Trail des Aiguilles Rouges
Photo: Tiia Monto / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0) / Source (opens in a new tab)

Chamonix-Mont-Blanc

Trail des Aiguilles Rouges

Sunday, 26 September 2027estimated date

TAR 50km

50km D+ 3700m

P'tit TAR 16km

16km D+ 1250m

Mini TAR 9km

9km D+ 650m

See the gear

Race data

Terrain

Mountain

Difficulty

Advanced

Distance

3 modalities

Visit official website(opens in a new tab)
  • TAR 50km

    Distance
    50 km
    Elevation Gain
    D+ 3700m
    Max Time
    -
  • P'tit TAR 16km

    Distance
    16 km
    Elevation Gain
    D+ 1250m
    Max Time
    -
  • Mini TAR 9km

    Distance
    9 km
    Elevation Gain
    D+ 650m
    Max Time
    -
Will your watch battery last the ~14 h of Trail des Aiguilles Rouges?Worked out for the longest course (50 km). See which watches reach the finish with GPS on and which die on the way.Check my watch

Your checklist for Trail des Aiguilles Rouges

What you need, category by category, with our #1 pick for this race. Tick what you already have.

0 of 7 ready

  1. GPS watch

    Garmin Forerunner 165

    Sharp AMOLED display at an entry-level price

    Downside: No multi-band GPS (less accurate in canyons and dense forest)

    View on Amazon →(se abre en una pestaña nueva)
  2. Gear

    Shoes with aggressive lugs for rock and mud

    Salomon Speedcross 6

    Agarre excepcional en barro y terreno técnico

    Downside: Durabilidad media en asfalto

    View on Amazon →(se abre en una pestaña nueva)
  3. Nutrition

    A gel every 40-45 minutes from the start

    Maurten Gel 100

    Tecnología de hidrogel: excelente tolerancia gástrica

    Downside: Precio elevado respecto a otros geles

    View on Amazon →(se abre en una pestaña nueva)
  4. Sun Protection

    Sweat-resistant SPF50, reapply every 2-3 hours

    ISDIN Fotoprotector Fusion Water SPF 50+

    Ultralight texture, feels invisible on skin

    Downside: Small format (50 ml), may run short on ultras

    View on Amazon →(se abre en una pestaña nueva)
  5. Body Care

    Anti-chafe on feet, armpits and groin

    BodyGlide Original Anti-Chafe Balm

    Easy-to-apply stick format, even with sweaty hands

    Downside: Higher price than traditional petroleum jelly

    View on Amazon →(se abre en una pestaña nueva)
  6. Accommodation

    Book as soon as you have a bib: availability goes fast

  7. Car Rental

    Pick up the car at Geneva (GVA)

    DRIVALIA Alquiler de vehículos por Suscripción CarCloud Country Plus

    View on Amazon →(se abre en una pestaña nueva)
  8. Trip logistics

    Registration, travel and insurance: what you should have sorted before race day.

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Gear up for Trail des Aiguilles Rouges

Buying guides with the best value for money, picked for this kind of terrain.

Swipe to see all 4 comparisons

Historical weather

What to wear at 10 °C: guide and kit →

Typical weather for the race date (10-year average)

Temperature

7°C – 15°C

Average 11°C

Rain

60%

6.8 mm avg

Wind

6 km/h

max. average

Sunshine hours

8h

daily average

Gear recommendations

Bring a waterproof jacket (60% chance of rain)

Asics Gel-Trabuco 14 GTX

Asics

Asics Gel-Trabuco 14 GTX

A best-selling beginner trail shoe: GEL cushioning, good stability and a waterproof GORE-TEX membrane. Versatile and reliable for training on mixed terrain in any weather.

View on Amazon →
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Berghaus Paclite 2.0 GTX

Berghaus

Berghaus Paclite 2.0 GTX

Waterproof jacket with a Gore-Tex Paclite membrane (around 330 g). Fully waterproof with taped seams, fixed adjustable hood, storm flap behind the zip and cuff adjustment. Packs down small in a vest. Heavier than a pure running hardshell, but it meets the waterproof-breathable membrane requirement in race rules and is the affordable route into Gore-Tex.

