Photo: Organisation Gran Trail Courmayeur (opens in a new tab) / Source (opens in a new tab)Courmayeur
Gran Trail Courmayeur
Friday, 9 July 2027
Your checklist for Gran Trail Courmayeur
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 Amazon →(opens in a new tab)Polar Pacer Pro
Ultra-light: just 41 g
Downside: No multi-band GPS
Gear
Poles for 7,400 m of climbing
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
Real food at every aid station
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
Ultra Trail
Difficulty
Elite
Distance
3 modalities
GTC 100
- Distance
- 100 km
- Elevation Gain
- D+ 7400m
- Max Time
- -
GTC 55
- Distance
- 55 km
- Elevation Gain
- D+ 3500m
- Max Time
- -
GTC 30
- Distance
- 30 km
- Elevation Gain
- D+ 2000m
- Max Time
- -
| Modality | Distance | Elevation Gain | Max Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| GTC 100 | 100 km | D+ 7400m | - |
| GTC 55 | 55 km | D+ 3500m | - |
| GTC 30 | 30 km | D+ 2000m | - |
Will your watch battery last the ~27 h of Gran Trail Courmayeur?Worked out for the longest course (100 km). See which watches reach the finish with GPS on and which die on the way.Check my watch Check my watchGear up for Gran Trail Courmayeur
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 – 24°C
Average 18°C
Rain
27%
3.2 mm avg
Wind
8 km/h
max. average
Sunshine hours
14h
daily average
Gear recommendations
Sun protection essential (14h sunshine, up to 24°C)
Forecast for 9 July
Weather forecast from Open-Meteo (may change until race day)
The Italian Mont-Blanc in 100 km
Gran Trail Courmayeur is the Tor des Géants’ home race: run by VDA Trailers, starting from the same village, with the same uncompromising mountain idea. In 2027 it runs from 9 to 11 July with a flagship 100 km and 7,400 m of climbing through the Italian valleys of Mont-Blanc.
The programme includes a 55 km with 3,500 m and a 30 km with 2,000 m, both starting and finishing in Courmayeur with the same glaciers, snowfields and high meadows. The 100 km starts on Friday night with a 33-hour limit.
A hard, thoroughly alpine course
The route crosses Val Ferret, the Bonatti hut and the passes facing the Grandes Jorasses, with scree and boulder sections that force fast hiking. This is real mountain racing: you need to move at night and in fog.
If you come from the road, the 30 km is the natural doorway and also the best test of whether you are ready for the Tor.
Logistics and weather
July in Courmayeur is cool at night (5-8 °C up high) and warm by day in the valley. Mandatory kit is strict and checked before the start: waterproof shell, blanket, headlamp, whistle and phone.
Sleeping in Courmayeur, Entrèves or La Palud lets you walk to the start. More Alpine ultras at /en/races/italia/valle-d-aosta/ and kit at /en/planner/.
360Complete Pack
GTC entry
RegistrationThe 100 km asks for ultra experience and has limited places; registration opens early in the year.
Tips
- •Show an ultra of 80 km or more
- •Read the mandatory kit list
Staying in Courmayeur
AccommodationJuly is high season on Mont-Blanc: hotels and flats sell out months ahead.
Tips
- •Book in February
- •Entrèves and La Palud as fallbacks
Glacier kit
GearThe route goes above 2,500 m and crosses snowfields: waterproof shell, blanket and gloves are mandatory.
Tips
- •Poles for 7,400 m of climbing
- •Headlamp for the night start
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 Gran Trail Courmayeur?
Which footwear fits based on the race's terrain and weather
Which GPS watch for Gran Trail Courmayeur?
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.
Fuelling the 100 km
NutritionAid stations are complete, but with 7,400 m of climbing eat solid food from km 20.
Tips
- •Real food at every aid station
- •Salt and magnesium overnight
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 Courmayeur
TransportThrough the Mont-Blanc tunnel from Chamonix (20 min) or up the Aosta Valley from Turin (2 h).
Tips
- •Car or bus from Chamonix
- •Paid parking in the centre
Car rental for GTC
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 GTC
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 GTC
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 GTC
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 Gran Trail Courmayeur 2027?
- From Friday 9 to Sunday 11 July 2027, starting and finishing in Courmayeur.
- What is the 100 km cut-off?
- 33 hours, with a Friday night start and a Saturday finish.
- Is it the same organiser as the Tor des Géants?
- Yes: it is run by VDA Trailers, the Tor des Géants team.
Races similar to Gran Trail Courmayeur
View all similar races →Swipe to see all 3 races
Photo: Matti Blume / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)24 Jul 2027Montagn'Hard
Saint-Gervais-les-Bains
110 km and 7,200 m of climbing in the Mont Blanc massif with only 600 bibs. A cult ultra for anyone chasing pure elevation and real atmosphere.
110kmD+ 7200mEliteView Pack 360
Photo: Florian Pépellin / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 2.5)3 Jul 2027Ultra Tour du Beaufortain
Queige
110 km and 8,000 m of climbing around the Beaufortain, with alpine lakes, high pastures and only 600 bibs. Savoie's secret ultra.
110kmD+ 8000mEliteView Pack 360
FeaturedPhoto: Massimo Beltrame / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)15 Jul 2027Monte Rosa Walserwaeg by UTMB
Gressoney-La-Trinité
120 km and 8,200 m D+ on the Walser trails of Monte Rosa. 15-18 July 2027.
120kmD+ 8200mEliteView Pack 360
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