1) Program

Verti'Cham

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Climb #1

Start: Bois du Bouchet
Finish: Plan-Praz take-off (via the KV route).
Fly back to Bois du Bouchet with a precision landing.

4.8 km / 1,000 m elevation gain

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Climb #2

Start: Bois du Bouchet
Finish: La Flégère.
Fly back to Bois du Bouchet with a precision landing.

6.7 km / 810 m elevation gain

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Climb #3

Start: Bois du Bouchet
Finish: Plan de l'Aiguille take-off.
Fly back to Bois du Bouchet with a precision landing.

7.5 km / 1,250 m elevation gain

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Ultra Verti'Cham

Climb #1

Start: Bois du Bouchet
Finish: Grassy slopes below the Brévent cliffs.
Fly to the Plan-Praz plateau with a precision landing (fixed penalty system).

6.6 km / 1,350 m elevation gain

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Climb #2

Start: Plan-Praz take-off.
The timing starts immediately after the first landing at Plan-Praz (glider packing time is included).

Finish: Grassy slopes below the Brévent cliffs.

Fly to the Plan-Praz plateau with a precision landing (fixed penalty system). Relaunch from the Plan-Praz plateau and fly back to Bois du Bouchet with a precision landing.

1.8 km / 350 m elevation gain

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Climb #3

Start: Bois du Bouchet
Finish: L'Index.

Fly to the Flégère plateau with a precision landing (fixed penalty system). Relaunch from the Flégère plateau and fly back to Bois du Bouchet with a precision landing.

8.7 km / 1,210 m elevation gain

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Climb #4

Start: Bois du Bouchet
Finish: "Alpage de Blaitière" take-off.

Fly back to Bois du Bouchet with a precision landing (fixed penalty system).

3.8 km / 650 m elevation gain

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Climb #5

Start: Bois du Bouchet
Finish: Plan de l'Aiguille take-off.

Fly back to Bois du Bouchet with a precision landing.

7.5 km / 1,250 m elevation gain

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Climb #6

Start: Bois du Bouchet
Finish: "Beaux Mollets" take-off.

Fly back to Bois du Bouchet with a precision landing.

2.5 km / 420 m elevation gain

New for 2026

A rolling-start timing ("flying start") has been introduced for the second Brévent climb and the Alpage de Blaitière climb.

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2.1 Race Director / Jury / Race Committee

The Race Committee consists of:

• Rémi Bourdelle (Race Director)

• One pilot appointed by the organisers

• One pilot selected by random draw

The committee is responsible for resolving disputes between competitors and validating the scoring used to establish the official rankings.

The Race Committee reserves the right to modify the competition rules whenever necessary.

2.2 Hike & Fly Conditions

Pilots may only take off with the approval of the Jury present at launch.

Even when take-off is authorised, each pilot remains solely responsible for deciding whether to fly while ensuring their own safety and that of others.

Assessing current and expected flying conditions must remain a constant priority throughout the competition.

2.3 Postponement or Cancellation

If weather conditions are deemed particularly unfavourable, the Race Committee may postpone the start of the event.

The race may also be neutralised during part of the competition if necessary.

In such cases, all pilots will be notified via SMS and/or Telegram.

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3) Registration

3.1 Registration Process

Registration is completed online via the link available on the Verti'Cham website.

To confirm registration, each pilot must pay the full registration fee.

This year, the post-race meal will take the form of a Canadian-style potluck buffet, complemented by food provided by the organisers. Pilots may choose whether or not to contribute to the buffet. Regardless of this choice, all registered pilots will have access to the post-race meal.

Entry fees

• €50 with the Canadian buffet option (€100 for tandem teams)

• €60 without the Canadian buffet option (€120 for tandem teams)

• Late registration surcharge: +€10 for registrations submitted after 3 September

Registration will be confirmed by email.

The list of registered pilots will be published on the Verti'Cham website.

A maximum of 150 participants will be accepted, including 25 places reserved for the Ultra Verti'Cham.

