Trail du Gypaète

The Trail du Gypaete is a 38-kilometer trail race with 2,100 meters of elevation gain that takes place in the Cirque du Fer-a-Cheval, in the Haute-Savoie department, starting from Sixt-Fer-a-Cheval. This race takes its name from the bearded vulture, the largest raptor in Europe, whose majestic silhouette has become the symbol of the successful reintroduction of this species in the Alps. The Cirque du Fer-a-Cheval, classified among the most beautiful natural sites in France, provides the exceptional setting for this event.

Sixt-Fer-a-Cheval is a mountain commune situated at approximately 760 meters of altitude, in the Giffre valley, in Haute-Savoie. The village is the gateway to the Sixt-Passy Nature Reserve, one of the largest nature reserves in Haute-Savoie, which protects natural heritage of exceptional richness. The Cirque du Fer-a-Cheval itself is a natural limestone amphitheater nearly 5 kilometers in span, bordered by cliffs rising up to 700 meters in height. In summer, more than thirty waterfalls flow along these walls, fed by melting snow and karst springs.

The 38-kilometer Trail du Gypaete course takes runners through the most spectacular landscapes of the upper Giffre. The trails start from the valley floor and progressively climb toward the alpine pastures and ridges overlooking the cirque. The beech and spruce forests in the lower sections offer a cool and shady woodland atmosphere. Higher up, the alpine meadows open onto striking panoramas, with the limestone cliffs of the cirque and the summits of Tenneverge (2,989 m) and Mont Ruan (3,057 m) as backdrop.

With 2,100 meters of positive elevation gain over 38 kilometers, the Trail du Gypaete offers a balanced profile, accessible to experienced trail runners without being excessively technical. The climbs are steady and the trails well-marked, allowing runners to find a pleasant racing rhythm. Nevertheless, some high-altitude sections present rocky passages that demand attention. The descents are varied, alternating between soft forest trails and rockier portions.

The wildlife of the area is remarkable. The bearded vulture, which gives the race its name, nests in the cliffs of the Cirque du Fer-a-Cheval. This raptor, whose wingspan can exceed 2.80 meters, is a specialized scavenger that feeds primarily on bones. Chamois and ibex are also present along the course, as are marmots, golden eagles, and a great diversity of mountain birds. Alpine flora is rich, with altitude meadows colored by gentians, globeflowers, and arnica.

For international runners, Sixt-Fer-a-Cheval is accessible from Cluses, approximately 30 kilometers away, via the Giffre valley road. Cluses is served by the A40 motorway (Autoroute Blanche) connecting Geneva to Chamonix. Geneva airport is approximately an hour and a half by road. Accommodation in Sixt-Fer-a-Cheval and in the Giffre valley is varied, ranging from mountain lodges to hotels and campsites located in the valley.

Assistance on the Trail du Gypaete is a precious advantage, as certain portions of the course are relatively isolated. A local assistant familiar with access routes and terrain conditions can provide effective logistical support and reassure the runner during difficult moments. Managing nutrition and hydration is important, especially during hot days when water needs increase significantly.

The Trail du Gypaete is a race that combines sporting challenge with immersion in one of the most grandiose natural sites in the Alps. Running at the foot of the Fer-a-Cheval cliffs, under the possible flight of the bearded vulture, is an experience that transcends simple sporting exercise to become a moment of deep communion with the mountains.

Trail du Gypaète is a 38 km trail race with 2,100 m of elevation gain, located in Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval, Haute-Savoie. The next edition is scheduled for 21 June 2026.

Find all official information on the race website.