Launched in mid-2023, the Hypoxie Valais project—jointly initiated by Fondation The Ark, SpArk, the Clinique romande de réadaptation (CRR) and Elitment—aimed to democratize hypoxic training while positioning Valais as an internationally recognized center of expertise in this field. After two years of development, the first results confirm the potential of this training method, both for elite athletes and amateurs. The project thus lays the groundwork for further development of hypoxia-related activities, particularly in view of the upcoming opening of the Sion Health Campus.
Hypoxic training—i.e., training in conditions of reduced oxygen availability—helps improve athletic performance, enhance resistance to fatigue and accelerate recovery after injury. “Valais has a major card to play in this field. All forms of altitude are within easy reach, whether in natural environments or in our hypoxia chambers,” emphasizes Michaël Duc, co-director of the project.
Four complementary components
The Hypoxie Valais project, launched in 2023, consisted of three complementary components. The first, carried out in collaboration with the main Valais sports federations (cycling, skiing and athletics), enabled promising young athletes to test hypoxic training.
The second component was a pilot project on the benefits of eccentric strength training in hypoxia at an altitude equivalent to 3,000 meters. Around thirty amateur trail runners took part in a four-week physical preparation program, with two sessions per week. Physiological and neuromuscular tests conducted before and after the program revealed significant progress. More than 62% of participants reported an overall improvement in their physical condition, confirming the relevance of this approach.
The third component focused on establishing a centralized database to collect and leverage various data related to athletes and their training.
A strategic asset for Valais
Co-financed by Fondation The Ark, the project lays the foundations for the creation of a true hypoxia ecosystem, in line with the upcoming opening of the Health Campus near Sion Hospital and the Clinique romande de réadaptation. On this new campus, the SpArk technology site will offer a wide range of hypoxia training opportunities, thanks to several state-of-the-art facilities.
The project was made possible through funding from Fondation The Ark. However, its contribution went far beyond financial support. “The Ark helped us structure our approach, create synergies between the different partners and identify economic development opportunities linked to hypoxia,” recalls Michaël Duc.
In brief
Total project budget: CHF 163,100
Amount invested by Fondation The Ark: CHF 128,900
Project duration: 24 months (September 2023 – September 2025)
Partners: Fondation The Ark, SpArk, University of Lausanne, Clinique romande de réadaptation (CRR), various Valais sports federations, Next Percent and Elitment