First timer’s guide to the Megavalanche
Deciding whether to race this event for the first time is tough enough in itself. Once you have committed to the decision, you will want some help getting your head around the event.
With so much going on during the event, and so many unanswered questions, this Megavalanche guide will help you plan your trip, and hopefully give a good understanding of how the Megavalanche works.
Without further or do, lets start with the biggest questions you probably have.
Can anyone do the Megavalanche?
Yes, you do not need to be Killian Bron to compete at this race. You will be drafted into your qualification wave, which is a smaller mass start race on a different trail, at random. The results from this race determine wether you race The Mega, Mega Challengers or the Mega Amateurs.
However, this race is not suitable for everyone as the terrain can be unforgiving and technical in places (some riders walk the techy bits).
If you are a slower rider, and just want to take on the event for fun/ride this legendary trail, the pace towards the tail end of the field is very mellow and civilised.
How much does the Megavalanche cost?
The Megavalanche is priced depending on how long you plan to ride and the extra events you plan to compete in.
As an approximate guide, the 7 day lift pass including event entry costs €150.
Here’s a breakdown for someone driving solo from Calais;
Event entry inc lift pass – €150 euros
Tolls – €80 euros approx each way
Fuel – 1.5 tanks of fuel each way £300 approx
Accommodation – £499 – £849
Dinners + Beers – £250
It’s worth noting if you can fill your van and split costs, then this could work out a fair bit cheaper.
Megavalanche airport transfers
Getting from Geneva to Alpe d’Huez during the summer is tricky.
Our Trail Hub Geneva airport transfers are available to everyone and priced at £75 per person, each way. Please get in contact here to book your seats and see further details here.
How do I book a race entry?
Event entries vary year to year but you can expect them to go live during December/ January. Sign up to our mailing list below to be notified.
The quicker you enter, the better start position on the grid for your qualification race you’re given.
Book your race entry here when entries are available.
How hard is the Megavalanche?
There’s no two ways about it…. it’s hard! That’s not to say it’s for professionals only, as anyone can enter the race.
It’s hard on bike and body, the air is thin and the uphill sprints are soul destroying. The Mega really is the ultimate test for any rider. As far as the race trails go it can be as hard as you want it to be. The faster you go, the harder this trail becomes, especially if you decide to take some of the ‘cut through’ lines. These lines are quicker than the main line but require a lot more commitment and skill to ride. Throughout the main race trail, there are only a handful of sections which can’t be rolled.
Where is the Megavalanche?
The Megavalanche race begins atop of Pic Blanc, a glacier situated in Alpe d’Huez in the French Alps. Alpe d’Huez is well know for its incredible back country skiing as well as hosting the infamous mountain stages of the Tour De France multiple times.
How many miles is the Megavalanche?
The total distance of Megavalanche is over 13 miles long (22 kilometres), the best riders finish the race in about 40 minutes whereas mere mortals are around the 50min-1hr 15 mark. The whole descent is 2,610 m from Pic Blanc, which stands at a massive 3,330 metres!
Check out this video which has even more helpful information about racing the Megavalanche.
Megavalanche First Timer Tips
Calm the Nerves
From my experience, don’t delay getting up to Pic blanc and DMC2 to ride some of the race trails top to bottom.
Nerves for the unknown are at an all time high after arriving to Alpe d’Huez. Once you’ve ridden the trails a couple of times it can help put you at ease because you know what you’re up against.
Stop at the tricky bits and take a look at some lines!
Prep the Bike
Get your bike in immaculate form, If there is a weakness in bike or body, this event will flush it out.
Get your bike dialled to avoid faffing around during the week, dealing with mechanicals whilst you could be up on the mountain enjoying yourself is the last thing you want to be doing.
Get those brake pads changed, brakes bled and please do yourself a favour by running DH casing tyres with a tubeless set up!
Get FIT!
Get yourself in the best physical shape as possible!
The air is very thin at 3300 mts, having great cardio will really stack the chips on your side.
Although this is the longest downhill race in the world, it doesn’t come without it’s pedal sections. There are some long traverses with a few punchy climbs, do your self a favour and get strong on the pedals.
Having great upper body strength goes without saying too. You’ll need this for extra stability in the snow sections, as well as the steepish awkward switchbacks late in the race.
Check Out Lines
Don’t miss out on limited access to the top of the qualification trail. Throughout the week the top %75 of the quali trail is open for practice, at limited times towards the end of the week they open up the very top section which has a technical rock section and snow too.
Keep an eye out for when they open the glacier during the week. On race day this will be early and the snow section will be hard and compact (usually). When you practise during the week the snow will likely be more slushy and nothing like race conditions.
These details will be posted in your programme.
Wrap Up Warm
If you qualify towards the front half of your race, the chances are you will be waiting at the top for a fews hours while riders line up.
Take a jacket to keep you warm, before the start of the race you can put your belongings into a bag supplied at the summit. The event organisers will then drop all bags at the tourist information for you to retrieve after the race.
Got Questions?
If you’ve got any un answered questions then you can contact us here.
