White Stride 2026: Nordic Skiing Puts On A Show In The Vercors From January 21 To 25.
Mythical, unifying, and (still) incredibly friendly, the Foulée Blanche returns in 2026 with a rallying cry that resonates: "Matchy in effort." Are you strapping on your skis?
A meeting born in 1979, now a Nordic legend.
Autrans-Méaudre-en-Vercors literally lives to the rhythm of the Foulée Blanche for nearly half a century. Initiated in 1979, the race quickly exceeded the simple sporting framework to become a moment of sharing between locals, seasoned cross-country skiers, and simple mountain lovers. Today, there are more than 4,000 participants, children, high school students, international champions, dynamic retirees, who gather each winter on the groomed trails of the Vercors plateau. Its popularity remains unchallenged: according to the latest official data, Nordic skiing in France accounts for approximately 1.8 million skier-days per season... and the Foulée is one of its most emblematic showcases.
From January 21 to 25, 2026: five days to pulsate (and sweat)
Block your calendar: Wednesday, January 21 will kick off the festivities with the Youth Run (5 and 10 km). The following day, it's time for the Isère schoolchildren with the Children's Run (1.5 and 3 km). Finally, on Sunday, January 25, comes the big icy plunge: 5, 10, 21, or 42 km freestyle. Four distances for four ways to push yourself or simply to feast your eyes. In between, there will be entertainment, tastings of local products, and a chalet atmosphere post-race. (Yes, the homemade mulled wine is part of the event's DNA!)
Thoughtfully planned programming for the whole tribe.
The strength of the Stride? Its intergenerational appeal. Parents, teenagers, little ones... everyone finds a format that suits them. Families often come together and leave with memories to last the entire winter.
- Fun mini-circuits for the youngest.
- Discovery courses for beginners.
- A 42 km marathon for hardened skiers.
As a result: half of the bibs are taken by amateurs participating in their first race... proof that the event remains accessible despite its nearly "pro" status.
Matchy Vercors: Where Resilience Meets Performance
New for 2026, La Foulée partners with the duo Matchy Vercors: former champion Maurice Manificat and his partner Anne-Sophie, a committed athlete after battling breast cancer. Their motto, "Matchy in life, Matchy in effort," fits perfectly with the spirit of La Foulée. In other words: you can aim for a time (Maurice), but more importantly, celebrate the moving body, the mind that wanders, and the community that lifts each other up (Anne-Sophie and her 80 students from Aristide Bergès high school participating in the Foulée des Jeunes). A powerful message at a time when physical activity is recognized as a complementary therapy post-cancer.
2026: Sign up as a "tribe" and experience it differently.
Looking to embody the Matchy spirit? This year, the organization is offering a tribe format registration. Colleagues, apartment neighbors, Sunday trail team... you pick a name, a headband color (80s throwback welcome), and set off together. No penalty if one lags behind, just the satisfaction of crossing the finish line as one (and in chorus!). Tip: book early, as some groups are already reserving to fit their corporate seminar under the giant teepee at the finish area.
Cross-country skiing, a popular health ally
Aerobic cardio, upper and lower body workout, minimal joint impact: it's no coincidence that physiotherapists and sports doctors recommend cross-country skiing to athletes in recovery. Recent studies show an energy expenditure of 600 to 1,000 kcal/h depending on intensity, which means the post-race mulled wine is well-deserved! Bonus: practicing in a forested setting like the Vercors is shown to improve psychological well-being by 10% (vitality index measured on a panel of 500 practitioners).
Why does La Foulée attract over 4,000 cross-country skiers each winter?
Beyond the race against time, the Foulée Blanche offers a legendary Nordic venue, the former training ground of Jean-Claude Killy and the birthplace of the 1968 Grenoble Olympic Games. Add to this: perfectly marked trails, volunteers who cheer skiers up the final hills (truly), and 360-degree panoramas of the limestone cliffs of the Vercors. There are also clever services: free shuttles between Autrans and Méaudre, tests of the latest generation equipment, and a 100% Nordic exhibitor village.
Practical Information & Prices: Key Points to Remember
Registrations are already open on the official website.
- Promotional offer for 42 km until November 30: 40 € for Carte Neige members, 57 € for non-members.
- Bibs for children/youth covered by educational institutions.
- Collection of chips and caps at the Autrans Nordic Center the day before each event.
The connected challenge extends the adventure until March 6th.
Not available at the end of January? From February 7 to March 6, 2026, it's time for the Connected Foulée Blanche. Download the dedicated app, choose a certified course (in the Vercors or elsewhere), activate the GPS, and go for it. Your track will be uploaded to the general ranking, with prizes drawn at random (season passes, ski masks, wellness weekends). A nice way to make the event shine beyond regional borders.
Autrans-Méaudre-en-Vercors: the picture-postcard setting
Located at 1,050 meters above sea level, the village breathes fresh mountain air. Pine forests, whitened clearings, lunar plateaus when the mist rises... The place boasts over 160 km of groomed trails and a distinct network for pedestrians/snowshoers. It's convenient for family visits without everyone being stuck at the same pace. In terms of access, it's a 40-minute drive from Grenoble via the D 531, 1 hour and 30 minutes from Valence TGV, and 2 hours from Lyon Saint-Exupéry.
Note Well: Prepare Your Stride Without Burning Out
Even though the 5 km format seems accessible, cross-country skiing remains demanding. Remember to:
- Strengthen your arms (using resistance bands or planking twice a week for 10 minutes).
- Practice gliding on roller skis or ski wheels if possible.
- Test your equipment the day before to prevent blisters.
On track! (Conclusion)
Whether you're a spatula marathoner or a curious seeker of Nordic thrills, the 2026 Foulée Blanche ticks all the boxes: sport, health, nature, and good spirits. So, shall we meet at the foot of the Autrans Ski Jump? The cowbells are already jingling...
