I’m hoping someone with experience in the UTMB system can help me understand something about the race in Chamonix in 2027.

I recently finished the Kodiak 100K and was absolutely overjoyed to learn that I placed first in my age group! I also received a message congratulating me on the achievement, which was such an exciting surprise.

Here’s where I’m a little unsure. Does placing first in my age group at Kodiak, as a UTMB World Series Major, mean I’ve earned an automatic entry into the CCC race in Chamonix, France, in 2027? Or does it simply give me an opportunity through the lottery?

I’m still relatively new to this sport and learning how the UTMB qualification process works. I’m thrilled at the possibility, but I also don’t want to get ahead of myself if I’m interpreting the message incorrectly!

If you’ve qualified this way or have experience with the process, I’d be so grateful if you could share what I should expect and what steps I need to take next.

Thank you so much! I’m incredibly grateful for this trail-running community, the opportunities this sport brings, and all the people who make this journey so special.

Bless in health,

Rhonda 💛

The larches (mélèzes) are turning gold, the trails are quieter, and the light is gorgeous... but the days are short, the high cols can get their first snow with little warning, and many lifts and huts are closing or on reduced schedules.

I'd love to hear how locals and regular visitors approach this in-between season:

• Which low or mid-altitude walks do you find best in autumn (larch spots, balcony trails, valley loops)?
• How do you layer for cold mornings that turn into warm sunny afternoons? Do you carry a proper insulating layer even on a "nice" day?
• Do you carry a headlamp by default now, given how early the sun drops behind the ridges?
• Any sources you trust to check conditions before heading out (Météo-France mountain bulletin, local webcams, the tourist office, etc.)?

Happy to hear about gear that earns its place in the pack at this time of year too, and about spots that are better in October than in July. Thanks, and enjoy the colours!

Hi, will there be any cable cars open on the 17th of october? Specially thinking about Planpratz and Flegere