Ski in your underwear?! British women’s idea for charity event in France catches on
450 skiers braved the cold on New Year’s day to raise money for charity
Thousands have been raised from this year’s event
@thechillyrun
Skiing is one of the most popular winter pastimes, seeing thousands travel to France’s mountain resorts to partake in fun on the slopes.
Coming from not just France but across the world, most of the time skiers take care to wear the correct gear to keep them warm while out on the snow.
However, three British women have turned this idea on its head, hosting a special event that sees everyone ski in their underwear to raise money for charity.
Just having completed its fifth year, the ‘Chilly Run’ has been growing in popularity since officially launching in 2020, gaining national attention in French media.
Fifth year of event
The idea of the Chilly Run was conceived by Britons Claire Macfarlane, Leticia Salmon, and Sophey Harrison-Harding – avid skiers who have been attending the Sainte Foy Tarentaise resort in Savoie for over 25 years.
In 2019, the three decided to ski in their underwear to raise money for charity, but the novel idea caught on and sparked the imagination of others.
By 2020, it had become an established event at the resort, with additional skiers taking part and seeing the amount of money raised increase rapidly.
Held every year since (with the exception of 2021), the Chilly Run officially takes place at the resort on January 1, although skiers across all resorts are encouraged to participate.
This year, over 450 people took to the slopes at Sainte Foy Tarentaise, raising money for Doctors Without Borders (Médecins Sans Frontières).
For those who may not want to ski in only their underwear, fancy dress is also permitted.
This year, skiers took part dressed as pilots and air hostesses, or in sumo suits and even a T-Rex costume.
So far, 2025’s attempts have raised over €1,000 for the charity online – you can donate to the cause here – and a further €2,800 directly at the resort.
In previous years, over €15,000 has been raised for charities such as Unicef.
Videos of the 2025 Chilly Run can be found below:
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