Applications will be accepted on a first complete, first accepted basis. Once the participant limit has been reached, additional complete registrations will be placed on a waiting list in chronological order.

The organisers reserve the right to invite additional pilots and to refuse any registration if they believe the pilot does not have the experience required to participate safely.

Note: The Ultra Verti'Cham is reserved for pilots with substantial experience in mountain take-offs and landings. Each application will be reviewed individually before acceptance.

3.2 Entry Fee Includes

The registration fee includes:

• Welcome breakfast

• Refreshment stations during the race

• Post-race meal

• Event souvenir gifts

• Shower facilities

• Event photographs

• Prize draw giveaways

Cancellation Policy

If a participant withdraws before 15 September, a maximum refund of €20 will be issued.

After 15 September, no refunds will be made.

Regardless of the reason for cancellation, a €5 administration fee will be deducted from any refund.

3.3 Anti-Doping

Like all competitive sports in France, this event is subject to French anti-doping regulations.

The use of prohibited performance-enhancing substances is strictly forbidden unless prescribed for legitimate medical reasons.

3.4 Environmental Responsibility

All participants agree to leave no trace and to respect the natural environment throughout the event, including wildlife, vegetation and terrain.

4) Rankings

Separate rankings are established for the Verti'Cham and the Ultra Verti'Cham.

Each race includes the following categories:

• Women

• Men

• Tandem

A minimum of three competitors is required for a category to be officially ranked.

Ranking Order

Rankings are determined according to the following criteria, in order of priority:

1. Number of completed climbs

2. Total climbing time plus penalties

3. Total number of penalty laps

4. Climbing time on the final climb (excluding Beaux Mollets in the Ultra)

5. Climbing time on Climb #2

6. Climbing time on Climb #1

Pilots must physically reach each official take-off to validate a climb.

Official times are recorded when the pilot crosses the finish line at the end of each climb.

Flight time is never included in the race timing.

Pilots must complete any required penalty laps and hand the corresponding number of penalty tokens to the Jury in order to validate them.

5) Pilots

5.1 General Participation Requirements – Verti'Cham

To participate, pilots must:

• Be at least 16 years old (pilots under 18 must provide written parental consent)

• Hold a valid paragliding licence or IPPI Level 4

• Hold valid third-party aviation liability insurance

• Be fully autonomous in paragliding and able to demonstrate regular flying experience

• Hold a medical certificate issued within the previous 12 months stating there are no medical contraindications to competitive Hike & Fly and paragliding

5.1.1 Additional Requirements – Ultra Verti'Cham

Participants must:

• Be at least 18 years old

• Hold a Paragliding Pilot Certificate

• Demonstrate significant experience with mountain take-offs and landings

• Hold a valid paragliding licence or IPPI Level 4

• Hold valid third-party aviation liability insurance

• Hold a medical certificate issued within the previous 12 months stating there are no medical contraindications to competitive Hike & Fly and paragliding

5.2 Mandatory Equipment

Each pilot must carry:

• A certified airworthy paraglider

• A certified paragliding, ski or climbing helmet

• A certified airworthy harness

• A reserve parachute is mandatory for both the Classic and Ultra formats (FFVL requirement).

• An airbag is mandatory for the Ultra format only.

• An emergency survival blanket

• A fully charged mobile phone

• A headlamp (required for the first and final climbs)

The Race Committee may inspect equipment at any time.

Changing flight equipment during the event is prohibited unless the declared equipment has been damaged and the Race Committee has granted permission.

All mandatory equipment must remain with the pilot throughout the race and may not be carried by another person.

5.3 Strongly Recommended Equipment

The organisers strongly recommend bringing:

• Reserve parachute

• Speed bar

• Gloves

• Trail shoe crampons or traction devices

• Waterproof trail shoes

• Waterproof jacket

• Trekking poles

• Spare clothing

• Compass

• Knife

• Sunscreen

• First aid kit

• Hydration pack

• Spare underwear

• Energy bars

• Sunglasses

• Buff

• Toothbrush

• Repair kit

5.4 Course Route Rules

Pilots must remain on the official course at all times.

