Mountain Adventure Holidays
In just a few years, Chamonix, in France has become a 'world class' trail running destination and there's no wonder why! This alpine town of international fame continues to hold its title as the world capital of adventure sports. Since the the very first Winter Olympics in 1924 Chamonix has been a venue for world class events.
The views of sparkling glaciers, the history and conquest of Mont Blanc, it's easy access and vast choice of trails are just a few of the reasons each year trail runners from all over the world seek to explore Chamonix's 'Classic Trails'.
Get to know the stunning valley of Chamonix on this 4-day guided running break. Designed for those you who run on a regular basis and who want to maximise holiday time on the trails. Each day choose from either an Intermediate level run, or shorter Moderate option - see run levels.
“If we could bottle your knowledge and enthusiasm, it would be a wonderful thing!” John Sullivan, Portland, USA, Nike
Situated in the heart of the French Alps sharing borders with both Italy and Switzerland, Chamonix is now known as the 'running capital of the world'. Run sections of the famous Mont Blanc Marathon and Mont Blanc Ultra Trail, reach mountain summits, run ridge lines and get off the beaten track surrounded by awe-inspiring vistas.
At the end of each day you will have time to relax and soak up the Alpine environment in our traditional French mountain hotel which is situated at the foot of the famous Glacier des Bossons. From the terrace you can take in the mind-blowing scale of the mighty Mont Blanc which towers above the valley, the highest mountain in Western Europe at 4810m (15,776ft).
Our coaches are experienced runners who race in various sporting distances and disciplines. As well as our guided trail run in the Dolomites, through Provence & the Verdon Gorge and around Mont Blanc we offer bespoke training and coaching for ultra marathons, triathlon and ski racing. So if you have a specific goal in mind and would like personal training or private guiding on these routes then we can help you. Please contact us with any questions.
Today you will arrive in Chamonix, France. This evening you will meet your running guide at your hotel when they will be available to answer any questions about the next few days.
The Valley of Chamonix has running trails at all altitudes and the Petit Balcon Nord and Sud, are located at the lowest elevation making this the perfect warm up day. 'Petit Balcon' dates to the Victorian era, and refers to it being an easy balcony walk, in other words it offers a wonderful balcony to view the mountains. The valley has an excellent bus and train service so it is possible to adapt the day making it shorter, or longer, at various points. Enjoy excellent views of Chamonix and it’s surrounding peaks whilst passing through quaint villages and farming communities.
In the morning we will leave our hotel and take the bridge across the Arve River to join this classic Chamonix trail. We soon arrive at Les Gaillands lake and rock climbing area which offers some of the finest views of Mont Blanc and its peaks and glaciers. You will have just run the first few kilometres of the famous Ultra Trail du Mont Blanc which takes place in the valley each August! We pass through the town itself picking up easy trails in the pine forests and then traverse the old village of the Bois du Bouchet to reach the hamlet of Les Tines. A wide riverside trail takes us to the alpine ski village of Argentiere at 1250m (4100ft) where we can have a coffee break and soak up the scenery.
Leaving Argentiere we complete our circuit by joining the Petit Balcon Nord, on the opposite side of the valley, and wind our way back towards Chamonix. We continue on excellent ‘balcony’ trails as the route picks up the Mont Blanc Marathon course and passes through the quiet less visited village of Le Lavancher. It's mostly gently downhill to home.
Ascent: 450m (1476ft) Descent: 450m (1476ft) Distance: 12-24km (7.5-15 miles)
Today we get up high to visit two of the glaciers of the Mont Blanc Range, the 'Glacier des Bossons' and the 'Mer de Glace' or Sea of Ice. This second classic trail was also the venue for our Trail Running Film. Our hotel is situated at the foot of the 'Glacier des Bossons' with easy access to the trail and the start of our first major climb. Anyone wishing to miss the climb can join us on the high trail as the route is also accessible by taking the first stage up the famous Aiguilles du Midi cable car. Our climb follows good trails through the pine forests to reach the perfectly situated Refuge Plan d'Aiguilles at 2200m (7216ft). The gradient isn't steep, but a steady walking pace should be expected and the use of poles is recommended. As we gain height we see towers of ice through the trees, and the glacier itself. At the refuge we stop for refreshments and a panoramic view below the summit of Mont Blanc! We now join the 'Grand Balcon Nord', the highest of the balcony trails, and run on an undulating path beneath granite rock spires. A rocky trail traverses for 6.5 kilometres (4 miles) to reach the Signal Forbes viewpoint at 2198m (7209ft). Here we have excellent views of the famous 'Drus' two immense rock towers, and we witness our second glaciers, the largest in France the Mer de Glace. Our trail then drops down to meet the historic rack and pinion Montenvers Train. If you want to save your knees taking the train is the perfect way to return to Chamonix. Otherwise after a stop for refreshments this is where we begin a superb 870m (2853ft) switch-back descent through the pine forest to the valley floor.
