Since our very first race on Sevrier beach in June 2013, the Alpine Lakes Tour has never been just a simple SUP circuit. It’s a quest.
In 13 years and after more than 84 organized stages, our philosophy has remained the same: to take you off the beaten path.
Alpine Lakes Tour 2013 : 6 stages (+ one final) for the first year
Our DNA: The “Out-of-the-Box” Experience
We could just lay out a course and run a stopwatch. But what drives us is creating unforgettable memories.
What drives us is creating unforgettable memories. It’s the passion that pushed us to have you paddle in the middle of winter on a 4°C lake (the GlaGla Race), at 2100m altitude in Tignes, or in the magical setting of Lac de Place Moulin in Italy.
The Alpine Lakes Tour is a state of mind. It’s about discovering secret spots, sharing an effort in breathtaking landscapes, and joining a community of enthusiasts who, like us, believe that adventure is the greatest reward.
2026: The Return of the Classics and the Exploration of New Venues
For our 14th year, this quest continues.
The 2026 season will open in April with a stage you all love: the Alpine Lakes Tour Canal de Savières, navigating between the canal and the majestic waters of Lac du Bourget.
You will, of course, find the “classics” that are the soul of the tour: the Tropical Race, the Very Flat Race on Lake Aiguebelette, and the Alpine Paradise Race.
But the adventure never stops. Our commitment is to keep innovating.
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Just this week, we were scouting at Lac du Mont Cenis, at over 2000m altitude, to dream up new stages and new challenges for you. The Alpine Lakes Tour 2026 will be full of new discoveries!
The 2026 Adventure Starts Now: Be the First to Know!
Whether you are a competitor aiming for the podium or a nature lover here for the experience, our stages are designed for you.
The dates, formats, and locations of our new 2026 stages will be revealed over the coming weeks.
To make sure you don’t miss a thing, to find out the registration opening dates before anyone else, and to follow our behind-the-scenes scouting, there’s only one way: join the Alpine Lakes Tour mailing list.
Leave us your email address below and get on board for the 2026 season!
When an Alpine Paradise Opens Up for an Unforgettable Stand Up Paddle Race at 2000m Altitude in Italy – Mark Your Calendars for September 20-21, 2025, Paddlers!
Imagine: 2000 meters (6560 feet) of altitude. A deep blue alpine lake, majestically set in the heart of the Aosta Valley, usually a sanctuary and forbidden to any boats. A magnificent setting, dominated by the surrounding peaks and the Tsa de Tsan glacier. And in the middle of this breathtaking scene, a paddle race like no other, where the spirit of competition blends with wonder: the Alpine Paradise Race.
More than just a race, the Alpine Paradise Race is an experience. An enchanting interlude in the heart of the Italian Alps, where every paddle stroke resonates with the grandeur of nature. This unique event transforms Lake Place Moulin into an ephemeral playground, offering participants and spectators an unforgettable spectacle and extraordinary sensations.
An Exceptional Setting: Lake Place Moulin, Usually Secret, Now Revealed!
What makes the Alpine Paradise Race so exceptional is, above all, its location. Lake Place Moulin, a true natural gem and iconic reservoir of the Aosta Valley, is usually reserved for contemplation and the protection of its ecosystem. Its pristine surface, reflecting the peaks and seracs, is a haven of peace. For the race, it comes alive with new energy, offering participants the rare privilege of navigating its crystalline waters. It’s a unique opportunity to see the lake from another angle, to feel its power and serenity from its very heart.
The Mountain Spirit at Refuge Prarayer: Conviviality and Authenticity at the Foot of the Dam
The adventure doesn’t stop on the water. The Alpine Paradise Race is deeply rooted in the mountain spirit, and this is particularly evident around the Refuge Prarayer. This haven, ideally located at the end of the lake, is the gathering point for all participants after the race. Forget the stress of competition! Here, the atmosphere is one of conviviality, sharing, and authenticity. Around a good meal, in a typical alpine setting imbued with the history of grand dams, you can share experiences with other paddle enthusiasts, relive the day’s highlights, and enjoy the warm hospitality of the refuge. It’s an opportunity to extend the experience, recharge, and create memorable moments in a unique and typically Aosta Valley atmosphere.
