Discover enchanting trails and majestic mountain landscapes through the Vaud Alps, a fantastic playground for trail enthusiasts.

The Challenge

From 1st July to 30th September, the Challenge Trail des Alpes vaudoises offers the perfect opportunity to explore this magnificent territory. After two editions around Villars, the challenge expands this year with routes starting from Gryon and Bex.

Trail runners are invited to run one or more loops between July 1 and September 30. By registering their time on the Strava platform, they appear in the virtual ranking and have the chance to win one of the many prizes drawn at the end of the season among the participants. What’s more, this race earns points towards the Léman Running trophy.

The Routes

Three loops of different levels are proposed:

1. Villars: 12 km and 945 m ascent via Grand Chamossaire
   • Villars course on Strava
2. Gryon: 12 km and 645 m ascent with the superb hamlet of Taveyanne
   • Gryon course on Strava
3. Bex: An easier 9 km route with a 360 m ascent through the surrounding hills and vineyards
   • Bex course on Strava

How can I participate?

• Join the Strava Alpes vaudoises trail club.
• Carries out one or more itineraries between July 1 and September 30.
• Register your time on Strava to be included in the rankings and be in with a chance of winning a magnificent prize drawn at the end of the season (1 route covered = 1 chance of winning).

Routes are lightly marked with pink “Challenge Trail” stickers. However, we strongly recommend that you load the route onto your phone or smartwatch to make navigation easier, as there are many crossroads.

The routes in detail

Villars

• Distance: 12 km
• Ascent/descent: 945 m
• Stages: Roc d’Orsay gondola, Bouquetins, Direction la Sausse, Roc d’Orsay, Le Chamossaire, le lac Noir – Bretaye, Col de Soud, Roc d’Orsay gondola

Gryon

• Distance: 12 km
• Ascent/descent: 645 m
• Stages: La Barboleuse, Taveyanne, Les Chaux, Frience, La Barboleuse

Bex

• Distance: 9 km
• Ascent/descent: 362 m
• Stages: Parcours VITA, Tour de la colline du Montet, La Gryonne, Salines de Bex, Parcours VITA

The challenge is organized by the tourist destination Villars-Gryon-Les Diablerets-Bex with the support of local partners and in collaboration with Léman Running.

For more information, visit the Alpes Vaudoises website and the Strava Alpes Vaudoises trail club.

Take up the challenge and enjoy these exceptional courses to earn points towards the Léman Running trophy!