!5reasons to start trail running in Vars this summer
The nature surrounding the resort of Vars in the Hautes-Alpes is incredibly beautiful. A territory of high mountains which, while it delights lovers of board sports in winter, also offers numerous opportunities to enjoy the great outdoors in summer. Mountain biking, road cycling, hiking... There is no shortage of options. Without forgetting the trail! Running on mountain trails and other rugged terrain is an activity that allows you to let off steam as much as it is to take in the sights! For almost a decade now, the Vars resort has developed its trail offering and offers 6 permanent and marked routes which allow you to practice running. There is something for all levels and throughout the course, the enchantment is there. Because from forests to ridges via vast flowery alpine meadows and spots with views of the villages below, the trail definitely has a completely different flavor in Vars. Bring good shoes, appropriate clothing, sunglasses and 1, 2, 3... Go!
1. Stock up on 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. Far from the crowds and cars, here we take advantage of running to discover the mountain environment. In Vars , different routes are offered to trail runners to allow them to enjoy nature which continues to reveal all its most beautiful assets. Departing from Val d'Escreins or Vars , everyone can choose the route suited to their profile and abilities. The idea is not to be too greedy, but simply to follow a route along which you feel good to enjoy a range of landscapes under the blue sky.exercises while filling your lungs with clean, fresh air . Sensations which are ultimately very different from those experienced in an urban environment. In the mountains, on the trails that cross meadows, forests and even at altitude, the terrain is more flexible and the joints are grateful for it.
2. Run in the heart of a natural setting
The trail in Vars is the call of nature at every moment. In summer, the Vars resort offers a very different look than in winter, when the land and steep mountain sides are covered in snow. At the gates of the Queyras Regional Natural Park, the Val d'Escreins changes colors on sunny days. The meadows are turning green and the flowers are adding little touches of color. The larch forests provide shade, which we obviously appreciate when the mercury rises. The paths that cross the ridges take us to the heights to run while observing paintings that combine the green of the mountain pastures with the taupe appearance of the mountain walls and the white of the summits where the eternal snow survives.. 3 permanent trail routes allow you to explore the Val d'Escreins. 3 difficulty levels to satisfy all audiences. The Val'vert, with a difference in altitude of 121 m, is the easiest. The Val'bleu, with a difference in altitude of 319 m, is of intermediate level. For experienced trailers, a huge favorite for Val'rouge, the most difficult. Still leaving the Val d'Escreins nature reserve, we head towards the Col de la Coulette following a difference in altitude of 788 m. Once you arrive at the Col de la Scie, you go back down towards Val d'Escreins. All along the route, the panoramas of the peaks of the Alps are breathtaking!
3. Discover the Vars valley while running
Vars offers 3 other routes for mountain trail enthusiasts. They are located around the villages of Vars . The easiest of these is a loop through the villages . Accessible to all, it offers a range of landscapes, crosses lanes, passes heritage elements and around traditional and old farms. The second, the Col de Vars , is of intermediate level. The trail leads to the pass, located at an altitude of 2,109 m. During their stay in the Vars resort in summer, the more sporty also have the opportunity to tackle the Vertical Kilometer. The route, which starts at the Vars Sainte-Marie chairlift, crosses mountain pastures and forests and leads to the magnificent Razis summit. Once on the heights, the views offered over the Vars valley do not fail to make an impression.
4. Push your limits
Vacationers who are not the type to laze around for hours on the beach and who are looking for an active vacation will find their garden of Eden in the resort of Vars in summer. Trail running is a perfect practice for lovers of nature and wide open spaces. In the mountains, this sport allows you to test your resistance to effort and to surpass yourself . But beginners can rest assured, as we saw above, courses in Vars are perfectly suited to beginners. Trail running in the mountains allows you to break away from the monotony of running in the city. We run while discovering dreamlike and grandiose landscapes. Connection with natureis an important aspect of trail running. We give meaning to the effort, rewarding it with views of the mountain pastures and peaks. But also by being in direct contact with mountain fauna and flora. It is not uncommon to come across some local inhabitants along the way , such as horned animals!
5. Vars Mountain Trail: the resort’s unmissable event in July
Vars being definitely a land of trails, the resort is happy to host the 9th edition of the Vars Mountain Trail on July 29 and 30 . 4 trail races are offered to beginners and experienced riders alike. Another great opportunity to exercise while enjoying the magnificent mountain landscapes that surround Vars. On the program for the two 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 everyone to choose the running race that corresponds to their level. FYI, the Vars Mountain Trail attracts runners from the four corners of France. After each race, osteopaths are on hand to provide massage sessions. All weekend, a free introduction to biathlon is offered. It is also possible to make reservations for the cold buffet on Sunday lunchtime. Don't forget to register for this friendly event.
Source: websites