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Ultra Tour Monte Rosa (UTMR): A 170 km Alpine Ultra Around the Monte Rosa Massif

29 May 2026

5 min read

Location: Switzerland & Italy (Monte Rosa Massif)
Distance: 105.6 miles (170 km)
Elevation gain: ~37,730 ft D+ (~11,500 m)
Event type: Trail running
Part of / race series: Independent alpine ultra event
Date: Early September
Participants: 500 across two events

Photo credit: Marz Merwe

What is the Ultra Tour Monte Rosa?

The Ultra Tour Monte Rosa (or UTMR) is a high-alpine trail running event that circles the Monte Rosa massif in Switzerland and Italy. The massif also hosts another trail event, the Monte Rosa Walserwaeg by UTMB®. The UTMR route loops around 29 of the massif’s 13,000-foot peaks, beginning and ending in Grächen.

The Ultra Tour du Monte Rosa offers two formats: the UTMR 170 km Ultra Tour and the four-day UTMR stage race. Regardless of your chosen format, steep climbs, icy sections, and long descents mean the right trail running gear is vital for both comfort and safety. Beyond equipment, the Ultra Tour Monte Rosa requires both trail running mental grit and physical toughness.

UTMR dates and participation

The race is held annually in early September, when the weather is stable and high passes are clear of snow. The 2026 UTMR stage race begins on September 2nd, followed by the 170 km Ultra Tour on September 3rd.

Entries are first come, first served, but proof of ultra trail experience is required. Organizers prefer:

A prior 100-mile race with more than 22,965 feet of ascent for the single-stage Ultra Tour.
A multi-stage mountain race or a race of at least 26.2 miles with approximately 4,921 feet of ascent for the stage format.

The UTMR route: a loop around the Monte Rosa Massif

The route follows a counter-clockwise loop in which established alpine trails are paired with rugged sections of highly technical terrain.

The first few miles of forest trails ease runners in before a steep, 3,280-foot climb towards the 1,621-foot-long Charles Kuonen Suspension Bridge, an early highlight. Many miles of climbs and descents follow, with occasional views of the Matterhorn and Monte Rosa’s south face.

This Monte Rosa trail race pairs more technical sections like the Höhenweg – over ten miles of twists and turns – and the icy Theodul Glacier with a stretch on the long, but not steep, ancient Roman road through the Turlo pass. The course’s highly varied terrain makes it significantly more demanding than a typical trail run.

UTMR race formats

The UTMR 170 km and the UTMR stage race represent two different approaches to the same alpine course.

UTMR 170 km Ultra Tour

The 170 km format is an uninterrupted single-stage ultra. Runners must pace themselves across more than 36,089 feet of elevation gain and several straight days and nights of effort.

Participants should also consider safety tips for nighttime running, such as wearing a headlamp and packing appropriate layers. There is a time limit of 60 hours to complete the entire route.

UTMR stage race

The stage race divides the same route into four consecutive days, and participants have 12 hours to complete each stage.

Stage 1: Grächen, Switzerland to Zermatt, Switzerland (22.7 miles)
Stage 2: Zermatt to Gressoney la Trinité, Italy (26.6 miles)
Stage 3: Gressoney la Trinité to Macugnaga, Italy (28.6 miles)
Stage 4: Macugnaga to Grächen (27.2 miles)

While the daily distances are still demanding, runners can push harder on individual stages and rest overnight between efforts.

Photo credit: Marz Merwe

What it takes to run the Ultra Tour Monte Rosa

Running the UTMR requires more than endurance. The combination of altitude, elevation gain, and technical terrain demands prior trail experience and the right gear to finish.

Pacing is vital to get through steep climbs and long, technical descents; ultra trail training programs should consider this.
Weather shifts quickly at altitude, and temperatures vary by terrain. Proper trail running layers are essential.
Trail running footwear needs to strike a balance between traction for technical and rocky sections and comfort for sustained distances.
Packing gear for ultra trail races means bringing the proper equipment to stay safe and comfortable while keeping your setup lightweight.

Ultra Tour Monte Rosa FAQs

The UTMR is aimed at experienced trail runners and demands a realistic assessment before registering.

How long is the Ultra Tour Monte Rosa?

The ultra distance is 106 miles, and the stage race covers the same distance over four days, averaging to roughly a marathon per day.

How difficult is the Ultra Tour Monte Rosa?

Any ultra trail race is challenging, but the UTMR races include highly technical alpine terrain, adding to their difficulty.

How long does it take to finish the UTMR race?

Finishing times vary based on conditions, but top-ten finishers average around 35 hours, and top-20 finishers typically complete the course in under 40 hours.

The UTMR: two ways to experience a stunning alpine trail race

The Ultra Tour Monte Rosa provides two formats for runners to approach the Monte Rosa massif race. For those seeking an endurance challenge, the 105.6-mile single-stage race is a test of determination. The four-day stage race provides a chance to experience the same landscape during daylight hours with built-in recovery. In either format, the technical terrain makes finishing a measure of endurance, focus, and control.

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