Regulations

The world of TRAIL RUNNING brings together different sorts of people who do not only practise sport, but who also believe in and respect a number of important values that form the ethics of sport.

Respect for People
Self-respect: no cheating, no deception, either before or during the run;
Respect for the other runners: always help another runner in difficulty;
Respect for the volunteers: they take part in the race simply for the pleasure of helping out.

Respect for Nature
Respect plants and wildlife: don’t leave rubbish behind.
Stick to the paths marked, without taking shortcuts, in order to prevent soil erosion.

No money prizes
Just a prize to reward each runner who finishes the trail.

Sharing and solidarity
Everyone, be they runners or volunteers, should take action to ensure support is provided in all situations. Support for humanitarian causes, to help everyone put their own suffering into perspective. A sum of money will go towards supporting the construction of emergency bivouacs that can be transported by helicopter.

ORGANISATION
Winter - Vertical di Courmayeur is organised by VDA TRAILERS a limited liability amateur sports association.

DESCRIPTION
A foot race in natural surroundings on snow by night, along the slopes of the Courmayeur Mont Blanc Funivie ski area with a start in Dolonne and two arrivals depending on the length of the race chosen.
Winter 1000
Departure from Dolonne, arrival at Col Chécrouit
Route of 5km with an elevation gain of 1050m circa
Along the route there is a refreshment point in Plan Chécrouit, time barrier after 1h30 and a second refreshment point at the arrival.
Maximum time to complete the race: 2h30.
NB! Descent on foot on your own!
Winter 500
Departure from Dolonne, arrival at Plan Chécrouit
Route of 3km with an elevation gain of 500m circa
Along the route there is a refreshment point at the arrival in Plan Chécrouit.
Maximum time to complete the race: 1h30.
NB!Descent on foot on your own!

DIFFICULTY LEVEL
HARD: the track does not present particular technical difficulties, but the night running and the cold temperatures make the test suitable for experienced trailers.

PARTICIPATION
The race is open to any man or woman over the age of 18 at the time of registration, members or otherwise (categories include Juniores and Veterans).

RESTRICTIONS
The race develops on the ski slopes of the Courmayeur Mont Blanc Cable car District so the following rules must be observed:

after the closing time, it is strictly forbidden to go up and down the ski slopes, so there will be no reconnaissance of the race path.
Just for the day of the race, public who wish to go up to Plan Checrouit can walk up from Dolonne, strictly following the race path and the race flags. It is also possible to use the cable car from Courmayeur (10 € round trip).

The race is run in a single, free-speed stage within a limited time, in conditions of semi-self-sufficiency.
The Winter - Vertical di Courmayeur route goes up to 2250 meters, with extremely harsh weather conditions (wind, cold, rain, snow and ice).
Your choice of clothing and the equipment you carry with you should therefore reflect what is required for these particular circumstances. Runners must be prepared for the different altitude and temperature conditions both day and night, and ensure they have the necessary equipment for their own safety.
Rigorous training and a physical capacity for personal autonomy are essential requirements for taking part in this race.

If you are considering taking part, it is therefore imperative:

to be totally aware of the unusual length and peculiarities of the race;
to be thoroughly prepared, both physically and mentally;
to have equipped yourself before the race for total self-reliance in the mountains, so that you can manage any problems involved with this type of endurance trial, in particular:
- coping alone and in isolation with the physical and psychological problems of extreme fatigue, gastro-intestinal upsets, muscle and joint pain, minor cuts and injuries, etc;
- managing altitude and weather conditions that could potentially cause extreme difficulty (darkness, high wind, freezing temperatures, fog, rain and snow) without any help;
- understanding that the organisation is not responsible for helping runners to manage any common issues that might arise and that with races like the Winter - Vertical di Courmayeur, across mountain terrain, your safety depends on your own capacity for self-management in extreme situations.

TERMS OF REGISTRATION
The race is open to any man or woman over the age of 18 at the time of registration, members or otherwise (categories include Juniores and Veterans). There are no specific restrictions on registering for the Winter - Vertical di Courmayeur, but it is strongly recommended that you have taken part in at least one other Vertical over mountain terrain with a significant gradient.

REGISTRATIONS FEE
Winter 1000 - 30,00€
Winter 500 - 25,00€
The fee includes all the services outlined in these regulations, the official race package, refreshment points along the track and at the arrival, dinner after the race at the Courmayeur Mountain Sport Center, assistance in the event of injury, any transport required for return to the bases at Courmayeur in the event of injury, and transport of personal bags to the arrival.