View on Amazon →
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Brooks Cascadia 20 GTX

Brooks

Brooks Cascadia 20 GTX

The Cascadia 20 with a GORE-TEX membrane: stability and protection for rocky mountain terrain, keeping the foot dry on cold, rainy days.

View on Amazon →
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Gore Wear C5 GORE-TEX Glove

Gore Wear

Gore Wear C5 GORE-TEX Glove

Glove with a fully waterproof, windproof GORE-TEX membrane and light insulation. The pick for running in snow, sleet or heavy rain while keeping your hand dry.

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Gore Wear M GORE-TEX Thermo Glove

Gore Wear

Gore Wear M GORE-TEX Thermo Glove

Warmer variant of the Gore Wear C5 GORE-TEX: the same fully waterproof, windproof membrane, with extra thermal lining for intense cold on top of snow or rain. The pick when the problem isn't just water, but water AND hard cold at once.

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Gore Wear R7 GTX Shakedry

Gore Wear

Gore Wear R7 GTX Shakedry

Chubasquero Gore-Tex Shakedry ultraligero (110 g). Impermeabilidad total sin membrana interior, altamente transpirable. El referente para corredores de montaña.

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Nike Pegasus Trail 5 GORE-TEX

Nike

Nike Pegasus Trail 5 GORE-TEX

The best-selling gateway trail shoe: comfortable, cushioned and versatile for moving from road to trail. Waterproof GORE-TEX version, perfect for beginners and easy runs on mixed terrain.

View on Amazon →
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Salomon Bonatti Pro Waterproof Glove

Salomon

Salomon Bonatti Pro Waterproof Glove

Lightweight waterproof glove built for running, not just standing still in the snow: a waterproof membrane with more dexterity and less bulk than a thick membrane glove, for sustained rain without giving up handling gels or poles.

View on Amazon →
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Salomon Bonatti WP

Salomon

Salomon Bonatti WP

Chaqueta cortavientos impermeable ultraligera (135 g). Costuras selladas, capucha ajustable y ventilación trasera. Se pliega en su propio bolsillo.

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Salomon Speedcross 6 GTX

Salomon

Salomon Speedcross 6 GTX

The Speedcross 6 with a GORE-TEX membrane: the same aggressive 5 mm lugs for mud and soft ground, now waterproof for winter, rain and snow.

View on Amazon →
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Sealskinz Waterproof Lightweight Glove

Sealskinz

Sealskinz Waterproof Lightweight Glove

Lightweight waterproof glove from a brand that specializes in outdoor sport waterproofing. A solid middle ground between a thin windproof glove and a thick membrane glove: genuinely waterproof without the bulk or price of the Gore C5.

View on Amazon →
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TRIWONDER Polainas Impermeables Trail

TRIWONDER

TRIWONDER Polainas Impermeables Trail

Waterproof, breathable low gaiters for trail running, hiking and mountain use. Under-shoe strap and adjustable elastic band. A budget-friendly alternative to premium technical brand gaiters.

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Bring thermal layers (low of 7°C)

Buff Thermonet

Buff

Buff Thermonet

Buff tubular térmico con tecnología Primaloft. Retiene el calor corporal, ultraligero y polivalente: gorro, braga, cinta. Ideal para alta montaña.

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Craft Pro Hypervent LS Wind Top

Craft

Craft Pro Hypervent LS Wind Top

Thermal top with a windproof ripstop panel on the chest and a highly ventilated soft jersey back. Built for high-intensity sessions in cold, windy conditions, with long cuffs and thumb loops.

View on Amazon →
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HANKER Braga de Cuello Térmica

HANKER

HANKER Braga de Cuello Térmica

Unisex thermal seamless neck gaiter in Soft Air Plus fabric (97% polyester). Seamless fit designed for trail running, cycling, motorcycling and outdoor sports. A budget alternative to Buff for moderate cold.

