The iconic race in the Aosta Valley, which will serve as the final of the 2026 La Grande Course circuit, is ready to deliver powerful emotions to lovers of both race and classic ski mountaineering—those who crave long climbs full of kick turns, airy ridges, and technical off-piste descents.
After Altitoy (late January) and Transcavallo (late February), it will be the mountains of Valgrisenche and the Rutor Glacier that crown the winners and finishers of this prestigious circuit, which includes some of the most renowned classic races across the Alps and the Pyrenees.
Now in its 22nd edition, the most “extrême” of all Italian ski mountaineering races will take place on the last weekend of March (Saturday 28 and Sunday 29), on the peaks of La Thuile, Valgrisenche, and Arvier. As usual, the event will feature two-person teams for the senior categories and individual races for the youth categories, with dedicated routes designed specifically for them.
Entering the history books won’t be easy. A quick look at the TDR roll of honour makes it clear that only true champions can win here. But don’t be fooled—simply completing these two major stages, defined by high altitude and demanding alpine terrain, is already a formidable challenge.
The 2026 edition will include 5,000 m of elevation gain, at least 20 transitions, 50 km of racing (35 km of climbs and 15 km of freeride), 3 km of ridges and couloirs, with sections above 3,000 meters. It’s time to start training seriously and keep your goal firmly in sight.
Behind the scenes, a top-level team of course setters, coordinated by mountain guides Marco Camandona and Roger Bovard, guarantees exceptional quality. And that’s not all—the historic Aosta Valley event is also famous for the warm welcome offered by the organizing committee and its volunteers to every single participant.
Because the TDR is not just a great race; it’s a celebration for entire communities, who use this international showcase to promote the excellence of the Aosta Valley.
“Compared to recent editions, we chose to organize the 22nd edition over two days to better adapt to a calendar increasingly crowded with events in the heart of winter and lacking races at the start of the season,” explained Marco Camandona.
“It’s a sort of return to the past to ensure a bright future for the TDR. Nowadays people have less time, fewer financial resources, and less snow to properly train for a multi-day long-distance race. With two stages of this magnitude, we can still offer athletes a true Tour du Rutor experience while allowing more racers to take part.”
RACE DETAILS
DAY 1
The opening stage will start in the center of La Thuile and finish in Valgrisenche. A true “big one,” a plunge into history with over 2,400 m of ascent, partly retracing the 1933 route—the very first edition of the Tour du Rutor, then known as the “Trofeo del Rutor”.
As in 2024, competitors will face a spectacular traverse across one of the largest glaciers in the Aosta Valley. “It will be a memorable day that will push all racers to their limits,” says Marco Camandona.
DAY 2
From past to present. The decisive stage will unfold where the modern TDR was born, starting and finishing in Planaval, in the municipality of Arvier (1,554 m).
It features a spectacular and dynamic loop around Château Blanc. The route will take athletes to the summit at 3,422 m, after passing the Orfeuille (1,982 m) and Plan-Petet (2,282 m) alpine pastures. This stage includes approximately 2,300 m of elevation gain.
