During your stay in Chamonix for the UTMB®, you will certainly be looking for things to do and places to visit, whether you are a runner waiting for the start, a spectator or a supporter. Here are our recommendations to enhance your stay, balancing race prep with downtime.
A word of advice if you are racing: the days leading up to the event are not the time for long high-altitude treks. Save ambitious outings for after the finish line, and stick to activities before the start that require no elevation gain.
La Mer de Glace
A must-see landmark, even though the glacier has receded significantly in recent years. The setting remains spectacular, and the trip is family-friendly thanks to the Montenvers cogwheel train taking you right to the site.
L'Aiguille du Midi
Rising to 3,842 metres, it is the highest of the Chamonix needles. You can reach it via a breathtaking cable car ride, offering stunning views across the Mont White massif on a clear day.
Lac White
It is one of the most stunning high-altitude lakes in the Alps, set in the Aiguilles Reds range at an elevation of 2,352 m. Accessible via a fairly easy hiking route, it offers a great day out in nature to get some fresh air and take in the views before or after your race.
Le Brévent
From Chamonix, the gondola takes you up to Planpraz (2,000 m), followed by the cable car to Le Brévent (2,525 m). At Planpraz, numerous hiking trails start out, including Lac Cornu and the Grand Balcon Sud. From the summit of Le Brévent, a trail leads towards the Aiguillette des Houches via the Bel-Lachat refuge: a great, accessible hiking trail with superb panoramic views.
In town
Chamonix is a delightful alpine town offering rich cultural activities, shopping, local dining, and lively nightlife with numerous bars and venues. The town also features several museums and wellness spas: ideal for unwinding for a few days after the UTMB®.
What to do during UTMB® week?
If you are a spectator or support crew, race week is also your chance to soak up the event's unique atmosphere: the finish village, cheering along key course checkpoints, or exploring the ultra-trail expo held in Chamonix during the UTMB®. Find full details in our article on the Ultra-Trail® Village in Chamonix.
Frequently asked questions
What to do in Chamonix if the weather is bad?
The town features several museums, including the Espace Tairraz dedicated to crystals and mountaineering, along with spas and numerous shops: ideal for spending a rainy day without climbing any elevation.
Do you need to book cable cars in advance during the UTMB®?
It is strongly recommended: crowds peak during race week, and time slots—especially for the Aiguille du Midi—fill up fast.
What to do when supporting a runner?
Public spectator points—including Les Houches, Saint-Gervais, Courmayeur and Champex-Lac—allow you to cheer on your runner without getting in their way. Check the authorised support zones beforehand, as they are strictly regulated.