The Course: An Immersion in the Heart of the Italian Alpine Landscapes
The Alpine Paradise Race course is designed to mesmerize every paddler. Every paddle stroke offers breathtaking panoramic views. Mountains rise majestically all around, the lake’s colors change with the clouds, and the pure air of the Italian Alps invigorates you. It’s a race where the beauty of the landscapes is an added motivation, a constant encouragement to give your best while savoring every moment. You’ll paddle at the foot of immense cliffs and under the gaze of glaciers.
Practical Information: Prepare Your Paddle Adventure in the Aosta Valley!
To experience this unique event, here’s some essential information:
When?
The Alpine Paradise Race will take place on September 20 and 21, 2025. September often offers stable weather conditions and magnificent autumn colors in the mountains, ideal for this paddle adventure.
Schedule (indicative, a detailed program will be provided by the organization):
Friday, September 19, 2025 (afternoon): Participant welcome in Valpelline or Bionaz (exact location to be confirmed), bib collection, and paddle board checks. Safety briefing.
Saturday, September 20, 2025 (morning): Start of the paddle events on Lake Place Moulin.
Saturday, September 20, 2025 (afternoon): End of races, lunch. Awards ceremony.
Saturday, September 20, 2025 (evening): Social and festive evening at Refuge Prarayer (reservation required, often included in some packages).
Sunday, September 21, 2025 (morning): Breakfast and departure of participants.
Access to Lake Place Moulin / Valpelline / Bionaz:
Lake Place Moulin is located in the Valpelline valley, north of Aosta, Italy.
By Car:
From France (access excluding Mont Blanc Tunnel in September):
Via the Grand Saint Bernard Tunnel: This is the most direct and recommended route from France (Haute-Savoie, French-speaking Switzerland) as the Mont Blanc Tunnel is generally closed for maintenance in September. After the tunnel, follow signs for Aosta (SS27), then the turn-off for “Valpelline” and “Bionaz“.
Via the Petit Saint Bernard Pass: If you are coming from Tarentaise (Savoie), this pass is a picturesque option, but check its opening status for late September. Once in Italy, reach Aosta and follow signs for “Valpelline” and “Bionaz”.
From Piedmont or Milan: Reach Aosta via the A5 motorway, then follow signs for “Valpelline” and “Bionaz”.
Please note: Car access to the Place Moulin dam is often regulated or subject to a toll during peak season. It may be necessary to park upstream and use a shuttle. It’s crucial to check specific information from the organization for race day.
By Train + Bus: The nearest train station is Aosta. From Aosta station, local buses (regular line to Valpelline / Bionaz) can take you near Place Moulin. A transfer or walk may be required to reach the meeting point.
By Plane: The nearest airports are Turin (TRN), Milan Malpensa (MXP), or Geneva (GVA) and Lyon (LYS) in France/Switzerland. From there, you’ll need to rent a car or take a train/bus to Aosta, then make connections.
Accommodation in the Aosta Valley (Valpelline / Bionaz / Aosta):
The region offers a wide range of accommodation:
Hotels and rural guesthouses: In the villages of Valpelline or Bionaz, for a local immersion.
Aosta: The main city offers a wider choice of hotels and apartments.
Refuge Prarayer: It’s possible to book an overnight stay directly at the refuge (information and rates on their website or through the organization). This is the most immersive option if you want to stay as close as possible to the race site.
The course is marked by buoys on Lake Place Moulin. Its length and configuration may vary slightly depending on weather conditions. Detailed maps will be available during the briefing.
Accepted Watercraft: Only paddleboards. Categories may exist (e.g., race board, all-around, etc.), please check the official regulations.
Recommended Equipment:
Wetsuit or clothing suitable for water sports and high-altitude temperatures (the water can be chilly, even in September).
Paddle leash and life jacket (mandatory and provided if you don’t have an approved one).
Sun protection (cream, sunglasses, hat) – the sun at altitude is intense.
