KV Courchevel: Aurelien Dunand Pallaz second - AlpinStore report

KV Courchevel: story, gear and impressions

KV Courchevel Aurelien Dunand outdoor brand: let's start with the important statement. This Friday night, the vertical kilometer of ski mountaineering in Courchevel offered a spectacle, intensity, and precision. Aurelien finishes second in 44min08sec, 50 seconds behind his Pierra Menta teammate Yoann Sert. A performance that says a lot: consistency, strategy, and well-chosen equipment. Want to know why he finishes on the podium? Read on, we describe everything, including gear.

The race was dry in places, tough and technical on the relaunches. Aurelien showed character, rhythm, and a perfect reading of the terrain. It's not just a matter of legs: it's a combination of training, mental strength, and equipment. When aiming for times to the second, technical choices become tactical decisions. We're talking skins, bindings, shoes, hands, and supports. And yes, also good old evening preparation before the ascent.

The following weekend, Aurelien will participate with Steven Blanc in the Belle Etoile race; his teammate Yoann being held back for the World Cup stage in Andorra. Two races, two different profiles, same demands. Want to line up for this type of event? We give you concrete tips below, tested by the AlpinStore team on the field.

Why the gear made the difference

On a KV, every detail counts: weight, stiffness, grip, and the ability to relaunch right after the transition. Aurelien relies on equipment designed for performance and reliability. On the field, we found that high-performance mountaineering shoes reduce fatigue and improve stability on tight conversions. When you change support every 10 seconds, you want your shoe to follow, without discomfort.

The right ice axe, well suited to your build and technique, gives you confidence on steep sections: for that, we also talk about mountaineering ice axes chosen based on the race. If you're aiming for mixed and hard snow, favor lightweight but robust tools, with a precise head and an effective spike. We tested different lengths depending on the climbing style: short for dynamism, long for support.

Safety comes from small accessories often forgotten: the ice screw equipment must be compact, easy to handle, and durable. Even on a winter KV, knowing how to place a point if the slope hardens can save a season. And because we love making the outdoors accessible, we also offer a selection for those looking for affordable mountaineering equipment, without compromising on essential safety points.

The competitor's wardrobe

Want to perform without freezing? Technical mountaineering clothing is the key. Breathability, fitted cut, targeted insulation: this is what allows sweat to evaporate during ascents and keeps warmth at rest. We avoid unnecessary layers: less volume, more efficiency. Aurelien favors materials that dry quickly and retain heat during short relaunches.

Versatility also matters: chaining a night ascent and a high-intensity effort requires textiles that protect from the wind, allow breathability, and do not hinder movement. We're talking anatomical cuts, ventilation zips, and well-placed pockets. All this to allow you to tackle the slope like a true competitor.

Equipment and AlpinStore selection

At AlpinStore, we have been equipping enthusiasts since 2016. All the gear used by Aurelien is tested by our team and available on the site. In our offer, we cover everything from skis to bindings, including helmets and goggles. For off-piste enthusiasts or committed outings, ski touring equipment must be lightweight, reliable, and easy to handle during transitions.

For those looking to make a specific purchase, we also tell you where to buy: if your project is to invest in a precise tool, you can buy a Blue Ice ice axe through our product advice and technical sheets, to choose the size and version suited to your use.

• Practical advice: favor a product test in-store if possible, or check field feedback.
• AlpinStore tip: test socks and skins on short outings before taking the gear to competition.

For ground support, the shell and sole remain decisive: investing in AKU mountaineering shoes or other tested models can transform your comfort and performance. The right tightening, an adapted sole, and good compatibility with your bindings make all the difference on the big day.

Accessories and little extras

Logistics benefits from being simple. A small tool kit, some spare parts, and a clear method for preparing the transition. Our climbing and mountaineering accessories shop is full of these essentials: carabiners, straps, spare pitons, repair elements. We're talking about items that allow you to stay on the field rather than abandon for a trifle.

The choice of a pair of crampons and anticipating conditions are also crucial parameters. If the race looks icy, the option of screws and adaptive protection becomes a priority. We help you understand when and how to use each piece of your mountaineering equipment to optimize your safety and performance.

Aurelien's gear: short inventory

We want to clarify: this equipment is that of a competitor, chosen for performance. But at AlpinStore, we cover all profiles, from the contemplative to the intrepid. If you're looking for a specific offer, our team guides you to adapt the gear to your level, weight, and outing program.

Technical advice and training

Regarding training: interval training on hills, cadence work, and transition repetitions. We often emphasize the transition: knowing how to remove a skin and relaunch in less than 10 seconds is often what tips the podium. On the mental preparation side: visualize your ascent, identify the points where you can recover, and maintain a steady course.

Finally, for adventurers who want to equip themselves without breaking the bank, we also offer a category of mountaineering equipment that emphasizes price-performance efficiency. And if you're specifically looking for lightweight but accessible gear, our selection of affordable mountaineering equipment gives you tested and validated options by the team.

Conclusion: team spirit and respect for the terrain

We share these moments because it's more than a race: it's a community. Aurelien, Steven, Yoann, and all the rope buddies share the same obsession: to progress, respect the mountain, and pass it on. If you want to line up for a next event, start by choosing the right gear, refining your preparation, and surrounding yourself with informed advice. AlpinStore is here for that: we equip, we test, we advise, just like among rope buddies.

Do you want us to help you prepare an outing, choose specific pieces, or compare setups? We're here, you ask us the question, we answer you sincerely. No fluff. Just real experience and solutions that work.