What's billed as the world's toughest 400 metres race, The Red Bull 400, returns to Courchevel's Le Praz ski jump on Sunday, July 13th.
The race involves an average gradient of 36° but in reality getting progressively steeper, reaching 78° at the point where jumpers heading in the opposite direction would get airborne.
"Success will require sheer strength of the legs and the mind. It's a dry climb, a short, ultra-intense race at an altitude of 1,300 metres, where each participant, whether solo or in a four-person relay, will have to find the resources to reach the finish," a Courchevel spokesperson explains.
The contest attracts athletes from all walks of life, from fitness to running to crossfit and HIIT, professionals and amateurs, all united by the same desire: to push their limits and test their cardio.
There are separate men's and women's competitions and a mixed relay where teams of four tackle 100 metre sections each. Courchevel say the race is the equivalent of a 40-storey uphill sprint... but against the void.
Courchevel plan a full day around the competition itself to entertain participants and their supporters alike. There'll be other fitness activities throughout the day, an after-party and the possibility of bivouacking under the stars after the fireworks.
Images credit: Stephane Candé / Red Bull Content Pool