Running between the giants of the Alps – Tor des Géants

The Tor des Géants is one of the toughest and most epic trail running races in the world: 330 kilometres (205 mi) and more than 20,000 metres (65,600 ft) of elevation gain. But this arduous adventure need not be a race.

In this Collection, I have divided the route into eight stages to offer the best of both worlds: an endurance and mountain running challenge that still maintains the feel of a hiking experience. You’ll need a good level of physical fitness to tackle this trail, as the stages are long and challenging, through alpine terrain and dozens of technical passes.

The route is a counterclockwise loop around the Aosta Valley, in the northwest of Italy, beginning and ending in Courmayeur in the west and extending to Gressoney Saint-Jean in the east. The route is divided into two unequal halves. The first half traverses the southern part of the region, from Courmayeur to Gressoney Saint Jean, roughly along Alta Via 2 for about 200 kilometres (120 mi). The second half returns north from Gressoney to Courmayeur along Alta Via 1 for approximately 130 kilometres (81 mi).

The Tor takes you to the most famous places in the Aosta Valley, such as the Col du Loson, which, at 3,300 metres (10,800 ft) above sea level, is the highest point of the route, and the Col de Malatrà, as well as the Fortress of Bard and Lake Djouan. But the highlights of the route are the views of the most important 4,000 in the Alps – the "Géants" of the race – the four highest 4,000-metre (13,000 ft) mountains surrounding the valley: Mont Blanc, Gran Paradiso, Monte Rosa and Monte Cervino.

You can travel light, as there’s accommodation available at the end of each stage. In addition to hot meals and simple but energising breakfasts, you’ll find a shower and a bed for your tired muscles each night. A good pair of trail shoes is essential as you’ll encounter some technical sections. I highly recommend warm and waterproof layers to cope with the frequent changes in mountain weather.

The best time to undertake this trail is from late June to mid-September when refuges are open and days are longer. Choosing another season could result in encountering snow, making the run difficult and dangerous.

Because each stage begins and ends at a hut or small resort, it’s very important to book all overnight stays well in advance. During each stage, you’ll pass several huts, where you can take a break for a light snack or lunch. Also, you’ll have no problem finding drinking water along the way.

The route starts and ends at the main traffic circle in Courmayeur, where buses arrive. If you’re coming from Italy, you can take a train to Pré-Saint-Didier and then a bus to Courmayeur. If you’re coming from France, you’ll need to go to Chamonix, from where you can take a bus to Courmayeur. If, on the other hand, you’re travelling by car, be aware that the historic centre of Courmayeur is a ZTL, controlled by automatic cameras, but several car parks are available nearby.

An important tip is to take cash with you, as many huts along the route don't accept credit cards.

Enjoy your walk!