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Snow Running Sierra Nevada 2024 ©Luis Conte

Regulations for the Snow Running Sierra Nevada

1. Honorary and organizing committee

  • Ministry of Culture and Sports of the Government of Andalusia.
  • Provincial Council of Granada.
  • Monachil City Council.
  • Cetursa Sierra Nevada.
  • International Skyrunning Federation.
  • Andalusian Federation of Mountain Sports, Climbing and Hiking.
  • CD. Altalí.
  • Mamut Sierra Nevada S.L.

2. Date

  • January 31, 2026: Snow Running Sierra Nevada CLASSIC

3. Planned timetable

 

Friday 30 January 2026:

Saturday 31 January 2026:

Snow Running Sierra Nevada CLASSIC:

  • 10:00 to 15:00 – Collection of numbers and prize giving. Pabellón de deportes de Cenes de la Vega
  • 17:15 – Briefing. It will be published on this website.
  • 18:30 – Official start (at the end of Pista del Río)
  • 19:30 – Approximate arrival of the first runner.
  • 21:30 – Time cut at the finish line..
  • 21:30 – Prize-giving ceremony (at the Telecabina cinema).

The organization may modify the timetable and the route depending on the weather conditions and the snow cover.

4. Location:

Sierra Nevada Ski and Mountain  Resort (Monachil, Granada)

5. Categories

The participants will be divided into the following categories and sub categories for the  Snow Running Sierra Nevada CLASSIC:

  • Male and female categories: cadet, juvenile, and absolute.
  • Male and female subcategories: junior, promises and veterans A, B, and C.

  • Juvenile category: 17 and 18 years old, that is, not turning 19 during the year of the competition.
  • Absolute category: from age 24 years old in the reference year.
  • Junior category: 19 and 20 years old, that is, not turning 21 during the year of the competition.
  • Promises subcategory: 21, 22 and 23 years old, that is, not turning 24 during the year of the competition.
  • Veteran A subcategory: aged 40–49, not turning 50 during the year of the competition.
  • Veteran B subcategory: aged 50–59, not turning 60 during the year of the competition.
  • Veteran C subcategory: participants aged 60 and over 60.

The organization will take into consideration only the year of birth.

A minimum of 4 participants is required in every category and subcategory to establish a classification. Therefore, if some categories or subcategories cannot reach this number of participants, there will be no prize-giving ceremony for these categories.

Participants will be divided into the following categories and subcategories for the Andalusian Championship:

  • Male and female categories: cadet, juvenile, junior, and absolute.
  • Male and female subcategories: promises, senior, and veterans A, B, and C.

  • Cadet category: 15 and 16 years old, that is, not turning 17 during the year of the competition.
  • Juvenile category: 17 and 18 years old, that is, not turning 19 during the year of the competition.
  • Junior category: 19 and 20 years old, that is, not turning 21 during the year of the competition.
  • Absolute category: participants aged 21 and over 21.
    • Promises subcategory: 21 to 23 years old, that is, not turning 24 during the year of the competition.
    • Senior subcategory: 24 to 39 years old, that is, not turning 40 during the year of the competition.
    • Veteran A subcategory: aged 40–49, not turning 50 during the year of the competition.
    • Promises subcategory: 50 to 59 years old, that is, not turning 60 during the year of the competition.
    • Veteran C subcategory: participants aged 60 and over 60.

In addition, a popular participation modality is established for athletes over 18 years of age in which there will be a general classification with recognition for the first 3 participants in the male and female categories.

The organization will take into consideration only the year of birth.

6. Registrations

The registration period is from 23 September 2025 at 17:00h until 14 January 2026 at 23:59 h. or until the total number of places is reached.

Federated: those participants with a federative license for 2026 by the FADMES (Federación Andaluza de Montañismo) or by the FEDME (Federación Española de Deportes de Montaña y Escalada). They can apply for a license from 15 December 2025 to 14 January 2026 to be valid for this event).

A maximum participation quota of 800 athletes is established for the 2026 edition.

Of these, 400 places will be for athletes registered in the 2026 FADME, FEDME and ISF and the remaining places for the rest of the participants.

