The local way of life is not something you can learn from books, magazines or the internet. You have to live it. And to make for a great and enriching experience, full of surprising encounters, we must go to where the people of Bagnes cultivate their traditions.

The municipality of Bagnes is an area rich in diverse cultural and sporting events. Bagnards are first and foremost an athletic people. They like endurance, and they train in their valley from a very young age. Do you know the Combins Trophy? A legendary race, where you will meet locals in the very heart of the Valais Alps.

The Combins Trophy is particularly popular with the locals, but also attracts people from neighbouring valleys as well as curious tourists and regulars. It brings together some 500 participants, and just celebrated its 50^th race in 2016. The oldest race in Switzerland. More than 13,000 runners have already trod its majestic course.

This race is a true meeting point between man and nature. The scenery along the race stirs the very depths of our being. Most of all when the Combin range, the king of this landscape, appears before us, with so many steps already behind us.

One strength of this race is the fact that there is not a single start. Runners can set off every 10 minutes over a period of 2 days. This concept breaks the competitive atmosphere which is found in many other races. Each start consists of a small mixed group of children, young people and seniors alike. The encounters along the way are poignant and heartwarming. So when some are going up, others are coming back down: a constant back and forth of runners, all encouraging one other.

The race takes begins in Fionnay in the Haut Val de Bagnes, a few kilometres from Verbier, and ends at the FXB Panossière cabin. Towards the finish line the toe of the Corbassière glacier place has rolled out its white carpet to motivate runners for the last few kilometres. Breathtaking scenery.

To reach this paradise you must cross 7.8 km and 1180m of elevation.

From the most seasoned runner to the most casual, the Combins Trophy cultivates and strengthens friendships, both among the participants and with the mountain. The last participant to cross the finish line is as important as the first.

Throughout the race an incredible team refuels the runners at the halfway point, known as “mon Repo”. The atmosphere is amazing: music, raclette, high spirits.

Then, during the results, we can soak up the Bagnes atmosphere once more. Around a table enjoying grilled food, ham on the bone or raclette, we toast our friendship, share stories, joke, look back on the years when the weather was temperamental, when the snow had to be cleared at the finish line… It’s time to stop watching the clock and to give yourself time… to live, to share, to get to know people, young or old… it’s time to soak up the colours of Bagnes.

Besson Immobilier urge you to try something new and challenge yourself if you are in the area in early August. Next edition the 5th and 6th of August. All information can be found on the Combins Trophy site