Photo: Organisation Trail du Grand Duc (opens in a new tab) / Source (opens in a new tab)Les Échelles
Trail du Grand Duc
Sunday, 27 June 2027
Your checklist for Trail du Grand Duc
What you need, category by category, with our #1 pick for this race. Tick what you already have.
0 of 6 ready
Swipe to see all 7 categories
Swipe to see all 7 categories
GPS watch
Done, you already have it
View on Mibro →(opens in a new tab)Mibro GS Explorer S
Dual-frequency L1+L5 GPS at a moderate price
Downside: Only 25 h of GPS battery: tight for long ultras
Gear
Deep-lug shoes
Done, you already have it
View on Amazon →(opens in a new tab)Hoka Speedgoat 7
Max Hoka cushioning: protects your legs over long distances
Downside: High stack: less stable for those who want more ground feel
Nutrition
Alternate gels and solid food
Done, you already have it
View on Amazon →(opens in a new tab)Maurten Gel 100
Hydrogel technology: excellent gastric tolerance
Downside: High price compared to other gels
Sun Protection
Sweat-resistant SPF50 cream, reapply at aid stations
Done, you already have it
View on Amazon →(opens in a new tab)ISDIN Fusion Water Sunscreen SPF 50+
Ultralight texture, feels invisible on skin
Downside: Small format (50 ml), may run short on ultras
Body Care
Anti-chafe balm on armpits, thighs and feet
Done, you already have it
View on Amazon →(opens in a new tab)Julbo Aerospeed
Photochromic lenses: adapt from forest to summits
Downside: Higher price compared to non-photochromic glasses
Car Rental
Book in advance and check the mileage policy
Done, you already have it
View on Amazon →(opens in a new tab)DRIVALIA CarCloud Country Plus
Trip logistics
Registration, travel and insurance: what you should have sorted before race day.
Affiliate links: if you buy, we earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Race data
Terrain
Mountain
Difficulty
Advanced
Distance
4 modalities
Grand Duc
- Distance
- 70 km
- Elevation Gain
- D+ 4430m
- Max Time
- -
Vautour
- Distance
- 39 km
- Elevation Gain
- D+ 2040m
- Max Time
- -
Chamois
- Distance
- 27 km
- Elevation Gain
- D+ 1280m
- Max Time
- -
Randonnée
- Distance
- 11 km
- Elevation Gain
- D+ 580m
- Max Time
- -
| Modality | Distance | Elevation Gain | Max Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grand Duc | 70 km | D+ 4430m | - |
| Vautour | 39 km | D+ 2040m | - |
| Chamois | 27 km | D+ 1280m | - |
| Randonnée | 11 km | D+ 580m | - |
Will your watch battery last the ~20 h of Trail du Grand Duc?Worked out for the longest course (70 km). See which watches reach the finish with GPS on and which die on the way.Check my watch Check my watchGear up for Trail du Grand Duc
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 25 °C: guide and kit →
Typical weather for the race date (10-year average)
Temperature
17°C – 27°C
Average 22°C
Rain
37%
2.7 mm avg
Wind
10 km/h
max. average
Sunshine hours
14h
daily average
Gear recommendations
Bring a waterproof jacket (37% chance of rain)
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Gore Wear
Gore Wear R7 GTX Shakedry
Ultralight Gore-Tex Shakedry waterproof jacket (110 g). Full waterproofing without an inner membrane, highly breathable. The benchmark for mountain runners.
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.
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.
Salomon
Salomon Bonatti WP
Ultralight waterproof windproof jacket (135 g). Taped seams, adjustable hood and back ventilation. Packs into its own pocket.
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.
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.
Shokz
Shokz OpenRun
Open-ear bone conduction headphones with IP67 rating: they take rain, mud and a rinse under the tap. Up to 8 h of battery and quick charge (10 min for 1.5 h). The most rugged pick of the range for training in bad weather.
TRIWONDER
TRIWONDER Waterproof Trail Gaiters
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.
Sun protection essential (14h sunshine, up to 27°C)
Forecast for 27 June
Weather forecast from Open-Meteo (may change until race day)
The flagship race of the Chartreuse
The Trail du Grand Duc is the benchmark race of the Chartreuse massif. It starts in Les Échelles, in the Guiers valley, and dives straight into the forests and ridges of the natural park. The long course adds up to 70 km and 4,430 m of ascent, spread over short and very technical climbs.
