Grenoble Alpes is a land of sports, between plains and mountains, where the natural environment is an infinite source of activities: trail running, cycling, mountain biking, downhill skiing, biathlon, Nordic skiing, hockey etc. The region regularly hosts national and international sporting events and benefits from the presence of major clubs.
Grenoble, A CITY OF SPORT AND OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES
Grenoble Alpes, land of trails …
The unique geography of the capital of the Alps has inspired trail organisers. Every year, more than 15 events are held in the four mountain ranges surrounding Grenoble, giving beginners and competitors alike the chance to explore the region’s spectacular scenery.
Moutain ranges and trails
In the Belledonne, a mineral mountain range of lakes, screes and craggy peaks, the Echappée Belle (August) holds five races, including a highly technical 149km ultra trail.
In the wooded Chartreuse mountains, discover the legendary Chartreuse Terminorum (juin), an unusual race inspired by the Barkley aux États-Unis. The race is 300km with 25,000m of ascent to cover in less than 80 hours, without signposting, without GPS and without assistance. An almost impossible event, reserved for extreme ultra-trailers. Take up the challenge of the Grand Duc (June), a demanding and pleasant trail (solo or relay).
Many events take place on the Matheysin plateau during the season: le Trail des Passerelles du Monteynard (July) has a choice of distances and appeals to runners for its lake and mountain scenery. The aerial SkyRace des matheysins (May) is dedicated to skyrunning, the Trail Oisans Matheysine (June) links two wild regions and the original Swimrunman Laffrey (August) combines trail running and open water swimming.
In the Vercors, a mountain fortress of limestone, the Ultra Trail du Vercors (September) crosses the plateau over 85km with 4,900m of ascent.
Tour Grenoble Alpes with the unmissable Ultratour des 4 massifs (July) or UT4M, which takes place in the surrounding mountains. For those brave enough to take part in the UTM160 event (12 races on offer), this race takes in all the mountain ranges.
Grenoble Alpes, the land of cycling
With several hundred kilometres of cycle routes and the presence of mythical passes nearby, Grenoble Alpes is the playground for cyclists.
For amateur cyclists, the Département de l’Isère has launched the Echappées Iséroises (May to June), timed climbs on closed roads that allow everyone to conquer 7 iconic mountain passes.
Among the cyclosportives not to be missed is the LEPAPE Marmotte Granfondo Alpes (July). This international event, with its 7,500 participants, is a must for cyclists. Starting in Bourg d’Oisans, its route takes in some of the finest mountain passes in the Alps
The Critérium du Dauphiné (June) was founded in Grenoble Alpes. This technical race, with its steep gradients, paves the way for the Tour de France (July). Grenoble has already hosted 43 editions of the Tour de France, much to the delight of spectators with a passion for cycling.
There's no shortage of mountain bike events in the area, including numerous derbies and trail events. The most legendary Mass-Start Endurance race is the Mégavalanche (June) at Alpe d'Huez.
Winter events
Grenoble Alpes is also a winter sports region, thanks to the many ski resorts that surround it.
Among the major events scheduled for the winter of 2023/2024, Grenoble will be hosting a stage of the Grande Odyssée VVF (January) in the resort of Col de Porte. This is Europe’s sled dog race, which takes in the whole of the Alps.
The Foulée Blanche (January) is one of the biggest Nordic ski races in France. It gives champions and beginners alike the chance to battle it out over distances ranging from 5 to 42km.
The Belle Étoile (January) is a ski mountaineering race held in the heart of the majestic Belledonne.
And to encourage our biathlon champions, attend the French Biathlon Cup Final (March) above the Grenoble Alpes, in the resort of Col de Porte.
Experience the thrills and take it all in
The Coupe Icare (September) is THE worldwide free-flight event! It attracts large numbers of spectators and enthusiasts in a friendly, lively atmosphere.
The Rencontres Ciné Montagne de Grenoble (November) is a major event for mountain films, with screenings, debates and conferences etc.
The Salon de l’Escalade will take place in Grenoble (October). This event is open to both professionals and the general public.
The Outdoor Expert Forum (September) holds conferences and round-table discussions on outdoor sports and nature-based sports tourism.
Last but not least, Grenoble’s sports clubs are regular visitors at Stade des Alpes : GF38, in Ligue 2 football, FCG in the TOP 14 rugby league. On the ice, the Bruleurs de Loup, are often at the top of the league.
