Ultra-Trail du Vercors
Photo: Ylliab Photo from Grenoble, France / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 2.0) / Source (opens in a new tab)

Villard-de-Lans

Ultra-Trail du Vercors

Saturday, 11 September 2027estimated date

Ultra 84km

84km D+ 4250m

See the gear

Race data

Terrain

Ultra Trail

Difficulty

Advanced

Distance

1 modalities

Visit official website(opens in a new tab)
  • Ultra 84km

    Distance
    84 km
    Elevation Gain
    D+ 4250m
    Max Time
    -
Will your watch battery last the ~19 h of Ultra-Trail du Vercors?Worked out for the longest course (84 km). See which watches reach the finish with GPS on and which die on the way.Check my watch

Your checklist for Ultra-Trail du Vercors

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 Instinct 3 AMOLED 45 mm

    Onboard topo maps, unlike the Instinct 3 Solar

    Downside: Shorter battery life than the Instinct 3 Solar (no solar charging or MIP display)

    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 Lyon (LYS)

    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.

Affiliate links: if you buy, we earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Gear up for Ultra-Trail du Vercors

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 15 °C: guide and kit →

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

Temperature

11°C – 20°C

Average 15°C

Rain

47%

1.8 mm avg

Wind

9 km/h

max. average

Sunshine hours

11h

daily average

Gear recommendations

Bring a waterproof jacket (47% 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 →
(se abre en una pestaña nueva)
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 →
(se abre en una pestaña nueva)
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 →
(se abre en una pestaña nueva)
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.

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

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

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

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

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

Ultra-Trail du Vercors: the plateau ultra

The Vercors is a limestone fortress between Grenoble and Valence. The UTV crosses it over 84 km with 4,250 m of climbing through forests, karst and clifftop viewpoints.

Check our gear guides and other races in France.

360Complete Pack

Ultra-Trail du Vercors 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 Ultra-Trail du Vercors

Accommodation

Villard-de-Lans 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 Ultra-Trail du Vercors

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 Ultra-Trail du Vercors?

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

→
Garmin Instinct 3 AMOLED 45 mm

Which GPS watch for Ultra-Trail du Vercors?

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.

→
🎒

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.

→

Nutrition for Ultra-Trail du Vercors

Nutrition

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

Browse all nutrition

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.

→

Getting to Ultra-Trail du Vercors

Transport

The most practical airport is Lyon (LYS). From there, train, bus or car to Villard-de-Lans.

Browse all transport

Tips

  • •Fly to Lyon (LYS) 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 Ultra-Trail du Vercors

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 Lyon (LYS)
  • •Mountain roads: drive carefully after the race

Insurance for Ultra-Trail du Vercors

Insurance

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

Browse all insurance

Tips

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

Body care for Ultra-Trail du Vercors

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 Ultra-Trail du Vercors

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 Ultra-Trail du Vercors?
The 2026 edition was on 12 September. 2027 is expected in mid-September.
What's the distance?
The Ultra is 84 km with 4,250 m D+, solo or relay. Shorter races are also on offer.
How do I get to Villard-de-Lans?
Fly to Lyon and drive about 2 h, or to Grenoble (35 km away).

Races similar to Ultra-Trail du Vercors

View all similar races →

Swipe to see all 3 races

Do you organize a trail race?

Add it to TrailRunTemple for free. We build its page with the full Pack 360 (registration, accommodation, gear, nutrition and more) so runners find it and show up prepared.

Add my race for free