Course du Grand Rocher - Crêts-en-Belledonne 2027

The Course du Grand Rocher is a winter race held at the Espace nordique du Barioz in Crêts-en-Belledonne. It combines ski mountaineering with cross-country skating. The race begins in the morning from the Barioz cross-country ski center and can be completed solo or in pairs. Two options are available: a confirmed-skier course featuring approximately 750 meters of climbing followed by 12 km of skating, and a discovery course suitable for young racers or adults, with 500 meters of climbing followed by 8 km of skating. The more challenging course requires participants to achieve roughly 450 meters of vertical gain per hour. Therefore, the shorter route is a practical selection for those uncertain about the climbs or time limits. The course ascends steeply to the Grand Rocher, proceeds towards the Crêt du Poulet, and then transitions to a cross-country ski loop marked on the plateau. This format distinguishes it from a standard Nordic race, as competitors must first demonstrate uphill ski-mountaineering ability and then possess sufficient technique and stamina for the skating segment.