Registrations will close when this number is reached, even if it occurs before the scheduled closing date of January 14, 2026.

The organization has the power to reserve some places for sponsors and collaborators and other places for athletes belonging to the Andalusian CXM team and for athletes from the Spanish team and from other Snow Running nations until January 14, 2026.

Registration includes:

  • Participation in the 15th Edition of Snow Running Sierra Nevada 2026.
    Participant bag with:
    Commemorative T-shirt for those registered in the first 48 hours exclusively (valued at €15).
    Commemorative cap (valued at €15).
    LORPEN technical socks (valued at €20).
    And other souvenirs from the different brands and collaborating companies.
    Free covered parking (Pradollano) valued at €20:
    Saturday, January 31, 2026 from 3:30 p.m. to 11:59 p.m.
    Finisher souvenir for participants who reach the finish line.
    2 solid and liquid refreshment stations for the classic race. The first on the route and the second in the finish area.
    Chocolate with churros in the finish area.
    Prizes and raffles for material from collaborating companies and specialized mountain brands (some valued at €200).
    Mechanical Lift Service for Descent from Borreguiles in case of evacuation or for not completing the route.
    Shower and cloakroom service.
    Timing with disposable chips using an RFID system.
    Permanent technical office for participant assistance.
    Emergency plan with specialized snowmobile rescue personnel and emergency health care service.
    More than 100 people from the organization and volunteers waiting for you to enjoy the experience to the fullest.

OPTIONAL for the participant who wishes:

  • Cancellation guarantee (Optional). Registration supplement: €8.00. This guarantee allows 100% of the registration fee and all those options paid by the athlete to be reimbursed (minus the €8.00 corresponding to the guarantee). Cancellations-refunds with or without this contracted service will only be made until 11:59 p.m. on January 14, 2026.
  • Sublimated technical T-shirt €25.00.
  • Public transport from the race bib drop-off area in Cenes de la Vega (Granada) to Sierra Nevada: €16/person (up and down ticket).
  • Snow Running Sierra Nevada Pedestrian Fan Pack: €17.95. Includes:
    Bacon and cheese sandwich (or vegetarian option) + soft drink + hot broth + ticket for the pedestrian cable car up and down (use with ski equipment is not permitted).
  • NORTEC TRAIL 2.1 micro crampons €55.30. Special offer for participants 30% discount. RRP €79.00.

All these items will be collected at the technical office during the established times for the delivery of race numbers.

Registrations will be made by filling out the REGISTRATION FORM published on the official website of the event:Payment of the registration fee and other services included will be made in accordance with the computerized procedure established in the secure payment platform included in the registration process. By credit or debit card.

https://www.snowrunning.es/en

In order to collect their race number, participants must show the original of their ID and their 2026 FADMES or FEDME federation license to prove their status as 2026 federated members and to be able to participate in the event.

INCIDENTS:

If you have registered by mistake as a member and are not correctly registered at the time of collecting the number, you will go to the incident queue and must pay the amount corresponding to the difference in the rate for non-members on the date on which you registered + €5.00 for management fees:

Examples:

Registration from 09/23/25 to 10/04/25: +€13.00 + €5.00 = €18.00
Registration from 10/05/25 to 11/29/25: +€17.00 + €5.00 = €22.00
Registration from 11/30/25 to 01/14/26: +€20.00 + €5.00 = €25.00

Extraordinary registration period

If available places are filled during the general registration process, the organization reserves the right to open an extraordinary registration period. This process will be carried out in order of request and will be subject to the availability of places released through refunds made by January 14, 2026, the deadline for this type of process.

⚠️ Very important: Once an application is confirmed during this special registration period, the participant will have a maximum of 48 hours to complete the registration process. Otherwise, the place will become vacant and will be available for other applicants.

Registrations accepted during this period will maintain the same price corresponding to the registration period in effect at the time of the request. However, this extraordinary process will incur an additional cost of €3.00, the entire amount of which will be donated to a social cause, as has been the case in previous editions.

