La Pierra Menta Été

Located in Arêches-Beaufort, France, about an hour from Geneva in the Savoie region, La Pierra Menta Été is a three-day stage-format trail race and the summer counterpart to the famed winter ski mountaineering competition. The event challenges teams across three stages, navigating alpine meadows, rocky paths, and high ridges, with steep and technical sections requiring via ferrata gear, such as a lightweight harness, lanyard, and a climbing helmet. 

Because the course is closely linked with the winter ski mountaineering race, the event draws a lot of very strong skimo racers – be ready for a fast overall time and some strict cutoff times at the aid stations. 

The race provides various packages for participants, so you can sign up and get accommodations and meals in the village, as well. 

The stages vary in distance and elevation from 16 km to 26 km and offer celebrated technical climbs like Arêche’s Grand Mont, which gives sweeping views of the Beaufortain massif. Youth races provide the next generation of trail aficionados a chance to test themselves against the rugged terrain as well.

Within its dramatic and wild-feeling alpine surroundings, La Pierra Menta Été combines technical trail running with the camaraderie of team racing, reflecting the spirit of its legendary winter race.