Each year, the UTMB Mont-Blanc event brings together 10,000 runners and 2,300 volunteers over 7 events. The original UTMB race, from Chamonix to Chamonix, is 171 km and 10,000 m of elevation gain, in 3 countries. 2,300 runners took the start of the legendary event, which takes place from August 23 to 29, 2021. The best finish the race in less than 20 hours... And the others must finish it in less than 46.30 hours. Beyond a mythical race, the UTMB is also a declaration of love for the mountains and the king of peaks in particular. The beauty of this immense massif can be admired in turn from France, Italy and Switzerland. The proof in five steps.
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OUR LADY OF THE GORGE IN CONTAMINES-MONTJOIE (FRANCE)
During the UTMB:
After the first hours of racing, it is here that the 2300 participants really leave the inhabited valleys to enter the preserved kingdom of the mountains and find themselves alone with themselves. At sunset for the first and in the already dark night for the others, they arrive at the bottom of Val Montjoie on a long flat path, bordered by the Bon Nant river. At the end, the magnificent illuminated Notre-Dame baroque church, the big bonfire and the public who have come to give courage to those who rise, offer a very engaging atmosphere. The procession of headlamps gains height and quickly, the runners will face one of the most difficult passes of the route: the Col du Bonhomme, located at an altitude of 2329 m in the direction of Italy.
From June to October:
This unique site appeals to everyone, because it perfectly mixes cultural heritage and gateway to the mountain mineral universe. The 4km educational trail from the village to this famous white church adorned with frescoes and gilding allows you to peacefully discover the dual heritage of the Haut-Savoyard village of Contamines-Montjoie. Easy to access, it can be practiced even with a stroller! Sharp hikers will see here a magnificent starting point for many itineraries, such as the Lacs Jovet or the famous Col du Bonhomme, and an immersion in the highest Nature Reserve in France.
Information: Les Contamines-Montjoie tourist office
Where to have a drink: Casa Roca
Epicurean approach and local products in the center of the village.Casa Roca, 497 route de Notre Dame de la Gorge, 74170 Les Contamines-Montjoie. Such. : 04 50 91 63 97.
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COMBAL LAKE IN AOSTA VALLEY (ITALY)
During the UTMB:
This is a key location for runners who arrive here in the middle of their run. In the early morning, they crossed the Col de la Seigne and entered Italy in the magic of Val Veny. Bodies and minds are already suffering after a night of effort in the mountains, some give up, others reinvigorated by the encouragement continue their adventure. After this long descent and the crossing of this magnificent plateau dominated by the Noire de Peuterey, a powerful granite pyramid, the trail runners are about to set off again for 400 m of elevation gain on a balcony path then a huge descent to Courmayeur.
From June to October:
Here we are on the southern slope of Mont Blanc, the Italian side, sunny, dry, and filled with larch, purple willowherb and neve. By road, the magnificent and wild Val Veny is located immediately after the exit of the Mont-Blanc tunnel, before Courmayeur. Access to Lac de Combal is easy: it is first via an asphalt road cut off from traffic which goes up the valley under the gigantic moraine of the Glacier du Miage, then gives way to a path on the vast flat surface of Lac de Combal. Combal: body of water on which the summits are reflected. The view is splendid on the Aiguille des Glaciers, the Limestone Pyramids and the Elisabetta Soldini refuge. Those who wish to increase the effort will treat themselves to a loop to Lac du Miage, a setting nestled in the moraine of the eponymous Glacier, where they will certainly come across mountaineers on their way to the ascent of Mont Blanc by the long and wild Italian route!
Where to have lunch: La grolla
For the famous Aosta Valley gastronomy (don't miss the polenta à la Fontina!), its warm welcome and the incredible view. Literally perched facing the southern slope of Mont Blanc, the restaurant's terrace is complemented by large lounge chairs on the lush grass that ensure panoramic and gentle digestion.La Grolla, Località Pendeint, 11013 Courmayeur AO, Italy. Such. : +39 338 426 5695.
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ARNOUVAZ IN AOSTA VALLEY (ITALY)
During the UTMB:
Still in the Aosta Valley, but in the valley opposite, after 97km of racing, the last hamlet at the bottom of Val Ferret, Arnouvaz, is also the supply point before the ascent of the Grand Col Ferret which marks the border with Switzerland. Around the Chalet du Val Ferret, the runners regain some strength, discuss with their loved ones and equip themselves for the ascent to an altitude of 2537 m, the highest point of the race where the weather conditions can be extreme ( wind, rain, even snow!). The distances between the runners have lengthened: the first arriving in the early morning and the last at the end of the afternoon. The path offers, once again, splendid panoramas.
From June to October:
Dominated by the Grandes Jorasses and bordered by the beautiful river of the Doire Ferret, this long valley in the Aosta Valley looks like a little paradise. In summer, it attracts tourists for its freshness and bucolic atmosphere: walkers, cyclists, climbers and fishermen mingle quietly under the sun. From the pretty hamlet of Planpincieux located at the entrance to the valley, you can admire the view of the mythical Dent du Géant where the start of major races on the Grandes Jorasses massif. The last of the four small hamlets of Val Ferret, Arnouvaz, allows you to gain height via beautiful mountain pastures to the Elena refuge or… As far as Switzerland, via the Grand Col Ferret.