REFUNDS

Registration is personal and non-transferable. Anyone attending the technical scrutineering with a race number that does not correspond to them will not be allowed to start. Refunds are available between the start of registration and January 14, 2026, with a €15 processing fee. If the cancellation guarantee is purchased during the registration process, the refund will be issued at no additional cost. In any case, the refund will always be issued within the same period between the start of registration and January 14, 2026. Once registration has been formalized, it cannot be exchanged with another person. Cancellation of registration may only be requested within the period established in the previous paragraph.

To complete the refund procedure, you must send an email to info@snowrunning.es within the established deadlines, stating your intention to cancel your registration and requesting the corresponding refund.

7. Participants

All federated and non-federated athletes from Andalusia and other Autonomous Communities, over 18 years old, can participate in the 15th Edition Snow Running Sierra Nevada 2026. The participation of underage runners (15 to 18 years old) will only be accepted if they are federated by the Andalusian Mountaineering Federation and/or by the Spanish Federation of Mountaineering and Climbing with a licence in course of 2026 in cadet or youth category.

Participants must have done sufficient training and have an optimal level of health and physical condition for an effort of these characteristics, assuming that the Snow Running modality is carried out in high winter mountain conditions, with the possibility of extreme cold.

8. Courses description

The total distance will be approximately 12.70km with a cumulative ascent of 920m for Juniors and Absolute categories and a route of 8.2 km and 663 m of elevation gain for cadets and youth categories, which will be done at free speed.

The time taken by each participant to complete the course from the official start until they cross the finish line will be timed and recorded.

The total distance of the course may vary depending on the measuring device of each runner and the trajectory he/she follows during the race.

An essential condition for appearing in the list of classifications is for the runner to have crossed the finish line having correctly passed all the checkpoints established for the race and carrying all the obligatory material detailed by the organisers in the official race regulations.

The route will be clearly signposted with directional indications in accordance with the regulations established for this type of event. It is the participant’s responsibility to study the route beforehand and to actively check that his/her passing of the checkpoints and crossing of the finish line have been properly recorded.

The alteration or modification of the markers and signposting placed along the route will be penalised. Respect and care for these elements ensure the safety of the rest of the participants.

The organisers will establish an alternative route that, in the event of adverse weather conditions, guarantees the safety of the participants.

It is compulsory for all participants to read the technical information prior to the race, which will remind them of the established route, as well as any possible changes to it. It will be published on the day of the race before 17.15 PM on the official website of the event. www.snowrunning.es

9. Classification

Participants will be classified in the categories CADET (only in the Andalusian Championship), JUVENIL, JUNIOR, and ABSOLUTE; and in the subcategories PROMISES, SENIOR, and VETERANS A, B, and C.

In addition, for the popular participation modality, for athletes over 18 years of age there will be a general classification with recognition for the first 3 participants in the male and female categories

In the 15th Championship of Andalusia 2026, the following positions will be established for these categories:

  • Male Champion of Andalusia 2026
  • Male Runner-up of Andalusia 2026
  • 3rd in the Championship of Andalusia 2026
  • Female Champion of Andalusia 2026
  • Female Runner-up of Andalusia 2026
  • 3rd in the Championship of Andalusia 2026

10. Prizes

  • Medals and Equipment prizes for all categories and subcategories (regardless of whether or not they are federated or non-federated Andalusians).
  • Prizes will not be cumulative.
  • Commemorative medal for the first 3 in the Andalusian Championship Classification in each category (exclusively for runners federated by the FADMES).

Ceremonial prize-giving ceremony:  Telecabina Cinema  

It will take place in the Plaza de Andalucía (pending confirmation) in accordance with FADMES regulations after confirmation of the different podiums and prizes by the FADMES technical jury assigned to the event. The approximate start time is 21.30.

Athletes must be in possession of their FADMES or FEDME licence and identity card.

Athletes called to the podium are prohibited from displaying banners with any kind of advertising, political, religious, etc. message. Only banners mentioning the club of origin and with a maximum size of 50x50cm are excluded from this prohibition.

Any awarded athlete who does not attend the prize-giving ceremony will be disqualified from the event in accordance with the specific regulations of the FADMES and will also lose the right to any prizes or mentions that may correspond to him/her.