Ascent: 1300m (4264ft) Descent: 1420m (4657ft) Distance: 10km (6.2 miles), 16km (10 miles), 20km (12.5 miles)
We begin today by taking the picturesque Mont Blanc Express train to the neighbouring valley of Vallorcine at 1120m (3673ft) close to the Swiss frontier. Vallorcine, which means the 'Valley of the Bears', is a wide valley scattered with traditional farm buildings and cattle grazing in lush alpine meadows. We leave Vallorcine on another stretch of trail that features in both the Ultra Trail du Mont Blanc and the Mont Blanc Marathon. Following the line of the river to Le Buet the trail winds it's way through the pastures. We leave the main valley and climb for a short section through the hamlet of Le Lay to enter the quiet Vallon de Bérard. Accessible only on foot our path soon reaches an impressive waterfall where it feels like we have entered another world. The trail continues close to the river and continues upwards via several summer meadows known as 'alpages'. We continue to climb through the forests before arriving at the high alpage and Refuge Loriaz. These meadows are where the herds graze to a chorus of bells during the summer months. We can enjoy a coffee and cake at the old farm buildings enjoying views to Mont Blanc and the Swiss Alps. We descend from the chalet through the lush meadows to pick up a superb single track trail which leads leads us back down to the valley floor.
Ascent: 850m (2788ft) Descent: 850m (2788ft) Distance: 15km (9.5 miles) - 20km (12.5 miles)
Our final 'must do' Chamonix trail is to summit the 'Aiguillette des Houches' and 'Brevent' peaks. Perfectly positioned these peaks offer the best views of the Mont Blanc Massif. As we steadily leave the valley behind us and the summits get ever closer our efforts are rewarded round every corner. We pass the quintessential chalets of Plan de la Cry, then reach the Chalets de Challioux where it almost feels like you can touch the glaciers! After a break our trail continues on a smaller mountain path up one more level to reach our first summit, the Aiguillette des Houches at 2285m (7494ft). With panoramic views it is without doubt one of the perfect picnic spots! We are now up on an undulating ridge-line which leads us down to the Refuge Bellachat at 2152m (7058ft) for fine views of the three 'Monts'; Mont Blanc du Tacul, Mont Maudit and Mont Blanc. From the refuge to reach our second summit we have one final climb. The trail moves onto rocky terrain as we pass the Lac de Brévent to reach the Brévent summit at 2525m (8282ft) for an unrivalled panorama. The Brévent is a rocky peak within the Aiguilles Rouge popular with rock climbers, hikers and now wing suit flyers! In 1930 the town council put in one of France's first cable cars here enabling tourist access to this exceptional vantage point. So for those who wish to save their knees it's possible to take the cable car part or all the way down to the valley floor. From the summit our trail descends gradually first along the ridge passing the Clocher de Brévent before picking up switch-backs to reach Plan Praz mid station. We soon reach the pine forests as we wind our way back to the valley floor directly to Les Bossons and back to our hotel.
Ascent: 1300m (4264ft) Descent: 1800m (5904ft) Distance: 23.5km (14.6 miles)
Ascent: 1200m (3936ft) Descent: 800m (2624ft) Distance: 15km (9.4 miles)
Today is departure day and your trip ends after breakfast.
It is always our aim to complete the proposed itinerary outlined above, however, it may be necessary for our guides/instructors to adjust the daily itinerary based on the weather conditions, group safety and enjoyment.
We always aim to accommodate our guests in well-situated, clean, characterful, family run accommodation. All of our trips are based on two people sharing a bedroom. If you are booking as a single traveller you will share with someone of the same gender. In many cases a single room is available for a supplementary fee, but these can be in short supply and require early booking. If you have any questions about the accommodation please contact us.
Chamonix is a vibrant bustling town and offers a range of hotels. For our trips we aim to book the Hotel Le Refuge des Aiglons, but this does require early booking. Otherwise we consider staying at the Hotel Aiguille du Midi, or the Hotel Pointe Isabelle. All these hotels have en suite facilities, and are welcoming and comfortable.
