Monte Rosa

A stunning 90-kilometer route with 7,100 meters of elevation gain starts in Pont-Saint-Martin, a town nestled among the vineyards of the Lower Aosta Valley. You'll begin by crossing the ancient Roman bridge and head into the Lys Valley, where you'll find charming, traditional villages. You will then reach Val d'Ayas, pass the historic Graines Castle, and through a series of splendid alpine lakes – with the majestic Matterhorn range in front of you – you'll arrive at the Rothorn Pass, leading to the villages of Gressoney-La-Trinité and Gressoney-Saint-Jean. The final stretch features breathtaking mountain landscapes, and the iconic Monte Rosa will guide you to the finish line in Gressoney-Saint-Jean.

The event invites runners to embark on an extraordinary trail running adventure through Europe's breathtaking 4,000-meter peaks, following the paths of historic mountaineers and alpine guides. Participants will journey through vibrant local communities and ancient villages rich with traditions and legends. Conquer the uncharted trails winding through the stunning Aosta Valley in the Italian Alps – from the iconic Matterhorn to the majestic Monte Rosa. The heart of the event will be the charming villages of the Walser community, especially Gressoney-Saint-Jean and Gressoney-La-Trinité, at the foot of Monte Rosa. Experience the thrill of alpine running as you start in lush central valleys and push toward awe-inspiring peaks, feeling the wonder that once captivated the pioneers of these legendary routes. This event was born out of the love two local athletes, Giuditta Turini and Franco Colle, have for the Aosta Valley, trail running, and their mountains. Both are elite athletes with impressive records.

An evocative 43km loop with 3200m of elevation gain offers stunning views across the Monte Rosa massif. The itinerary includes passing the Gabiet dam in the wild Valdobbiola valley, via Ospizio Sottile and the characteristic villages of Alpenzu. However, the true “pearl” of this trail is the ancient Walser footpath (WalserWaeg), a legacy of the historic Walser community that settled in these territories from 1100 AD. Their descendants still inhabit these valleys, proudly preserving their origins and traditions. Ideal for those who love technical and demanding trails without missing the beauty of the surrounding landscape.

Queen Margherita of Savoy, the first sovereign of the Kingdom of Italy, chose Gressoney as her favorite summer retreat, and this race is a wonderful tribute to her memory! The route is an incredible 15-kilometer loop with about 600 meters of elevation gain, passing through the charming towns of Gressoney-Saint-Jean and Gressoney-La-Trinité, as well as the traditional Walser villages of Alpenzu Piccolo and Alpenzu Grande. In the final section, the race joins the famous Queen’s Walk, so named because it was the path Margherita of Savoy frequently walked, starting from her summer residence, the fairytale-like Savoy Castle. This race is ideal for those looking to start trail running while exploring Gressoney – what a great way to begin!