11. Draws

Some gifts provided by the sponsors and collaborators will be drawn, with the following characteristics and rules:

Date and place of the draw: on Wednesday, 28 January 2026 at noon, at the Mamut Sierra Nevada head office (Cenes de la Vega, Granada).

Addressees: everyone registered in the 15th Edition of the Snow Running Sierra Nevada 2026 with a bib number assigned at that date.

Draw procedure: before the draw, each gift listed will be assigned an identification number. On the other hand, each participant will count with a bib number assigned to participate in the race, which will also be their ID number for the draw.

The platform www.sortea2.com will establish a random relationship between the personal ID numbers (bib numbers) and the total number of gifts. At the end of the draw, there will be a correspondence between the gift ID and the winning bib number. This system ensures no more than one gift per bib number.

Notice:

  • The draw is public, which means that any participant can attend.
  • The organization will post the list of winners on the board of the race office and the official website www.snowrunning.es.
  • The organization’s staff will hand out the gifts at the race office during the bib numbers distribution. Person identification is required. Participants cannot collect the gifts after the deadline.

12. Provisioning:

  • There will be two solid and liquid refreshment posts: water, isotonic drink and hot drink at kilometer 5 (Nevasol-Borreguiles) and finish area.
  • At all refreshment posts, containers will be kept to a minimum and their collection will be selective.
  • Each participant must carry their own collapsible cup or reusable liquid container in order to minimise waste.

13. Race control

The Judges Committee will control the race. To participate legally, being insured, and appear in the classifications, it will be compulsory to pass the start control. The organization is not responsible for those runners not passing this control or not complying with the rules. Can be disqualified:

  1. Those participants who do not complete the whole route.
  2. Participants taking prohibited substances.
  3. Whoever modifies, deteriorates, or changes their assigned bib number.
  4. Participants not having their bib number visible.
  5. Those running with a bib number assigned to another person.
  6. Participants crossing the finish line without their bib number.
  7. Those not following the instructions by the judges and the organization.
  8. Those not complying with the established rules.
  9. Participants who show unsportsmanlike behaviour.
  10. Participants not carrying the compulsory safety equipment.
  11. Those who does not assist another participant in danger or injured. Participants must inform about it at the nearest checkpoint.
  12. Those not throwing their waste (bottles, cans, papers, etc.) into the bins.

Disqualified participants will have no chance for prizes and trophies and will be sanctioned by the jury of the competition and by the disciplinary committee of the FADMES.

14. Compulsory equipment

The use of manufacturer-approved snow micro-crampons is mandatory for participation in the race.

Micro-crampons permitted for SkySnow competitions must have at least 10 metal spikes of 8/10mm distributed between the toe and the heel. Shoes with built-in crampons are permitted as long as they have at least 10 metal spikes of 8/10mm.

EACH PARTICIPANT must also carry the following compulsory equipment during the race:

  • Photocopy of Passport (with identifying image) or ID card.
  • A headlight and a red taillight with spare batteries or a fully charged battery.
  • Clothing (upper body): 2 or 3 layers of warm clothing to fit the participant (depending on weather conditions):
    • 1st layer (inner): thermal vest (short or long-sleeved).
    • 2nd layer (middle): long-sleeved, breathable windbreaker jacket.
    • 3rd layer (outer): breathable raincoat.

  • Clothing (lower body): 1 or 2 layers (depending on weather conditions):
    • 1st layer: thermal leggings completely covering the thigh and leg. The use of cropped trousers is forbidden.

    • 2nd layer (outer): waterproof and breathable trousers.

  • Long thermal gloves.

  • Warm hat.

  • Technical shoes for mountain running, with rigid soles to anchor chains for snow running. They should include a waterproof and breathable membrane.

  • A thermal blanket of at least 1.8 m2. Modifications are not permitted after certified manufacture.

  • A reusable container for liquids (collapsible cup, can, thermos, soft flask, etc.).

  • In case of carrying energy bars, gels, etc., participants must mark them with their race number.

