Pilatrail.
The Tour des Crêts is the classic of the Pilatrail: a loop from Véranne over every landmark summit of the Pilat massif, almost entirely on singletrack and across boulder fields. Getting round it well takes strength for long, steep climbs and sure footing on technical descents.
Pilatrail 2027: Course, Elevation & Route Profile
The course climbs straight out of the village square in Véranne. The first three kilometres rise steadily, then from km 4 comes the steepest pitch of the first half: around 320 m of gain in under two kilometres up to the Trois Dents, the rock teeth standing above the Rhône valley. A descent to the aid station on the D63 follows, then another long climb to the Crêt de l'Oeillon and its transmitter mast, reached after about 15 km.
Along the ridge you reach the Jasserie, an old mountain farm at around 1,300 m, and drop steeply from there to the Saut du Gier, the waterfall of the young Gier river. This is where the race is decided: from km 23, about 590 m of gain in just over three kilometres up to the Crêt de la Perdrix, at 1,432 m the high point of the Pilat. The final third runs back to Véranne via Le Gratteau, the Saint-Sabin chapel and the Nordet, mostly downhill.
The Pilat is a regional nature park between Saint-Étienne and the Rhône valley. The organiser puts the share of paths, singletrack and forest tracks at 98 percent. The signature terrain is the chirats, fields of loose boulders you cross on foot, and on a clear day the view runs across the Rhône valley to the Alps. At the end of May the ridges can still be cool and windy.
| Start | Length | Ø | Max. | Gain | Cat. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| km 0.3 | 3 km | 9.8 % | 19.2 % | +293 m | Cat. 3 |
| km 4 | 1.8 km | 18.4 % | 30.9 % | +322 m | Cat. 2 |
| km 6.4 | 0.7 km | 9.2 % | 30 % | +64 m | — |
| km 10.3 | 2.7 km | 10.6 % | 25.4 % | +288 m | Cat. 3 |
| km 14.8 | 0.6 km | 14.1 % | 24.1 % | +81 m | Cat. 4 |
| km 18.1 | 2.1 km | 9.8 % | 31.2 % | +206 m | Cat. 3 |
| km 23.4 | 3.1 km | 19.4 % | 44.8 % | +593 m | Cat. 2 |
| km 37.5 | 0.5 km | 13.4 % | 25 % | +70 m | — |
Climb categories follow the road-cycling convention and rate the terrain itself (length and gradient) regardless of sport: Cat. 4 marks the easiest rated climbs, Cat. 1 the hardest, and HC (hors catégorie, “beyond categorization”) is reserved for the most brutal ascents. Short climbs below the Cat. 4 threshold stay unrated.
How to pace Pilatrail.
Start under control
The first half invites overspending: the climb to the Trois Dents comes early, the field is still tight, and it is easy to run your neighbours' pace there. Hike the steep pitches from km 4 deliberately, because by the Crêt de l'Oeillon you already have more than 1,000 m of climbing done and half the ascent is still ahead.
Hold your rhythm
The race is decided on the climb from the Saut du Gier to the Crêt de la Perdrix from km 23. It is the longest and steepest of the course and comes right after you have given away more than 400 m. If you reach the Jasserie ridge with something left, you can take it at an even power-hike, with poles or hands on thighs, rather than stopping on every steep step.
Spend what is left
The trap comes afterwards: the last 15 km lose almost 900 m on technical ground. Empty your quads on the Perdrix and you lose more time descending over rocks and roots than you did on the climb.
Training plan for Pilatrail: 12-week build
Build the base
For most age-group runners the Tour des Crêts means six to nine hours of effort. The load is uneven: long hiking stretches on steep slopes alternate with fast, technical descents, and hardly a kilometre is flat. At its core it is an aerobic endurance day punctuated by hard spikes on the steepest pitches.
Train race pace
The defining sections are the early climb to the Trois Dents and above all the long ascent to the Crêt de la Perdrix after more than 20 km. Train steep uphill hiking at over 15 percent for 20 to 40 minutes at a time, ideally in the second half of long sessions so it still works on tired legs.
Rehearse the course
Eccentric strength for the descents matters just as much. Downhill running on rocky ground, stairs and strength work such as lunges prepare your quads for almost 2,300 m of descent. The chirats demand concentration and ankle stability on loose blocks; drills on unstable ground help.
Arrive fresh
Build in long runs of four to five hours with plenty of vertical and use them to rehearse fuelling and kit. At 1,400 m the end of May can turn cold, which is why a waterproof jacket is on the mandatory kit list anyway.
Courses
Download the Pilatrail course as a GPX file for your watch or bike computer.
Let YOUB adapt your plan for Pilatrail dynamically
Ben connects your goal, the course, current load, recovery, and calendar. Your plan stays pointed at race day even when real life is not perfectly plannable.
Everything about Pilatrail.
How long is Pilatrail?
Pilatrail is 42 km long. That distance shapes how much aerobic endurance, pace durability, and race-specific work belong in the training plan.
How much elevation gain does Pilatrail have?
Pilatrail has around 2,284 m of elevation gain over 42 km. That affects pacing, muscular load, and preparation for late-race sections.
What is the route profile of Pilatrail?
Pilatrail is classified as Mountainous, averaging 55.3 vertical metres per kilometre. 5% of the route is flat, 19% climbs moderately (2 to 6%) and 28% is steeper than 6%.
What climbs does Pilatrail have?
The hardest climb of Pilatrail starts at kilometre 23.4, runs for 3.1 km at an average of 19.4% and gains 593 metres. Cycling-convention rating: Cat. 2. 8 climbs are mapped in total.
Is Pilatrail a loop course?
Yes, Pilatrail is laid out as a loop: start and finish are in the same place.
Is there a GPX file for the Pilatrail course?
Yes. The Pilatrail course is on this page as a free GPX download — ready to import into Garmin, Wahoo, Komoot, Strava or any other app that reads GPX.
How should I prepare for Pilatrail?
Preparation for Pilatrail should account for 42 km, 2,284 m of elevation gain, current training load, and available training time. An adaptive plan helps place key sessions without ignoring recovery and real life.
What pacing strategy works for Pilatrail?
The pacing strategy for Pilatrail should reflect 42 km, 2,284 m of elevation gain, and your current fitness. Start controlled and keep margin for sections where the profile or fatigue makes target pace harder.
When does Pilatrail take place?
Pilatrail takes place on May 22, 2027.
Where does Pilatrail take place?
Pilatrail takes place in Véranne, France.
Which distances does Pilatrail offer?
Pilatrail offers 5 distances — Tour des Crêts: 42 km (Marathon); Relais des Chirats: 92 km; Traversée des Chirats: 92 km; Traversée des 3 Dents: 21 km (Half marathon); Ronde de Véranne: 9 km.
How do I register for Pilatrail?
Registration runs through the organiser: pilatrail.fr. YOUB shows you the course, elevation profile and training plan for your preparation.