Leaving the designated route, taking shortcuts or using alternative paths is strictly prohibited.

The GPS tracks for all official routes are available on the Verti'Cham website.

During the climbs and penalty laps, only walking and trail running are permitted.

Any other means of movement, including swimming, climbing, cycling or any form of assisted transport, are strictly prohibited.

5.5 Specific Rules

If a pilot is unable to fly back to Bois du Bouchet, they must immediately inform the organisers by phone.

The pilot must then return to Bois du Bouchet using their own means.

The landing will be recorded as Out of Target.

5.6 Flight Rules

Entering the R30-A airspace (Chamonix helicopter zone) will result in the immediate disqualification of the pilot.

Pilots must comply with all French Visual Flight Rules (VFR) applicable to paragliding.

Any breach of these regulations is considered a serious offence and may result in penalties ranging from time penalties to immediate disqualification.

The Jury reserves the right to adjust penalties according to the severity of the infringement and the pilot's intent.

5.7 Application of Penalties

The Race Committee reserves the right to adjust penalties according to the seriousness of the infringement and the circumstances surrounding it.

Any pilot found, or reasonably suspected, to have cheated may receive a time penalty or, in more serious cases, be disqualified.

A penalty may also be imposed if the Jury considers that a pilot has acted in a manner that endangers their own safety or that of others, particularly by choosing to fly in unsafe conditions such as:

• strong winds,

• rain,

• nearby thunderstorms,

• or any other hazardous weather conditions.

Such penalties may be applied during the race or retrospectively after the event if necessary.

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6) Safety

6.1 Safety & Race Checkpoints

After each climb and each precision landing, every pilot is responsible for checking that their result has been correctly recorded on the official ranking board.

6.2 Emergency Procedures

Immediately after landing, pilots must pack their paraglider without delay.

An open or uncollected wing lying on the ground is considered an international distress signal meaning:

"I NEED ASSISTANCE."

Any pilot flying near another pilot in difficulty must either:

• provide immediate assistance whenever possible, or

• alert the Race Director by any available means.

The Jury will determine an appropriate time compensation for any pilot who interrupts their race to assist another competitor.

6.3 International Distress Signals

If helicopter assistance is required:

Stand in the shape of the letter "Y" (YES) by keeping your legs together and raising both arms in a "V".

If helicopter assistance is not required:

Stand in the shape of the letter "N" by extending one arm upward and the other downward.

When the helicopter approaches:

• Secure or remove any loose equipment.

• Always approach the helicopter from the front.

• Wait for instructions from the rescue crew before moving closer.

6.4 Temporary Race Suspension

Depending on weather conditions, the Race Director may temporarily suspend take-offs.

The course layout, climb sequence and time barriers may also be modified if required to ensure participant safety.

7) Race Rules

7.1 Race Time Limits

Pilots must cross the finish line of each climb before the official time barrier.

If a pilot finishes a climb after the time limit, that climb time will still be recorded, but the pilot will not be allowed to start any subsequent climbs.

For the final climb, arriving after the time barrier means the climb will not be validated, and the final ranking will be based only on the previous validated climbs.

Precision Landing

Each pilot is responsible for organising their approach in a safe and sporting manner.

Two identical landing targets will be available.

When approaching alone, pilots may choose either target.

If several pilots are on final approach simultaneously, each pilot should clearly indicate which target they intend to use in order to avoid interference.

No time compensation or sporting adjustment will be granted if pilots interfere with each other during the landing approach.

Pilots are therefore expected to manage their spacing carefully.

Precision Landing Rules

The following rules apply:

• Pumping is prohibited (except where specifically authorised for the Ultra format).

• Deliberately increasing the sink rate is prohibited.

• The first foot to touch the ground determines the landing result.

• The landing must finish standing on both feet.

