Collontrek

Collontrek is a September high-mountain race covering approximately 22 km between Italy's Aosta Valley and Switzerland's Valais. Participants run in teams of two, navigating about 1,250 meters of ascent and 1,230 meters of descent along alpine hiking trails. The race begins at the Place-Moulin dam crest near Bionaz (1,989 meters). It ascends to the Italian-Swiss border at Col Collon (around 3,080 meters) before concluding in Arolla (2,006 meters). The course follows historic paths once used by farmers, smugglers, and residents of Haute Valpelline and Val d'Herens. These regions maintain connections through Franco-Provencal patois and Combats de Reines cow-fighting traditions. Collontrek is also a segment of the Tour du Cervin and the Tour des Grands Barrages.