Rock climbing in Haute-Savoie: the 5 unmissable sporting events of summer 2026
Climbing World Cup, MB Race, Mont-Blanc Marathon, UTMB® and Trail des Aiguilles Rouges: all summer long, Haute-Savoie becomes the world epicenter of outdoor sports. Experience them from Le Lavancher.
La Haute-Savoie is, every summer, the world epicenter of mountain sports. Between the Climbing World Cup which elevates Chamonix to the rank of the world's climbing capitals, the UTMB® which brings together the elite of trail running over 170 km around Mont Blanc, the legendary MB Race mountain biking and the Mont Blanc MarathonSummer 2026 promises to be exceptional. Whether you're a competitor, a fan, or simply an outdoor sports enthusiast, here are five events to add to your calendar immediately—to experience from the hamlet of Lavancher, a haven of calm between Chamonix and Argentière, where the hotel Jeu de Paume welcomes you.
1. Climbing World Cup in Chamonix: the world elite in July
A key event on the IFSC (International Federation of Sport Climbing) circuit, the Chamonix Climbing World Cup is one of the most anticipated events in the climbing world. Every mid-July, the best climbers from over 40 nations compete in two main disciplines: lead climbing (vertical routes up to 15 meters) and bouldering . With the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games approaching, this Haute-Savoie stage takes on crucial qualifying importance—one more reason to come and cheer on the future medalists.
As for the atmosphere : Chamonix town center transforms into a giant sports village, with a giant screen in the Place du Triangle de l'Amitié, entertainment, broadcasts in several languages, and a massive crowd. The daytime qualifying rounds are generally free to attend; the evening finals require tickets (book well in advance, as the event sells out within hours).
Our advice : bring sunscreen, a hat, and water—Chamonix summers can be very hot despite the altitude. And after your evening session, enjoy the cool air of Lavancher: just 6 km from the center of Chamonix, you can leave the urban bustle behind for the tranquility of the mountains.
2. MB Race: the "Mont Blanc race" by mountain bike (Combloux, end of June)
Nicknamed the " Megève-Mont-Blanc Race ," the MB Race is one of the most demanding marathon mountain bike races in the world . Starting in Combloux, its loop course around the Mont Blanc massif combines technical trails, alpine pastures, singletrack descents, and long climbs at altitude. Several formats exist—from Classic (approximately 90 km / 5,000 m of elevation gain) to Ultra (140 km / 7,200 m of elevation gain)—to accommodate both elite riders and seasoned amateurs.
Convenient for fans Combloux is about a 40-minute drive from the hotel. Jeu de Paume, via the N205. For cyclists scouting before the race, the Bossons sector and the Houches road offer remarkable training climbs.
If you are coming to enjoy your stay and ride yourself, check out our complete guide to cycling & mountain biking routes around Chamonix , from the Grands Balcons Sud to the crossing of the Aiguillette des Houches.
3. Mont-Blanc Marathon: 42 km in the heart of the Aiguilles Rouges (late June)
A major event on the international trail running circuit, the Mont-Blanc Marathon attracts runners from around a hundred nations. Over its 42,2 km and 2,700 m of elevation gain , the course is a concentrated dose of emotion: starting at the Place du Triangle de l'Amitié in Chamonix, crossing the Brévent, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the Mont Blanc massif, and culminating in a technical descent towards Planpraz. Alongside the marathon, the weekend also features the 23 km, 10 km, Vertical Kilometer, and 90 km races—a true trail running festival.
The best spot for spectators The foot of the Brévent (cable car from Planpraz) offers an unobstructed view of the leaders' arrival, bathed in magnificent late-morning light. To recover after the effort—for both runners and spectators—nothing beats a break at spa du Jeu de Paume : massages and recovery treatments.
4. UTMB® Mont-Blanc: the cathedral of world trail running (end of August)
At the end of August, Chamonix pulsates to the rhythm of the Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc® , the most prestigious trail race in the world. The main race covers 171 km and over 10,000 m of elevation gain in a loop through France, Italy, and Switzerland around the roof of Europe. With its satellite formats (CCC, TDS, OCC, MCC, PTL, YCC, ETC, NTC), the UTMB® week brings together nearly 10,000 runners and over 100,000 spectators, transforming the Chamonix valley into a giant celebration for six days.
To fully experience the event, two dedicated articles guide you step by step: The UTMB® from the spectator's perspective: following the race like a privileged guest and Why the Lavancher is the best-kept secret of trail runners.