• Any fall automatically results in the maximum penalty.

• The Jury may wave the official Verti'Cham flag if:

  • a rule has been violated;

  • the landing approach is considered unsafe.

If the flag is waved, the maximum landing penalty applies regardless of the landing result.

If a pilot lands exactly on a boundary line between two scoring zones, the more favourable result will be awarded.

New for 2026 – Tandem

For tandem teams, a slight ground slide after touchdown will be accepted provided the entire approach, flare and landing are judged to have been safe.

After Landing

Immediately after landing, the Jury announces the pilot's result and the corresponding number of penalty laps.

Pilots must remember this number.

If penalty laps are required:

• the race clock continues immediately after landing;

• the pilot must complete the required laps as quickly as possible;

• timing stops only after all required penalty laps have been completed and validated.

If no penalty laps are required:

• the pilot should gather the wing immediately;

• leave the landing area;

• proceed to the packing zone.

The Jury's landing decision is final.

Landing results are not open to negotiation.

Landing Target Dimensions

Bullseye: within 35 cm of the centre

Ring 1: 90 cm

Ring 2: 1.90 m

Ring 3: 3.50 m

Ring 4: 6 m

Ring 5: 10 m

New for 2026

Ring 6 (Out of Target): more than 14 m from the centre.

7.3 Penalty Laps

Penalty laps are determined according to the precision landing result.

They must be completed immediately after landing.

Once timing has resumed:

• no assistance is allowed for packing the wing;

• all mandatory equipment must remain with the pilot throughout the penalty laps.

Penalty laps are validated using coloured wristbands (or elastic bands).

One band = one completed penalty lap.

A new band is collected under the arch at each completed lap.

At the end of the penalty sequence, all collected bands must be handed to the Jury simultaneously.

Only then is the penalty considered completed and the race clock stopped.

One penalty lap is approximately 150 metres.

Failure or refusal to complete the required penalty laps results in an additional 1-hour penalty.

Fixed Time Penalties

In addition to the time spent completing penalty laps, the following fixed penalties apply:

Landing ResultFixed Penalty

Bullseye+0:00

Ring 1+1:10

Ring 2+2:20

Ring 3+3:30

Ring 4+4:40

Ring 5+5:50

Out of Target+7:00

Example

During the Flégère climb, Jade lands in the bullseye and receives no penalty.

She proceeds directly to the packing area, packs her equipment and enjoys the refreshment station while waiting for the next climb.

Antoine, however, lands in Ring 3.

The Jury announces:

"THREE LAPS."

His race clock continues immediately.

He must complete three penalty laps as quickly as possible.

After each lap he collects one validation band.

Once all three laps have been completed, he hands the three bands to the Jury.

After verification, his penalty is validated and his race clock stops.

His official time for the Flégère climb is therefore:

Climbing Time + Penalty Lap Time + Fixed Landing Penalty

He may then proceed to the refreshment area before the next climb.

⚠ Important: The race clock continues running until the correct number of validation bands has been handed to the Jury.

Penalty Laps by Landing Result

Landing ResultPenalty Laps

Bullseye0

Ring 11

Ring 22

Ring 33

Ring 44

Ring 55

Out of Target6

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7.4 Ultra Verti'Cham

The Ultra Verti'Cham is designed for pilots with significant experience in mountain take-offs and landings.

The organisers reserve the right to request proof of a pilot's experience before confirming registration.

Participants are expected to have a strong trail running background, as the course involves more than 5,000 metres of positive elevation gain in a single day.

Only 25 places are available for the Ultra Verti'Cham. Entries are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis, subject to validation of the pilot's experience.

An airbag-equipped harness is mandatory for Climbs #1, #2 and #3.

⚠️ Pumping is permitted only when landing on the Plan-Praz and Flégère plateaus.

7.4.1 Schedule

All climbs start with a mass start from the official landing area at the scheduled departure time.

Please refer to the official time barrier schedule.