  • Mobile phone, turned on and fully charged (or watch associated with a mobile phone with the ability to make or receive calls autonomously). The emergency number provided by the organization’s staff during the briefing should also be saved on the phone.

In case of carrying energy bars, gels, etc., participants must mark them with their race number.

 

Running shoes with track spikes or mountaineering crampons are NOT permitted, neither football boots nor similar footwear.

For safety reasons and to avoid suffering freezing to the toes, “five finger” shoes and “huarache” sandals are forbidden.

FOR PARTICIPANTS’ SAFETY, THE USE OF POLES IS FORBIDDEN IN SKYSNOW CLASSIC

Before the race starts, the referees will check that every participant is carrying the compulsory equipment. They may also check it along the route and at the finish line. Those runners not carrying the compulsory equipment will not be able to participate and will be disqualified or penalised during the race.

Additional equipment:

  • GPS with a fully charged battery and the route map provided by the organisation.

15. Time limit during the race

There will be a time limit of 3 hrs from the start.

In addition, the “Broom Runners” or the person in charge of each checkpoint will have the power, in communication with the technical jury, to withdraw any runner from the race if their time in the race or their state of health so advises. These time limits will be announced at the technical briefing which will be published on the official website www.snowrunning.es on the day of the race at around 16.45 PM.. Depending on the conditions of the race and the final criteria of the technical jury. The runner who withdraws must notify the nearest control and do so in accordance with the protocol and route that will be communicated to him/her.

16. Race number collection

The race number collection be handed in exclusively at the following places and times:

Friday 30 January 2026:

Saturday 31 January 2026:

10.00 h to 15:00 h. Race bib pick-up Classic and prize-giving: Cenes de la Vega sports hall

Documentation required for collecting race numbers, both for yourself and on behalf of the participants:

Proof of payment (only in case of not appearing in the list of registered participants).

ID card or passport.
For Andalusian federated participants: Federative Card (FADMES-FEDME) year 2026. The FADMES 2026 federative licenses can be processed from 15 December 2025 and until 10 January 2026 for this event.

IMPORTANT: Every participant or person responsible for collecting the runner’s bag (documentation, commemorative garment, etc.), is obliged to verify that the contents of the bag are in perfect condition and coincide with the registration data appearing on the envelope identifying each participant-bib (bib number, chip, commemorative souvenirs). This check will be carried out in the presence of the organisers and before leaving the technical secretariat, after which there will be no possibility of complaint.

Any athlete who does not collect his/her bib number within the established days and times loses all registration rights.

17. Complaints

Positions are the responsibility of the judges and the timekeepers only. Complaints must be made in writing to the organizers and paying a deposit of €60.00.

Every complaint will follow the regulations in force set out by the FADMES, FEDME and ISF (Competition Regulations for Mountain Races). Participants can read it on the website www.snowrunning.es, and they must accept it during their registration.

18. Respect and Care of the Natural Environment

The race takes place within the Sierra Nevada Natural Park.

Both, during their training sessions and the race, participants must:

  • Respect the environment, do not damage the natural, geological and cultural resources.
  • Respect the established route, marked out by the organization, and not leave it.
  • DO NOT throw rubbish (waste, wrappers, food, or material) except in the bins set by the organizers.
  • In case of carrying energy bars, gels, etc., participants must write their bib number on them and show them to the judges or the organization’s staff at their request.
  • Denounce the negligent environmental behaviour of other runners.

Penalties

The organization ensures compliance with these rules. Otherwise, they will apply the stipulated penalties. The organization’s staff (the race director, the timekeeper, the judges, and those in charge of the control points) will decide the time penalties according to the advantage obtained and the damage caused.

They are cause for penalties or even disqualification:

  • Throwing waste on the route.
  • Leaving waste outside the bins set in the provisioning areas.
  • Leaving the established route or taking short cuts.
  • Marking part of the route with paint or other indelible elements.
  • Not carrying the required identification (bib number and identification code).

19. Good environmental practices for accompanying persons:

People cannot walk on the slopes due to the nocturnal nature of the event and the use of the area for other activities (night skiing).

