Since its inception six summers ago, the Trail des Gets has become one of the most prominent trail running events in the region. During that first outing on 25 August 2019, runners could select one of three different challenges; the 9km tour through Mont Caly, the more challenging 18km course up Mont Chéry to enjoy panoramic views of Mont Blanc or the significantly more demanding 35km route, encircling the Pointe d’Uble. Participants loved the diverse challenges, the breathtaking views and the fact that this was a locally-organised running event; this set the tone for the years that followed.
The Trail des Gets by Rossignol is now a celebration of mountain running. It’s organised by a dedicated team in Les Gets and the 2024 event attracted over 1700 runners across nine different race formats. In January 2025 they launched the Trail d’Hiver des Gets, a winter trail running experience at night on both a 10km and 20km course, in addition to children’s races too. Imagine navigating the snow-covered trails, traversing pistes under the stars…
The team at the Trail des Gets by Rossignol are rightly very proud of their achievements. It’s not easy to launch a mass-participation event with so many variables. Camille Mateos is the events manager in Les Gets.
Camille, where did the idea for the first Trail des Gets come from?
“The team in Les Gets has always had members who are passionate about trail running and the desire to surpass themselves with new challenges. Organising a mountain race for this emerging sport was an opportunity to combine our work, our passion and our desire to share the mountains. For the first edition in 2019 we had 400 registrations; this year, we’re expecting 2,000 participants!”
What makes Les Gets the perfect location for this event?
“Les Gets offers hilly terrain with magnificent views of Mont Blanc on all courses! Our team, present along the course, at the aid stations, and at the bib pick-up, take great pleasure in organising the event, and it shows. This brings a unique atmosphere that is beyond friendly and welcoming, even if the weather isn’t perfect!”
The event grows each year. Where do the new ideas come from?
“We love to improve the Trail des Gets by Rossignol and the values of sharing sport are the values that drive us in the events office. Creating an event for both young and old with children’s races and a youth race seemed like a perfect reflection of our family-friendly village. Our steep climb of Mont Chéry is the ideal race for the most athletic and dopamine-fuelled runners and the winner will be the one with the most climbs in four hours! The team in the events office generates new ideas every year thanks to our discussions with the trail team and also thanks to our internal diversity.”
Les Gets launched the first winter Trail des Gets. What inspired you? Was the event a success?
“The idea of a unique, shared experience with winter enthusiasts seemed like a logical continuation of this wonderful summer event! It was a real success, with 500 participants and 60 children gathered in January to tread the white gold of Les Gets. We didn’t expect to fill our capacity so early in our calendar with this new event. Seeing all the loyal fans from the summer edition was a real pleasure, and watching all those little headlamps in the night sky was an unforgettable moment! I can also share some exciting news… 17th January 2026 has been chosen for the next Trail d’hiver des Gets!”
What’s new for this summer?
“This summer, the Trail des Gets is becoming the Trail des Gets by Rossignol. This is a major innovation and development, highlighting a strong connection with our partner, Rossignol. This year’s edition also features a new red course to crisscross both sides of the village so runners can enjoy Les Chavannes and also our iconic Mont Chéry. In an effort to emphasise athletic performance, we have also opened elite race bibs to encourage some of the top names in the sport of trail running to join us.”
What are the challenges of organising this event? We’re in the mountains, after all!
“The challenges are numerous! Unstable weather, a problem with our supplies, or an injury can happen quickly. The mountains are to be discovered while preserving them and that’s a real challenge that we constantly consider. The safety of our runners and everyone involved in this weekend is also a priority. To this end, we also work with trusted and experienced service providers to ensure that we have plans in place for every eventuality.”
Does the event rely on volunteers?
“Without our volunteers, nothing would be possible! Fortunately, we have a solid and responsive team including trail markers, signallers and the entire events team are dedicated to this weekend. Every year, or at each event, it’s a real pleasure to see these same volunteers again and to hear new ones. For more information on volunteering, there’s a section on the Trail des Gets by Rossignol website, or feel free to email trail@lesgets.com.”
What’s the best part of organising this event?
“The greatest part is hard to find but I would say that the emotion of seeing all these people completing their race, being in the process of exerting themselves, cheering them on, and handing out food with a smile at the finish line or along the course is our greatest moment as organisers. Being able to experience all of this is unique. We are beyond thrilled with the dynamics of trail running in Les Gets!”
Any final words to encourage runners this summer?
“Runners, young and old, from aged seven to 77 years old (or older); anyone with a desire to perform or share a special moment should come to discover Les Gets. It’s the people at this event who will make your experience unforgettable, believe me!”
Registration Info:
This summer the event takes place on both 19th and 20th July. There’ll be:
- Four children’s race formats
- One youth race
- Three adult’s race formats
- One vertical challenge
Registrations for all events are open now. Registration for children’s races is priced at €5, adults races are priced between €20 and €50 depending on the distance.
