Regulations
ORGANIZATION: The Club des Sports de Val d’Isère (association loi 1901) is organizing the Odlo High Trail Vanoise.
EVENTS & RACE BRIEFING
The Odlo High Trail Vanoise is an event featuring several trails and glacier sections. Briefings for each race are held a few minutes before the start in the village. It’s essential to attend these, as they will provide the latest information on snow and glacier conditions, any changes to the course, weather forecasts and recommendations on respecting the environment. Chaque épreuve est soumise à des barrières horaires.
The Vanoise High Trail :
- A 67-km trail run with 4,100 d+/-, featuring 5 time cutoffs and a maximum race time of 15 hours and 30 minutes
- Departure on Saturday, July 11, 2026, at 4:30 a.m.
- Open to anyone who is 20 years old or older during the year
- 600 seats
The 5 Cols Trail :
- A 35-km trail run with 2,550 d+/-, featuring 3 time cutoffs and a maximum race time of 9 hours and 30 minutes
- Departure on Saturday, July 11, 2026, at 7:30 a.m.
- Open to anyone who is 20 years old or older during the year
- 600 seats
Visit Balconies :
- A 20-km trail run with 1,150 d+/-, featuring 3 time cutoffs and a maximum race time of 4 hours and 30 minutes
- Departure on Sunday, July 12, 2026, at 9:00 a.m.
- Open to anyone who is 20 years old or older during the year
- 600 seats
La Petite Vanoise Charity:
- 8-km trail run or charity walk with 280 d+/- elevation gain
- Departure on Sunday, July 12, 2026, at 10:00 a.m.
- Race eligibility: Open to anyone who is 18 years of age or older during the year
- Walking format: open to anyone aged 14 or over with proof of parental or guardian authorization.
- Unlimited seating
Trail Youth/Children :
- 0.8km non-timed course
- Open to children in the Éveil Athlétique category: 7 – 9 years old, born between 01/01/2016 and 31/12/2018
- 2.25-km timed course
- Open to children in the Minimes, Benjamins and Poussins categories (aged 10-15) born between 01/01/2010 and 31/12/2015.
- Departure on Saturday, July 11, 2026, starting at 10:00 a.m.
- Awards ceremony starting at 10:30 a.m.
- Free registration
Race results may be published on the Odlo High Trail Vanoise website.. If a participant objects to this publication, he/she must inform the organizer. All competitors also expressly waive their right to use their image during the event, and waive all claims against the organizer and its authorized partners for the use of their image. Any communication about the event or use of images of the event must respect the name of the event, registered trademarks and the official agreement of the organization.
REFUELLING AND CHECKPOINTS
- Full provisioning: drinks, sweet cakes, chocolate, banana, orange, savoury cookies, cold cuts, cheese, bread, vermicelli soup, tea
- Liquid supplies: drinks only
High Trail Vanoise :
- 5 full aid stations (including the finish line)
- 1 liquid supply
- 1 source
- 8 clocking stations
- 5 time barriers (including the finish line)
- A deadline for classification (*)
Trail 5 Cols :
- 3 full aid stations (including the finish line)
- 3 clocking stations
- 3 time gates (including the finish line)
- A deadline for classification (*)
The Balconies :
- 2 full aid stations (including the finish line)
- 1 liquid supply
- 3 time gates (including the finish line)
- A deadline for classification (*)
La petite Vanoise charity:
- 1 full refreshment stop (at the finish)
- 1 liquid supply
- 1 time barrier (finish line)
- There is a time limit to qualify for the Petite Vanoise Charity Run (*). There is no time limit for the Petite Vanoise Charity Walk.
Trail Jeunes/Enfants :
- No refuelling
- No time barrier
(*) subject to changes indicated at briefing
REGISTRATIONS & RUNNER GIFTS
Registration for the High Trail Vanoise (67km) or Trail des 5 Cols (35km) entitles you to :
- At refuelling points
- A hot meal to wrap up the day, with a concert from 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
- A finisher bag: with two or three small gifts
- A post-race beer, with or without alcohol
- A free photo with a photographer in the partner village (dedicated stand)
- Access to masseurs/physiotherapists for a post-race massage
- One shower entrance to the Aquasportif Center, subject to availability. To be collected with your race number at the info point in the partner village.
