The Aosta Valley is the setting for many different international competitive sporting events.
The Mezzalama trophy is a famous ski mountaineering race that was started in 1933 and that has remained faithful to the authentic ski-adventure of the original pioneers. It still involves tackling the mountain without any help, a true off-piste adventure, up and down the mountain.
It has always been an event race, the highest ski-mountaineering test in the Alps, passing the summit of the Castore (4226 m) and the Lyskamm Passo del Naso (4150 m).
With the increasing popularity of ski-mountaineering, the Mezzalama was revived thanks to a foundation supported by the Aosta Region that organises the race every two years. An impressive team of guides, ski instructors, members of the military and volunteers have meant that the modern race has been held regularly since 1997 in odd-numbered years, with roped teams of three people. The race always starts on the slopes of Cervinia (2020 m) and finishes in Gressoney-la Trinité (1637 m).
On the subject of sporting competitions that are bringing the Aosta Valley to international attention, we mustn’t forget the Tor des Géants endurance trail that crosses the whole region, taking participants along beautiful paths at the feet of the most important 4000 m peaks in the Alps, and across the Gran Paradiso National Park, as well as the Mont Avic Regional Park, making it a unique race.
The Tor des Géants is not just a competitive sporting event but also a tourist promotion for the Aosta Valley and the municipalities involved in the race.
It is extremely difficult, and the biggest challenge is making it to the end. The race crosses 34 municipalities in the area and is considered the most difficult trail in the world. It runs along the high trails of the region, starting and finishing in Courmayeur.
It is made up of only one stage, with participants running at their own pace within a time limit of 150 hours. Athletes must carry with them everything they need and can only stop at designated refreshment points, which adds to the difficulty and the appeal of the race. People come from all over the world to run the trails that wind through mountain towns and regional roads, guiding them on their route.
