Stage 3: Courmayeur to Champex-Lac – Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc

This stage is undoubtedly my favorite of the Tour du Mont-Blanc. Its magnificent refuges, the long balcony facing Mont Blanc, the passage to Switzerland with its atypical villages. Everything is there in these 45.4 kilometers to take in the view, without forgetting the 2,330 meters of elevation gain with the highest point of the route: the Col Ferret.

The route leaves Courmayeur via a climb of 800 meters of elevation gain to the Bertone refuge. The breathtaking view that you discover there extends all along the balcony to Arnouvaz. Enjoy this beautiful, more or less flat part which offers superb panoramas over the entire Mont-Blanc massif.

From then on, it is a new climb of about four kilometers that guides you to Col Ferret. Located at 2,537 meters above sea level, it is the highest point of your adventure. It also marks the passage from Italy to Switzerland and the middle of your stage for the day. Take the time to observe the striking view it offers of the Italian side where you come from. The rest of the route descends into the beautiful Ferret valley towards La Fouly, a Swiss ski resort. It presents a village of chalets welcome to recharge in water and supply you if necessary before continuing on a false flat descending part.

At the end of this one last climb takes you to the destination of the day: Champex-Lac. Nicknamed "little Canada", this picturesque little resort is bordered by a pretty mountain lake. Accommodation, restaurants, shops, once again the choice is wide and varied to perfectly conclude this beautiful day in the mountains.