UTMB Mont-Blanc - Course Data and Checkpoints
UTMB Mont-Blanc is a 171km ultra-trail with around 10,000m of elevation gain that circumnavigates the Mont-Blanc massif through France, Italy, and Switzerland, starting and finishing in Chamonix. The overall cutoff is 46 hours 30 minutes, and the highest point on the course is the Grand Col Ferret at 2,537m.
Course profile
- Distance
- 171 km
- Elevation gain
- 10,000 m
- Elevation loss
- 10,000 m
- Highest point
- Grand Col Ferret (2,537 m)
- Cutoff
- 46h30
- Typical winning time
- ~20h
The race starts in Chamonix on Friday evening and crosses three countries via a chain of high mountain passes. Major crew points are Saint-Gervais, Les Contamines, Courmayeur, La Fouly, Champex-Lac, and Vallorcine. Night running is guaranteed for every finisher - most runners see two nights on course.
Aid stations and checkpoints
| Checkpoint | Km | Cumulative gain (m) | Cumulative loss (m) | Crew | Drop bag |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Start - Chamonix | 0 | 0 | 0 | - | - |
| Les Houches | 8 | 200 | 50 | No | No |
| Saint-Gervais | 22 | 1,100 | 650 | Yes | No |
| Les Contamines | 31 | 1,500 | 900 | Yes | Yes |
| La Balme | 40 | 2,400 | 1,050 | No | No |
| Les Chapieux | 50 | 2,900 | 1,800 | No | Yes |
| Lac Combal | 62 | 3,850 | 2,200 | No | No |
| Courmayeur | 79 | 4,500 | 3,600 | Yes | Yes |
| Bertone | 86 | 5,400 | 3,700 | No | No |
| Bonatti | 95 | 5,900 | 4,100 | No | No |
| Arnouvaz | 101 | 6,200 | 4,300 | No | No |
| Grand Col Ferret | 108 | 7,100 | 4,300 | No | No |
| La Fouly | 116 | 7,100 | 5,200 | Yes | No |
| Champex-Lac | 125 | 7,650 | 5,550 | Yes | Yes |
| Trient | 139 | 8,500 | 6,450 | No | Yes |
| Vallorcine | 149 | 9,150 | 7,000 | Yes | No |
| La Flegere | 161 | 9,900 | 7,350 | No | No |
| Chamonix (Finish) | 171 | 10,000 | 10,000 | Yes | No |
Data is approximate and courses change between editions - always verify against the official race guide. Source: official race guide, verified June 12, 2026 - Official race website
FAQ
How long is UTMB and how much elevation gain does it have?
UTMB Mont-Blanc covers approximately 171km with around 10,000m of cumulative elevation gain and the same amount of loss, looping around the Mont-Blanc massif from Chamonix through France, Italy, and Switzerland.
What is the UTMB cutoff time?
The overall UTMB cutoff is 46 hours 30 minutes, with intermediate time barriers at major checkpoints along the course. Winning times are typically around 20 hours.
What is the highest point of UTMB?
The highest point of the UTMB course is the Grand Col Ferret at 2,537m, crossed at roughly km 108 on the border between Italy and Switzerland.
Where can my crew meet me at UTMB?
Crew access is allowed at Saint-Gervais (22km), Les Contamines (31km), Courmayeur (79km), La Fouly (116km), Champex-Lac (125km), and Vallorcine (149km). Drop bags are available at Les Contamines, Les Chapieux, Courmayeur, Champex-Lac, and Trient.
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