How to take part in the UTMB Mont-Blanc: the complete guide
Publié le 12 juillet 2026
UTMB Mont-Blanc brings together 8 races around the massif, ranging from 15 to 300 km, each late August. To participate: a valid UTMB Index in the right category, at least one Running Stone earned within the last 24 months, then a lottery draw — pre-registration from January 8–19, 2026, results on January 22. Fees range from €55 (YCC) to €1,650 (PTL).
À retenir
- 8 races on the program: from ETC (15 km) to PTL (300 km, team races)
- Valid Running Stone within 24 months + UTMB Index in the right category = lottery eligibility
- 2026 pre-registration: January 8–19 — lottery results on January 22
- +30% better odds in the draw for low-carbon travel commitment (new in 2026)
What is UTMB Mont-Blanc?
Created in 2003 by Michel and Catherine Poletti to revive an old relay race interrupted after the Mont-Blanc tunnel fire in 1999, UTMB follows the Tour du Mont-Blanc route through France, Italy, and Switzerland, starting and finishing in Chamonix. It has become the world's most prestigious trail running event, anchoring an international circuit, the UTMB World Series.
Trail running or mountaineering: how does it differ from climbing Mont Blanc?
UTMB circles the massif — it never reaches the summit. Climbing Mont Blanc aims directly for the summit at 4,805.59 m via an alpine route (Goûter, Trois Monts…), with crampons, ice axe and often a mountain guide. Two disciplines, two preparations, two audiences — but the same massif.
| Race | Distance | Elevation Gain | 2026 Fee | Profile |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| UTMB | 174 km | 9,900 m | €479 | Historic race, complete tour of the massif |
| TDS — On the Traces of the Dukes of Savoy | 153 km | 9,000 m | €320 | The most technical and demanding |
| CCC — Courmayeur-Champex-Chamonix | 101 km | 6,050 m | €310 | Panoramas among the most beautiful in the Alps |
| OCC — Orsières-Champex-Chamonix | 57 km | 3,500 m | €199 | Intermediate format, good entry point |
| MCC — Martigny-Combe-Chamonix | 40 km | 2,350 m | €105 | Open to volunteers, partners, local residents |
| ETC — Experience Trail Courmayeur | 15 km | 1,200 m | €69 | Short and fast format |
| PTL — Petite Trotte à Léon | 300 km | ≈ 25,000 m | €1,650 | Teams of 2 or 3, outside UTMB World Series rankings |
| YCC — Youth Chamonix Courmayeur | — | — | €55 | Reserved for ages 14–19 |
À lire ensuite
FAQ
How do I take part in UTMB Mont-Blanc?
Three steps: obtain a valid UTMB Index in your target category, earn at least one Running Stone at a qualifying race within the last 24 months, then enter the lottery during the pre-registration window (January 8–19, 2026 for the 2026 edition, results on January 22).
How many Running Stones do I need to enter the UTMB?
One Running Stone is enough to enter the lottery. Each additional stone adds an entry: with 7 stones, your name is drawn 7 times instead of once, improving your odds without being a hard eligibility requirement.
What is the difference between the UTMB and climbing Mont Blanc?
The UTMB is a trail race that circles the Mont-Blanc massif (France, Italy, Switzerland) following the Tour du Mont-Blanc route, never reaching the summit. Climbing Mont Blanc is an alpine race targeting the summit at 4,805.59 m. Two disciplines, two different audiences — but the same massif.
When is registration for UTMB 2026?
The 2026 pre-registration window opens January 8–19, with lottery results published on January 22, 2026. The race itself takes place in late August.
How much does it cost to enter the UTMB?
2026 fees range from €55 for YCC (juniors) to €1,650 for PTL. The UTMB (174 km) costs €479, CCC €310, TDS €320, OCC €199, and MCC €105.
What is the most accessible race to discover the UTMB?
The MCC (40 km, 2,350 m D+) is open to volunteers, partners and local residents and remains the most accessible. For a first major format, the OCC (57 km, 3,500 m D+) is the recommended intermediate entry point.