Matheysine is one of the wildest and coldest areas of France, to the point of earning the nickname “Little Siberia.” A plateau dominated by the icy wind that blows over the Cottian Alps, by the glacial lakes scattered around their perimeter, and by the damp forests that beautify the trails. Since 2016, this little-known area has become one of Europe’s skyrunning capitals with the Skyrace des Matheysins. In this early-season event, specialists and amateurs can challenge themselves with four levels of difficulty, pushing up above the clouds while staring downward as if to give a further boost to tight muscles. Over the years, the format and scope of the event have evolved, and today the signature race (25 km with 1,950 m elevation gain) is part of the Skyrunner® World Series race circuit. The beauty of the climbs and descents between the crests of the three peaks that denote the route’s elevation gain; the alternating mud, snow, and rain that mix together in some places; the challenge of holding your nerve on the climbs and descents — the Skyrace des Matheysins is the essence of skyrunning.