Trail-running competition in the Hautes-Alpes
Grand Trail de Serre-Ponçon: The XXL adventure between lake and peaks
The trail event that thrills nature lovers... and spectators!
The Grand Trail de Serre-Ponçon is one of the most emblematic trail events in the Hautes-Alpes. A race where grandiose panoramas, collective energy and surpassing oneself mix. Whether you are an avid runner, a curious hiker or a simple spectator who has come to enjoy the show... you will love it
The Grand Trail: what is it exactly?
It is a set of 100% natural, 100% grandiose courses, with several distances for everyone to find their challenge:
GTSP 174 km – The ultimate format: a monumental journey that goes completely around the Serre-Ponçon lake
Lake Tour – 86 km – Of the ridges, forests, breathtaking views
Marathon – 42 km – The perfect combo between technique, pleasure and panoramas
Trail 27 km, Trail 18 km, Verticales, and young courses – story to make everyone vibrate, from the experienced trailer to the ambitious beginner.
Why participate?
Because it is one of the most beautiful trail experiences in the southern Alps!
Because we come to live an intense challenge, but ultra rewarding!
Because we want to see how far our legs can carry us (and often, they surprise)
And as a spectator, what does it look like?
An incredible natural show!
You will be able to encourage the runners at different crossing points, admire the panoramas, stroll around the lake and experience the festive atmosphere of the villages stages
The high passes offer a unique spectacle, and the arrivals by the lake are always moments of emotion.
Want to try the adventure?
Practical information: Grand Trail de Serre-Ponçon 2026 edition
The Grand Trail of Serre-Ponçon returns from Friday 18 to Sunday 20 September 2026, around the lake of Embrun, in the heart of the High Alps!
For this 5th edition, the event innovates with a new organization and a new dynamic carried by WeAreHautesAlpes, which mixes sport, conviviality and animations throughout the weekend.
The festival offers several race formats around Embrun:
- 100 km – Demanding ultra trail around the lake
- 60 km – Long trail offering a beautiful challenge;
- 30 km – Technical and varied course;
- 15 km – Accessible format to discover the trail atmosphere
- Trail Kids – Fun run for the youngest
Registrations and official information: go to the Grand Trail de Serre-Ponçon website: www.grandtrailserponcon.com (open registrations and up-to-date information)
The Grand Trail de Serre-Ponçon offers five unique courses for all levels, in the heart of the Hautes-Alpes, around the lake of Serre-Ponçon and near Embrun. Each race is an invitation to explore spectacular landscapes, to surpass oneself and to live unforgettable sports holidays!
Discover the 5 courses of the Grand Trail de Serre-Ponçon
100 km – Ultra trail/ Expert: for experienced runners, this course requires a demanding elevation gain and technical trails around the lake. Prior preparation is essential to take up this challenge and fully savor the alpine panoramas
60 km – Confirmed: intended for experienced athletes, this course combines sustained effort and exceptional panoramas. Cross ridges, forests and technical paths for a total immersion in the nature of the Hautes-Alpes
30 km – Intermediate: perfect for those who want to test their limits while enjoying the beauty of hiking around the lake of Serre-Ponçon. A motivating challenge accessible to runners with some experience however
15 km – Discovery: accessible to beginners or those who wish to combine sport and pleasure, this course allows you to discover the scenic trails and panoramas of the lake in a friendly atmosphere
Course Kids: a fun introduction for the youngest, so that they can experience the adventure of trail running and mountain safely
Grand Trail de Serre-Ponçon: an adventure that marked the Hautes-Alpes
The Grand Trail of Serre-Ponçon was born from the desire to create a sporting adventure deeply rooted in the nature and local community of the Hautes-Alpes. Originally, the idea of a large loop around the lake emerged when passionate trailers explored the peaks and ridge lines that surround the territory.
Since its first editions, the event has been structured and developed, becoming a must-attend meeting for runners of all levels. Over time, the format has evolved, enriched by the contribution of local actors and the passion of trailers, to offer a real popular celebration of trail running, combining sporting performances, conviviality and a festive atmosphere on the shores of Serre-Ponçon lake.
This story makes the Grand Trail of Serre-Ponçon much more than a simple competition: it is a moment of sharing, discovering the territory and surpassing oneself in an exceptional natural setting.
Ready to live the adventure too? Book now your stay at Camping Sunêlia La Presqu'île and dive into the heart of the Grand Trail!
Challenges and records of the Grand Trail des Hautes-Alpes
The Grand Trail of Serre-Ponçon is much more than just a sporting event: it is a race where individual and collective performances leave a memorable mark in the history of the Hautes-Alpes trail running. On several proposed formats, highlights and remarkable achievements testify to the level and commitment of the participants:
- On the 64 km course at the 2024 edition, Goulwen Kerneguez won with a time of 6 hours 48'10”, ahead of a high density of runners and showing remarkable control on a demanding track
- Among the women over this same distance, Anna Perelroizen won in 8 hours 32'41”, combining regularity and endurance up to the finish line
- On the 28 km (Trail du Mont-Guillaume), it is Xavier Bartoli who stood out with a time of 2 h 20'32”, confirming his level among the best trailers in the region
Other formats also offered memorable performances: on the Lac et Montagne event (46 km), Miguel Balaven and Julien Cormier crossed the line almost hand in hand in 4 h 45'13, a strong image of solidarity and team spirit!
Our best advice for participants
The Grand Trail de Serre-Ponçon is a demanding event that requires solid prior training. To fully enjoy your sports holidays in the Hautes-Alpes, prepare yourself in advance by adapting your trail rides, hikes and reinforcement exercises to the type of terrain you will encounter around the lake of Serre-Ponçon and near Embrun.
Booking an accommodation at the Serre-Ponçon lake close to the start allows you to arrive rested and optimize your preparation for the big day. During your training, prioritize hiking around the Serre-Ponçon lake and technical routes to get used to the difference in altitude and variations in terrain. Hydration, effort management and knowledge of the course are essential to succeed in this sporting adventure.
The Grand Trail combines intense effort and exceptional landscapes: take advantage of your stay to discover other activities at Serre-Ponçon lake, prepare your circuits in advance and test your endurance on short or long outings. An adapted preparation transforms your participation in unforgettable sporting experience, while allowing you to fully enjoy the hikes lake of Serre-Ponçon and the region of the Hautes-Alpes.
Where to stay during the Grand Serre-Ponç
In order to fully experience the Grand Trail of Serre-Ponçon, nothing beats a comfortable accommodation located in the heart of the Hautes-Alpes near the race. Our Campsite Sunêlia La Presqu'île is perfectly adapted to runners, companions and families:
Only a few minutes from Embrun and the lake, ideal for early morning departures
A relaxing environment to prepare before the race and recover after the effort
Comfortable accommodation (mobile homes, nature sites) to meet all needs and budgets
Direct access to the lake to enjoy the places before or after the events
On site: catering, relaxation areas and activities to extend the trail spirit
Whether you come to participate or encourage your loved ones, our campsite is an ideal base to enjoy the Grand Trail in the best conditions!