Special Case – Climb #2

After completing Climb #1, the pilot may receive a fixed landing penalty.

As soon as the pilot lands, the race clock restarts immediately for Climb #2.

Glider packing time is therefore included in the climb time.

The wing must be packed within the designated packing area.

7.4.2 Penalties

Fixed Time Penalties

The following landings use the fixed penalty system:

• Plan-Praz Plateau

• Flégère Plateau

• Landing after Alpage de Blaitière (Climb #4)

The following fixed penalties are added directly to the climbing time:

Landing ResultFixed Penalty

Bullseye+0:00

Ring 1+2:00

Ring 2+4:00

Ring 3+6:00

Ring 4+8:00

Out of Target+10:00

These penalties are added directly to the climbing time.

No penalty laps are required for these landings.

Biathlon Penalty System

The penalty lap (biathlon) format applies to the following landings:

• Bois du Bouchet after Climb #2 (Plan-Praz)

• Bois du Bouchet after Climb #3 (Flégère)

• Bois du Bouchet after Climb #5 (Plan de l'Aiguille)

• Bois du Bouchet after Climb #6 (Beaux Mollets)

7.4.3 Beaux Mollets & Alpage de Blaitière Take-offs

The Alpage de Blaitière take-off is a grassy launch with a tree hedge that must be cleared shortly after take-off. Pilots should pay particular attention during launch.

The Beaux Mollets take-off is more technical due to its steep slope. A thorough pre-flight check is essential to ensure a clean and safe inflation.

The Jury will attach an identifying ribbon to each pilot's harness in order to distinguish Ultra competitors.

Pilots who have validated the Beaux Mollets climb may choose to descend on foot instead of flying.

In this case, the pilot will be recorded as Out of Target and will automatically receive the 10-minute fixed penalty.

7.4.4 Ultra Verti'Cham Reclassification

If a pilot fails to reach any of the official time barriers at:

• Plan-Praz

• Flégère

• Alpage de Blaitière

the pilot will automatically be removed from the Ultra Verti'Cham ranking.

However, they will be transferred to the official Verti'Cham Classic ranking, based solely on the results of the following climbs:

• Plan-Praz

• Flégère

• Plan de l'Aiguille

including any applicable penalty laps.

7.4.5 Weather Adaptation

The Ultra Verti'Cham includes take-offs that are more exposed to mountain weather and wind.

If conditions are considered unsuitable, the organisers may modify the course in order to maximise participant safety while preserving the sporting nature of the competition as much as possible.

8) Liability

Participation in the Verti'Cham is entirely at the competitor's own risk.

Each participant is solely responsible for ensuring that they are adequately insured against all risks arising from their participation, both for themselves and for third parties.

Every pilot is responsible for safeguarding both their own physical integrity and that of others through their decisions and actions.

The organisers of the Verti'Cham accept no liability for any injury, accident, loss or damage suffered by participants or third parties as a result of participation in the event.

By registering for the Verti'Cham, every participant:

• accepts these rules in full and without reservation;

• releases the organisers from any liability concerning their participation;

• accepts full responsibility for any damage caused to third parties through their own actions.

9) Image Rights

By registering for the Verti'Cham, competitors grant permission to the organisers, Les Gratte-Ciel Club, and any authorised third party to photograph, film and record them throughout the event.

Participants authorise the unrestricted use of their:

• name;

• image;

• voice;

• likeness;

• appearance;

• actions;

• and biographical information,

for commercial, promotional or editorial purposes, in any media, worldwide and for an unlimited duration, without compensation or additional consent.

This authorisation includes, but is not limited to, use in:

• television;

• radio;

• cinema;

• printed publications;

• websites;

• social media;

• online streaming platforms;

• and any current or future communication media.

The organisers and Les Gratte-Ciel Club also reserve the right to edit, modify, adapt, shorten, reproduce, distribute or otherwise use these recordings without restriction.

These rights may be transferred, in whole or in part, to present or future partners of the event.