La Trace des Grands 2026 – Grands Montets, Chamonix
Big‑mountain energy, ski‑touring stoke and a festival vibe in Argentière.
Mark your diary for La Trace des Grands 2026, Chamonix’s fast‑growing ski‑touring and ski mountaineering weekend at the legendary Grands Montets in Argentière. Spread across two days, the event blends timed races with relaxed “freerando” experiences, plus a lively village packed with exhibitors, ski tests, coaching and music. It’s a brilliant reason to visit Chamonix in March, whether you want to clip in and race, sample ski touring for the first time or simply cheer from the sidelines. For full race information and registration, head to the official La Trace des Grands website.
Key info at a glance
- Dates: Saturday 7 – Sunday 8 March 2026.
- Where: Grands Montets ski area (Plan Joran base station & Lognan plateau), Argentière, Chamonix‑Mont‑Blanc.
- What: Five routes across two philosophies, relaxed “experience/freerando” and competitive ski mountaineering, open to touring skis, splitboards and telemark.
- Official site (English): latracedesgrands.com/en.
Why go?
Because few places deliver the high‑alpine drama of Argentière’s glaciers and the Aiguille des Grands Montets quite like this. La Trace des Grands lets you move through that terrain on secured, temporary routes designed by local mountain professionals, and then unwind over a beer and a DJ set in the event village. The mix of racing, discovery trails and festival buzz makes it ideal for couples, friends and families planning a March escape to Chamonix.
Races & weekend schedule
La Trace des Grands features five routes and a “two philosophies” approach: choose a fun, non‑timed experience or the full competitive push. All routes are open to touring skis, splitboards and telemark.
Saturday 7 March 2026
- TDG Vertical Race – 08:30 start from Plan Joran base. A lung‑busting 720m vertical on the freshly groomed Pierre à Ric home‑run.
- TDG 110 (Freerando trail) – 09:15 start from Bochard. Around 1,295m D+ on a secured high‑mountain itinerary, ending with an optional timed off‑piste descent of the famed Grands Montets face.
- TDG Experience (Discovery) – 09:30 start from Bochard. A welcoming 460m D+ loop to the Argentière glacier viewpoint with no stopwatch, perfect for first‑timers and families.
Sunday 8 March 2026
- TDG Duo – 07:30 start from Plan Joran. A high‑mountain team route (roped pairs) sharing the TDG 65 ascent before plunging into the classic Pas de Chèvre; ~2,500m D+. Places are limited and selection applies.
- TDG 65 (Ski mountaineering) – 08:00 start from Plan Joran. A signature summit push (≈2,040m D+) to the Aiguille des Grands Montets with a spectacular ridge traverse and a big‑smile North Face descent to Lognan.
Note: Exact timings and access may be adjusted by the organisers for weather and safety. Always re‑check the official race pages before you travel.
Village, tests & side activities
Where to watch
La Trace des Grands is designed with spectators in mind. Easy access points include the Grands Montets car park/Plan Joran base (Saturday’s Vertical start; Sunday’s TDG Duo and TDG 65 starts) and the Lognan plateau (arrivals and mid‑race action, ski pass required). For experienced ski tourers (or with a guide), high‑alpine viewpoints such as Point de Vue, Col des Rachasses and the Col des Grands Montets offer dramatic spectating, but only if you’re properly equipped and moving entirely outside race tracks.
How to enter
Entries are handled on the official site. Pick from five routes: including the Experience, Vertical, TDG 110, TDG 65 and TDG Duo according to your skills and appetite. Races accept touring skis, splitboards and telemark. Entry numbers and mandatory equipment vary by route, so please read the individual regulations.
Planning your Chamonix trip
Getting there: Grands Montets sits above Argentière, a few minutes up‑valley from Chamonix by ski bus or the Mont‑Blanc Express train. Once in resort, the organisers encourage local public transport (train, bus, bike).
For airport transfers and to find out things to do locally, see our Argentière and Chamonix Guide with options for reliable transport from Geneva airport.
Need more inspiration? To find out what else is on in the valley around your dates, browse our news & events page for the latest round‑ups, tips and itineraries.