As part of your preparation to take on the UTMB®, the logistics of your trip to Chamonix will be crucial. It needs to be planned well in advance, covering every key area: your travel, accommodation, activities, race pack preparation, and a thorough understanding of the race itself. All of this must be sorted as early as possible in the months leading up to the event, so you can put logistical concerns behind you and focus on the race.
Planning your arrival and race logistics in Chamonix
Planning your arrival and stay in Chamonix is essential to racing the UTMB® without any stress or problems. This means choosing your mode of transport, booking your accommodation well in advance (apartment, gîte, B&B…), and planning your activities if you are staying on for a few days. Securing your accommodation should be the top priority, as this period sees a huge influx of visitors to the area and most places fill up quickly.
Preparing your race pack for the UTMB®
Another key element of this preparation phase will be your race pack. You will need to think not only about your race kit, safety and survival gear, and mandatory waterproof clothing, but also your race shoes and a spare pair. Finally, choosing your isotonic drink, energy gels and bars for your personal race nutrition will also be a decisive factor.
The race
There are other important aspects of the UTMB® to get to grips with. Beyond knowing the courses, you will need to understand the aid stations provided by the organisation and what type of supplies are available at each point. You will also need to consider whether to use a support crew, know the rules around it, locate the crew access points, and plan how that support can be organised to help you on race day. Finally, sleep management during the race will be essential: draw up a sleep plan and learn to manage it in the weeks leading up to the event. The weather you might encounter in August in Chamonix is also something to study and prepare for — it will dictate your race kit and your nutrition and hydration strategy if conditions turn extreme. For more information:
