Photo: Organisation Tour des Glaciers de la Vanoise (opens in a new tab) / Source (opens in a new tab)Pralognan-la-Vanoise
Tour des Glaciers de la Vanoise
Friday, 2 July 2027
Tour des Glaciers de la Vanoise
73km D+ 3800m
L'Incontournable
41km D+ 2850m
Pralo vu du Ciel
25km D+ 1750m
Tour de l'Aiguille de la Vanoise
15km D+ 1100m
Your checklist for Tour des Glaciers de la Vanoise
What you need, category by category, with our #1 pick for this race. Tick what you already have.
0 of 6 ready
Swipe to see all 7 categories
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GPS watch
Done, you already have it
View on Amazon →(opens in a new tab)Suunto Run 2
Very light: 35 g case
Downside: 24 h of GPS: short for ultras over 100 km
Gear
Windproof and thermal blanket
Done, you already have it
View on Amazon →(opens in a new tab)Salomon Speedcross 6
Exceptional grip in mud and technical terrain
Downside: Average durability on pavement
Nutrition
Two spare gels of your own
Done, you already have it
View on Amazon →(opens in a new tab)Maurten Gel 100
Hydrogel technology: excellent gastric tolerance
Downside: High price compared to other gels
Sun Protection
Sweat-resistant SPF50 cream, reapply at aid stations
Done, you already have it
View on Amazon →(opens in a new tab)ISDIN Fusion Water Sunscreen SPF 50+
Ultralight texture, feels invisible on skin
Downside: Small format (50 ml), may run short on ultras
Body Care
Anti-chafe balm on armpits, thighs and feet
Done, you already have it
View on Amazon →(opens in a new tab)Julbo Aerospeed
Photochromic lenses: adapt from forest to summits
Downside: Higher price compared to non-photochromic glasses
Car Rental
Book in advance and check the mileage policy
Done, you already have it
View on Amazon →(opens in a new tab)DRIVALIA CarCloud Country Plus
Trip logistics
Registration, travel and insurance: what you should have sorted before race day.
Affiliate links: if you buy, we earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Race data
Terrain
Mountain
Difficulty
Advanced
Distance
4 modalities
Tour des Glaciers de la Vanoise
- Distance
- 73 km
- Elevation Gain
- D+ 3800m
- Max Time
- -
L'Incontournable
- Distance
- 41 km
- Elevation Gain
- D+ 2850m
- Max Time
- -
Pralo vu du Ciel
- Distance
- 25 km
- Elevation Gain
- D+ 1750m
- Max Time
- -
Tour de l'Aiguille de la Vanoise
- Distance
- 15 km
- Elevation Gain
- D+ 1100m
- Max Time
- -
| Modality | Distance | Elevation Gain | Max Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tour des Glaciers de la Vanoise | 73 km | D+ 3800m | - |
| L'Incontournable | 41 km | D+ 2850m | - |
| Pralo vu du Ciel | 25 km | D+ 1750m | - |
| Tour de l'Aiguille de la Vanoise | 15 km | D+ 1100m | - |
Will your watch battery last the ~19 h of Tour des Glaciers de la Vanoise?Worked out for the longest course (73 km). See which watches reach the finish with GPS on and which die on the way.Check my watch Check my watchGear up for Tour des Glaciers de la Vanoise
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 15 °C: guide and kit →
Typical weather for the race date (10-year average)
Temperature
10°C – 20°C
Average 15°C
Rain
63%
4.4 mm avg
Wind
10 km/h
max. average
Sunshine hours
12h
daily average
Gear recommendations
Bring a waterproof jacket (63% chance of rain)
Asics
Asics Gel-Trabuco 14 GTX
A best-selling beginner trail shoe: GEL cushioning, good stability and a waterproof GORE-TEX membrane. Versatile and reliable for training on mixed terrain in any weather.
Berghaus
Berghaus Paclite 2.0 GTX
Waterproof jacket with a Gore-Tex Paclite membrane (around 330 g). Fully waterproof with taped seams, fixed adjustable hood, storm flap behind the zip and cuff adjustment. Packs down small in a vest. Heavier than a pure running hardshell, but it meets the waterproof-breathable membrane requirement in race rules and is the affordable route into Gore-Tex.
Brooks
Brooks Cascadia 20 GTX
The Cascadia 20 with a GORE-TEX membrane: stability and protection for rocky mountain terrain, keeping the foot dry on cold, rainy days.
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.
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.
Gore Wear
Gore Wear R7 GTX Shakedry
Ultralight Gore-Tex Shakedry waterproof jacket (110 g). Full waterproofing without an inner membrane, highly breathable. The benchmark for mountain runners.
Nike
Nike Pegasus Trail 5 GORE-TEX
The best-selling gateway trail shoe: comfortable, cushioned and versatile for moving from road to trail. Waterproof GORE-TEX version, perfect for beginners and easy runs on mixed terrain.
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.
Salomon
Salomon Bonatti WP
Ultralight waterproof windproof jacket (135 g). Taped seams, adjustable hood and back ventilation. Packs into its own pocket.
Salomon
Salomon Speedcross 6 GTX
The Speedcross 6 with a GORE-TEX membrane: the same aggressive 5 mm lugs for mud and soft ground, now waterproof for winter, rain and snow.
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.
Shokz
Shokz OpenRun
Open-ear bone conduction headphones with IP67 rating: they take rain, mud and a rinse under the tap. Up to 8 h of battery and quick charge (10 min for 1.5 h). The most rugged pick of the range for training in bad weather.