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Icebreaker Merino 200 Oasis LS Crewe

Icebreaker

Icebreaker Merino 200 Oasis LS Crewe

Long-sleeve thermal top in 100% merino wool (200g). Natural temperature regulation, genuine multi-day odor resistance and a soft, non-itch handfeel from the fine merino yarn.

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Odlo Active Warm Eco

Odlo

Odlo Active Warm Eco

Camiseta térmica de manga larga con tejido reciclado y tratamiento antiolor. Regulación térmica activa, ideal como capa base en montaña.

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Odlo I-Thermic Longsleeve Mujer

Odlo

Odlo I-Thermic Longsleeve Mujer

Women's long-sleeve thermal top with insulating panels placed over cold-sensitive areas (lower back and kidneys). A mid-layer built for genuinely cold winter conditions, mountain outings or cross-country-style trail sessions.

View on Amazon →
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ROCKBROS Pasamontañas Térmico y Cortaviento

ROCKBROS

ROCKBROS Pasamontañas Térmico y Cortaviento

Thermal windproof balaclava covering head, ears, cheeks and neck. Designed for cycling and motorcycling, it works just as well on windy, freezing trail runs.

View on Amazon →
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Salomon Agile LS Tee

Salomon

Salomon Agile LS Tee

Lightweight quick-dry polyester long-sleeve tee with underarm mesh, a side pocket and reflective details. Works as a standalone layer in mild cold or as a base layer under a windbreaker on colder days.

View on Amazon →
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Salomon Cross Run Tight

Salomon

Salomon Cross Run Tight

Mallas largas de trail con tejido elástico y transpirable. Cintura ajustable, bolsillo trasero con cremallera. Protección contra el frío y la vegetación.

View on Amazon →
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Salomon Cross Warm Glove

Salomon

Salomon Cross Warm Glove

Guantes térmicos de running con palma antideslizante y puntas táctiles. Ligeros, cálidos y compatibles con bastones.

View on Amazon →
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Under Armour ColdGear Armour Compression Mock

Under Armour

Under Armour ColdGear Armour Compression Mock

Compression thermal top with a dual-layer fabric: ultra-warm brushed interior and quick-dry exterior. Second-skin compression fit with stretch mesh panels at the back and underarms for ventilation without losing warmth.

View on Amazon →
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Under Armour ColdGear Armour Compression Mock Hombre

Under Armour

Under Armour ColdGear Armour Compression Mock Hombre

Men's high-neck thermal compression top: brushed interior that holds heat and a quick-dry outer. Base layer for cold-weather runs.

View on Amazon →
(se abre en una pestaña nueva)

Trail des Aiguilles Rouges: Chamonix without the crowds

Facing Mont Blanc, the Aiguilles Rouges nature reserve holds some of the Alps’ most spectacular trails. TAR links them over 50 km with 3,700 m of climbing, past lakes like Lac Blanc and on technical rocky ground.

Check our gear guides and other races in France.

360Complete Pack

Trail des Aiguilles Rouges registration

Registration

Limited places and strong international demand. Register on the official website as soon as it opens.

Browse all registration

Tips

  • •Check the official website for the registration opening date
  • •France requires a medical certificate or PPS if you don't hold an FFA licence
  • •Review the mandatory gear list before travelling

Where to stay for Trail des Aiguilles Rouges

Accommodation

Chamonix-Mont-Blanc fills up on race weekend. Book months ahead and stay close to the start.

Browse all accommodation

Tips

  • •Book as soon as you have a bib: availability goes fast
  • •Nearby villages are cheaper if you have a car
  • •Earplugs and eye mask for sleep before an early start

Gear for Trail des Aiguilles Rouges

Gear

Alpine terrain with big climbs: grippy shoes, poles, hydration vest, waterproof jacket and a headlamp if you run at night.