HOW TO REGISTER
To proceed to registration you must sign up at 100x100trail.com, the VDA Trailers website.

COMPLETION OF REGISTRATION
To register, complete all sections of the online form and submit the registration fee (W1000 - 30,00€ | W500 - 25,00€) between 12pm on 29 November 2019 and 6pm on 29 February 2020. Registrations will not be accepted after the closing date. After payment has been transferred and confirmed by the interbank online payment service, the registration will be entered in the organisation's database and the runner's name will be included on the list of entrants. Only registrations for which payment is successfully transferred and confirmed by the international credit card payment system will be considered valid. The organisation accepts no responsibility for managing online payments.

CONSENT FORM AND MEDICAL CERTIFICATE

CONSENT FORM
All runners are required to sign a consent form declaring that they are aware of the difficulties of the endurance trial they are undertaking and agreeing to take with them all the equipment they need to safely complete the race.
Consent form must be uploaded to your personal file at www.100x100trail.com, no later than 29 February 2020.

WARNING!
Underestimating the physical and psychological preparation required, as well as the appropriate clothing and equipment, can have dangerous and potentially life-threatening consequences!

MEDICAL CERTIFICATE
It is imperative to provide a medical certificate attesting to your fitness to take part in competitive sports, which is recognised in your country of residence.
In Italy, the visit for the competitive medical certificate consists of the following tests: spirometry, the electrocardiogram under stress, the visual test and urinalysis. Since the rules are different in each country, we require a medical certificate that has the following characteristics:

athlete data
the competitive or competing wording
the issue date
the doctor's stamp
the doctor's signature

For foreign certificates, if possible, request a copy in English or French.

These documents must be uploaded to your personal file at www.100x100trail.com, no later than 29 February 2020. Any entrant who fails to provide the required documents in time will not be allowed to take part in the competition.
Medical certificates and consent forms will not be accepted at the start of the race.

ACCEPTANCE OF REGULATIONS AND RACE ETHICS
Participation in the Courmayeur Winter Vertical requires unconditional acceptance of these regulations and of the race ethics available to view at winterecotrail.it

REFUND OF REGISTRATION FEES
Refunds will not be made under any circumstances.

BIBS AND CHIPS

BIBS
Bibs are handed individually to all runners on presentation of a photo ID.
Bib has to be worn in a visible position on the chest or stomach at all times, and one to be attached to the backpack.
Race numbers allow runners free access to refreshment areas, treatment rooms, rest rooms, showers, bags, etc.

CHIP
Chips are issued at the same time as race numbers and must be worn on the wrist. Before the start of the race, all runners must pass through the entrance gates into the reserved starting area in order to register the chip. When passing through a checkpoint and on arrival at the finishing line, runners must ensure the chip passes under the timer antenna and that it registers correctly.

SEMI-SELF-SUFFICIENCY

Semi-self-sufficiency is defined as the ability to be autonomous in terms of safety, subsistence and equipment between two refreshment stops. It also includes the ability to resolve and manage any issues that may arise (bad weather, physical problems, injuries, etc.).
Weather forecasts are displayed at the bibs delivery to assess what type of clothing and equipment they will need to continue the race in safety. If there are any special conditions, the organisation reserves the right to require runners to equip themselves with specific equipment.

EQUIPMENT

All runners must carry with them for the entire race all the equipment they need to safely confront the challenges of weather, route and altitude. This equipment must be carried in a suitably-sized backpack or pouch.
In particular circumstances (adverse weather conditions, difficult technical route, etc.), volunteers may check the equipment that runners are carrying and report to the race organisers. After assessing the situation along with security officials and rescuers, the race organisers may take the decision at their sole discretion to stop a runner from completing the race.

