The Pyrenees' most prestigious 163km loop — the European UTMB® World Series Major
Other trail races within 155 miles
A monumental 163-kilometer loop through the Pyrenean peaks of the Val d'Aran, starting and finishing in Vielha. The course circumnavigates the entire valley, crossing wild glacial cirques, abandoned mine workings, and sweeping ridgeline passes that regularly exceed 2,500 meters. With 10,000 meters of cumulative elevation gain — equivalent to UTMB® Mont-Blanc — runners must complete the journey within 48 hours while managing unpredictable Pyrenean mountain weather and long sections of remote terrain between aid stations. The flagship event of the European Major of the UTMB® World Series, with direct Finals entry for the top 10 male and female finishers.
Recommended for seasoned ultrarunners
Vielha, Catalonia, SpainJuly 03, 2026
Must meet custom qualifier requirements within the qualification window
Must have a UTMB® Index in the 100K or 100M category. The organization recommends a minimum UTMB® Index of 400 in the race category. Entry via direct purchase (no lottery); registrations sell out within hours of opening.
| Location | km | Elevation |
|---|---|---|
Vielha Start | 0.0 | 967 m |
Bassa d'Oles Aid Station | 10.5 | 1,613 m |
Artiga de Lin Aid Station | 24.6 | 1,465 m |
Poilaner Aid Station | 32.7 | 1,987 m |
Portilhon Aid Station | 42.6 | 1,300 m |
Bossòst Aid Station | 49.1 | 707 m |
Canejan Aid Station | 58.2 | 894 m |
Refugi Honeria Aid Station | 65.7 | 1,030 m |
Còth de Varradòs Aid Station | 81.8 | 2,046 m |
Montgarri Aid Station | 99.6 | 1,650 m |
Beret Aid Station | 104.7 | 1,844 m |
Salardú Aid Station | 113.7 | 1,272 m |
Banhs de Tredòs Aid Station | 122.6 | 1,755 m |
Colomèrs Aid Station | 134.1 | 1,966 m |
Mont-Romies Aid Station | 144.5 | 1,763 m |
Arties Aid Station | 148.9 | 1,137 m |
Santet Escunhau Aid Station | 154.8 | 1,798 m |
Vielha Finish | 163.0 | 967 m |
Sign in to see cutoffs, crew access, drop bags, and services for every aid station.
Severe afternoon thunderstorms are common in the Pyrenees in July. The VDA has been shortened or cancelled in multiple editions due to weather — always prepare for rapid deterioration at altitude.
The course regularly crosses passes above 2,400–2,600m. Altitude sickness and cold are genuine hazards, particularly on the sections around Còth de Varradòs and the Colomèrs cirque.
Temperatures above 2,000m can drop to near or below freezing at night in early July, even after warm daytime conditions.
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