CCC - Courmayeur-Champex-Chamonix

The CCC -- Courmayeur-Champex-Chamonix -- stands as one of the most iconic races in the UTMB Mont-Blanc circuit. Covering 101 kilometers with 6,100 meters of elevation gain, it represents a formidable challenge for ultra-trail runners from around the world. The course follows the second half of the legendary Tour du Mont-Blanc route, crossing three countries -- Italy, Switzerland, and France -- through a breathtaking succession of alpine landscapes. From its start in Courmayeur, at the foot of Mont-Blanc's Italian flank, to the finish line in Chamonix, every kilometer is a celebration of high mountain grandeur.

The race begins in Courmayeur, a charming resort town nestled at 1,224 meters in Italy's Aosta Valley. Runners head into the Italian Val Ferret, tracing a path beneath the granite spires of the Grandes Jorasses and Mont-Blanc itself. The climb to Grand Col Ferret (2,537 m) is the first defining moment of the race: crossing into Switzerland while gazing down upon hanging glaciers and ancient moraines. The descent into the Swiss Val Ferret, down to the village of La Fouly, offers a striking contrast with its alpine pastures and spruce forests.

The Swiss section continues toward Champex-Lac, an alpine gem set at 1,466 meters beside a crystal-clear mountain lake. It is often here, roughly at the halfway point, that the race is decided for many runners: fatigue sets in, night typically falls over this stretch, and competitors must find a second wind to tackle what lies ahead. The climb to La Bovine, followed by the passage over Col de la Forclaz, features technical sections where pacing and effort management are paramount. The balcony trails high above the Rhone Valley provide sweeping views of the Valais Alps, from the Grand Combin to the Matterhorn on a clear day.

Entering France via the Col de Balme or Les Tseppes marks the final third of the race. The descent to Vallorcine and the subsequent climb to Tete aux Vents (2,132 m) represent the last major obstacle before the final plunge into Chamonix. This finale, with its commanding views over the Chamonix Valley, the Aiguille du Midi, and Mont-Blanc bathed in the first light of dawn, is etched forever in each finisher's memory. The finish takes place in the streets of Chamonix, carried by the roaring encouragement of a passionate crowd that forms a guard of honor all the way to the finish arch.

To prepare for the CCC, solid ultra-trail experience is recommended, with at least one or two ultras over 80 kilometers already completed. Mountain-specific training is essential: passes regularly exceed 2,500 meters and the terrain is demanding, alternating between technical single-track, boulder fields, and grassy slopes. Weather can shift dramatically within hours, swinging from bright sunshine to snow at altitude even in late August. Pack warm layers, a reliable headlamp, and adequate personal nutrition. The CCC is widely considered the most scenic race in the UTMB circuit -- a majestic gateway into high-level alpine ultra-trail running.

CCC - Courmayeur-Champex-Chamonix is a 101 km trail race with 6,100 m of elevation gain, located in Courmayeur, Haute-Savoie. The next edition is scheduled for 27 August 2026.

The course reaches a maximum altitude of 2,537 m. The race is rated 5 ITRA points and features terrain. 1 distances are available for runners.

Find all official information on the race website.