Whether in the middle of the mountains, by the sea or in the city, we have selected the 10 most beautiful ultra trails in Europe, with their breathtaking landscapes and their exceptional sporting challenges.
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The Ultra trail of Mont-Blanc, in France
Mythical trail renowned throughout the world, the Ultra trail du Mont-Blanc takes runners around the highest peak of the Alps in less than two days, with a race in three countries – France, Italy and Swiss. Among the 10,000 or so amateurs who take up the challenge on this trail each year, the finishers cross the finish line in Chamonix.
Tor des Géants, in Italy
It is in September that the runners set off from Courmayeur in the heart of the Aosta Valley, on the trails at the foot of the Alps. The 330 kilometers of road cross in particular the natural park of Mont-Avic and that of Grand Paradis, with their landscapes of lakes and their mountain passes.
>>> If you want to discover in pictures which are the most beautiful ultra trails in Europe, go to our slideshow !
The Salomon Zugspitz Ultratrail, in Germany
After the starting whistle in Grainau, Bavaria, the runners will set off to storm the surroundings of Zugspitz, the highest peak in the country, in the heart of the Wetterstein massif, in the Bavarian Alps, which peaks at nearly 3 000 meters above sea level. Five courses with different distances allow runners of all levels to participate.
La Ehunmilak, in the Spanish Basque Country
168 kilometers and 11,000 meters of elevation gain, these are the figures for this race with a typically Basque name. In the middle of the Basque Country, the runners parade through mountainous landscapes punctuated by forests, in the natural parks of Aizkorri and Aralar, in the territory of Gipuzkoa.
The Ultra Trail of Madeira Island, Portugal
Also known by the acronym UTIM, this 115 km long ultra trail, with a positive vertical drop of 6,850 meters, crosses the Portuguese island of Madeira every year in April. On the program, the sea and the mountains, with climbs on the peaks of the island, climbs and descents with a view of the valleys… Paradise!
Le Lavaredo Ultra trail, in Italy
Contested every year in June in the Dolomites, the Lavaredo Ultra trail brings together many runners – in particular French, Polish and British – on a course of 120 kilometers, with 5,800 meters of elevation gain. A race centered around Cortina d’Ampezzo, a town well known for its ski resorts, which hosted the Winter Olympics in 1956.
The Ultra-Trail Snowdonia, Wales
This race, which in 2021 integrates the Ultra Trail World Tour (UTWT) circuit, circles the mountains of Snowdonia National Park, the second largest park of its kind in Great Britain. It is home to Mount Snowdon, which rises to an altitude of 1,085 meters. Two distances to choose from, in particular: 165 and 100 kilometers.
The Eiger Ultra trail, in Switzerland
This race of just over a hundred kilometers, which takes place every summer in Switzerland, takes place around the Eiger, the legendary summit of the Alps. The runners will notably have the opportunity to cross its majestic north face. A complex trail, with significant climbs and a passage at more than 2,600 meters of altitude.
The Mozart 100, in Austria
Starting from the city center of Salzburg, this 108-kilometer ultra trail, for 5,000 meters of elevation gain, takes runners on board through diverse and varied landscapes of forests and lakes. With beautiful climbs, you will set off to conquer the Austrian mountains!
The Whalers’ Great Route Ultra-Trail, in the Azores
In the middle of the North Atlantic Ocean, it is on the small island of Faial that this 125-kilometer race in the Azores is held. It takes its name from the historic passages of ancient whalers. From the black sand to the forest through the alleys with the colored houses, it is a real tour to discover the island in which you will participate.
Read also :
⋙ What are the most beautiful hikes in France?
⋙ Ultra-trail: in the wake of Rickey Gates, Forrest Gump 2.0
⋙ Weekend in the mountains: our 10 favorite destinations in France
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