5. Trail des Aiguilles Rouges: the local classic (late September)
Less publicized than its more famous counterparts but just as legendary for those familiar with the valley, the Trail des Aiguilles Rouges closes the Chamonix trail running season. Starting in Argentière, the course follows the ridges of the Aiguilles Rouges, facing Mont Blanc—a panorama considered one of the most beautiful in the Alps. Two main formats generally coexist: a long course (approximately 55 km / 4,300 m of elevation gain) and a medium course (approximately 25 km / 1,900 m of elevation gain), with a deliberately preserved race spirit, in the tradition of "old-school" trail running.
The start in Argentière is only 4 km from Lavancher: a valuable logistical advantage for the runners and their families.
Experience these sporting events from the Hotel Jeu de Paume
Located in the preserved hamlet of Lavancher, halfway between Chamonix and Argentière (6 km on each side), theHotel Jeu de Paume is the ideal base camp for experiencing the major sporting events of Haute-Savoie. Here you will find:
- Un spa complete to recover — heated indoor pool, sauna, hammam, outdoor jacuzzi facing the Mont Blanc massif and a menu of targeted sports massages.
- A committed table with The Rosebud, an Écotable certified restaurantwhere chef Mathilde Walisko showcases producers from Haute-Savoie — ensuring a restorative cuisine after exertion.
- An exceptionally peaceful environment away from the Chamonix crowds, ideal for recovering the deep sleep required by the efforts of altitude.
- A strong ecological commitment, labeled Green Key & Ecotable : a stay consistent with the values of respect for the mountains promoted by outdoor sports stakeholders.
Once these major events are over (or to pass the time between races), extend your stay with the most beautiful hikes around Lavancher or the complete calendar of events for 2026 in Chamonix.
Practical tips for your sports holiday in Haute-Savoie
- Book your accommodation 6 to 12 months in advance During the UTMB® week and the Climbing World Cup, hotels in Chamonix fill up very early. The more discreet Lavancher often retains availability for longer.
- Use public transport : the Guest Card (given free of charge upon your arrival) gives free access to the Chamonix–Vallorcine train and the Chamonix Bus, perfect for following the races without struggling to park.
- Acclimatize to the altitude 48 hours before intense exertion. Hydration, sleep and a light but complex carbohydrate-rich diet are your allies.
- Prepare a multi-layered wardrobe : at altitude, even in July-August, the mercury can drop by 15 to 20 °C between the afternoon and the night, especially if a storm passes.
- Respect the mountain : pick up your waste (even biodegradable — banana peels and cores take years to decompose at altitude), stay on marked trails and observe wildlife from a distance.
FAQ: Everything you need to know about the sporting events of summer 2026 in Haute-Savoie
When will the Climbing World Cup take place in Chamonix in 2026?
The Chamonix leg of the IFSC World Cup is traditionally held in mid-July, over a three-day weekend combining lead and bouldering . The exact dates for 2026 are published each winter on the International Federation of Sport Climbing website and shared by the Chamonix Tourist Office. We recommend consulting our complete 2026 events calendar, which is updated regularly.
How to book accommodation during the UTMB® in Chamonix?
The UTMB® generates the highest peak in hotel occupancy of the year in Chamonix. The golden rule: Book as soon as the official dates are published. (usually in September of the previous year). At Lavancher, the Hotel Jeu de Paume Each summer it welcomes runners, their families, but also many spectators who appreciate finding peace and quiet 6 km from the activity of Chamonix. Book your stay here.
What is the difference between the MB Race and the Mont-Blanc Marathon?
The MB Race is a mountain bike marathon starting in Combloux, around the Mont Blanc massif. The Mont Blanc Marathon is a trail running race starting in Chamonix town center, covering 42,2 km with 2,700 m of elevation gain. Two different disciplines (cycling vs. running), two different atmospheres, but the same magic: running at the foot of the roof of Europe.
Can you attend the competitions for free?
Yes, for the vast majority of the course—starts, finishes, key points, and spectator areas—access is free for the UTMB®, the Mont-Blanc Marathon, the MB Race, and the Trail des Aiguilles Rouges. For the IFSC Climbing World Cup, daytime qualifying rounds are generally free, but the evening finals require paid tickets (book early).
How the Hotel Jeu de Paume Does it welcome athletes and their fans?
Our establishment offers an environment tailored to the needs of athletes and their families: Breakfast buffet Rich food served early spa support for recovery (sports massages, jacuzzi, sauna), restaurant The Rosebud with local and balanced cuisine, secure storage for bicycles and equipment, shuttle service to be arranged with the concierge for race departures, and of course the tranquility of hamlet of Lavancher for restful nights.
Prepare for your sporty summer in the heart of Chamonix
Climbing World Cup in July, UTMB® in August, Mont-Blanc Marathon and MB Race in June: one place to experience it all, in the peaceful setting of Lavancher.
