The Pelvoux-Vallouise Vertical Kilometer: Are you ready to take on the challenge?
The Kilomètre Vertical (KV) is an intense and spectacular ski mountaineering event, certified by the French Mountain and Climbing Federation (FFME). It will take place on January 18, 2026, in the heart of the Pelvoux-Vallouise ski area, in the Hautes-Alpes, within the Écrins Massif.
As part of the federal calendar, the event awards points toward the French Vertical Race Cup for FFME members.
However, it is offered in an open format, accessible to both licensed and unlicensed participants, allowing everyone to take part according to their skill level and goals.
The concept behind this race is simple but demanding: competitors set off to climb a steep, unrelenting ascent, with an elevation gain of up to 1,000 meters for the Vertical Kilometer and 500 meters for the Half Vertical Kilometer, as quickly as possible.
The trail connects the base of the Pelvoux-Vallouise ski resort to the summit of the Crête, the highest point offering a panoramic view of the Vallouise Valley and the surrounding mountain ranges.
The race starts at the base of the slopes—a lively hub at the foot of the mountains—where participants prepare themselves physically and mentally before the race. The course then climbs steadily up steep, and at times very steep, slopes typical of the KV format.
Pace, power, and endurance are put to the test on steep sections designed to bring out the competitors’ full potential.
Two Approaches: Performance or Discovery
The Pelvoux-Vallouise Vertical Kilometer stands out for its dual identity.
For experienced athletes, this is a true athletic challenge, with the goal of beating the benchmark time set by Julien Michelon—38 minutes and 18 seconds—during the last edition, and securing a spot in the national rankings of the Coupe de France.
But the KV is also intended to be a format for discovery, open to anyone who wants to try their hand at this type of event, challenge themselves, or simply enjoy the experience of a timed climb in an exceptional alpine setting, without the pressure to perform.
Two formats tailored to the participants’ profiles
For the 2026 edition, the event will be offered in two formats to accommodate different skill levels and preferences:
- KV 1,000 m of elevation gain – Men’s/Women’s Open Division → Start at 9:00 a.m.
- Half-KV, 500 m elevation gain – Open Division (men and women, youth) → Start at 9:15 a.m. These two start waves ensure a smooth race and an experience tailored to each group.
The awards ceremony is scheduled for 10 a.m. at the top of the course, weather permitting, so that participants can share this memorable moment right at the finish line (at 11 a.m. at the resort in case of bad weather). A unifying event in the heart of winter. Part of the FFME competition calendar, the Vertical Kilometer is part of a festive weekend dedicated to ski mountaineering and mountain sports in Pelvoux-Vallouise.
This friendly sporting event attracts passionate amateurs and competitive athletes every year and helps promote ski mountaineering in a remarkable alpine setting.
An event you won’t want to miss
The FFME Vertical Kilometer in Pelvoux-Vallouise is much more than just a race: it’s a celebration of the mountains, of physical effort, and of pushing one’s limits, all set against the warm and welcoming atmosphere of a lively Alpine resort in the heart of winter.
Registration is open until January 16, 2026
Cost: 20 €