The emblematic point is the Saint-Même cirque, a limestone amphitheatre with balconies over the valley where the path hugs the wall. The race is decided there: whoever arrives intact at the last 20 km can dream of the podium.
Three distances and a hike
Besides the 70 km there is a 39 km with 2,040 m, a 27 km with 1,280 m and an 11 km route for supporters. All share the finish in the village, so the party is the same for everyone.
How to prepare
This is limestone mountain running: train steps, roots and technical muddy descents. Poles help on the ramps after km 50, and mandatory kit includes a windproof and a thermal blanket.
Sleeping in Chambéry or Voiron is the practical option, 30 minutes by car from the start. More French Alps races at /en/races/francia/auvernia-rodano-alpes/ and kit at /en/planner/.
360Complete Pack
Grand Duc entry
RegistrationThe 70 km is capped and requires a finished mountain trail as qualification.
Tips
- •Entries open in January
- •Attach your race record if asked
Where to stay for Grand Duc
AccommodationBook accommodation near the start in advance: the race weekend fills the area.
Tips
- •Look for accommodation within 30 min of the start
- •Book months ahead if the race falls on a holiday weekend or in summer
Chartreuse kit
GearLimestone ridges chew through outsoles: you need grip for wet rock.
Tips
- •Deep-lug shoes
- •Folding poles for 4,430 m
Choosing trekking poles? Read our guide: Best trail running poles
See our complete buying guide: 5 foldable poles compared and tiered for trail running.
Which shoes for Trail du Grand Duc?
Which footwear fits based on the race's terrain and weather
Which GPS watch for Trail du Grand Duc?
Which watch has the battery to last based on your estimated finish time
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.
Best GPS Watches with Offline Maps 2026: Value Comparison
The best GPS watches with offline maps in 2026, ranked by value: Amazfit T-Rex 3, Suunto Race 2, Garmin Forerunner 570, Instinct 3 AMOLED, Coros Apex 2 Pro, Suunto Vertical 2 and Garmin Fenix 8. Maps vs breadcrumbs, the cheapest watch with maps and which to choose for your use.
Fuel for 70 km
NutritionWith over 4,000 m of climbing you must eat solid food at the long aid stations.
Tips
- •Alternate gels and solid food
- •Drink at every marked spring
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.
Getting to Les Échelles
TransportLes Échelles is 30 minutes from Chambéry on the A43 with its own exit.
Tips
- •Parking by the sports centre
- •Carpool from Chambéry
Car rental for Grand Duc
Car RentalA car makes it easier to reach the start and get around before and after the race.
Tips
- •Book in advance and check the mileage policy
- •Useful if your accommodation is far from the start
Sports insurance for Grand Duc
InsuranceCover your participation with insurance that includes medical assistance and mountain rescue.
Tips
- •Check that it covers the race format and elevation gain
- •Review rescue cover if the race is in the mountains
Sun protection for Grand Duc
Sun ProtectionSun exposure takes its toll on long races, especially on exposed sections and at midday.
Tips
- •Sweat-resistant SPF50 cream, reapply at aid stations
- •Protect lips, ears and neck
Best Sunscreen for Runners 2026: 7 Sweat-Proof SPF 50 Picks
Which sunscreen survives a sweaty long run? We compared 7 SPF 50 sweat-proof picks — creams, sticks and a lip balm — on heat, altitude UV and sweat resistance. See the winner.
Body care for Grand Duc
Body CareKilometres and descents punish feet and skin: anti-chafe balm and blister patches prevent DNFs.
Tips
- •Anti-chafe balm on armpits, thighs and feet
- •Blister patches in your pocket
Frequently Asked Questions
- When is the Trail du Grand Duc 2027?
- Sunday 27 June 2027, starting and finishing in Les Échelles (Savoie).
- What is the longest distance?
- 70 km with 4,430 m of ascent, aimed at runners with ultra experience and big climbing volume.
- Are there shorter options?
- Yes: 39 km with 2,040 m, 27 km with 1,280 m and an 11 km hike.
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