The official website is
http://www.grmfrance.com/les-randonnees ... re-blanche
The '09 event was 'banned' due to eco-meddlers, but seeing the lack of revenue that might cause the local authorities opened the course up for greenlaning and the end result was the same by all accounts with ppl getting out and having fun.
Here is a translated version of the latest news from that site:
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"
CROISIERE BLANCHE (THE WHITE CRUISE) - Tuesday 26 to Friday, January 29, 2010
From across Europe, the winter driving enthusiasts flock to participate in this hike into the mythical heart of the Hautes-Alpes.
The raid is still a sporting event for those not afraid of getting dirty, getting wet and getting cold!
PRESS RELEASE 33rd WHITE CRUISE
"New Formula" White Cruising! For its 33rd edition, the White Cruise should not suffer the disturbances of 2009!
This year we will enforce the governments decree of 2006. The main requirement is not to exceed 400 vehicles, therefore we significantly reduce the number of places we must therefore start early to be sure to participate in this great adventure!
We are already preparing routes in close collaboration with municipalities and the authorities and can announce a slot from Tuesday 26 to Friday, January 29, 2010 on the roads and paths of snowy Champsaur and Valgaudemar!
This hike is a real adventure for motorists but is also a human adventure open to all, but entrants should not be afraid
to get their hands dirty, pushing, pulling, to chain and unchain, all in the cold and snow. Caring, friendliness and respect are keywords in the cruise.
This year more than ever we want the cruise to be Eco friendly and in addition to usual measures we will continue our approach:
- We have the pleasure to invite new vehicles powered by new energies ... Surprise!
- We offer, in partnership with Robin Nurseries, a tree to each participant
- We propose a 20% discount on all vehicles using eco friendly fuels (running on ethanol, LPG, etc.)
In fact, the whole organization of the cruise is engaged in White a sustainable development approach advocated by the guidelines and environmental concern of civil society, civic and political.
We are currently setting up a development charter using the Sustainable Edith QUINCE CODEV of the organizer and participants.
Action cards will have to comply.
Our faithful partners Polaris Mecatech König and will of course be present.
Awareness of the Cruise has exceeded all boundaries, we again have the joy of receiving foreign crews from the 4 corners of the globe including Europe (Greece, Spain, Holland, Italy, England, Belgium, Germany, Switzerland and even Russia).
And for the more adventurous, join in the "extremist groups" who bivouacked at the heart of nature every night. Warning: this group is
reserved for people who have participated in the cruise.
Team Great Hikers, composed of over 100 people, you expected this winter in the High Alps and the local population strongly supports this event will welcome you with open arms!
A bit of history!
From 1977 to 1981
At birth, the White Cruise was actually a winter raid reserved for motorcycles. At the time, was Philippe Jambert that directed operations.
From 1982 to 1984
The Cruise moved three years in the Vercors, Villard de Lans before migrating to the Hautes-Alpes.
From 1985 to Today
White Cruising has found its place in the valleys of Champsaur and Valgaudemar with the port as the Orcières Merlette.
In 1989 Jean-Louis Milelli succeeds Philippe Jambert and organized with much passion the raid became the most famous of France.
And now ...
White Cruising lasts 4 days:
Day 1
Passage required for all participants to administrative controls and technical stickering vehicles in the colors of our partners. A instruction session then allows everyone to learn about driving on snow and become familiar with the valley. The day ends with a briefing during which the President of the GRM explains the guidelines and how to behave for the next three days. Then an aperitif. Hospitality is offered.
From 2nd to 4th day
Prior 3 different circuits are identified and traced to the Cruise. Participants then move each day on a new circuit and each morning from a different village.
A discount of nominal price on the last day and reward for participants who have best embodied the "Great Spirit Walkers".
Equipment Required
All Terrain Tires
Snow chains
Rope or strap 10m
Snow shovel
Spare Tire
Flashlight
Blanket
Recommended Equipment
CB radio
Terra Trip/Nav Computer
Warm clothes ... very warm!"
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I'd be interested in doing this. I was out that way in November (in a Golf

) and it was great.