Team trail France SALOMON: best moments 2017

The French trail team SALOMON shares its best moments of 2017

We close the 2017 season with smiles and memories full of legs. The French team SALOMON reflects on their best moments, those instances that make you want to leave right away: wild reconnaissance, shared victories, sleepless nights at the UTMB. Here, no marketing blabla. We tell it like it is, as if among climbing buddies.

Caroline Chaverot - alone in the midst of wild mountains

Even though the year was sometimes demanding, Caroline remembers a reconnaissance of the Hardrock in Colorado. Alone in the midst of wild mountains, she describes the perfect weather, regained form, lightness, and that feeling of total freedom. That morning, discovery and contemplation took precedence over pure performance. It’s this mix of simplicity and wonder that drives her to run: a trail, a summit, immense silence, and the feeling of being exactly where she belongs.

Before heading out for an alpine outing, remember to choose a suitable trail belt: comfort, storage, and stability make all the difference over long distances.

Thibaut Baronian - sharing, surpassing, and emotions in the Basque Country

A few weeks after Chamonix, Thibaut retains a vibrant memory of the Skyrhune in the Basque Country. He speaks of moments spent with family, a sun and ocean bath, and then a battle against the elements and competitors. The sharing among friends, the encouragements at the trail's edge, the sunsets: all of this reminds him why he loves trail running so much. He comes away wanting to return, again and again.

To gear up before an intense season, we suggest you check out our selection of trail shoes tested on technical terrain: cushioning, grip, precision. They make the difference when the slope gets steeper.

François D'Haene - an unforgettable crossing of the John Muir Trail

François chooses as a highlight his crossing of the John Muir Trail in the United States: over 350 km of wild beauty. Traversing these national parks without ever crossing a road or a shelter is the very essence of adventure. Two and a half days of pushing oneself in the mountains, helping each other among friends, sharing preparation and fatigue. He recalls the pride of having maintained this collective effort and the promise of more expeditions to come.

If you plan an ultra, think about high-performance running gear: breathable textiles, suitable shoes, a water pouch, and reliable lamps to stay on course when night falls.

Sacha Devillaz - the support of my entire family at the X-Alpine

Beyond the birth of his second child, Sacha holds a precious memory of the X-Alpine Verbier St-Bernard: the place he loves, the warm welcome, the presence of his family at every aid station. He remembers his son ringing a small bell, his partner managing the organization like an F1 team. These images stick to the victory and remind us of the human dimension of trail running: we run for ourselves, but we arrive thanks to others.

For long sessions, don’t forget to bring high-performance trail gear that will allow you to finish fresh: lightweight bags, poles when needed, rain protection.

Nathan Jovet - shared victory on the snow

Nathan recalls the white trail of Font-Romeu under extreme temperatures and continuous snowfall. A course reduced to 32 km, leading relays, and a common decision: to share the victory. The conditions were harsh, the wind icy, but the good mood remained. This race proves that trail running can also be supportive and festive, even when the thermometer drops.

In winter training, the trail clothing collection must be chosen carefully: warm layers, windbreakers, and freedom of movement to stay effective even in tough weather.

Robin Juillaguet - discovering the Dolomites

For Robin, the Dolomites Skyrace was a dream come true: magical landscapes and a unique atmosphere at the summit. Even though the result wasn’t perfect, the experience marked him and gives him a good reason to return. Trail running is also about that: coming back for a rematch and enjoying the scenery even more.

If you plan a mountain raid, also check out our selection of trail shoes for alpine and technical terrains: they will provide you with stability and confidence in descents.

Michel Lanne - a magical moment at the TDS

Michel keeps in mind the week of the UTMB, condensed with emotions and performances. His victory at the TDS and the presence of his daughter Giulia at the finish line made that day unforgettable. Even the pain of the 120 km could not diminish the magic of that moment shared with the public and his teammates. These moments give meaning to training and remind us of the value of the collective.

Gedeon Pochat - explosive emotion at the UTMB

Gedeon recounts his first experience as a volunteer: the adrenaline of following the race, then the explosion of emotion in Vallorcine when he sees François alone at the front. Fatigue fades in front of the crowd and the intensity of support. This immersion made him want, one day, to try his luck as a runner at the UTMB.

Jean-Michel Faure-Vincent - victory of a collective

The team manager mainly remembers the positive energy at the UTMB: teammates encouraging each other, taking turns, waiting for one another. François's final victory is also that of a collective: encouragements, relays, glances, and outstretched hands. For him, it’s this team spirit that will remain engraved longer than any time.

• To equip yourself: everything for trail boils down to simple yet precise choices: shoes, jackets, bags, hydration, and a reliable lamp.
• If you go out at night, don’t forget to buy a trail headlamp suited to your pace and use: autonomy and adjustable beam are essential.

These stories from 2017 show one thing: trail running is as much about landscapes and achievements as it is about encounters and sharing. You might recognize these same feelings in your own outings. We leave you with this simple idea: prepare, choose, go, and savor. The terrain will give back what you give it.

Photo credits: Cyrille Quintard, Philipp Reiter, and Damien Rosso.