Information: Aosta Valley tourist information site
Where to dine: Val Ferret chalet
You will never forget the taste of pasta made on site, the same day, in this beautiful family inn. The hardest part will be choosing between the spaghetti, the tagliolini, the ravioli and the finely accompanied gnocchi... Not far from the river, the large lawn invites you to contemplate the mythical peaks facing it. A real favorite for this establishment which combines the finesse of Italian gastronomy with the incredible setting, all in a beautiful simplicity.
Chalet Val Ferret, Place Arnouva 1, Val Ferret 11013 Courmayeur Mont Blanc, Aosta, Italy. Such. : +39 0165 844 959.
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FORCLAZ PASS AND TRIENT-VALAIS (SWITZERLAND)
During the UTMB:
The runners therefore arrive from Italy and continue their journey in the beautiful Swiss Valais. After the Col de la Forclaz, the arrival below at the very small village of Trient is for them the promise of a large-scale refueling in a unique atmosphere. Near the improbable and imposing pink church, the atmosphere is warm and very festive, and the number of volunteers exceeds that of the 140 inhabitants. Runners and companions are supported night and day with lots of smiles, coffee, fruit and… raclette. It is not uncommon to see people dancing!
From June to October:
Overlooking the village, the Col de la Forclaz is the starting point of the glacier trail which follows an irrigation channel (called the bisse) through the fir trees and larches. This easy path allows access in less than an hour to the superb glacial valley dominated by the Grands and Trient glaciers. This route is so named because it was used from 1860 to 1895 to exploit the ice of the Trient glacier. This was transported to Martigny then, by train, to the markets and restaurants of Paris, Lyon and Marseille. Since 1900, the ice is no longer harvested but the canal serves as an irrigation system for the meadows and crops of the Combe Martigny. This pretty hike in the forest then on the balcony is punctuated with small explanatory panels.
Information: Verbier tourist office and Swiss tourist office
Where to have lunch: the Buvette des Glaciers
At the end of the glacier path, this small refuge 45 minutes on foot from the Col de la Forclaz is bordered by the torrent and overlooked by the magnificent Trient glacier. It offers a magnificent gourmet break and its Valais apricot tart is a must-try.
La Buvette des glaciers, Le Tissot, 1929 Trient, Switzerland. Such. : + 41 79 635 96 44.
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LA FLÉGÈRE – THE WHITE LAKE, CHAMONIX (FRANCE)
During the UTMB:
Last climb and final “checkpoint” before the descent to Chamonix. La Flégère sees runners arriving from Switzerland via the very demanding Col des Montets. The first runner to pass the “Tête au vent” has always been the first to cross the finish line in the center of Chamonix. It is around 1 p.m. for the leaders, the spectators who have come in large numbers, on foot or directly by cable car from Chamonix, benefit just like the runners from this plunging view of the capital of mountaineering and the panorama of the Mont-Blanc massif, from the Drus to the Needles…
From June to October:
From the summit of La Flégère, in addition to this breathtaking view of the Mont-Blanc massif, hikers will happily dive into the Aiguilles Rouges nature reserve to reach the unmissable Lac Blanc in 1h45. After a descent into the Combe de la Chavanne, the track rises in laces then runs along the ridge. The panorama is striking. The descent can be done by gondola or for the more athletic via the path, to Le Praz.
To know: if you are with children, or if you are new to mountain hiking, prefer to start from Les Praz de Chamonix-Mont-Blanc by the Flégère gondola then the Index chairlift. You then only have an hour and a half to walk to reach Lac Blanc.
Information: Chamonix tourist office
Where to have a drink: La Floria
A pretty refreshment bar perched above Chamonix and crossing point of the race, colored by its flowers and its parasols, it announces its opening with a green flag floating in the wind from a long mast, visible from Chamonix... go up for nothing. Connoisseurs go up especially for the homemade blueberry pie.
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Where to sleep in Chamonix: Plan B***
A stone's throw from the town center and next to the bus station, this establishment is very active in local Chamonix life. Its accommodation offers range from dormitories to apartments, including standard rooms and suites. This diversity complemented by its large bar and friendly space make it a pleasant place where all generations, tourists and locals, rub shoulders.
Plan B, 96 avenue de Courmayeur, 74400 Chamonix. Such. : 04 85 300 160.
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Where to sleep in Courmayeur? Grand Hotel Royale Golf
The oldest hotel in the Aosta Valley (1854) was renovated in 2019. Its heated outdoor swimming pool in summer and winter is magnificent, its “antipasti” and its Génépi spritz to die for… From €218 per room with breakfast to eat lunch.
Grand Hotel Royal e Golf, via Roma, 87, 11013 Courmayeur AO, Italy. Such. : +39 0165 831 611.