Water bottle and some energy snacks.
Your paddleboard and paddle in good working condition (rental options may be available from local providers or through the organization, please check).
Don’t wait any longer! Whether you’re an experienced paddler looking for a new challenge, a water sports enthusiast eager for a unique experience, or simply a mountain lover seeking wonder, the Alpine Paradise Race promises unforgettable moments. Come challenge the crystalline waters of Lake Place Moulin and let yourself be carried away by the magic of this exceptional race in the heart of the Italian Alps on September 20 and 21, 2025!
The Alpine Paradise Race is over ! Unfortunately, all good things must come to an end ! Leaving Paradise is not easy 😉 We will be back next year on Lake Place Moulin. Spread the word : Paradise is very nice 😉
La Alpine Paradise Race è finita! Purtroppo, tutte le cose belle devono finire! Lasciare Paradise non è facile 😉 Torneremo l’anno prossimo sul Lake Place Moulin. Spargete la voce: Paradise è molto bello 😉
L’Alpine Paradise Race est terminée ! Malheureusement, toutes les bonnes choses ont une fin ! Quitter le Paradis n’est pas chose facile 😉 Nous serons de retour l’année prochaine sur le lac de Place Moulin. Faites-le savoir : le Paradis est très agréable 😉
The Alpine Paradise Race starts tomorrow saturday september 21 ! We will have the Technical Race at 2pm. It will be a short and fun Technical Race : 3 laps, 5 buoys + one passage on the beach !
L’Alpine Paradise Race è la gara di stand up paddle più alta del mondo 🙂 Alpine Lakes ti porta alle vette dello stand up paddle! Vivi un’esperienza unica, unendo i piaceri degli sport acquatici e la scoperta dell’alta montagna, il tutto con la qualità dell’accoglienza e della gastronomia valdostana!
The Alpine Paradise Race is the highest stand up paddle race in the world 🙂 Alpine Lakes takes you to the heights of stand up paddle boarding! Live a unique experience, combining the pleasures of water sports and the discovery of the high mountains, all with the quality of the welcome and the Aosta Valley gastronomy!
L’Alpine Paradise Race est la plus course de stand up paddle la plus élevée au monde 🙂 L’Alpine Lakes vous emmène tutoyer les sommets du stand up paddle ! Vivez une expérience unique, mêlant les plaisirs de la glisse sur l’eau et de la découverte de la haute montagne, le tout avec la qualité de l’accueil et la gastronomie valdotaine !
The Alpine Lakes Stage named “Alpine Paradise Race” will be held in Italy (Aosta Valley) high in the mountains on a beautiful turquoise blue lake on saturday september 24th and sunday 25th, 2022.
The Alpine Paradise Race 2021 took place on Lake Place Moulin on saturday 25th. We had a sunny day with mild temperature. The Lake is at 2000m high in the Aosta Valley. It’s a really wild place with a confortable Refuge very close to the event location.
L’Alpine Paradise Race 2021 si è svolta sabato 25 sul Lake Place Moulin. Abbiamo avuto una giornata di sole con temperatura mite. Il Lago si trova a 2000 m di altezza in Valle d’Aosta. E’ un luogo davvero selvaggio con un confortevole Rifugio molto vicino alla location dell’evento.
L’Alpine Paradise Race 2021 s’est déroulée sur le lac Place Moulin le samedi 25. Nous avons eu une journée ensoleillée avec une température douce. Le lac est à 2000m d’altitude dans la Vallée d’Aoste. C’est un endroit vraiment sauvage avec un refuge confortable très proche du lieu de l’événement.
The Alpine Paradise Race took place yesterday on lake Place Moulin (Aosta Valley, Italy)
A huge thank you to Patrizio and all the Bionaz Family for their help ! Rifugio Prarayer is an incredible place and without their help, it would have been impossible to organize the event !
A big thank you to the CVA for their help ! And of course to our fantastic Alpine Lakes Tour team : Angélique, Arnaud, Guillaume, Philippe & Philippe, Sebastien, Alexis for the pictures and Yoann for the videos ! Thanks Sarah for all the work behind the Scene.