- Event timing and safety
- A medal (6-euro surcharge when registering before June 15, or available for purchase on-site while supplies last)
Registration for the Balcons (20km) entitles you to :
- At refuelling points
- A finisher bag: with two or three small gifts
- A post-race beer, with or without alcohol
- A free photo with a photographer in the partner village (dedicated stand)
- Access to masseurs/physiotherapists for a post-race massage
- One shower entrance to the Aquasportif Center, subject to availability. To be collected with your race number at the info point in the partner village.
- Event timing and safety
- A medal (6-euro surcharge when registering before June 15, or available for purchase on-site while supplies last)
Registration for the Petite Vanoise Caritative (8km) entitles you to :
- At refuelling points
- A finisher bag: with two or three small gifts
- A post-race beer, with or without alcohol
- A free photo with a photographer in the partner village (dedicated stand)
- Access to masseurs/physiotherapists for a post-race massage
- One shower entrance to the Aquasportif Center, subject to availability. To be collected with your race number at the info point in the partner village.
- Event timing and safety
- A medal (6-euro surcharge when registering before June 15, or available for purchase on-site while supplies last)
- Be aware of the length and mountain specificity of the event, and be fully trained for it.
- To have acquired, prior to the race, a real capacity for personal autonomy enabling them to manage the problems inherent in this type of event, and in particular :
- Know how to cope with weather conditions that can be very difficult due to altitude (wind, cold, rain, storm, hail or snow), without outside help.
- Know how to manage physical or mental problems resulting from fatigue, digestive problems, muscular or joint pain, minor injuries…
- To be fully aware that the role of the organization is not to help a runner manage his “little problems”.
- To be fully aware that for such an outdoor activity, safety depends on the rider’s ability to adapt to encountered or foreseeable problems.
- In accordance with articles L231-2 and L 231-3 of the French Sports Code and the regulations governing running events of the French Athletics Federation (FFA), adults must :
- hold an Athlé Compétition, Athlé Entreprise or Athlé Running license issued by the FFA and valid on the date of the event;
- or have completed the Health Prevention Pathway (or “PPS”) set up by the FFA via its dedicated platform, the PPS having to be completed no more than three months before the date of the event.
- Specific features of the High Trail Vanoise (67 km) : Please note that this course is intended for experienced and knowledgeable trail runners. Part of the course takes place in high mountains. Given the start time and the distance, part of the race will take place at night. Signs and marshals will guide you on how to proceed to ensure your safety. Overtaking is prohibited in the Lenta Gorge and in the 3000 Tunnel. You must follow the instructions of the ski patrollers!
REGISTRATION CLOSING
All registrations will be considered final only after payment has been received and the PPS or a sports license has been submitted (see FFA 2026 regulations).
Registration for the Odlo High Trail Vanoise races is now closed:
Registration is online until the following dates:
– High Trail Vanoise, Trail des 5 Cols, Balcons: Thursday, July 2, 2026, at 11:59 p.m.
– Timed Kids’ Trail Run and Timed Petite Vanoise Charity Run: Wednesday, July 8, 2026, at 11:59 p.m.
– Only the untimed Kids’ Trail and the untimed Petite Vanoise Charity Run offer on-site registration on the day of the event
BIB WITHDRAWAL
Race bibs can be picked up at the partner village. Bag checks will be conducted when you pick up your race bibs:
- Friday, July 10, 2026:
- 3:00 pm – 7:30 pm (all races)
- Saturday, July 11, 2026:
- 04h00-04h30 (High Trail Vanoise)
- 7:00–7:30 a.m. (5 Passes Trail)
- 08:00-19:00 (Balcons, Petite Vanoise Caritative, Kids/Youth Trails)
- Sunday, July 12, 2026:
- 8:00–9:00 a.m. (Balcons, Petite Vanoise Caritative)
- 9:00–10:00 a.m. (Petite Vanoise Charity Run)
Practical information:
- The race number must be visible at all times. It must be worn on the stomach, chest, or thigh and must not be worn on the back.
