Skimo: report and advice after the Belle Etoile race

Skimo race of the Belle Etoile: story, technique, and team spirit

Aurélien participated last weekend in the Belle Etoile race in Savoie in tandem with Steven Blanc. We recount the battle, the tactical choices, and what made the difference: preparation, mutual aid, and a bit of well-thought-out gear. It's a race that shakes you up, teaches you, and brings you closer to your teammate. Here, we speak honestly, like between climbing buddies.

Day 1: they finish first by eight seconds, but a penalty relegates them to second place. 2,050 meters of positive elevation gain, a day of hard effort and track reading. Day 2: our duo finishes third in the stage, 1'30 behind the leaders; this tight time is enough to maintain second place overall. We saw rhythm, technique, and above all, solidarity.

Aurélien recounts: "I was in good shape, I helped my teammate a lot with the elastic or by carrying the skis for him." It's the team spirit that allows our duo to hold onto second place. Congratulations to them. These little stories of sharing are the soul of skimo: you push, we pull you, and we cross the finish line together.

The race is not just about legs: it's also about brains and well-chosen gear. To give you some keys if you want to get started, here’s the technical assessment and our pragmatic advice, coming from a team of athletes who test everything on the field.

Before leaving, quick check: physical condition OK, weather examined, route in mind. On the backpack side: we lighten up, but we don’t forget anything essential. Managing effort also plays out in preparation: smooth transitions, choice of track, and constant communication in the duo.

The gear and technical choices that matter

Do you want to tackle races like the Belle Etoile? Start by gathering your ski touring equipment: breathable layers, protections, reliable binding system, suitable skins, and a breathable backpack. The goal: performance and safety without excess weight.

For some steep sections, we prefer nordic touring skis to lighten the ascent when the snow sticks little and the skin becomes cumbersome. It's a technical option, to be handled according to the snow and your feeling of the day.

Feet are sacred. The ski touring boots must hold without hindering, transmit support, and remain comfortable over long distances. A good buckle, an adapted flex, and a sole that withstands hours standing: that’s what prevents surprises in the race.

And because propulsion starts in the upper body, properly chosen ski touring poles improve trajectory and efficiency. Length, rigidity, and ergonomic grip: these details make the difference in relaunches and conversions.

We know that budget can hinder ambitions: for those who want to start without breaking the bank, there are options like affordable ski touring bindings, reliable if you know what you’re getting. But be careful with compromises: safety and descent stability remain priorities.

If you’re hesitating between buying everything separately or getting a ready-to-use set, you can learn to choose a complete ski touring pack: skis, bindings, boots, skins, and poles designed together for synergy. It’s often the simplest way to start being performant quickly.

In the race, you need to keep a constant eye on the gear: a quick check before each start, and smooth transition routines. Your ski touring gear must be maintained and adapted to your level: skins well stuck, sharpened edges, and properly fitted boots.

For runners who like to compare, the range has evolved: some Fischer ski touring boots offer an excellent compromise between weight and support. We advise you to try before buying: the fit is personal.

And if you’re looking for ideas to refine your quiver, a selection of Elan ski touring skis can guide you towards versatile shapes, performing in both ascent and descent. Don’t forget: skiing is also a matter of feeling between you and your board.

Race strategy and lessons

Short strategy: read the conditions, talk with your partner, share the effort. When fatigue sets in, the elastic and the voice of your teammate often make the difference. The Belle Etoile forces you to anticipate: transitions can gain or lose you several minutes.

Technique: track, conversion, committed but clean descent. Let go of the ego on dangerous sections. The best timing is often to keep reserves for the last decisive ascent.

Do you want to progress? Do transition sessions, work on putting on and taking off skins with a timer, train to change shoes quickly, and practice descending on varied terrain to stay comfortable when fatigue arrives.

Team spirit and community

We repeat: racing in pairs is about sharing. The podium is just the visible part of a winter of outings, hours dusting off the legs and deciphering a track. At AlpinStore, we respect this experience: we don’t buy promises, we offer solutions that hold up... or the slope.

If you want us to accompany you in preparing for a skimo like the Belle Etoile, we are here. We talk technique, guide you on the right gear, and above all: we provide tested advice on the field from our team of seasoned athletes. Want to discuss? We respond like trail buddies: direct, no bullshit, with eagerness and respect for your level.

Congratulations again to Aurélien and Steven for their spirit and performance. May it inspire you for your next challenge. We’ll see you on the track.