MANDATORY EQUIPMENT
Equipment that all runners must carry with them for the entire race

A mobile phone (add the organisation's secure numbers to the contacts list, check that the mobile number is not hidden, and make sure the battery is fully charged before setting out)
Identity document and health insurance card (or similar)
Anti-slip device (crampons) (eg: NORTEC , GRIVEL , CAMP)
Two survival blankets
Two working headlamps and spare batteries

EQUIPMENT SUGGESTED TO COMPLETE THE TEST SAFELY
Equipment that runners may carry in their backpacks, according to their own assessment or as instructed by the race organisers

Shoes of a category between A2 and A5 (intermediate-> trail).
Hooded thermal jacket suitable for cold temperatures (down to -15°)
Hooded jacket with rainproof shell, breathable waterproof lining and thermo-taped seams
Running bottoms or leggings (to cover the knee at least)
Long waterproof over-trousers
Warm top layer: long-sleeved top in technical fabric, long trousers
Hat that covers the ears
Warm, waterproof gloves

SAFETY AND MEDICAL ASSISTANCE
Rescue points are set up along the route; these are connected to the race organisers by radio or telephone. Ambulances, security personnel and doctors will be available in the area. All the details are contained in a safety plan, approved and registered by the Regional Prefecture of Valle d'Aosta. Rescue points are there to provide assistance for anyone experiencing difficulty, via the official agencies or the organisation's own resources
The official race doctors are authorised to remove runners from the competition if they consider them unfit to continue. Rescue service workers are authorised to remove any runner from the race that they believe to be in danger, using any means at their disposal.
In the interests of the person being rescued, at the exclusive discretion of the organisers and where it is considered necessary, the official mountain rescue services may be called in to take over the rescue operation using any means they consider appropriate, including helicopter. Any costs incurred by recourse to this method of transport will be charged to the person rescued, in accordance with current regulations..
Any runner who requests the services of a doctor or rescue service worker implicitly submits to their authority and undertakes to abide by any decision they make.
Doctors and health professionals stationed along the trial route will only provide assistance in cases of major medical or health problems. All runners must make sure they take with them everything they need to treat foot problems and small cuts and grazes not requiring medical attention

HEALTH INSURANCE
Medical treatment is not free in Italy.
The costs of rescue by helicopter and emergency medical treatment are only covered by the relevant institutions in the runner's country of residence, or any private insurance policy, if the runner is carrying the following up-to-date documentation:

ITALIAN CITIZENS: health insurance card/tax code
EUROPEAN CITIZENS (including Switzerland, Liechtenstein and the UK): European health insurance card
NON-EUROPEAN CITIZENS: payment guarantee letter with the address of the insurance company to which invoices should be sent. Anyone who does not have public health coverage (Italian or European health insurance card) or private health insurance (payment guarantee letter from a private insurance company) will be required to pay the full cost of any healthcare provided, including emergency treatment.

The relevant documentation must be carried with you at all times during the race. Runners must pay any non-urgent medical expenses in full.

HELICOPTER RESCUE
Rescue by helicopter is only for patients requiring urgent medical attention and cannot be used simply as a means of transport by runners who withdraw from the race. Where a runner is of foreign nationality or not covered by the National Health Service, or in the event of a call-out not justifiable for health reasons, the entire cost must be paid by the runner, even if he/she is registered with the National Health Service (Regional Council Resolution no. 1054// 016)

INSURANCE
The organisation takes out public liability insurance to cover the entire duration of the event. Participation in the race is entirely at the runners' own risk. Runners waive the right to make any claim against the organisers in the event of injury or consequences that may arise subsequent to the race.
At the time of registering online, runners are required to sign a consent form to complete the registration process.
The organisation undertakes to register all runners with the UISP (Italian Union of Sport for All), which provides injury insurance cover for all runners (click here for details).
All runners are required to take out personal injury insurance with a provider of their choice.
The ITRA (International Trail Running Association) has developed a special trail running insurance policy, designed to cover the needs of trail runners who experience difficulties during a race (click here for details)..

ASSISTANCE DURING THE RACE
Personal assistance is permissible only in the areas specially reserved for this purpose at refreshment points and life bases, and at the discretion of individual refreshment point managers.
Support persons may not consume provisions meant for the runners. Runners must help themselves in person to the provisions they require.
Refreshment point managers have the right to remove support personnel who cause inconvenience to the competitors.
Assistants may bring spare clothing and shoes, food and/or supplements for runners.
Professional assistance (team members, professional trainers) and medical or paramedical assistance is strictly prohibited.
The dedicated rest areas, showers and healthcare units are for the exclusive use of runners. Access to these areas is prohibited for support personnel.
Assistance of any kind along the route is prohibited and will lead to disqualification of the runner..
The race develops on the ski slopes of the Courmayeur Mont Blanc Cable car District so the following rules must be observed:

after the closing time, it is strictly forbidden to go up and down the ski slopes, so there will be no reconnaissance of the race path.
Just for the day of the race, public who wish to go up to Plan Checrouit can walk up from Dolonne, strictly following the race path and the race flags. It is also possible to use the cable car from Courmayeur (10 € round trip).

