Stage 1: Chamonix to Les Chapieux – Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc

Your adventure begins in the heart of the city of Chamonix, on the famous square of the Triangle de l'Amitié. This first stage is the longest of your journey with 49.3 kilometers including 2,610 meters of elevation gain.

The first kilometers to Les Houches remain relatively rolling and are partly carried out on tarmacked ground. From the village, a first climb awaits you towards the Col de Voza and continues slightly before descending to Saint-Gervais-les-Bains. This beautiful spa and its many refreshment points allow you to recharge your water and fuel yourself before continuing.

You can also continue a little further to the village of Contamines-Montjoie to take your break there. From Les Contamines, you mostly follow the GR 5 trail. Take advantage of its markings to guide you to the Croix du Bonhomme refuge. It's a long, gradual climb that gets you there, rising a bit higher at the end. Along the way, you pass in front of the Balme refuge which suggests a nice break between the Tarentaise and Beaufortain massifs.

At the Croix du Bonhomme refuge, you leave the GR 5 to begin a five-kilometre descent towards Les Chapieux. Atypical mountain hamlet, its few inns warmly welcome you to conclude the first stage of your Tour du Mont-Blanc.