L’Alpine Paradise Race si è svolta ieri sul lago Place Moulin (Valle d’Aosta, Italia)
Un enorme grazie a Patrizio ea tutta la Famiglia Bionaz per il loro aiuto! Il Rifugio Prarayer è un posto incredibile e senza il loro aiuto sarebbe stato impossibile organizzare l’evento!
Un grande ringraziamento al CVA per il loro aiuto! E naturalmente al nostro fantastico team dell’Alpine Lakes Tour: Angélique, Arnaud, Guillaume, Philippe & Philippe, Sebastien, Alexis per le foto e Yoann per i video! Grazie Sarah per tutto il lavoro dietro le quinte.
L’Alpine Paradise Race s’est déroulée hier sur le lac Place Moulin (Val d’Aoste, Italie)
Un grand merci à Patrizio et à toute la Famille Bionaz pour leur aide ! Le Rifugio Prarayer est un endroit incroyable et sans leur aide, il aurait été impossible d’organiser l’événement !
Un grand merci au CVA pour son aide ! Et bien sûr à notre fantastique équipe Alpine Lakes Tour : Angélique, Arnaud, Guillaume, Philippe & Philippe, Sébastien, Alexis pour les photos et Yoann pour les vidéos ! Merci Sarah pour tout le travail derrière la scène.
The Alpine Lakes Stage named “Alpine Paradise Race” will be held in Italy (Aosta Valley) high in the mountains on a beautiful turquoise blue lake on saturday september 25th and sunday 26th, 2021. There is a cosy hut just 50 m over the lake and the start line where we can host 76 people. It is also possible to set up a few tents close to the hut or It is also possible to camp near the refuge or to take a hotel (or other lodging / airbnb) in the valley of the Valpelline in Bionaz in particular.
La nouvelle étape de l’Alpine Lakes Tour baptisée “Alpine Paradise Race” aura lieu en Italie (dans la vallée d’Aoste) à 2000m d’altitude sur un magnifique lac aux eaux turquoises. cette étape aura lieu les 25 et 26 septembre 2021. Il y a un refuge confortable 50m au dessus du lac et tout près de la ligne de départ. Il est aussi possible de camper à proximité du refuge ou de prendre un hôtel (ou autre gîte / airbnb)dans la vallée de la Valpelline à Bionaz notamment.
La nuova tappa dei Alpine Lakes Tour denominata «Alpine Paradise Race» si svolgerà in Italia (Valle d’Aosta) in alta montagna su un bellissimo lago blu turchese sabato 12 settembre e domenica 13 settembre. C’è una capanna accogliente a soli 50 m sul lago e la linea di partenza dove possiamo ospitare 76 persone. E’ possibile anche campeggiare vicino al rifugio o prendere un albergo (o altro alloggio/airbnb) nella valle della Valpelline in particolare a Bionaz.
Questa nuova tappa del Tour dell Alpine Lakes Tour rappresenta per noi un culmine del concetto con un lago incontaminato in un sito di alta montagna e un rifugio.
Alpine Paradise Race : wir haben das Paradies für ein Sup-Rennen gefunden! Das Juwel der Alpine Lakes Tour 2019 : ein Bergsee auf 2000 m, türkisblaues Wasser, umgeben von 4000’der Bergkipfel und Gletschern! Das ist der See ‚ Place Moulin‘ im Aostatal, an der Grenze zur Schweiz und Frankreich !
La nuova tappa dei Alpine Lakes Tour denominata «Alpine Paradise Race» si svolgerà in Italia (Valle d’Aosta) in alta montagna su un bellissimo lago blu turchese sabato 21 settembre e domenica 22 settembre. C’è una capanna accogliente a soli 50 m sul lago e la linea di partenza dove possiamo ospitare 76 persone. È anche possibile installare alcune tende vicino alla capanna.
Questa nuova tappa del Tour dell Alpine Lakes Tour rappresenta per noi un culmine del concetto con un lago incontaminato in un sito di alta montagna e un rifugio.
