Megavalanche, more than just a race

 
ALARRMAA!! Descending from 3300m down the Glacier of Pic Blanc, racing for an hour, mass start and sliding your way in two Black graded Ski slopes. Is Megavalanche the wildest race on earth? You’re about to find it. Settle in to hear how, Harry, Vero, Chris C and Chris H tackled the 2023 Megavalanche.
 

Mega-Curious? Find out more info below

Alpe D’Huez, nestled in the Auvergne Rhone-Alpes region was iconic formerly for its part in the Tour De France with its infamous climb stage, that was until 1995 when Megavalanche organiser (and all-round MTB legend) George Edwards and his team pioneered the concept of Mountain Bike racing on the spectacular Pic Blanc glacier. Eighteen years later the race now has over 400 entries from all over the world and includes a European series and Reunion Islands edition throughout the year.
 
Included in your entry fee (Typically around £150) is your week-long lift pass for the area ensuring you can cram in those all-important practice laps. To keep the competitive edge fired up prior to the main race, there’s also Dual Slalom, Chainless race and Speed race throughout the week, all of which you can sign up to when you arrive in the village.
 
Seeding for the weekend's race positions takes place on the all-important Qualifying track. Situated lower on the mountain than the main race track, whether you’ll encounter snow in your qualifying run, depends on the winter season's snowfall.
 
Qualifying offers a practice at a mass start race and the track is often seen to be more challenging than the full race run.Once you’ve secured your main race slot, you’ll be given information on uplift times and race start times, ensure to give yourself plenty of time to uplift as the queues can take some time. The inevitable nerves can usually be settled by the breathtaking alpine sunrise you’re treated to.
 
The race run starts on the glacier and weaves past alpine lakes, through meadows and into some incredible natural riding (with a punchy climb to keep things spicy halfway through) culminating in the final sprint to the finish line at the race village in Allemond, providing a mint spot for your family and friends to heckle you in.
 

Megavalanche need to know's:

  •        There is a qualifying race, this merely seeds you for race weekend, everybody gets a shot at the race

  •         The qualifying and bottom section of the race track are open for the whole week for you to hone your race lines

  • The track is best suited to an Enduro bike (there is a sneaky climb half way through)

  • The Nukeproof Mega takes its name from the Megavalanche, it was designed around being the perfect bike for the event

  • The amount of snow and conditions can change drastically year to year. Check out some of the previous editions here.

 

  •        It is a mass start event, with loads of opportunity for the all important overtake

  •        Check the schedule throughout the week

  •       Take at least one set of spare brake pads, a chain link, tube/CO2 and tyre levers at a minimum. We'd also recommend, spare wheels and tyres and a spare hanger specific to your bike

  •       You’ll need a full-face helmet and protection

  •       On race day, the glacier is pretty cold, take layers and the organisers will bring them to the finish

  •        There are plenty of other races/things to get involved with throughout the week

  •        It’s an incredible race, environment and week, grab your mates and give it a shot!

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