Tunnel du Mont-Blanc
The Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc and the Mont Blanc Tunnel, two symbols of the connection linking the towns around the Mont Blanc and their inhabitants
On the 14th August 1962, after 20 years of detailed studies, hard labour and centuries of hope, the last pickaxe stroke, finally allowed the French and Italian workers to meet under the Mont Blanc massif, opening a new door towards new human, cultural and economic horizons.
On 16th July 1965, the Presidents of the Italian Republic and of the French Republic, Mr Giuseppe Saragat and Mr Charles De Gaulle, inaugurated the Mont Blanc. Three days later, on July 19, the first vehicles crossed the threshold to enter what was then the world's longest road tunnel, under the highest mountain in Europe. Since then, almost 80 million vehicles have passed through the Tunnel.
Today, the Mont Blanc Tunnel is an important link between Italy and France. A symbol of friendship between the two countries and also a world reference for innovation in the field of safety. 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, the Italian and French teams are engaged in ensuring a high level of service and safety. For this engineering feat of 11.6 km in length, they employ over 300 people, which means more than 25 people per kilometre. The Mont Blanc tunnel makes it possible to reach Chamonix from Courmayeur in 12 minutes. A key link for local tourism, serving over thirty stations in the heart of the Mont Blanc valleys, and well beyond.
The Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc and the Mont Blanc Tunnel both symbolize the connection linking the towns around the Mont Blanc and their inhabitants.
The EEIG of the Mont Blanc Tunnel is proud to give its support to the organizers and competitors of the Ultra-Trail Mont Blanc, who are inspired by the same will, courage and determination of those people who permitted its creation. The Mont Blanc Tunnel is, more than an “official supplier”, a mobility partner of the UTMB, the biggest rally of trail-running enthusiasts from 100 different countries.
