Gapencimes Activity List
The Alps is an adventurer's playground and a trip out here to do the Gapencimes trail race, either as a runner or a supporter, is the perfect opportunity to try out some of the activities on offer.
We have included 4 Gapencimes points with your package that you can exchange for a range of activities and really make the most of your time here.
If the race is enough of an adventure for you, we have also included some body pampering treatments and cultural visits in our list to complete your alpine running experience.
Test your head for heights on a
via ferrata, go for fresh water thrills in a
canyon, (perfect cold water treatment after a race!!), or treat yourself to a steam room and massage pre or post race.... the choice is yours!
Not everything is the same price so to make it easy for you we have divided the activities, visits and body pampering treatments into four categories,
Green,,
Blue and
Red
Green are worth
1 point
Blue are worth
2 points
Red are worth
3 points
Black are worth
4 points
You can choose a mixture of activities to make up your allocated points.
Green - 1 point
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Visit to St Bonnet Market St Bonnet is a medieval village steeped in history which is evident in it's layout, narrow streets and old buildings. Every Monday morning there is a traditional French market selling local produce. If you like good cheese and bread, then it is well worth a visit! We will take you to St Bonnet and give you a short tour of the village to show you the main points of historical interest and then you are free to browse the market and shops. We will arrange a time to collect you. Available on Monday morning.
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Reccy of the course - Laurent Beuzeboc, a seasoned trail runner, winner of the 25km Cretes trail in 2011 in his category and particular connoiseur of the Gapencimes will take you on a reccy of the trail routes and give you advice. His English is limited so a translator will be available to help communication!! Available on Friday afternoon.
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Visit to the Race Village in Gap where there are a range of events, stands and workshops going on. You can do either or both of the following for your 1 point (which covers the transport and organisation) or you can do your own thing in Gap, and soak in the race village ambiance:
Asics Personal Training Advice and Fitness Test - Asics are offering all trail participants a free hour of personal training advice including route advice, physical preparation, product test and advice (make sure you are wearing your best trainers!!) and an analysis of your cardiovascular fitness (VO2 max). We will arrange your appointment and provide the transport to take you there. Available on Saturday morning or afternoon
Tour of Gap by bike - Gap tourist office are offering free bikes to trail participants and their supporters to explore the area of Gap. There are 4 different waymarked routes of between 10 and 14 km you can follow. They take you on quiet back roads through the beautiful countryside around Gap. The perfect way to discover a new area without putting your muscles in the red for the race! Available on Saturday morning or afternoon.
Blue Activities - 2 points
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High Ropes Adventure - zip down a tyrolean zip wire, climb up a spider net, negotiate the wobbly log staircase, tip toe across the tightrope wire.... High Ropes Adventure Courses are designed to challenge you vertically, horizontally and personally! A variety of courses for all abilities - lasting approx 1/2 a day. Min age 5. Available on Saturday or Sunday afternoon.
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Mountain Bike Hire - a full day self-guided mountain biking off road on cross country tracks. There is a huge network of waymarked and graded mountain bike routes from green to black routes so there is something for everyone. We can even arrange for child seats and towbars for younger riders. Bikes, helmets and repair kit delivered to your accommodation. Maps and route guidance included. Available on Friday through to Monday.
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Sauna or Steam Room a 2 hour heat therapy session. Relax your body and eliminate toxins with a 2 hour session alternating between sauna or steam room, cool showers and general relaxing in a private well being centre reserved just for runners and their supporters. Available on Saturday morning, Sunday afternoon or Monday morning.
Red Activities - 3 points
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Horse Riding, - a 1/2 day ride through the alpine forests and meadows - a great way to experience the Alps! Rides suitable for intermediate through to experienced riders. You will be asked to specify your riding experience when booking. Min age 10. Available on Friday, Saturday or Monday.
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Sauna or steam room with hydrotherapy bath - a 2 hour heat therapy session with 20 minute hydrotherapy session to massage your muscles. Relax your body and eliminate toxins with a 2 hour session alternating between sauna or steam room, cool showers, a 20 minute session in a hydrotherapy massage bath and general relaxing in a private well being centre reserved just for runners and their supporters. Available on Saturday morning, Sunday afternoon after the race or Monday morning.
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Rock Climbing - a morning or afternoon at a sunny crag, climbing, bouldering and generally enjoying the warm rock, beautiful views and challenging yourself! Rock climbing is a perfect stretching activity! Suitable for all levels. Min age 5. Available on Saturday or Monday morning.
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Via Ferrata with Tyrolean Descent Situated in la Motte du Caire (about an hours drive from where you are staying) is one of the biggest via ferratas in the Southern French Alps. This via ferrata has several routes that you can choose from but expect a good half day out and prepare yourself for a challenge!! To get back down there are 3 tyroleans including one of 220 meters long over a big drop! Perfect for adrenalin seekers and another excellent stretching activity! Min age 11.
Available on Friday, Saturday or Monday.
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Canyoning - run or slide down wet slabs of rock, jump off blind escarpments, scramble up rocks, splash around in pools and abseil down drops. Perfect cool water treatment for muscles. Min age 10. A half day activity subject to the weather being warm enough. If the temperatures are too cold, we will exchange the canyon for the via ferrata.
Available on Friday, Saturday or Monday.
Black Activities - 4 points
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Sauna or steam room with massage - a 2 hour heat therapy session with 30 minute massage. Relax your body and eliminate toxins with a 2 hour session alternating between sauna or steam room, cool showers and a 30 minute body massage in a private well being centre reserved just for runners and their supporters. perfect pre or post race body preparation / reparation! Available on Saturday morning or Monday morning.
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Golf - A day's green fee and golf club hire for an unforgettable day playing golf in the Alps. The green is a beautiful 18 hole golf course situated on a plateau with mountain views. Available on Friday, Saturday or Monday.
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Paragliding - a really exhilarating experience in the air. You will be strapped to your instructor and he will fly and land the paraglider for you - allowing you to get over the fact that you have just run off the side of a mountain! The exposure of being so high up and flying with the birds, the magnificent views and slight roller coaster sensations all together make this a very memorable experience! It takes about an hour / hour and a half and you’ll be in the air for 10 – 15 minutes. It is possible to upgrade for a 'sensation' flight or a have a longer fly but it is more expensive and for a first time this length is perfect. Min age 8.
Carries 25€ supplement. Available on Saturday or Monday morning.
Please note that all activities, body treatments and cultural visits are subject to minimum numbers. You will be asked to make your choices at the time of booking. If, for any reason there are not enough people for your chosen activities, you will be offered an alternative or the possibility to pay an extra supplement to cover the guide cost.
