La Montée du Nid d’Aigle 2026
A legendary uphill mountain race from Saint-Gervais to the gateway of Mont Blanc.
La Montée du Nid d’Aigle is one of those races that feels deeply tied to its landscape. Starting from Le Fayet and climbing towards the high mountain world above Saint-Gervais, it follows a historic route towards the Nid d’Aigle, a place closely linked with Mont Blanc approaches, mountain railways and classic alpine ambition.
Bottom line: La Montée du Nid d’Aigle 2026 takes place on Saturday 18 July 2026 in Saint-Gervais-les-Bains. The 2026 event marks the race’s 39th edition and the 40th anniversary of its founding, with runners taking on a demanding uphill route from Parc Thermal du Fayet towards Nid d’Aigle / Bellevue.
Planning your trip to Saint-Gervais? If you want to find out more about the resort, transfers and how to get there from Geneva Airport, take a look at our Saint-Gervais Guide.
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What is La Montée du Nid d’Aigle?
La Montée du Nid d’Aigle is a classic mountain running race in Saint-Gervais Mont-Blanc. The event has been part of local mountain heritage since 1986 and is known for staying faithful to its original uphill route.
The 2026 edition is especially meaningful. It is the 39th edition of the race and also celebrates the 40th anniversary of the event’s creation. Runners of different levels, from strong amateur athletes to elite mountain runners, line up for one of the area’s most symbolic climbs.
The route starts at Parc Thermal du Fayet and climbs towards the Nid d’Aigle / Bellevue area. The official tourism listing gives the distance as 19.5km, with the finish connected to the famous high mountain gateway used by mountaineers heading towards Mont Blanc.
Official event website:
Visit the official Saint-Gervais Mont-Blanc event page
La Montée du Nid d’Aigle 2026 date and location
- Event: La Montée du Nid d’Aigle 2026
- Date: Saturday 18 July 2026
- Edition: 39th edition
- Anniversary: 40 years since the race was founded
- Start: Parc Thermal du Fayet, Saint-Gervais-les-Bains
- Finish: Nid d’Aigle / Bellevue
- Distance: 19.5km
- Nearest major airport: Geneva Airport
Official race information and documents:
View the official programme and race rules
What to expect on race day
This is not a flat road race or a gentle valley jog. La Montée du Nid d’Aigle is an uphill mountain race, with the route rising from the thermal park at Le Fayet towards the higher alpine terrain above Saint-Gervais.
The character of the event is simple and authentic. It is built around a clear challenge: climb from the valley towards one of the most iconic high points on the Mont Blanc access route.
The official event listing also highlights the role of around 250 volunteers, which helps explain the race’s community feel. It is competitive, but it is also a local celebration of mountain sport, Saint-Gervais heritage and the people who help make the event happen each year.
Why the race is worth seeing
La Montée du Nid d’Aigle is a strong event to follow because it is so closely connected to place. The climb starts in Le Fayet, passes through the Saint-Gervais mountain environment and finishes towards the high alpine world of the Nid d’Aigle.
The race also offers a different perspective on the Mont Blanc region. Instead of focusing only on Chamonix, it highlights Saint-Gervais as a historic access point to the mountains, with the Tramway du Mont-Blanc and the Nid d’Aigle forming part of the wider story.
For anyone interested in trail running, mountain racing, Mont Blanc heritage or summer events in the Alps, this is one of the key Saint-Gervais dates to know.
If you would like to find out more about what’s going on in Saint-Gervais before or after the race, check out our news and events page.
Getting to Saint-Gervais for La Montée du Nid d’Aigle
The simplest route: Fly into Geneva Airport, then travel to Saint-Gervais by pre-booked airport transfer.
- Typical Geneva to Saint-Gervais journey time: Around 1 hour, depending on traffic and your final address
- Route: Geneva Airport to Saint-Gervais-les-Bains / Le Fayet
- Border: Switzerland to France, so carry a valid passport or travel document
- Useful for: Runners, families, groups, race supporters and anyone travelling with kit bags
Mountain Drop-offs provides door-to-door transfers from Geneva Airport to Saint-Gervais and the surrounding Mont Blanc area. A pre-booked transfer is especially useful if you are arriving with race kit, travelling in a group or staying outside the town centre.
Compare transfer options:
View our Geneva Airport transfer options
Transfer options for La Montée du Nid d’Aigle visitors
| Transfer option | Best for | Why it suits race weekend |
|---|---|---|
| Shared transfer | Solo travellers and small groups | Cost-effective travel from Geneva Airport to Saint-Gervais and nearby resorts. |
| Flexi shared transfer | More flexible travel plans | Useful if your flight times or plans may change before travelling. |
| Private transfer | Groups, families and runners with kit | Direct travel to your accommodation with no waiting for other passengers. |
| VIP transfer | Extra comfort and convenience | Premium vehicles and a more comfortable arrival after a long journey. |
Book your transfer:
Check availability and get a live price
Practical tips for race weekend
- Check the final programme: Race briefings, bib collection and local access details should be confirmed on the official website before travelling.
- Plan around Le Fayet: The start is listed at Parc Thermal du Fayet, so check where you are staying in relation to the start area.
- Prepare for an uphill race: The route is almost entirely about climbing, so pacing and mountain kit matter.
- Allow time for transport: Race day can affect local movement around Saint-Gervais and Le Fayet.
- Use the official documents: The rules page notes that a briefing is sent by email before the race, so runners should watch for official updates.
- Book transfers early: July is a busy period for Geneva Airport and the Mont Blanc region.
FAQs
When is La Montée du Nid d’Aigle 2026?
La Montée du Nid d’Aigle 2026 takes place on Saturday 18 July 2026.
Where does the race start?
The official event listing gives the start as Parc Thermal du Fayet in Saint-Gervais-les-Bains.
Where does the race finish?
The official listing gives the finish as Nid d’Aigle / Bellevue.
How long is La Montée du Nid d’Aigle?
The official Saint-Gervais listing gives the 2026 race distance as 19.5km.
Is 2026 a special edition?
Yes. The 2026 race is the 39th edition and marks the 40th anniversary of the event’s founding.
How do I get from Geneva Airport to Saint-Gervais for the race?
The simplest option is to pre-book a Geneva Airport to Saint-Gervais transfer. Mountain Drop-offs provides door-to-door transfers to Saint-Gervais and nearby Mont Blanc destinations.
Should I book my transfer early?
Yes. July is a busy summer travel period in the Mont Blanc region, so early booking is recommended for transfers and accommodation.
Next step
- Read our Saint-Gervais Guide
- Check availability and get a live price
- Compare shared, Flexi, private and VIP transfers
- Contact Mountain Drop-offs for private or group bookings