Browse all gear

Tips

  • •Shoes with aggressive lugs for rock and mud
  • •Poles save your legs on long climbs
  • •Waterproof jacket with taped seams (usually mandatory)
  • •Headlamp with a spare battery for the long distances
Salomon Speedcross 6

Which shoes for Trail des Aiguilles Rouges?

Which footwear fits based on the race's terrain and weather

→
Garmin Forerunner 165

Which GPS watch for Trail des Aiguilles Rouges?

Which watch has the battery to last based on your estimated finish time

→
🛒

Best Trail Running Poles 2026: Comparison and Buying Guide

Best trail running poles 2026: Black Diamond, Leki and Komperdell compared. Carbon vs aluminium, folding length, technique and how to pick your size.

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🎒

Best Trail Running Hydration Vests 2026: Comparison and Buying Guide

Best trail running hydration vests 2026: 12 vests and packs compared. How many litres you need by distance, soft flasks vs reservoir, and fit.

→
🛒

Strength Training Gear for Trail Running at Home 2026: Comparison and Buying Guide

Comparison of the best strength training gear for trail runners at home: dumbbells, resistance bands, kettlebell, TRX, weight bench and foam roller, with a 3-day-a-week routine.

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Nutrition for Trail des Aiguilles Rouges

Nutrition

Many hours of mountain effort: plan gels, salts and solid food from the first kilometre.

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Tips

  • •A gel every 40-45 minutes from the start
  • •Electrolytes if it's hot or you sweat a lot
  • •Alternate sweet and savoury on ultra distances
🍫

Best salt tablets and sodium capsules for running 2026

A comparison of the 7 best salt tablets and sodium capsules for running and trail 2026: 226ERS Sub9 Salts, Crown Pro Salt Caps, Victory Endurance, Precision Hydration PH 1500 and more. How many salt tablets to take per hour, how to calculate your sweat rate and which format to choose.

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Getting to Trail des Aiguilles Rouges

Transport

The most practical airport is Geneva (GVA). From there, train, bus or car to Chamonix-Mont-Blanc.

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Tips

  • •Fly to Geneva (GVA) early: prices rise close to the date
  • •Check the organisers' official shuttles
  • •Driving is a good option if travelling as a group

Car rental for Trail des Aiguilles Rouges

Car Rental

A car gives you freedom between start, finish and accommodation, and lets you recce the course.

Browse all car rental

Tips

  • •Pick up the car at Geneva (GVA)
  • •Mountain roads: drive carefully after the race

Insurance for Trail des Aiguilles Rouges

Insurance

Mountain race abroad: a rescue can cost thousands of euros. Travel with sports cover.

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Tips

  • •European Health Insurance Card at minimum
  • •Insurance with mountain rescue and evacuation
  • •Cancellation cover for injury

Body care for Trail des Aiguilles Rouges

Body Care

Climbing and long hours punish feet and skin. Prevent blisters and chafing before the start.

Browse all body care

Tips

  • •Anti-chafe on feet, armpits and groin
  • •Blister plasters in your pack
  • •Compression socks for recovery

Sun protection for Trail des Aiguilles Rouges

Sun Protection

UV radiation is much stronger at altitude. Sweat-resistant SPF50 and lip protection.

Browse all sun protection

Tips

  • •Sweat-resistant SPF50, reapply every 2-3 hours
  • •Lip balm with SPF
  • •Category 3 sunglasses
🧴

Best Sunscreen for Runners 2026: 7 Sweat-Proof SPF 50 Picks

Which sunscreen survives a sweaty long run? We tested 7 SPF 50 sweat-proof picks — creams, sticks and a lip balm — against heat, altitude UV and hours of sweat. See the winner.

→

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the Trail des Aiguilles Rouges?
The 2026 edition is on Sunday 27 September in Chamonix. 2027 is expected in late September.
What distances are there?
TAR 50 km (3,700 m D+), P'tit TAR 16 km (1,250 m D+) and Mini TAR 9 km (650 m D+).
Is it technical?
Yes: rocky sections, metal ladders and ridges. Grippy shoes and poles are highly recommended.

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