Sauze Skysnow Race

A run through the snow on the Via Lattea slopes

The Sauze Skysnow Race is one of the most evocative sky snow running competitions in the western Alps. It takes place in Sauze d'Oulx, a renowned ski resort in the province of Turin, located in the heart of the Via Lattea (Milky Way) ski area in the upper Susa Valley, Piedmont. The event challenges runners to tackle the mountains in winter, racing on groomed, snow-covered ski slopes under the glow of the setting sun.

The course

The route covers 10 kilometres with a 1,000-metre vertical gain: a technical and demanding course that tests both legs and lungs. The start and finish are located at the Clotes chairlift, at an altitude of approximately 1,530 metres, while the race's highest point is Col Basset, at 2,400 metres. Running on snow, with appropriate footwear and equipment, transforms a classic skyrace into a uniquely charming winter adventure.

The blue hour and the race atmosphere

One of the elements that makes the Sauze Skysnow Race famous is its evening start, around 6:30 PM, when the mountains are bathed in the colours of twilight. Athletes tackle the ascent as the light fades, during what enthusiasts call the "blue hour," with the snowy landscape of the Via Lattea providing a stunning backdrop. It is a challenge that perfectly blends sport, nature, and spectacle.

A key event in the skysnow calendar

The race is part of the NORTEC SkySnow Running Cup circuit and attracts top-tier athletes from across north-western Italy and the nearby Aosta Valley. The event is organised by the Piossasco Trail Runners ASD association, in collaboration with the Municipality of Sauze d'Oulx and with the support of local sports organisations, and has firmly established itself as a staple late-winter appointment for mountain running enthusiasts.

Sauze d'Oulx, the outdoor capital of the Susa Valley

Situated at an altitude of over 1,500 metres, Sauze d'Oulx is one of the most popular resorts in the Via Lattea area, which connects the Piedmontese valleys to the French territory of Montgenèvre. Beyond skiing, the town offers hiking, snowshoeing, and outdoor activities all year round, in an alpine setting that makes the province of Turin a premier destination for sports lovers.