2 December 2025

Time to Train for the Great Classics

December, with fresh snow at higher elevations, officially launches the winter season. It’s a strategic period for our sport, which will make its Olympic debut in February. Milano Cortina 2026 will be a global showcase for ski mountaineering. La Grande Course, the prestigious ski mountaineering circuit that brings together the most iconic classics across the Alps and the Pyrenees, is ready to take centre stage with three top-level events and a brand-new, even more stylish format.

TRAIN HARD AND SAVE THE DATE

Mark the must-attend events in red on your race calendar:

Altitoy Millet in the French Pyrenees (31/01 – 01/02)

The new entry Transcavallo in the Belluno Dolomites (27–28/02)

The legendary Millet Tour du Rutor Extrême in the Aosta Valley (28–29/03)


A LOT WILL CHANGE COMPARED TO THE PAST

After several editions, it was time for a breath of fresh air to expand horizons, grow the discipline, and keep attracting competitive athletes:

“La Grande Course represents the origins of ski mountaineering, reinterpreted and communicated with a modern touch,” said circuit president Marco Camandona. “We are aware of our great responsibility: the fast disciplines scheduled in Bormio will be an excellent showcase to bring more enthusiasts closer to real skialp — the one in true mountain terrain, made of kick-turns, airy ridges, and powder descents.”

This is why a shift in gear was needed:

“In this Olympic year, we are introducing an all-new format and new races, starting with Transcavallo: a very well-organised event we have been watching for years and have now chosen to promote within the circuit. In the future, we will include additional races with the goal of growing and keeping alive the sport we love and have been committed to promoting for years.”

Going into more detail, Camandona added:

“Compared to the past, we will switch from a biennial to an annual format to allow athletes to follow the LGC challenge more easily.”

Most of the historic big events are confirmed, but Pierra Menta will not be part of the circuit:

“Our friends in Arêches have decided to run their event independently after many years. We regret this, given what Pierra Menta represents, but we respect their decision. We thank them and wish them all the best.”

The goal is clear: to become increasingly international.

“To reach ambitious milestones, we need motivated organisers who share our vision,” concluded Camandona. “In the coming years, alongside our great classics, we will add other high-potential events. We have many ideas and projects—now it’s up to you to put skins on and train hard to be ready.”