In just a few years' time, the Trail du Grand Ballon grew from a new sporting event with a few hundred participants into a true trail running staple in the heart of the Vosges.
2017 — The first start
The adventure begins in 2017. For this first edition, nearly 500 runners line up at the start of the various races of the Trail du Grand Ballon and the Trail du Markstein.
It is the start of an adventure with one clear ambition: to introduce participants to the trails, panoramas and exceptional character of the Grand Ballon massif.
Marc and Christel from Hotel Wolf and Seb from Auberge Steinlebach were there right from the start
2018 — More than 1,000 participants
Already in its second edition, the event takes on a new dimension. More than 1,100 participants register: well over double the number in the first year.
The Trail du Grand Ballon gradually secures a permanent place among the major trail races in the Vosges.
2019 — Snow in April and addition of a summer edition
Nearly 1,500 runners take part in the spring edition.
But 2019 above all marks the birth of the Summer Edition. This new formula immediately finds its audience: with 1,000 runners, the first summer edition sells out instantly.
From that moment on, the Grand Ballon is experienced not only in spring, but also in the colors and light of summer.
2020–2021 — A forced break
Due to the corona crisis, the organization has to cancel the planned editions.
During these two difficult years, the team continues to work behind the scenes on new courses and future editions. Contact with participants, volunteers and local partners is also maintained.
The interruption does not mean the end of the adventure. On the contrary: the desire to return only grows stronger.
2022 — The grand return
After two years of waiting, the runners finally return to the trails of the Grand Ballon.
For this restart, more than 1,500 active registrations are recorded. The massif bursts with atmosphere, cheering and energy once again, defining the identity of the event.
2023 — An ever stronger identity
With more than 1,700 participants, the event continues its development.
The challenging courses, clear signage, warm welcome from volunteers and complete immersion in the Vosges become the main characteristics of the Trail du Grand Ballon.
2024 — A new milestone 2,500 runners in April
In 2024, the event reaches a new milestone with more than 2,500 participants.
For the first time, the spring edition is also completely sold out. With this, the Trail du Grand Ballon confirms its position as one of the fixtures on the trail calendar.
2025 — New aid stations and courses
The project continues to grow. The summer edition evolves and adds a UTMB 100K index distance, bringing participants even deeper into the massif.
For the spring edition, 4,000 active registrations are recorded. This growth rewards the work carried out since the first start in 2017. Snow was plentiful during the spring edition, which made it challenging for participants and organizers
2026 — More than 100 days before the event completely sold out !
In 2026, the Trail du Grand Ballon reaches a new peak with more than 4,500 active registrations for the April edition. Our registration portal groaned at opening, with over 2,500 runners registering during the first 2 days, and the event was completely sold out more than 100 days in advance
Despite the exceptionally warm weather conditions, participants once again praise the beautiful courses, excellent signage, dedication of the volunteers and warm atmosphere.
2027 — A new era with three events
Ten years after the first edition, a new chapter begins.
From 2027 onwards, the Grand Ballon universe consists of three trail weekends spread across the seasons:
- Trail du Grand Ballon – L’Hivernale, on January 16 and 17, with four distances of approximately 20, 25, 35 and 50 kilometers;
- Trail du Grand Ballon, on April 24 and 25;
- Trail du Grand Ballon Summer, on July 17.
L’Hivernale also brings a new start and finish location around Jungholtz and Soultz, creating a second gateway to the Grand Ballon massif.
From winter to spring and summer, the mission remains the same: to discover the Grand Ballon, push boundaries on its trails and share an unforgettable experience in the Vosges together.
2017–2027: ten years of growth, thousands of participants and still the same passion for the Grand Ballon massif.