UTMB Mont-Blanc 2027: spectator and support crew guide

23 to 29 August 2027 · ExpectedChamonix, FranceWeek of trail races around Mont Blanc

On race day at UTMB Mont-Blanc, support crews see their athlete for seconds at a time and wait for hours in between. This guide covers the best spots, the gaps and the days around the race in Chamonix.

Tours in Chamonix Hotels for these dates

Know before you go

UTMB week has races from Monday to Sunday; the main UTMB starts on Friday afternoon.
Use the live tracking app to time your trips to aid stations.

Airport to Chamonix centre

Geneva airport (GVA) is 1 hour 15 minutes by shuttle bus or car.

The 171 km loop passes through France, Italy and Switzerland and finishes in Chamonix.

Public transport directions to Chamonix centre

Where to stay by budget

Budget	Where	Why
Budget	Les Houches and Argentière	Cheaper chalets and apartments up and down the valley.
Mid-range	Chamonix centre	Walk to the finish line and the cable cars.
Splurge	Chalet hotels around the centre	Spa hotels with Mont Blanc views.

Three hotels we would book

Budget: Chamonix Lodge
Mid-range: Hotel Le Morgane
Splurge: Hameau Albert 1er

Links search the nights from 22 August to 30 August. Event weekends sell out early and prices rise as the date gets closer: book a cancellable room as soon as you know you are going.

Day plans for the free hours

Built around the usual race week schedule for 23 to 29 August 2027. Session times change: check the official timetable and move the blocks around.

Race week arrival

Saturday 21 August

Athletes check in and rack bikes. Support crews have the afternoon free.

Half-dayAiguille du Midi cable car Half day · Family
Up to 3,842 m with the Step into the Void.
EatFondue and raclette houses Throughout the centre

Day before

Sunday 22 August

Athletes rest. Keep outings short and close to the base.

Easy outingMontenvers train and Mer de Glace Half day · Family · Low walking
Rack railway to the glacier and ice cave.

Race day

Monday 23 August

Long gaps between seeing your athlete at the swim exit, on the bike and on the run. Fill the middle hours nearby.

Cheer pointCourmayeur and Champex-Lac aid stations (by car or shuttle).
Cheer pointChamonix finish: runners arrive day and night.
FreeWatch runners arrive at the finish on Place du Triangle de l'Amitié.
EatLa Petite Kitchen Small breakfast and lunch spot

The day after

Monday 30 August

Awards and a slow day. Seated tours suit tired legs.

Easy outingParagliding tandem flight Half day
Fly over the valley with Mont Blanc behind.
EatLe Cap Horn Savoyard and seafood

Family-friendly picks

Full day · Family

Annecy day trip

Canals and the lake, 1.5 hours away.

See times and prices

Half day · Family

Aiguille du Midi cable car

Up to 3,842 m with the Step into the Void.

See times and prices

Half day · Family · Low walking

Montenvers train and Mer de Glace

Rack railway to the glacier and ice cave.

See times and prices

Merlet animal park.
Summer luge at Planpraz and Les Planards.

Evening and day-trip tours

Full day · Family

Annecy day trip

Canals and the lake, 1.5 hours away.

See times and prices

Full day · Food

Day trip to Courmayeur through the tunnel

Italian lunch on the other side of Mont Blanc.

See times and prices

After dark

Rue des Moulins bars.

5 tours worth booking for UTMB Mont-Blanc

Tour	Length	Good for
Annecy day trip	Full day	Families
Aiguille du Midi cable car	Half day	Families
Montenvers train and Mer de Glace	Half day	Families, Tired legs
Paragliding tandem flight	Half day	Everyone
Day trip to Courmayeur through the tunnel	Full day	Food lovers

Event weeks sell out. Book tours with free cancellation as soon as the session times are published.

Where to eat

La Petite Kitchen Small breakfast and lunch spot
Le Cap Horn Savoyard and seafood
Fondue and raclette houses Throughout the centre

Reserve dinner for the nights around the event: restaurants near the venue fill up days ahead.

Rainy-day backups

Alpine Museum.
Richard Bozon sports centre pools.

Getting around on event days

Free valley buses and the Mont Blanc Express train run with a guest card from your hotel.

Day trips from Chamonix

Annecy: 1.5 hours
Courmayeur: 30 minutes via the tunnel

Bringing a group?

Corporate hospitality, fan clubs, teams and families travelling together: tell us the dates and group size and we will put together tours, transfers and a group dinner for UTMB Mont-Blanc.

Plan a group trip

Questions people ask

When is UTMB Mont-Blanc 2027?

The next edition is 23 to 29 August 2027, following the usual pattern. The organiser has not confirmed it yet.

How do I get from the airport to Chamonix centre?

Geneva airport (GVA) is 1 hour 15 minutes by shuttle bus or car. The 171 km loop passes through France, Italy and Switzerland and finishes in Chamonix.

Where should I stay for UTMB Mont-Blanc?

For most visitors the best base is Chamonix centre: Walk to the finish line and the cable cars.

What else can we do around UTMB Mont-Blanc?

Good short outings in Chamonix include Aiguille du Midi cable car, Montenvers train and Mer de Glace, Paragliding tandem flight. See the day plans on this page for a full schedule.

What is there for kids and families near UTMB Mont-Blanc?

Family-friendly picks: Aiguille du Midi cable car, Montenvers train and Mer de Glace, Annecy day trip. Merlet animal park.

How far is Chamonix centre from Chamonix centre?

About 1 km in a straight line. The 171 km loop passes through France, Italy and Switzerland and finishes in Chamonix.

More Ironman, ultra and endurance

5 Oct 2027*IRONMAN World Championship (Kona)
Kailua-Kona, United StatesEndurance 25 Mar 2027*Two Oceans Marathon
Cape Town, South AfricaEndurance 11 Jun 2027*Comrades Marathon
Durban, South AfricaEndurance 24 Jun 2027*IRONMAN France Nice
Nice, FranceEndurance 24 Jun 2027*IRONMAN European Championship Frankfurt
Frankfurt, GermanyEndurance 1 Jul 2027*Challenge Roth
Nuremberg, GermanyEndurance

Everything we cover in Chamonix