The Derby de la Meije is a freeride competition open to all comers. Over a 1000 racers from more than 20 countries, some in fancy dress, race down from the Dome de la Lauze (3512 meters) passing through the mythical Vallons de la Meije to finish 1668 vertical meters down the mountain at the Chal Vachère chalet. Registration opens in January, 2004 and anyone over 18 can apply. There is no upper age limit!
Last year’s event was won by Olivier Meynet in 5’25, an average of just under 70km/h. The quickest woman down the slope was Leanic Leard, a telemarker in an superb 8’06 placing her 4th overall in the telemark category won by Sebastien Mayer. However last year’s race was marred by the death of local skier Romain Berger who was killed by an avalanche in the super-trifide couloir during one of the training sessions. The Trifide’s couloir complex does not form part of the official race route.
The 17th edition will take place between the 28th of March and the 1st of April at the off-piste domain of La Grave-La Meije in the Hautes-Alpes.
http://www.derbydelameije.com/