For this trip we stay in the 3* Hotel Aiguille du Midi, a traditional French mountain hotel perfectly situated at the foot of the famous Glacier des Bossons. The hotel, which has been run by the same family for generations, is within easy reach of the centre of Chamonix and is ideally situated for the trails. The trip price is based on twin rooms with en-suite bathrooms. Single rooms may be available on request for a supplementary payment. However, these are limited in number and we recommend that you book early if you wish to be sure of a single room. Please contact us for details.
It includes a 3 course Dinner, Lunches, Bed and Breakfast and meals can be adapted to suit any dietary requirement. The hotel offers a spacious living and dining area, free wi-fi, spa facilities, massage room and garden with pool boasting wonderful views of Mont Blanc. Massages are available and can be arranged through your coaches and hotel reception.
The Folie Douce Hotel, built in 1901, offers everything that any runner would need on a trip to the Chamonix Valley. This historic hotel is perfectly located within easy reach of the town centre shops and street cafes, the trail head for many iconic run as well as the starting point of the famous UTMB race! Enjoy fabulous views of Mont Blanc, excellent dining and bar area, outdoor pool, yoga classes and spa area all in the heart of Chamonix.
The hotel has seen famous guests over the years including Buffalo Bill, the inventor of the Wild West Show, and the Queen of Italy. After WW2 it was bought by Baron Elie of Rothschild. The hotel, renamed the 'Folie Douce' has resurrected its history of cabaret with spectacular performances during the winter months.
Chamonix, France is easily reached from other European and worldwide destinations by road, rail, coach or plane.
If travelling by train we recommend booking through RailEurope or Trainline. For coach travel we recommend using Flixbus. For more information on travelling by public transport, please see our travel blog.
If travelling by plane, Geneva is the closest international airport, only 1h15 by road which makes shared transfers, buses or trains easy to arrange.
A range of travel options to reach the Chamonix valley can be found on the Chamonix Tourist Office website.
Reaching Chamonix from Geneva airport is straightforward with many transfer companies operating this route throughout the day. Either consider a scheduled bus which will drop you at Chamonix Sud Bus Station, such as easybus.com, or use a private transfer company such as Haute Transfer, or Mountain Drop-Offs which will drop you at your accommodation. If booking with Mountain Drop-Offs you receive a small discount on the route by using our company code of TAT01. This code only applies to transfers in ’normal’ working hours. It does not apply to early morning, or late evening transfers.
Please contact us if you need further advice on your specific travel requirements.
When booking a trip we ask you to acquire insurance to cover you for the following:
Mountain Rescue Insurance
It is a condition of booking that you are insured against medical expenses, injury, illness, death, mountain rescue, cost of repatriation and personal accident risks. Please ensure that your insurance covers you to the maximum altitude given on your trip itinerary. The maximum altitude for any trip can be checked on the 'At A Glance' box on each trip page. Most of our trips have a maximum altitude of 3,000 metres. If you are unsure or are joining a bespoke trip, then please ask us for specific details.
Trip Cancellation/Curtailment Insurance
You should also have insurance to cover trip cancellation and curtailment. Please note that your deposit and balance payments are non-refundable, unless it is Tracks and Trails who cancel the trip due to a failure to reach the required minimum numbers. In this case we will offer you a refund or the option of transferring to another trip if one is available. We also advise that you should have insurance which covers baggage loss/equipment damage as Tracks and Trails will not be held responsible for loss/damage to baggage/equipment.
COVID-19 Insurance
As well as medical cover, we recommend that you have appropriate travel insurance so that if you fall ill and test positive for COVID-19 prior to (or during) your trip, you will be financially covered for cancelling your trip. You should also consider booking a policy that covers you if you have to cancel or curtail your holiday because you have to self-isolate. If you choose to cancel, cancellation charges will be payable, but if the reason for your cancellation is covered under the terms of your insurance policy, you may be able to reclaim these charges. Please read the clauses below detailing trip cancellation and curtailment.
Travel Insurance covering COVID-19 is now available from a number of suppliers, Campbell Irvine, Trailfinders and Staysure. Please check their websites for the latest information on what is and isn't covered. It is likely that more companies will offer COVID related cover in the future.
All of the above insurances are detailed in our Terms and Conditions.
If you are joining a trip in the UK helicopter/mountain rescue insurance is not required as this is a free service.
For further details, please read the Insurance section on our website.
Summer mountain weather in the European Alps can vary considerably, and in this respect it is no different to any mountain environment where the terrain influences the weather and it can change from valley to valley.