TRIWONDER
TRIWONDER Waterproof Trail Gaiters
Waterproof, breathable low gaiters for trail running, hiking and mountain use. Under-shoe strap and adjustable elastic band. A budget-friendly alternative to premium technical brand gaiters.
Forecast for 2 July
Weather forecast from Open-Meteo (may change until race day)
The Vanoise glaciers at trail level
The Tour des Glaciers de la Vanoise is Pralognan’s signature mountain race. Its long course, 73 km and 3,800 m of ascent, circles the massif via the Vanoise refuge and the balconies facing the Grande Casse glacier, the 3,855 m roof of the national park.
This is genuine high mountain running: several sections above 2,500 m, snow patches that survive into July and stony paths where you have to look up. The organisers require safety kit and cap entries to refuge capacity.
Four races and a hike
Besides the TGV there is a 41 km with 2,850 m (L’Incontournable), a 25 km with 1,750 m (Pralo vu du Ciel) and a 15 km with 1,100 m (Tour de l’Aiguille de la Vanoise). The Rando TGV lets walkers cover the long route in two or three stages with refuge nights.
Preparation
You should have run above 2,500 m before and trained long rocky descents. Mandatory kit includes windproof, thermal blanket, whistle and water reserve; poles are recommended.
Pralognan is a small village and fills up in July, so book accommodation as soon as you have a place. More Alps races at /en/races/francia/auvernia-rodano-alpes/ and kit at /en/planner/.
360Complete Pack
TGV entry
RegistrationEntries are capped by the bed capacity of the Vanoise national park refuges.
Tips
- •Book before April
- •Choose race or hike when registering
Where to stay for TGV Vanoise
AccommodationBook accommodation near the start in advance: the race weekend fills the area.
Tips
- •Look for accommodation within 30 min of the start
- •Book months ahead if the race falls on a holiday weekend or in summer
Glacier kit
GearAt 2,500 m July weather can feel like winter: layers and thin gloves are mandatory.
Tips
- •Windproof and thermal blanket
- •Hat and gloves even in summer
Choosing trekking poles? Read our guide: Best trail running poles
See our complete buying guide: 5 foldable poles compared and tiered for trail running.
Which shoes for Tour des Glaciers de la Vanoise?
Which footwear fits based on the race's terrain and weather
Which GPS watch for Tour des Glaciers de la Vanoise?
Which watch has the battery to last based on your estimated finish time
Best Trail Running Hydration Vests 2026: Comparison and Buying Guide
Best trail running hydration vests 2026: 12 vests and packs compared. How many litres you need by distance, soft flasks vs reservoir, and fit.
Strength Training Gear for Trail Running at Home 2026: Comparison and Buying Guide
Comparison of the best strength training gear for trail runners at home: dumbbells, resistance bands, kettlebell, TRX, weight bench and foam roller, with a 3-day-a-week routine.
Best GPS Watches with Offline Maps 2026: Value Comparison
The best GPS watches with offline maps in 2026, ranked by value: Amazfit T-Rex 3, Suunto Race 2, Garmin Forerunner 570, Instinct 3 AMOLED, Coros Apex 2 Pro, Suunto Vertical 2 and Garmin Fenix 8. Maps vs breadcrumbs, the cheapest watch with maps and which to choose for your use.
Alpine fuelling
NutritionAid stations are far apart: carry three hours of food between them.
Tips
- •Two spare gels of your own
- •Salt for July heat
Best salt tablets and sodium capsules for running 2026
A comparison of the 7 best salt tablets and sodium capsules for running and trail 2026: 226ERS Sub9 Salts, Crown Pro Salt Caps, Victory Endurance, Precision Hydration PH 1500 and more. How many salt tablets to take per hour, how to calculate your sweat rate and which format to choose.
Getting to Pralognan
TransportPralognan-la-Vanoise sits at the end of the valley, 25 minutes from Moûtiers and its rail station.
Tips
- •Train to Moûtiers then bus or taxi
- •Paid parking in the village
Car rental for TGV Vanoise
Car RentalA car makes it easier to reach the start and get around before and after the race.
Tips
- •Book in advance and check the mileage policy
- •Useful if your accommodation is far from the start
Sports insurance for TGV Vanoise
InsuranceCover your participation with insurance that includes medical assistance and mountain rescue.
Tips
- •Check that it covers the race format and elevation gain
- •Review rescue cover if the race is in the mountains
Sun protection for TGV Vanoise
Sun ProtectionSun exposure takes its toll on long races, especially on exposed sections and at midday.
Tips
- •Sweat-resistant SPF50 cream, reapply at aid stations
- •Protect lips, ears and neck
Best Sunscreen for Runners 2026: 7 Sweat-Proof SPF 50 Picks
Which sunscreen survives a sweaty long run? We compared 7 SPF 50 sweat-proof picks — creams, sticks and a lip balm — on heat, altitude UV and sweat resistance. See the winner.
Body care for TGV Vanoise
Body CareKilometres and descents punish feet and skin: anti-chafe balm and blister patches prevent DNFs.
Tips
- •Anti-chafe balm on armpits, thighs and feet
- •Blister patches in your pocket
Frequently Asked Questions
- When is the Tour des Glaciers de la Vanoise 2027?
- 2-4 July 2027 in Pralognan-la-Vanoise, with the races on Sunday 4 July.
- How much climbing on the long course?
- 73 km and 3,800 m of ascent, with several sections above 2,500 m next to the Grande Casse glacier.
- Can I walk it?
- Yes: the organisers offer the Rando TGV over two or three stages on the same route, untimed.
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