Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc – following the footsteps of legends

The Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc is certainly one of the most legendary and prestigious trails in the World. Its route, which starts in the adventure capital of Chamonix, circles the Mont-Blanc massif, taking you between France, Italy and Switzerland. This world-renowned event has continued to develop and evolve since its first edition in 2003. Elite and amateur participants are now divided into the following seven events:

- UTMB, 170 kilometres (105 mi) in a loop from Chamonix;
- TDS, 145 kilometres (90 mi) from Courmayeur to Chamonix
- CCC, 100 kilometres (62 mi) from Courmayeur to Chamonix
- OCC, 56 kilometres (38 mi) from Orsières to Chamonix
- MCC, 40 kilometres (25 mi) from Martigny to Chamonix
- YCC, 21 kilometres (13 mi) divided into two races in Courmayeur and Chamonix
- PTL, 300 kilometres (186 mi) in a dual loop from Chamonix

This Collection is an invitation to discover a legendary trail. The course is divided into four more or less equivalent stages. Each of them offers its share of awesome landscapes and sumptuous views to the roof of Europe, which culminates at 4,808 metres (15,774 ft) on Mont Blanc. On the way, there are many mountain huts and places to eat and drink.

The 170 kilometres (105 mi) and 10,000 metres (32,800 ft) of elevation gain begins in the beautiful Chamonix valley. The first few kilometres are the smoothest sections of the entire journey. Beyond this you become fully immersed in the serene and fascinating mountain landscape. Italy immediately delights you as soon as you reach the Col de la Seigne. Then its valleys and balconies take you through a picturesque setting to Switzerland. It’s at the border that you find the highest point of your odyssey: the Col Ferret. You continue by plunging towards authentic and warm villages. Numerous mountain pastures offer a few pleasant moments of respite before returning to France. The balcony of the Aiguilles Rouges offers a grandstand view of Mont Blanc before you descend to Chamonix.

The start and end point is the Place du Triangle de l'Amitié in the heart of Chamonix. Accessible by train, the town is also connected to Les Chapieux, Courmayeur and Champex-Lac by shuttle bus and train.

The advantage of this Collection is that it can be adjusted as you wish. You can choose your departure and/or arrival town or choose to do only one stage. The route passes through many towns that are accessible by public transport and there’s a wide range of accommodation.

The route crosses the 2,000 metre (6,500 ft) mark several times, with the highest point at around 2,550 metres (8,370 ft). I advise the period from the end of May to the beginning of October to attempt to route. The snow should have almost melted and shouldn’t complicate matters. Of course, a good pair of trail shoes is essential, as there are a few technical sections. I strongly recommend warm layers and waterproofs to avoid being surprised by the rapid and frequent changes in weather. Finally, bring a comfortable change of clothes for your evenings.

From now on, don't dream about this adventure, live it!

To go further in the discovery of this legendary event, get inspired by the Collections on:
- the TDS: komoot.com/collection/1367463/the-tds-6-days-of-wild-and-demanding-trails-between-italy-and-france
- the OCC: komoot.com/collection/1364255/three-days-three-countries-running-the-iconic-ccc