COACHING
Coaching is prohibited during the race and will lead to disqualification of the runner.

REFRESHMENT POINTS AND CHECKPOINTS
All official refreshment points are also checkpoints for runners. Runners are required to ensure they are properly registered (manually or via the electronic chip) as they pass through refreshment points. Failure to register at a checkpoint will lead to disqualification of the runner.
Runners must follow the marked route through refreshment points, even if they are not intending to stop over.
The official refreshment points supply drinks and food strictly for runners only, which must be consumed on site.
Plastic drinking cups are not supplied.

COURMAYEUR MOUNTAIN SPORT CENTER - PASTA PARTY, REST AND SHOWERS
After the race a pasta party will be organised at Courmayeur Mountain Sport Center where it will be possible to take a shower

RUNNER BAGS
At the bibs delivery runner can drop a bag with spare equimpent, before 17h00, that will be carried by the organisation to the arrival. Runners are required to collect their bags in person.
Any runner who withdraws from the race should go to the Courmayeur Mountain Sport Center where his/her bag will be returned on presentation of the race number.
Bags will not be transported if anything is attached to the outside. Please do not put any fragile items or items of value in the bag. The organisation accepts no responsibility for any items lost or damaged in transit.

RETURN TO COURMAYEUR
The return after the race is to be carried out independently following the path prepared for the descent.

WITHDRAWAL
Runners wishing to withdraw while the race is in progress must go to the nearest checkpoint and report their decision to withdraw.
Any runner who withdraws without reporting the decision immediately, thereby prompting a search by rescue personnel, will be responsible for any costs incurred.

MAXIMUM TIME ALLOWED
The maximum time allowed to complete the trial is 2h30 for the W1000 and 1h30 for the W500.

CHANGES TO THE ROUTE – CANCELLATION OF THE RACE
The organisation reserves the right to change the route, the location of rescue and refreshment points and the time barriers, at any time and without notice.
In the event of adverse weather conditions (severe depression with heavy rain and snowfall at high altitude, severe risk of snow, etc.) the start of the race may be postponed by a maximum of 24 hours, beyond which the race will be cancelled

DISQUALIFICATION
The following infringements are punishable by disqualification
Litter left behind by runner or runner’s assistant
Failure to provide assistance to another runner in difficulty
Refusal to comply with an order from the race organisers, a race marshal, a doctor or a rescuer
Drugs or refusal to submit to a drugs test
Verbal abuse or threats from a runner or his/her assistant to a member of the organisation or volunteer.
Sharing and/or exchanging race numbers
Any infringement of the race ethics detected
Disqualification is immediate and the runner must leave the race directly.

COMPLAINTS
Complaints will only be accepted if they are submitted non-anonymously before the closing ceremony, together with a €50 deposit.

JURY
The jury comprises:

the race director
the head of security
any person deemed appropriate by the race director

The jury will reach a decision within the time necessary to deliberate and carry out the required checks.
The jury's decision is final.

RANKINGS AND PRIZES
The runner who arrives at the finish line in Courmayeur in the shortest time wins the race. Runners who complete the Winter - Vertical di Courmayeur within the time limit qualify for inclusion in the final ranking.
No cash prizes will be awarded. Every runner who finishes the race will be awarded the prize of "finisher".
An overall ranking of all male and female runners will be drawn up, as well as separate rankings for men and women. Prizes will be awarded to the top three male and female runners in the overall ranking, and the fastest runner in each category. Prizes for individual categories cannot be given to any runner who has already been awarded another prize.

CATEGORIES
Age is taken to be the age at the start of the race.
V4 - 70 and over
V3 - 60 to 69
V2 - 50 to 59
V1 - 40 to 49
SEN - 20 to 39
JUN - 18 to 19

IMAGE RIGHTS
All runners expressly waive the right to images taken of them during the event, or grant the organisation and its partners free, unlimited use of any photographs and videos in which they appear.

PRIVACY
By registering, runners declare that they accept all the clauses of these regulations and the Privacy Policy, which is available to view here.

IMPORTANT The original version of this document is in Italian. In the event of inconsistency or discrepancy between the Italian version and any of the other linguistic versions of this regulations, the Italian version shall prevail.

Register Now