However, in the summer months it is generally good in the Alps, but it can deliver everything from glorious sunshine, to rain, fog, high winds and even snow. Temperatures can reach over 30°Celsius (86°F) in July and August, but can drop to 5°Celsius (41°F) on the high passes, or 'Cols' as they are known in the Alps. Essentially, as with all mountain journeys, you should be prepared for any eventuality. The average temperatures range from 15-25°Celsius (59-77°F) in the valleys and 5-15°Celsius (41-59°F) on the passes.
Even in mid-summer we can be faced with overnight snow especially when we have spent the night in a mountain refuge/rifugio/hut at higher altitude.
When packing for a trip in the mountains it’s important to have the right equipment and clothing. We believe our kit lists cover the necessary items required relating to the weather conditions you might encounter and for the accommodation you will be staying in.
Equipment
Clothing
You must be able to cover yourself with 3 full layers on your upper body and 2 full layers on your legs
Comfort
Personal First Aid
Documentation
Additional Items
We suggest you look at the Ultra Trail Du Mont Blanc website, 'Runners' section for further advice on:
**Supplementary snacks if you follow a gluten free or coeliac diet**
Leaders are all first aid trained and will carry their own first aid kit
On many of our trips there will be an element of 'group kit' which will be shared amongst our guests. As mountain people you will be used to team work and working together to the mutual benefit and safety of the group.
The 'group kit' will be minimal and usually just a case of sharing a few lightweight 'survival shelters'. For example on a week-long trip you may carry a small shelter for just one day before passing it on to the next person.
If you are booking a trip in winter there will be a few additional safety items. These will be distributed in such a way that no one is over burdened.
Other group items necessary for safety and comfort will be carried by your guide/instructor.
For each of our trips a minimum number of guests is required before we can confirm that your trip will go-ahead. The minimum and maximum number of guests on your trip is displayed in the 'At a Glance' box on the righthand side of the trip page.
We strongly advise you do not book travel until we have confirmed your trip is 'guaranteed' to run. If you book travel before we have confirmed it is 'guaranteed' we cannot be held responsible for any financial loss if the trip does not go ahead.
When booking a holiday as a solo traveller a twin bedded room comprising of two single beds, is booked as standard. This will be with someone of the same gender unless you request to pay extra for your own room. Single rooms are often limited in supply so if you would like to pay a supplement for a single room we urge you to get in touch as soon as possible. This trip has a single supplement of £390.
We go to great lengths to work with first class guides who are passionate about their work. They are all fully qualified, insured, and hold the correct documentation.
Please note your guide has complete discretion to make a daily decision on whether or not to take the advertised route based on the weather and the ability of the members of the group. They have our authority to make any route changes they believe are necessary in the interests of safety and enjoyment.
Your trail running guide will be a fully qualified and experienced International Mountain Leader. International Mountain Leaders are not only qualified to ensure the safe management of the group, but are also a source of knowledge about the local flora and fauna, and traditions of the area which you are visiting. For our trail running trips we employ International Mountain Leaders who have a particular passion for trail running. Many of our trail running guides have competed in mountain marathons, and ultra marathons in the European Alps and further afield.
You can learn more about our guides and instructors on the About Us page.
For this trip where you are centre-based, in other words where you are staying in the same accommodation all week, you are welcome to bring whatever luggage you require. However, please note that not all the hotels we use have elevators. This means you may need to carry your luggage to your bedroom and this might involve climbing several flights of stairs. We would suggest that luggage with wheels is generally a good idea.
We do not include lunches in your trip fee for various reasons. The most important being to reduce food waste. We have found our guests have particular tastes and requirements for 'trail' or 'hill' food and it is better you purchase your own snacks. Buying supplies and trying local specialities is a great way to inter-act with the local people and to practise your language skills.
Lunches on our trips are 'picnic' style lunches, in other words you take a packed lunch with sufficient snacks, food and fluid to sustain you throughout your day of activity. If there is the possibility of lunch being taken at a restaurant/farm/cafe beside the trail, your guide will advise you of this.
You might be able to order a picnic or a sandwich from the hotel, or your guide will advise you of other options such as a local shop or market and whether you need to purchase items in the evening or if the shop/market is open early enough the next morning not to delay your start. In all cases we would always ask you to settle any 'bill' for lunch or drinks in the evening before you depart, and not on the morning of your last day when there may be a queue.
On your itinerary you will find an indication of the amount of ascent and descent you can expect each day. This offers a guideline to how much effort might be expended each day and allows you to decide, based on previous experience, if your fitness and stamina are correct for the trip.