- Each race bib will be issued individually upon presentation of a valid ID. Signing the registration form serves as proof that the runner has started the race and has accepted the rules in their entirety.
- If the trailer does not depart, please notify the organizers and return the chip attached to your bag (HTV only) to a member of the organizing staff as soon as possible.
- Bring safety pins or a race number holder
MANDATORY EQUIPMENT
|
Hardware |
HTV (67km) |
Trail 5 Cols (35km) |
Balcons (20 km) |
| Water supply | Required: 1 L | Required: 1 L | Required: 0.5 L |
| Food supply | Required: at least 600 kcal | Required: at least 600 kcal | Required: at least 300 kcal |
| Emergency Blanket | Required | Required | Required |
| Waterproof windbreaker with a hood | Required | Required | Required |
| Pair of gloves | Recommended | Recommended | Optional |
| Sunglasses | Recommended | Recommended | Recommended |
| Cell phone (charged, turned on, and capable of operating on the French network; please also save the race director’s number: 07 81 18 47 73) | Required | Required | Required |
| Headlamp | Required | / | / |
| Beanie, Cap, or Buff | Required | Required | Optional |
| Reusable cup (in addition to the water supply) | Required | Required | Required |
| Whistle | Required | Required | Required |
| Sticks | Optional. If the athlete uses sticks, he must keep them with him throughout the race. Penalties will be applied for cheating. |
Optional. If the athlete uses sticks, he must keep them with him throughout the race. Penalties will be applied for cheating. |
Optional. If the athlete uses sticks, he must keep them with him throughout the race. Penalties will be applied for cheating. |
| Medical Adhesive Tape | Recommended | Recommended | Recommended |
| Sunscreen | Recommended | Recommended | Recommended |
| BAD WEATHER KIT: Waterproof survival bag containing the following spare clothing items: warm long-sleeved T-shirt + long tights OR ¾-length tights with knee-high socks + neck warmer + warm gloves | Not activated (Depending on weather conditions, the organizer may activate or deactivate a kit and will inform each participant before the race bib pickup begins) | Not activated (Depending on weather conditions, the organizer may activate or deactivate a kit and will notify each participant before the start of bib distribution for their race) | Optional |
| HEAT WAVE KIT: Additional 0.5L water supply + cap or hat + sunglasses | Not activated (Depending on weather conditions, the organizer may activate or deactivate a kit and will notify each participant before the race bib pickup begins) | Not activated (Depending on weather conditions, the organizer may activate or deactivate a kit and will notify each participant before the start of bib distribution for their race) | Optional |
RIDER ASSISTANCE
Assistance is tolerated for High Trail Vanoise and Trail des 5 Cols runners at full refreshment points. Assistance must take place close to these refreshment points (maximum 20m before or after the refreshment station).
The people in charge of this assistance must not interfere with the smooth running of the race, and may not help themselves at the refreshment points. Penalties (including possible disqualification) will be applied to riders who fail to comply with this rule!
PRIZE-GIVING CEREMONY/LOTS
For each race in theOdlo High Trail Vanoise, an overall ranking will be determined. Awards will be presented to the top 3 men and top 3 women in the scratch standings for each race, as well as to the top finishers in each men’s and women’s age group, with the exception of the Petite Vanoise Charity Race, the Kids’ Trail, and the Youth Trails.
Prizes will only be awarded to runners present at the awards ceremony. No prize can be collected or sent after the event. No prize money will be paid out. The overall winners will receive a medal and a basket filled with local products, featuring local producers, and the category winners will receive a medal.
