Serre-Ponçon Swim Challenge

The Serre-Ponçon Swim Challenge is a new open-water challenge in the mountains, on an Alpine lake perched at 800 m altitude and surrounded by peaks. On the program: two major distances, 12 km and 20 km, among the longest offered on a lake in France. The 20 km is a pure swimming endurance challenge, not timed, for enthusiasts looking for a complete lake crossing rather than a race against the clock.

Swimmers set off at sunrise from the Club Nautique Alpin Serre-Ponçon beach (Chadenas, Embrun), along the right bank of the lake: the 12 km finishes at Baie Saint-Michel (Chorges), where the event village is located, while the 20 km continues to Baie des Lionnets (Rousset).

For both distances, each swimmer is accompanied by "his or her" kayaker - a dedicated companion responsible for refuelling, hydration and a first-level safety watch, while a professional motorboat team constantly supervises the pack of swimmers. For the 20 km, kayakers will take turns at Baie Saint-Michel.

The event village will be set up at Baie Saint-Michel (Chorges) from Friday to Saturday, where swimmers will be welcomed, caps will be collected, safety briefings will be given, and there will be entertainment, partner stands, food outlets and areas for accompanying persons. It's also the best vantage point for cheering on the swimmers, enjoying the atmosphere and admiring the lake in the early morning, when the light reflects off the mountains.

The Serre-Ponçon Swim Challenge is supported by a solid safety system on the water (boats, kayaks, shore teams) and is designed in the spirit of sustainable tourism - highlighting local accommodation, soft mobility, reasoned logistics - for both long-distance swimmers and spectators who want to experience a great moment of sport in the heart of nature, without any competitive spirit.

FRIDAY JULY 3, 2026
Relay & Opening of the Event Village
4 a.m. to 2 p.m. - Relay event (teams of 2 to 4 swimmers)
4pm to 2pm - Relay event (teams of 2 to 4 swimmers)
2pm to 7pm - Opening of the Event Village at Baie St Michel, Chorges
3pm and 5pm - Compulsory safety briefings for all solo swimmers and their kayakers (12 km & 20 km)
Two sessions will be offered to welcome arrivals throughout the afternoon.
Attendance at a briefing is compulsory before collecting safety equipment (radio, Restube, cap, etc.).
Participants arriving later must watch the briefing video recorded at the registration center before collecting their kit.
After the briefing: Collection of safety equipment, swimming caps and registration pack. Opportunity to test radios.

SATURDAY JULY 4, 2026
12km and 20km Event
4am - Start of both events: 12km (Chadenas ➜ Baie St Michel) / 20km (Chadenas ➜ Baie des Lionnets)
7 am to 10 am - Estimated finish window for 12 km swimmers
11 a.m. to 3 p.m. - Estimated finish window for 20 km swimmers
7 to 11 a.m. - Celebration lunch and assembly for 12 km swimmers and their companions at the Baie Saint-Michel event village in Chorges.
12pm - Celebration lunch and assembly for 20km swimmers and accompanying adults at the Baie Saint-Michel Event Village in Chorges.