Trail des Dahus Sallanchards

About the Event

The Trail des Dahus Sallanchards is a high-altitude endurance event reaching its 4th edition on April 25 and 26, 2026. Hosted in Sallanches, Haute-Savoie, the race is organized by the Sallanches Passy Athletic Club (SPAC), an affiliate of the French Athletics Federation (FFA). Set against the majestic backdrop of the Arve Valley and Mont Blanc, the event marks the transition from the ski season to spring trail running. The trails utilize the scenic "balconies" of Sallanches, offering technical mountain terrain that caters to ultra-endurance specialists, relay duos, and young athletes alike.

Race Category	Distance / Elevation	Format Type	Key Feature
L’Ultime Dahu	6.5 km Loop (300m D+)	24-Hour Last Man Standing	Repeated every hour
Dahus Courtisans	26 km (1500m D+)	Semi-Nocturnal Duo	Headlamp finish
Dahus Affolés	15 km (900m D+)	Nature Trail	Playful, technical paths
Dahus Égarés	7.5 km (200m D+)	Discovery Trail	New route for 2026

Event Logistics and Participation

The event is centered around the "Village des Dahus," which serves as the logistical and social core for the weekend. Registration is open to a broad demographic, with specific youth categories tailored for birth years ranging from 2009 to 2020. A standout feature is the "Ultime Dahu," a grueling format where runners must complete a 6.5 km loop every hour on the hour for a full day. Beyond the physical challenge, the weekend includes a local exhibitors' village showcasing regional artisans, musical entertainment, and various activities for spectators. The Sallanches Passy Athletic Club manages the operations with a heavy reliance on a dedicated volunteer network to ensure safety across the alpine routes.

Regional and Community Context

Sallanches (74700) is a pivotal mountain town in the Haute-Savoie department, with a 2026 population of approximately 17,500 residents. Known as the "Town in the Heart of the Alps," it occupies a strategic position between Geneva and Chamonix. The local economy is driven by mountain tourism, specialized precision engineering (decoletage), and commerce. The community maintains a robust median household income of approximately $54,000 (equiv.), reflecting the high standard of living in the Mont Blanc region. The area is globally recognized for its commitment to sustainable mountain sports and preservation of the alpine ecosystem.

The geography of the Trail des Dahus is defined by its proximity to the Mont Blanc massif, offering steep, jagged terrain and dense pine forests. The median age in Sallanches is 41.3 years, though the town is a magnet for younger, active families seeking the quintessential Savoyard lifestyle. The name "Dahu" refers to a legendary mountain creature from local folklore, symbolizing the agility required to navigate these specific slopes. This event acts as a significant social catalyst, bridging the gap between local mountaineering traditions and modern trail running culture, while reinforcing Sallanches' reputation as a premier destination for vertical endurance sports.

Races Offered

L'Ultime dahu sallanchard

Apr 25, 2026

straighten

Distance — 24H

terrain

Type — Running

timer

12:45

sell

€65.00

Les Dahus Vigoureux

Apr 25, 2026

straighten

Distance — 5K

terrain

Type — Running

timer

16:00

sell

€5.00

Les Dahus Courtisans

Apr 25, 2026

straighten

Distance — 26K

terrain

Type — Running

timer

17:30

sell

€58.00

Les Dahus Egarés

Apr 25, 2026

straighten

Distance — 8K

terrain

Type — Running

timer

18:15

sell

€12.00

Les dahus affolés

Apr 26, 2026

straighten

Distance — 15K

terrain

Type — Running

timer

09:10

sell

€23.00

Weather Overview

These values represent the 3-year monthly averages for April in Sallanches.

Temp (°C)

Feels Like (°C)

thermostat 3.9° / 15.6°

wb_sunny 1.5° / 13.5°

Wind (km/h)

Humidity (%)

air 4.1 /

water_drop 74.5%

Temp (°C)

Feels Like (°C)

Wind (km/h)

Humidity (%)

thermostat 3.9° / 15.6°

wb_sunny 1.5° / 13.5°

air 4.1 km/h

water_drop 74.5%

About Sallanches

Learn more about the host city, Sallanches.

Sallanches is a commune in the Haute-Savoie department of the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region of France. Located close to the Mont Blanc massif, many visitors pass through the town en route to well-known alpine resorts such as Chamonix, Megève and Saint-Gervais-les-Bains. Sallanches is the centre of an urban area with about 46,000 inhabitants.