Everything is ready in Valle d’Aosta for the final of La Grande Course, the prestigious ski mountaineering circuit that brings together the most beautiful and best-organized super classics of the “Old Continent”.
To crown the king and queen of winter, a record-breaking 22nd edition. With 277 teams representing 19 nations, the Millet Tour du Rutor Extrême promises to be an unmissable two-day event.
We have matched our participation record from 2018, commented Marco Camandona. In the post-Covid period, the race movement and our event had to deal with a slight downturn, but the trend is now positive again.
An important figure to highlight is that 10% of participants are women. In addition, there are the non-competitive Team 85 participants and young athletes competing individually on highly technical and selective courses.
THE PROTAGONISTS
The dominators of the Pierra Menta, William Bon Mardion – Xavier Gachet, together with national team leaders Alba De Silvestro – Axelle Mollaret, are among the favourites. William Boffelli – Alex Oberbacher and Sonia Brussoz – Marcela Vasinova aim for the circuit after their Transcavallo victory.
However, given the level of the athletes, any prediction is difficult.
On the peaks overlooking La Thuile, Valgrisenche and Arvier, a stellar lineup includes Samuel Equy – Anselme Damevin, Davide Magnini – Anton Palzer and Federico Nicolini – Nadir Maguet.
In the women’s race, attention goes to Ilaria Veronese – Corinna Ghirardi and Noemi Junod – Giulia Compagnoni.
The challenge includes 5,000 m of elevation gain over two stages, 50 km total distance (35 uphill, 15 free ride), 20 transitions and sections above 3,000 m altitude.
THE RACE IN DETAIL
SATURDAY THE GREAT TRAVERSE
The opening stage starts in La Thuile and finishes in Valgrisenche. A historic route with over 2,400 m of climbing, partly following the 1933 route of the first Tour du Rutor.
Athletes will face a spectacular glacier traverse on one of the largest glaciers in the region.
A demanding and memorable day, according to Marco Camandona.
SUNDAY THE CLASSIC PLANAVAL FINAL
The decisive stage takes place in Planaval (Arvier – 1,554 m a.s.l.), birthplace of the modern TDR.
A spectacular loop around Château-Blanc leads athletes up to 3,422 m a.s.l., via Orfeuille and Plan-Petet.
The elevation gain will be approximately 2,300 m.
TEAM 85, AN OPPORTUNITY NOT TO BE MISSED
The Team TDRX85 initiative returns again this year.
Start from Planaval between 6:30 and 9:30, finishing near Plan Petet Alta (2,360 m).
A route with 850 m elevation gain immersed in nature, following the race and earning the finisher badge.
The first 200 participants will receive a 22L Millet backpack.
Register now!
PHOTOALPARVIER PHOTOGRAPHIC CONTEST
The PhotoAlpArvier 2026 contest promotes the Millet Tour du Rutor Extrême through photography.
Open to amateur photographers, participation is free but registration is mandatory.
Photos must be taken between 27–29 March 2026 and can capture any aspect of the race.
More info and registration:
www.tourdurutor.com
Click here: PHOTOS to view and download photos from previous editions!