PENALTIES
|
FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH THE RULES |
PENALTY (*) – DISQUALIFICATION |
|
| Cutting the route (e.g. taking shortcuts and/or overtaking off-piste, particularly in nature reserves and other protected areas). | As decided by race management | |
| Lack of required safety equipment (no water supply whatsoever, no waterproof jacket with a hood or a jacket that does not meet requirements, no flashlight, no emergency blanket, no smartphone) | Disqualification | |
| Another instance of missing required equipment (insufficient equipment or insufficient water supply) | 1-hour penalty during which the runner is required to obtain the missing item | |
| Refusal to Undergo a Mandatory Equipment Inspection | Disqualification | |
| Smartphone turned off or in airplane mode | 15-minute penalty during which the runner must restore their smartphone to working order | |
| Littering or failure to pick up trash (including toilet paper) by a runner or a member of their entourage | Penalty: 1 hour | |
| Disrespect toward others (organization or runners) Note: A participant whose supporters exhibit uncivil behavior and/or refuse to follow the organizer’s instructions will be penalized | Disqualification | |
| Failure to Assist a Person in Distress | Disqualification (in addition to any criminal penalties) | |
| Assistance and/or resupply outside authorized areas | 1-hour penalty | |
| Assistance (even without physical contact) along the course outside the tolerance zones | 15-minute penalty per notification | |
| Cheating (e.g., using a vehicle, sharing a race bib, etc.) | Immediate and lifetime disqualification | |
| Failure to wear the race bib properly | The race number must be put back on properly immediately, or the runner will be disqualified | |
| Proven dangerous behavior (e.g., poles with unprotected tips pointed toward skiers or spectators, dangerous passing, etc.) | 15-minute penalty | |
| No timing chip | As determined by race officials | |
| Failure to Pass a Checkpoint | As determined by race officials | |
| Failure to comply with an order from race management, a race official, a station chief, a doctor, or a first-aid responder | Disqualification | |
| Refusal to Undergo Anti-Doping Testing | The rider will be penalized in the same way as if he had tested positive | |
| Leaving a checkpoint after the time limit | Disqualification | |
| Use of poles that were not carried from the start of the race, or leaving poles behind during the race | 1-hour penalty | |
Sending date | Amount re-credited as a % of the registration fee (excl. fees) |
Before February 15th | 60% |
February 16 to April 15 | 50% |
April 16 to June 15 | 40% |
No refunds after June 15 | |
Numbers may not be exchanged, transferred or resold before or during the race. Withdrawal of a runner does not give the right to exchange, transfer or resell the number to someone else. Registered runners may not be replaced or represented by a third party.
CLAIMS/MODIFICATIONS/CANCELLATION OF THE RACE
The organization reserves the right to change the start times, time cutoffs, the course, and the locations of first-aid stations and aid stations at any time without prior notice.
In the event of adverse weather conditions or for safety reasons, the organizers may be forced to reroute all HTV and T5C competitors to an alternate course without compensation for the riders. In the event of extreme conditions, the organization reserves the right to halt an event in progress. It also reserves the right to cancel all events entirely and without notice.
The organizing committee reserves the right to modify the regulations before the race, in which case the modifications will be communicated at the race briefing and before the start. No reimbursement will be made in the event of force majeure (weather warning for the safety of our runners, heatwave, terrorism, prohibition by the prefecture, etc.).
All complaints must be made in writing by the offending rider only. The offending rider must lodge his complaint with race HQ within a maximum of 1 hour of his arrival. No complaints will be accepted from accompanying persons or spectators.
