Ultra Trail Grand Colombier is a mountain race linking the ridges, forests and valleys of the Bugey region in France.
The longest course passes through several villages and climbs to the Grand Colombier ridge.
Narrow forest paths, farm tracks, and terrain with lakes and waterfalls take you back and forth between mountain and village.
The flagship 120km course has 5,000m of elevation gain.
It starts in the old streets of Belley and passes through Arboys-en-Bugey, with its vineyards and forests, and villages tucked into the hills.
Near Inimont you hit steep mountain trails and views over the Bugey, and on the Plateau d'Hauteville meadows and forest open up wide.
The route finally reaches Culoz near the Rhône.
The 30km trail climbs from Seyssel toward the Grand Colombier.
It starts in a riverside village and moves into the mountains and forest,
and the course description mentions the wine-growing area of Corbonod and Anglefort at the foot of the mountain.
The shorter gravel run follows the Rhône, and the 10km is centered on Culoz.
Depending on the race, the emphasis falls on the mountain ridges or the riverside.
The long-distance races include team relays as well as solo races,
with each runner covering part of the mountain terrain so the team completes the full route together.
Rather than focusing only on one summit, the event shows off a long route linking the Bugey's plateaus, countryside and riverside.
