The Ultra Trail Mont Blanc is back on august 26th, and once again Chamonix will be the center of attention with this amazing competition.

Over the course of three days, participants of the Ultra Trail du Mont Blanc cover a total of 166kms, 3 countries, 7 valleys, 71 glaciers and 400 summits, experiencing a difference in altitude of 9400 metres. This race is a true test of endurance, a combination of pleasure/pain, highs and lows.

The trail begins and ends at Chamonix but you can catch sight of the runners as they pass through Les Houches, Les Contamines, Les Chapieux, Courmayeur, La Fouly, Champex, Trient, Vallorcine, and Flegere. Each of these areas celebrates the achievement of the runners by holding a fete with concerts, barbeques and general encouragement, clapping and cheering as the runners pass by.

For us lesser mortals, it is possible to take a similar tour of Mont Blanc over a period of 8 to 10 days, staying in mountain refuges and hopping on the odd bus if necessary! Many people come to Chamonix each year to do just that, the scenery is quite spectacular and you really do feel on top of the world. Read more