L’Alpine Classique, Chamrousse, France (2018)
The venue for this three-epoch winter sports jamboree also happened to be the site of the Winter Olympics 1968, so the location’s credentials for ski racing were impeccable. As you might note 2018 is the 50 year anniversary of the Winter Games and some of the participants celebrated that as re-enactors. This event appears to be highly exclusive, but is actually open to all who bring period skis and costume and are prepared to race. However, due to the practice and dedication needed to master the ancient bindings and painted wood skis this is for a select few. The event itself organically formed into three main eras of transportation and attire for the piste. There were pre-war pioneers, 1950s hep cats and late 1960s downhill racers – in the style of the great Jean-Claude Killy, who won gold in Chamrousse in ‘68. Interestingly the 1930s recreationists were mainly in their 20s with the 1968 re-run competitors ranging from their mid-30s to their 70s. This was a superb weekend, even though there was heavy snow for most of it. It was Sébastien Chirpaz of A Piece of Chic who has initiated this tour de force that must be unique. The level of pre-production and on-the-day planning is incredible and involves much effort from his colleague Veronique as well as his family. One of the sponsors was (Men’s File friends) Stetson who provided the headwear for the team. This is difficult; if we promote it too much, it will become too popular, but there seems to be room for a few more participants and spectators before that happens, so try to get there next March.
www.alpine-classique.com
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