Pontboset Skyrace - Trofeo Paolo Jacquin

A classic of Aosta Valley skyrunning

The Pontboset Skyrace - Trofeo Paolo Jacquin is a skyrunning race held annually on the first Sunday of August in Pontboset, a small municipality in the Province of Aosta nestled in the Champorcher valley, at the foot of the Gran Paradiso massif. Founded in 2003, it has become a benchmark event in the mountain running calendar and is currently valid for the Aosta Valley Skyrunning Championship.

The course

The route covers approximately 23 km with 2,100 meters of positive elevation gain. The start is set in the center of Pontboset, at an altitude of 780 meters. From here, the race ascends along the mule track towards Crest, crosses the Vallone di Brenve and alpine pastures, tackles sections of trail and scree slopes up to the third aid station at Col Bruillet (2,450 m), near Lago Cornuto, with views of Monte Rosa, before returning to the starting point. A challenging course, reserved for the most trained skyrunners.

History and protagonists

The race, named in memory of Paolo Jacquin, has written important pages in Aosta Valley skyrunning history. The men's course record is held by Lucio Fregona (2h22'28" in 2006), while among the most successful athletes are Dennis Brunod and Gloriana Pellissier, each with five victories. Organized by the Atletic Team 2000 in collaboration with the Municipality of Pontboset, the race combines sport, landscape, and community spirit in one of the wildest corners of the Aosta Valley.