UTMB Mont-Blanc - Elevation Profile, Aid Stations and Cutoffs
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 45 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
- 46h45
- 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.
Data is approximate and courses change between editions - always verify against the official race guide.
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Plan against barriersElevation profile
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~2 weeks · peak ~5 h/week · 5 run + 1 strength days
For a 171 km race, aim for about 16 h/week at peak. Set your availability to 18 h/week in the app for the headroom to build there gradually.
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Aid stations and checkpoints
| Checkpoint | Km | Cumulative gain (m) | Cumulative loss (m) | Cutoff | Crew | Drop bag |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Start - Chamonix | 0 | 0 | 0 | - | - | - |
| Les Houches | 8 | 200 | 50 | - | No | No |
| Saint-Gervais | 22 | 1,100 | 650 | Fri 22:00 | Yes | No |
| Les Contamines | 31 | 1,500 | 900 | Sat 00:00 | Yes | Yes |
| La Balme | 40 | 2,400 | 1,050 | Sat 02:00 | No | No |
| Les Chapieux | 50 | 2,900 | 1,800 | Sat 05:15 | No | Yes |
| Lac Combal | 62 | 3,850 | 2,200 | Sat 10:00 | No | No |
| Courmayeur | 79 | 4,500 | 3,600 | Sat 13:15 | Yes | Yes |
| Bertone | 86 | 5,400 | 3,700 | - | No | No |
| Bonatti | 95 | 5,900 | 4,100 | - | No | No |
| Arnouvaz | 101 | 6,200 | 4,300 | Sat 18:15 | No | No |
| Grand Col Ferret | 108 | 7,100 | 4,300 | - | No | No |
| La Fouly | 116 | 7,100 | 5,200 | Sat 22:30 | Yes | No |
| Champex-Lac | 125 | 7,650 | 5,550 | Sun 02:30 | Yes | Yes |
| Trient | 139 | 8,500 | 6,450 | Sun 08:00 | No | Yes |
| Vallorcine | 149 | 9,150 | 7,000 | Sun 11:15 | Yes | No |
| La Flegere | 161 | 9,900 | 7,350 | Sun 14:45 | No | No |
| Chamonix (Finish) | 171 | 10,000 | 10,000 | Sun 16:30 | Yes | No |
Data is approximate and courses change between editions - always verify against the official race guide. Source: official race guide, verified July 17, 2026 - Official race website
FAQ
How much elevation gain does UTMB have?
UTMB has around 10,000m of cumulative elevation gain and the same amount of loss over 171km, spread across a chain of high passes around the Mont-Blanc massif.
What is the cutoff time for UTMB?
The overall UTMB cutoff is 46 hours 45 minutes, with intermediate time barriers at major checkpoints along the course. Winning times are typically around 20 hours.
How long is UTMB?
UTMB Mont-Blanc covers approximately 171km (about 106 miles) in a loop around the Mont-Blanc massif, starting and finishing in Chamonix and passing through France, Italy, and Switzerland.
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.
How many aid stations does UTMB have and which allow crew?
The checkpoint table lists 16 major aid points between the start and finish in Chamonix. Crew access is allowed at Saint-Gervais (22km), Les Contamines (31km), Courmayeur (79km), La Fouly (116km), Champex-Lac (125km), and Vallorcine (149km); drop bags at Les Contamines, Les Chapieux, Courmayeur, Champex-Lac, and Trient.
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