Round 8 - MILLET SKI TOURING COURCHEVEL - Wednesday 4 February 2026

Record turnout as the grand final approaches

The days are now numbered before the grand fancy-dress final of the Millet Ski Touring Courchevel (MSTC), which will close season 16 in style on Wednesday 25 February.

On this Wednesday 4 February, the 8th round recorded a participation record since the start of the season, with 196 ski mountaineers at the start. It must be said that everything came together on this Candlemas, full-moon evening to motivate as many competitors as possible. This second and last Plum special of the season allowed Lola Even Hibon, Sebastian Drusziewicz and Vincent Léger to win a pair of Plum bindings put up in a prize draw. To close the evening, the pancakes expertly made by two loyal participants, Nathalie Langeard and Gilles Poirier, were a huge hit.

“We are very happy to support this organisation, which over the course of 16 seasons has become one of the biggest ski mountaineering gatherings, in an atmosphere you find nowhere else. It is impressive to see the work and energy the volunteers put in every Wednesday, as well as the ever-growing number of participants. In the Plum team, the making of the costumes has already begun at the factory so that we are ready for the grand final,” said Albert Felisaz, director of the partner company Plum, after completing the 3.2 km climb with 500 m of elevation gain in 47 min 11 s.

Aurélien Dunand-Pallaz at the peak of his form

A great name in ultra-trail (2nd at the UTMB in 2021, winner of the Diagonale des Fous in 2023 followed by 3rd place in 2025), Aurélien Dunand-Pallaz wins this 8th round in 23 min 59 s, missing his personal best by just 3 seconds. He finishes ahead of the trail running version Vertical Race specialist Vincent Loustau of Team Vibram, who sets his best time of the season in 24 min 15 s. Hugo Carcey-Collet completes the podium in 25 min 10 s.

Also a remarkable performance from Michel Sibuet, who, with a climb in 30 min 37 s, takes the lead in the provisional overall standings in the O60 category ahead of Joseph Chedal Anglay.

Sonia Brussoz, winner of the 8th round

In 28 min 09 s, Sonia Brussoz (Méribel Sport Montagne) wins the women’s race ahead of Louna Dupont (Team Isère Montagne) in 29 min 05 s. 2026 Master world champion in ski mountaineering (Vertical Race and Individual), Corinne Favre takes 3rd place on the podium in 29 min 46 s, a performance that puts her in pole position in the provisional overall standings in the O40 category.

With a time of 42 min 48 s, Emma Carcey-Collet reinforces her hegemony in the provisional overall standings, U16 category.

Intense rounds ahead

On this Wednesday 4 February, the 2026 Raymond and René Millet Crystal Trophies, named after the founders of the partner company Millet, were officially presented by Guillaume Prin, president of the organising club Courchevel Sports Outdoor. They will be handed to the season 15 winners at the grand fancy-dress final on Wednesday 25 February, which is already set to record a participation record. For the first time in MSTC history, this final will take place during the school holidays, with the hope of celebrating for the occasion the first Olympic medals in French ski mountaineering.

Before this big event, the next two rounds promise to be just as intense, with the symbolic mark of 200 participants possibly being passed as early as next Wednesday in the 9th round.

The 10th and penultimate stage promises an ultra-festive atmosphere with the “Mercredi Gras” special, ideal for trying out costumes and trying to win a pair of Dynastar skis drawn by lot from among everyone in costume. The theme chosen for this round will focus on the colours of the Olympic Games in support of the members of the French ski mountaineering team competing the next day in the sprint event in Cortina, namely: Emily Harrop, Margot Ravinel, Thibault Anselmet and Pablo Giner Dalmasso.

Next date: 9th MSTC round, Wednesday 11 February 2026