The natural environment surrounding the resort of Vars in the Hautes-Alpes is incredibly beautiful. A territory of high mountains which, while delighting winter sports enthusiasts, also offers numerous opportunities to enjoy the great outdoors in summer. Mountain biking, road cycling, hiking... There's no shortage of options. And let's not forget trail running! Running on mountain trails and other rugged terrain is as much a way to let off steam as it is to take in the sights! For almost a decade now, the Vars resort has been developing its trail offering, with 6 permanent, signposted itineraries for trail running. There's something for every level of runner, and all along the way, you're sure to be enchanted. From forests and ridges to vast flower-filled alpine meadows and spots with views of the villages below, trail running definitely takes on a whole new flavor in Vars. Bring good shoes, appropriate clothing, sunglasses and 1, 2, 3... Go for it!
1. Getting your fill of oxygen
While many people are used to running in the city, on the streets, along the banks of a river or around a park, trail running in the mountains is very different. Away from the crowds and cars, running is a great way to discover the mountain environment. In Vars, trail runners can choose from a number of different routes to take in a natural environment that never ceases to reveal its most beautiful assets. Departing from Val d'Escreins or Vars, it's up to you to choose the route that suits your profile and abilities. The idea is not to be too greedy, but simply to follow an itinerary along which you feel comfortable and enjoy a range of landscapes under blue skies. You exercise while filling your lungs with pure, fresh air. In the end, these sensations are quite different from those experienced in an urban environment. In the mountains, on trails through meadows, forests and even at altitude, the terrain is more supple and your joints are more than grateful.
2. Running in the heart of nature
Trail running in Vars is a constant call to nature. In summer, the resort of Vars offers a very different face to that of winter, when the land and steep mountainsides are covered in snow. At the gateway to the Queyras Regional Nature Park, the Val d'Escreins changes color in fine weather. Meadows turn green and flowers add a splash of color. The larch forests provide shade, which is appreciated when the mercury rises. The trails that criss-cross the ridges allow us to run at greater heights while observing scenes that combine the green of the alpine meadows with the taupe aspect of the mountain walls and the white of the summits where eternal snows survive. 3 permanent trail routes criss-cross the Val d'Escreins. 3 levels of difficulty to suit all abilities. The Val'vert, with a vertical drop of 121 m, is the easiest. The Val'bleu, with an ascent of 319 m, is intermediate. For experienced trail runners, the Val'rouge is the most difficult. Still starting from the Val d'Escreins nature reserve, we head for the Col de la Coulette, following a 788 m gradient. Once you've reached the Col de la Scie, it's back down to Val d'Escreins. All along the way, the panoramic views of the Alpine peaks are breathtaking!
3. Discover the Vars valley by running
Vars offers 3 other routes for mountain trail runners. They are located around the villages of Vars. The easiest of these is a loop through the villages. Accessible to all, it offers a wide range of landscapes, passes through narrow streets, past heritage features and old traditional farmhouses. The second, the Col de Vars, is intermediate. The run leads to the pass, at an altitude of 2,109 m. During their stay in the summer resort of Vars, the more athletic also have the option of tackling the Kilomètre Vertical. The route, which starts at the Vars Sainte-Marie chairlift, leads through alpine meadows and forests to the magnificent summit of Razis. Once on the summit, the views over the Vars valley are sure to leave a lasting impression.
4. Pushing your limits
Holidaymakers who don't want to lounge on the beach for hours on end, and who are looking for an active vacation, will find their Garden of Eden in the summer resort of Vars. Trail running is perfect for lovers of nature and wide open spaces. In the mountains, this sport allows you to test your stamina and surpass yourself. But beginners needn't worry: as we have already seen, there are trails in Vars that are perfectly suited to beginners. Trail running in the mountains offers a break from the monotony of city running. You can run while discovering dreamlike, grandiose landscapes. Connecting with nature is an important aspect of trail running. We give meaning to our efforts, rewarding them with views of mountain pastures and peaks. But also by being in direct contact with mountain flora and fauna. It's not unusual to come across a few local inhabitants along the way, such as horned animals!
5. Vars Mountain Trail: the resort's must-see event in July
As Vars is definitely a land of trails, the resort is delighted to welcome the 9th edition of the Vars Mountain Trail on July 29 and 30. 4 trail races are on offer for beginners and advanced alike. It's another great opportunity to work up a sweat while enjoying the magnificent mountain scenery that surrounds Vars. On the program for both days: the KV- KL (3.6 km); the Tour des Villages (4 km); the
Trail de Razis (20 km) and the Foulée de Peyrol (13 km). It's up to you to choose the race that's right for you. The Vars Mountain Trail attracts runners from all over France. After each race, osteopaths are on hand to provide massage sessions. Throughout the weekend, a free introduction to biathlon is offered. Reservations can also be made for the cold buffet on Sunday lunchtime. Be sure to sign up for this convivial event.
Enjoyed trail running in Vars? Discover all the outdoor activities you can do in Vars this summer!