For the environment’s safety, spectators can only stay in the areas signposted next to the start and finish line at Pradollano. They can also watch the race from the free access area at Borreguiles-Nevasol, accessible by cable-car (the cable-car service is not free).

Carpooling is advisable to reduce the CO2 footprint. The organization will provide free access to the covered parking lot at Sierra Nevada Mountain and Ski Resort.

Please, avoid noise emissions in the natural environment. Pyrotechnics is forbidden.

Please, do not alter the fauna and flora. Do not capture, collect, damage, or intentionally disturb the species of this habitat.

Do not damage the geological environment and the soil. Please, use the paths and tracks and avoid cross-country walking.  By doing this, we will respect the environment and avoid accidents.

All those present must be responsible for the waste generated and recycle it. Please, if you see any waste, collect it, and report any negligent environmental behaviour of other people.

Please, do not light matches or cigarettes. Otherwise, extinguish them carefully and throw the cigarette butts into the bins.

The race takes place at the Sierra Nevada Natural Park. Enjoy its winter landscape during the last hours of daylight and the first hours of the night.

21. Knowledge of regulations:

Participants must be aware of the RULES OF THE COMPETITION, respect them and accept the possible modifications done by the organization. Participation in this event implies acceptance of these regulations. Not knowing any of its clauses does not exempt participants from complying with them. The regulations are posted on the website www.snowrunning.es and are accessible during the registration process.

22. Race characteristics and conditions:

 

  1. Every registered participant declares to have trained enough to participate in the Snow Running Sierra Nevada. They also claim not to suffer any injury or illness that may become worst due to the race. Likewise, they declare themselves to be healthy and fit enough to face this event, in which they wish to participate VOLUNTARILY. Participants accept all risks that may arise and release C.D. Altalí, Mamut Sierra Nevada S.L., FADMES, ISF, and Cetursa Sierra Nevada S.A. from all responsibility.
  2. Participants authorize the medical services of the race to apply any treatment that they may need, whether or not they request it. Moreover, participants undertake to leave the race if the medical staff consider it necessary.
  3. Participants accept the organization’s advice to train regularly and to undergo medical checks before the race. Participants also accept the requirement of being federated.
  4. Participants must carry the compulsory equipment (specified in section 14 of these regulations) during the race.
  5. Before or during the event, participants will not consume prohibited substances that the FEDME may consider DOPING.
  6. The organization may modify these regulations. If so, they will inform the participants about any modification. The organization has the right to carry out the necessary modifications. They may also cancel the event due to the force of circumstances or if the weather conditions require it.
  7. In the event of force majeure (unforeseeable and unavoidable events beyond the control of CLUB DEPORTIVO ALTALÍ, such as natural disasters, wars, terrorism or declaration of a state of emergency), participants will be offered the postponement of the event with the option of maintaining their registration or requesting a refund as a refund included in article 6 of these regulations. If the postponement is not possible or the participant does not wish to attend the new date, a refund will be made.
  8. LEAVING THE RACE AND REACHING THE CHECKPOINTS OUT OF TIME Participants may withdraw from the race whenever they wish, but they must do so following these instructions:

  • They should leave at a checkpoint.
  • They must sign in the checkpoint booklet specifying their leaving.
  • They must wait at the checkpoint until the organization’s staff indicates the exit route.

Therefore, participants leaving or reaching any checkpoint out of time must notify the organization and sign the control sheet of the organization’s staff.

  1. Image rights: Participants authorize the organization of the 10th Edition of the Snow Running Sierra Nevada to record their participation in the race, gives their agreement to use their image for the promotion of the race in all its forms (radio, press, video, photo, DVD, internet, social networks, posters, media, etc.) and cedes all rights relating to its commercial and advertising exploitation, without the right to receive any economic compensation.
  2. The organization is not responsible for anything that may happen to the participants during the training sessions and the event itself. Participants may not bring legal action against the organization or any of its members.
  3. For all these reasons, and as a condition of participation in the 15th Edition of the Snow Running Sierra Nevada 2026, participants accept these regulations and the organization’s conditions and advice.