The Meije Derby

This account is not just about vertical per se, but is closely related. It's the description of a race that take competitors (mostly skiers) down a raw mountain with an awesome drop of some 2150 meters/7,050 feet, combining speed, innate sense of snow, navigation skills and improvisation.

The Meije Derby is held each early April in La Grave, France. This race is open to anyone above the age of 18 and using all sorts of gear, including alpine, telemark skis, snowboard, or special equipment like snowskates, monoski, etc. or any other sliding devices with controls for direction and speed. In 2010, the registration fee was 65 Euros and included a lift ticket for the race day; the field of competitors is limited, and priority is given to teams. A team is composed of three individuals competing on different types of equipment and must include at least one woman. The team's performance is calculated by adding the times of its 3 members.

The start is given in waves of 10 people at a time, each combining all types of equipment. A drawing determines the start order; the race begins at 9:30 am but the tram is open to competitors as early as 7:00 am to allow for the one-hour climb to the starting area. The 7,000 + vertical feet race course follows the Meije Valley with the start located at the Dome of the Lauze (elevation 3550 meters/11,650 feet) and the finish near the Romanche (elevation 1400 meters/4,600 feet) conditions permitting.

Between start and finish, the competitors are free to select the line they want except for a mandatory crossing of the Ruillans Pass and for NOT using the Trifides chutes. There are no direction gates and only major hazards, like rock ledges and large boulders located in the competitors path are marked. Aside from that, the choice of route is left to each competitor and no assistance or outside help is allowed during the race, except for medical support.

The use of helmet is mandatory as well as a Recco avalanche beacon that is handed to each competitor prior to the race. Pre-race course inspection is strongly recommended, must be conducted no later than the day before the competition and isn't allowed on race day. With few exceptions, the terrain used by racers isn't groomed and reflects the current snow and weather conditions

Race results reflect equipment type, teams and gender. Based on the 2010 event, the overall winners, for both men and ladies, receive a 1000 Euros cash prize. The fastest man and woman on skis, snowboard, telemark and monoski receives 500 Euros. The first team receives 1,500 Euros and the second and third teams respectively get 900 and 600 Euros.