GTC100

The route, approximately 100 km long with a positive elevation gain of about 7400 meters, winds through the spectacular trails between Courmayeur, Pré-Saint-Didier, and La Thuile, immersed in the enchanting Val Veny and Val Ferret.

The race starts from Piazza Abbé Henry, in the historic heart of Courmayeur (1224 m a.s.l.), passing through the Dolonne hamlet and the Fonti Vittoria before taking the trail toward Champex in Pré-Saint-Didier. From here, skirting the Pré-Saint-Didier swimming pool, runners reach the quarries and the picturesque village of Arpy, where a refreshment point at the hostel welcomes them.

The climb to Colle della Croce leads to a descent toward La Thuile. The trail continues to the Deffeyes Refuge (2500 m a.s.l.), preceded by a short section equipped with chains, offering a revitalizing refreshment stop. Descending toward the waterfalls, runners arrive at Arly in La Thuile (1450 m a.s.l.), about a third of the course.

Following part of the legendary Tor des Géants® in reverse, the route reaches the Youlaz valley (refreshment point at 2047 m a.s.l.), then the scenic Colle dell’Arp (2572 m a.s.l.), Colle di Youlaz (2661 m a.s.l.), and the race’s highest point below Mont Nix (2830 m a.s.l.). A long traverse leads to Colle du Berrio Blanc (2818 m a.s.l.) and Mont Fortin (2755 m a.s.l.), with a mobile bivouac transported by helicopter serving as a refreshment point.

Skirting alpine lakes, the trail descends toward Col Chavanne (2598 m a.s.l.), Col de la Seigne (2510 m a.s.l.), and the casermette (2290 m a.s.l.), reaching the refreshment point at Lago Combal (1952 m a.s.l.). Following the Tour du Mont Blanc route, runners climb to Arp Vieille (2303 m a.s.l.), skirt Lago Checrouit (2151 m a.s.l.), and arrive at the Maison Vieille Refuge (1952 m a.s.l.), another refreshment point.

Crossing Val Veny and the sandy area, the ascent to Pavillon du Mont Fréty begins, where the base camp is located at the intermediate station of the Skyway Monte Bianco. An ancient trail leads to La Palud; after crossing the bridge, runners take the path toward the Val Ferret balcony.

The majestic Val Ferret guides runners to the refreshment point at the Bonatti Refuge and the Malatrà valley, roughly halfway through the race. From here, the final two passes, Entre deux Sauts (2524 m a.s.l.) and Col Sapin (2435 m a.s.l.), are tackled before the descent toward Curru, La Suche, and L’Ermitage.

The triumphant finish is in Courmayeur, at Parco del Bollino, the heart of the Mont Blanc Trail Fest Village.