Suunto athletes Stephanie Case and Elise Poncet share their top recommendations – from festive fan zones to quiet scenic viewpoints – to help you plan your UTMB adventure.
The legendary UTMB, a 174 km run around the Mont Blanc, starts in Chamonix on August 29 at 5:45pm.
St. Gervais – Kilometer 23 (Friday night)
The first major aid station of the UTMB – and this year it’s powered by Suunto. Expect a live DJ, a buzzing crowd, and an incredible atmosphere as runners make their way into the heart of the night. Join the Suunto crew to cheer athletes as they hit their first big checkpoint.
Notre Dame de la Gorge definitely is one of the most legendary spectator spots. (Image by The Adventure Bakery)
Notre Dame de la Gorge – Kilometer 37 (Friday night)
One of the most legendary UTMB viewing spots. Stephanie describes it as “a magical, somewhat chaotic light show” where bonfires, neon tunnels, and cheering crowds push runners toward Col du Bonhomme. Step back from the party for a moment and you’ll see a surreal sight: headlamps winding up the mountain like stars in motion.
Rifugio Bonatti – Kilometer 96 (Saturday morning)
For a calmer experience, Stephanie suggests heading to Rifugio Bonatti, which is not an aid station but rather a point along the course, with incredible views of the Grandes Jorasses. Here you can cheer while enjoying pasta, coffee, or even a beer in relative peace, far from the chaos of the big checkpoints.
Stephanie is a Chamonix-local who is commentating the UTMB live during the race week. (Image by Freetrail/Ryan Thrower)
Grand Col Ferret – Kilometer 106 (Saturday morning)
The highest point of the course at 2536 m is also one of the most dramatic. Stephanie calls it the place to “bring a cowbell, a flag, and your lungs” as runners struggle to the top of this iconic climb on the Italian–Swiss border.
Vallorcine – Kilometer 158 (Saturday morning)
Both Stephanie and Elise highlight Vallorcine as the place to be in 2025. A massive French fan zone will transform the village into a wild cheering party. Expect costumes, noisemakers, and nonstop encouragement as athletes tackle the last big valley crossing. Parking is tight, so take the train for the easiest and most eco-friendly access.
Elise lives in the Chamonix Valley and knows the mountains inside and out. (Image by The Adventure Bakery)
La Flégère – Kilometer 170 (Saturday afternoon to Sunday morning)
The last climb before Chamonix, and one of the most emotional places on the course. Elise calls it “incredible” with panoramic Mont Blanc views, while Stephanie notes you’ll see runners at their most raw – some breaking, some soaring, all of them on the edge of finishing UTMB. Reach it via the cable car from Les Praz (€24) or hike up from the valley with the Suunto crew: Come to the Suunto booth at 1pm on Saturday and join a cheering run up towards La Flégère.
Plan Your Experience
From the chaos of Notre Dame de la Gorge to the emotional final push at La Flégère, these spots capture the full spirit of UTMB: the atmosphere, the scenery, and the sheer grit of the runners. And if you’ve got time, exploring the valley’s trails will only deepen your appreciation of this iconic race.
As Stephanie puts it: “UTMB race week is one of the most exciting times to be in Chamonix valley, whether you are racing or not!”
Bonus: Trails for Visitors
If spectating isn’t enough and you want to explore Chamonix’s trails yourself, Stephanie recommends these memorable outings:
- La Jonction – A steep, 1500 m climb starting from Les Bossons, with breathtaking views of the Bossons and Taconnaz glaciers.
- Lac Blanc – A two-hour hike from the Flégère cable car with iconic views of Mont Blanc. Perfect for a lunch stop at the refuge.
- Refuge de Bellachat & Brévent – A bigger day out from Chamonix with 1600 m of climbing, ridgeline views of the Mont Blanc massif, and the option to descend or take the cable car down.