

The route

The start is in Pradollano at 2,145 m and the first third climbs without pause to Tajillo de la Virgen de las Nieves. Then the profile stretches to Borreguiles and Tajillo de la Alhambra, the high point at 2,913.60 m, before linking Tajillo de Emile Allais and the radio telescope. The last four kilometres are a long, fast descent back to Pradollano on packed snow and ski piste.

Running on snow at night is something else: the headlamp lights ten metres, the snow throws the beam back and flattens the relief, and shadows deceive. That is why mandatory kit includes a headlamp with spare batteries, foil blanket, whistle and warm waterproof clothing. At 2,900 m in February the wind chill drops far below zero the moment you stop.

Entry and logistics

The field is capped at 800 runners and sells out every year. Entry includes participant bag, chip timing, bag drop and covered parking in Pradollano, and bibs are collected at Hotel Meliá Sol y Nieve with original ID or passport. The resort is 35 km from Granada on the A-395, with a regular bus and a road that jams on ski-season weekends.

To fill the weekend, see the other races in Andalusia and plan the trip with the planner.

Who it is for

For mountain runners after a different experience without an ultra: 12.7 km takes under two hours, but cold, altitude and snow make it a genuine challenge. It is also the perfect gateway for anyone who has never raced at night.

360Complete Pack

Entry and limited places

Registration

The field is capped at 800 runners and sells out every year. Entry includes participant bag, chip timing, bag drop and covered parking in Pradollano.

Browse all registration

Tips

  • •Enter on day one: 800 places for a race with a waiting list every year.
  • •Bibs are collected at Hotel Meliá Sol y Nieve with original ID or passport, no exceptions.

Where to stay for SRSM

Accommodation

Book accommodation near the start in advance: the race weekend fills the area.

Browse all accommodation

Tips

  • •Look for accommodation within 30 min of the start
  • •Book months ahead if the race falls on a holiday weekend or in summer

Mandatory kit for running at night on snow

Gear

The race requires a headlamp with spare batteries, foil blanket, whistle, cup and warm waterproof clothing. At 2,900 m in February the wind chill can be far below zero.

Browse all gear

Tips

  • •At least 300 lumens plus spare batteries: the night descent runs on hard snow with no references.
  • •Trail shoe with aggressive lugs, not crampons: the route is packed snow and piste, not vertical ice.
  • •Spare gloves and a buff: they get wet in falls and never dry.
Nike Ultrafly

Which shoes for Snow Running Sierra Nevada?

Which footwear fits based on the race's terrain and weather

→
Garmin Instinct 3 AMOLED 45 mm

Which GPS watch for Snow Running Sierra Nevada?

Which watch has the battery to last based on your estimated finish time

→
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Best Neck Gaiter (Buff) for Trail Running 2026: Comparison & Buying Guide

Comparison of the best neck gaiters for trail running in 2026: Buff Original, Midweight, Windproof, DryFlx, CoolNet UV+, Thermonet, HANKER and Salomon Merino. Which to pick based on sun, wind, cold or budget.

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Best Thermal Base Layer for Trail Running 2026: Comparison & Buying Guide

The best thermal base layers for trail running in 2026: Odlo Active Warm Eco, Icebreaker Merino 200 Oasis, Craft Pro Hypervent, Under Armour ColdGear, Salomon Agile LS Tee and Odlo I-Thermic. Which to pick based on cold, sweat management, merino wool, compression or built-in wind protection.

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Best Trail Running Gaiters 2026: 3-Way Comparison

Comparing the 3 best trail running gaiters in 2026: Salomon Trail Gaiters High, Salomon Trail Gaiters Low and TRIWONDER waterproof gaiters. Which to pick by terrain and budget.

→

Fuel for 12.7 km at 2,900 m

Nutrition

It is a short race but at real altitude and in the cold: your stomach wants warm liquid and your body burns more than you think.

Browse all nutrition

Tips

  • •Carry a soft flask of warm isotonic: at -5 °C gels freeze and will not come out.
  • •Eat before the start: a sunset start means lunch is long gone.
  • •Drink at the Borreguiles aid stations even without thirst: dry high-altitude air dehydrates.

Getting to Pradollano

Transport

Pradollano is 35 km from Granada on the A-395, with a regular bus from Granada bus station. Free covered parking is available in the village during the race.

Browse all transport

Tips

  • •Go up early: the Sierra Nevada road jams on ski-season weekends.
  • •If it snows, chains or winter tyres are mandatory on the A-395.
  • •If you do not want to drive at night, sleep in Pradollano: the resort hotels are at the start line.

Car rental for SRSM

Car Rental

A car makes it easier to reach the start and get around before and after the race.

Browse all car rental

Tips

  • •Book in advance and check the mileage policy
  • •Useful if your accommodation is far from the start

Sports insurance for SRSM

Insurance

Cover your participation with insurance that includes medical assistance and mountain rescue.

Browse all insurance

Tips

  • •Check that it covers the race format and elevation gain
  • •Review rescue cover if the race is in the mountains

Sun protection for SRSM

Sun Protection

Sun exposure takes its toll on long races, especially on exposed sections and at midday.

Browse all sun protection

Tips

  • •Sweat-resistant SPF50 cream, reapply at aid stations
  • •Protect lips, ears and neck

Body care for SRSM

Body Care

Kilometres and descents punish feet and skin: anti-chafe balm and blister patches prevent DNFs.

Browse all body care

Tips

  • •Anti-chafe balm on armpits, thighs and feet
  • •Blister patches in your pocket

Frequently Asked Questions

When is Snow Running Sierra Nevada 2027?
On 6 February 2027, with a sunset start from Pradollano and a night finish at the same point.
What distance and climbing does it have?
12.70 km with 919.90 m of positive elevation according to the official 2027 profile. Maximum altitude is 2,913.60 m at Tajillo de la Alhambra and minimum is 2,145 m in Pradollano.
Do I need a headlamp?
Yes, it is mandatory kit. The race starts in daylight and finishes at night, and much of the route is off-piste snow with no lighting.
Who organises Snow Running?
Mamut Sierra Nevada S.L., with CETURSA Sierra Nevada S.A. as collaborating host and the support of the Sierra Nevada ski resort.

Races similar to Snow Running Sierra Nevada

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