Ultra Trail Calendar — Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes 2026
The world epicentre of high-mountain trail: Chamonix, at the foot of Mont Blanc, is the birthplace of the UTMB; Annecy, by its turquoise lake, hosts the Maxi-Race. Brutal elevation gain, glaciers, and some of the most photographed alpine landscapes in Europe.
7 races, may – november 2026
Climate in Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes: The safe high-mountain window runs from June to September, when passes and ridges are free of snow. July and August concentrate the bulk of the calendar, with UTMB in late August and Maxi-Race and Marathon du Mont-Blanc in June-July. Outside that window, snow can close the highest sections even in midsummer during years with late thaw.
Race overview
7
Races
10 – 176 km
Distance range
210 – 11,590 D+
Elevation range
May – Nov
Race months
Difficulty
Race map
No races match these filters.
June2026
2
Trail du Saint-Jacques by UTMB
Le Puy-en-Velay · Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
139 · 88 · 55 kmIntermediate
Marathon du Mont-Blanc
Chamonix-Mont-Blanc · Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
88 · 42 · 23 kmElite
Recommended gear · Best Overall
Coros Pace 3View on Amazon →(opens in a new tab)Compare with other options →
September2026
1
Essential trail running gear
Must-have gear to prepare for your mountain races
Black Diamond
Black Diamond Distance Carbon Z
Ultralight carbon Z-pole foldable trekking poles. 137 g per pole in 110 cm length, 33 cm folded. EVA grip and adjustable strap. The trail running reference.
Hoka
Hoka Speedgoat 7
The best-selling trail shoe in the US and an absolute ultra-trail classic. Max Hoka cushioning, a Vibram Megagrip outsole with 5 mm lugs for grip in mud and technical terrain, and a snug Matryx upper. Built to eat up kilometres without punishing your legs in long races.
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