THE DIFFERENT CATEGORIES
| U20 / Juniors | JU | 2007 and 2008 |
| U23 / Espoirs | ES | 2004 à 2006 |
| Seniors | SE | 1992 à 2003 |
| Masters | MO | 1991 – 1987 |
| M1 | 1986 – 1982 | |
| M2 | 1981 – 1977 | |
| M3 | 1976 – 1972 | |
| M4 | 1971 – 1967 | |
| M5 | 1966 – 1962 | |
| M6 | 1961 – 1957 | |
| M7 | 1956 – 1952 | |
| M8 | 1951 – 1947 | |
| M9 | 1946 – 1942 | |
| M10 | 1941 and earlier |
RESCUE, SAFETY, ABANDONMENT
Safety and rescue services are provided by marshals, first-aiders and a medical team. They are in radio or telephone contact with race HQ. A medical regulation team is on hand in the Val d’Isère finish area.
Although maximum safety measures have been taken, the fact remains that the environment we travel through does not allow us to intervene as quickly as we would in an urban environment. Your safety will therefore depend on the quality of the items you have packed in your bag.
Costs arising from the use of exceptional rescue or evacuation means will be borne by the person rescued (or by the insurance policy taken out at the time of registration), who must also ensure their return from the place where they were evacuated.
Aid stations are intended to provide assistance to any person in danger, using the organization’s own or contracted resources. Except in cases where the rider’s state of health requires emergency evacuation, a rider must not abandon the race at any point other than a checkpoint offering a repatriation solution.
It is the responsibility of any runner in difficulty or seriously injured to call for help:
- By going to a first-aid station
- By calling Race HQ: +33(0) 7 81 18 47 73
- Asking another rider to call for help
- Dial 112
It is the responsibility of each runner to provide assistance to any person in danger and to notify the emergency services. Any runner who fails to assist another runner in distress will be disqualified for life from the Odlo High Trail Vanoise races! In particular, first-aiders and official doctors are authorized:
- to disqualify (by invalidating the number) any competitor unfit to continue the race
- To evacuate, by any means at their disposal, any riders they deem unable to continue.
If you withdraw from the race, you must report it to the nearest checkpoint and hand in your timing chip attached to your bag (HTV only). The organizers accept no liability for any accident or failure resulting from poor health. Vehicles will be available at the starting points in La Daille, Le Fornet, Iseran, and Bonneval-sur-Arc for runners who have withdrawn and/or are not within the time limit. If a runner withdraws after passing a checkpoint, they must notify Race Control. If, while returning, the runner encounters the tail runners, it is the tail runners who will invalidate the race number. The runner is then no longer under the organization’s supervision. Any runner who has been disqualified and wishes to continue the course may do so only after returning their timing chip, at their own risk and entirely on their own.
INSURANCE
Civil liability liability” insurance :
The organizer has taken out liability insurance with AXA Assurance, Policy No. xxxxxx, for the duration of the event. This liability insurance covers the financial consequences of the organizer’s liability, as well as that of its agents and participants.
Individual accident insurance :
Each competitor must be in possession of personal accident insurance covering any search and evacuation costs in France. Such insurance may be taken out with any organization of the competitor’s choice. Helicopter evacuations are subject to a fee. The choice of evacuation depends exclusively on the organization, which will always give priority to the safety of the runners.
ENVIRONMENT
Participants, accompanying persons, and spectators will pass through protected natural areas where specific regulations apply (PNV, RNN Grande Sassière, Bailletaz, Col de l’Iseran). They can obtain information from the Tourist Office to ensure they navigate this protected natural environment properly and, as a result, comply with the following rules:
- No littering.
- It is prohibited to use any means or objects that, due to the noise they produce, are likely to disturb the animals or disrupt the peace and quiet of the premises. Whistles and other sound-producing devices remain permitted in the event of an actual emergency.
- It is forbidden to use any means or thing which, by its light, is likely to disturb animals or the peace and quiet of the area. Competitors’ individual portable lights and lights used for effective rescue are authorized.
- No bivouacking or camping.
- Absolute necessity to respect the warnings and the ban on cutting the trail’s switchbacks to limit the risk of erosion.
- There are a large number of recycling bins in the start/finish/refreshment area, and you must use them.
- Appropriate signage is displayed when crossing nature reserves.
- If you are bringing a pet, please refer to the relevant sections (PNV, RNN).
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