Association SLA : SOIS LA AUSSI
SLA Association : BE THERE TOO
When Sport and Solidarity Unite in Valloire
The Story of the SLA Association
The story begins with Alain, a resident of Valloire, who was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, better known as Charcot’s disease.
This neurodegenerative condition causes progressive paralysis and, to this day, remains incurable.
Faced with this shock, his loved ones refused to give in.
They decided to create an association, not only to show their support for him, but also to raise awareness and help advance research.
This association, whose name takes up the French acronym for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (SLA), was created to support Alain as well as all people affected by this terrible diagnosis. More than just an organization, Sois Là Aussi (Be There Too) has become a movement, a community proving that hardship can be transformed into positive energy.
Agence Mer et Montagne is proud to have been a partner of SLA for several years, supporting its actions and projects.
The First Actions
To bring the project to life, the association quickly came up with unifying events. The first to leave a mark was the Trail Blanc (White Trail), organized in winter. In the magical setting of snow-covered mountains, children, adults, and experienced athletes gathered to run—not for rankings, but for a cause. The race formats were accessible to everyone, from a symbolic kilometer to more demanding distances.
From that very first edition, the success was undeniable. The festive atmosphere, human warmth, and the cause defended created a unique combination that quickly made headlines beyond Valloire’s borders. The Trail Blanc became a much-anticipated event, proof that sport rooted in solidarity both attracts and unites.
Following this, in 2018–2019, the SLA association also created the SLA 24h Challenge.
The SLA Challenge : A turning point
If the Trail Blanc launched the adventure, it was the SLA 24-Hour Challenge that took the association to a new level.
The concept seems simple: cover as much distance as possible in 24 hours, individually or as a relay, on different loops adapted to everyone’s abilities.
In reality, it is far more than a sporting event: it is a celebration, a marathon of solidarity.
The main loop, called Alain’s Loop, is about 5 km long with some elevation gain.
Participants must complete it in under an hour to be allowed to start another. For younger participants or those seeking a gentler version, Alain’s Little Loop offers a shorter, 3-km route. Finally, the Tour of Valloire, a 1-km loop through the village center, lets everyone—including families and children—join in their own way.
During those 24 hours, Pré du Praz comes alive like never before. There are refreshment stands, music, activities, and friends or colleagues organizing relays. Some run at night with headlamps, others do laps on scooters or bikes. This special mix of sport, celebration, and emotion has made the SLA 24-Hour Challenge a landmark event in the valley.
The Trail Blanc :
Every February, Valloire lights up under the headlamps of the Trail Blanc participants.
Organized by the association, this unique event transforms the snowy mountain into a place of sport, sharing, and solidarity. Created in the 2010s in honor of Alain, the Trail Blanc is unlike any other race: it is a friendly evening where seasoned runners, families, and children tread the snow together in a festive, warm atmosphere. More than a sporting challenge, it is a solidarity gathering, with proceeds funding medical research and supporting those affected by ALS. With its magical landscapes, entertainment, and spirit of mutual support, the Trail Blanc has, over the years, become a winter highlight in Valloire – where every stride resonates as a gesture of hope.
Impact and outcome
The events organized by Sois Là Aussi are not just about creating great memories.
They have real impact. Funds raised support research on amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, a cause that desperately lacks financing. Every euro adds a stone to the building of science, which moves forward slowly at times, but surely.
Beyond money, the impact is human.
For families, knowing that an entire village—and a network of participants and volunteers—mobilizes is a tremendous source of comfort. It proves that even in the face of an unforgiving disease, collective strength can be found.
The association’s reputation has also spread beyond Valloire: today, participants travel from farther away to take part in the adventure.
The message of Sois Là Aussi resonates well beyond the mountains.
More than just an association
It is a true human adventure, a surge of solidarity turning pain into positive energy.
Every race, every challenge, every shared smile shows that—even when facing ALS—no one is alone.
Volunteers, families, athletes, and partners join forces to support those who fight daily and to remind us that every gesture matters.
Beyond the funds raised, it is a message of hope, courage, and humanity that spreads far beyond Valloire.
To participate, donate, or simply share this movement is to contribute to writing a story where kindness and collective strength always prevail.
How to support Sois Là Aussi
Take part in events, as a volunteer or as a visitor.
Share information around you or relay the association’s posts.
Offer local partnerships, provide a venue, or give logistical or material support.
Follow and share their updates on social media:
In Valloire, the spirit of Sois Là Aussi continues to grow and inspire. The message is simple but essential: in the face of hardship, let us be there—together.