We make every attempt to ensure these statistics are as accurate as possible, but ask you to note that the most modern of technology used to record these details can show considerable variations in terms of ascent, descent, and in particular distance. In other words no two people using GPS devices on the same route will have exactly the same details recorded at the end of the day.
The statistics given should be used as a 'general' indication of the effort required.
Your leader will carry the correct maps and you are not expected to navigate, but if you would like to have maps of the itinerary you will find that the map detailed below covers your itinerary:
IGN 3630 OT: Chamonix Massif du Mont Blanc 1:25,000
It is useful to arrive at your destination with some cash in the local currency, however, on most occasions it is relatively easy to visit a 'cash machine' after arrival and withdraw money on a credit or debit card. Some of our locations are an exception to this in particular Norway, where the accommodation will often have no facilities for withdrawing cash, but they will take a credit card.
On many of our trips we will visit remote cafes/farms where it is wonderful to enjoy a drink and a cake, at places such as these they will often only accept payment in the local currency in cash.
Food
On our trips we encourage you to experience local tastes and dishes that reflect the culture of the country and for this reason many of our accommodation options will be family run with a reputation for the traditional food of the region.
If you have a 'special' diet because of an allergy or intolerance to a certain food type which will make you ill the accommodation will cater for this as best they can, eg gluten free, nut free, lactose free.
If you are vegetarian then this is not a problem as the hotels/refuges are used to being asked for vegetarian meals. Our accommodation will try to cater for those with vegan diets but in remote refuges in the mountains this is more difficult. If you would like to discuss the suitability of a trip for a vegan diet please contact us. Gluten-free diets will be possible with regard to the evening meals, but we would advise that you bring along some gluten-free snacks for your breakfasts and lunches.
If you have a 'special' diet which is NOT because of an allergy or intolerance, and is not 'veggie' then we apologise, but we cannot cater for this. The accommodation on the popular routes will be catering for many people each evening, in some cases up to 70/80 meals per night, 7 days a week, and realistically they cannot produce many different meal options unless the food will result in illness.
Water
The countries we visit all have tap water which is drinkable. If for any reason a particular hotel is having a problem with a remote mountain water supply they will normally post a sign over the tap indicating that you must not drink the water. At all times you are welcome to ask your guide/instructor if the water can be drunk. We would ask, for environmental reasons, that you avoid using single-use plastic bottles, and bring a water bottle that can be used repeatedly.
A passport with 6 months remaining validity at the end of your stay is generally required. Please check the relevant embassy or consulate for the country you are visiting, paying attention to your citizenship. It is your responsibility to ensure that you have the correct travel documents and visas for your holiday. Visa requirements and charges are subject to change without notice.
We ask that you carry a paper copy of your passport with you on your trip. We suggest keeping your passport in your rucksack, and a paper copy of your passport in any luggage you might have. If your trip is without luggage transfers then keep a paper copy somewhere in your rucksack, separate from your original document.
We recommend you check if you require an adaptor for your electrical items at:
Plug, Socket & Voltage by Country
Note that if your trip involves staying in a mountain refuge/rifugio/hut that electric sockets may be in short supply and for that night you may not be able to charge any items. Although the accommodation will have electricity this will often be supplied by solar panels or a generator and limited to use by the staff. For this reason we advise that carrying a small slimline and lightweight 'battery pack' can be very useful for recharging phones which many of you will also use as your camera.
Before booking consider whether you expect to be in the appropriate physical condition on the date of your departure to allow you to fully participate in and enjoy your holiday. If you have any doubts because of an illness or injury it would be advisable to check with your doctor.
For UK residents travelling to an EU country you should obtain and bring with you a free Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC). This entitles you to state provided medical treatment in certain European countries, but is not a substitute for medical travel insurance.
If you have a UK European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) it will be valid until the expiry date on the card. Once it expires, you’ll need to apply for a GHIC to replace it. The UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) lets you get state healthcare in Europe at a reduced cost or sometimes for free. Please check this before departing. We advise that you always carry your insurance documents with details of the Emergency Medical telephone number for your insurance provider, and your policy number.
We feel strongly about protecting the environment and do not encourage the use of single-use plastic items. We would ask that you arrive with a ‘water bottle’ or ‘hydration system’ that can be used repeatedly. We would point out that we operate a ‘zero tolerance’ for rubbish, and would ask you to remove all your rubbish items from the mountain even those you consider to be bio-degradable. In particular we ask that you remove any toilet tissue.
You can read our full policy here.
Working across international boundaries, and with various currencies means that the price of our trips can change overnight. We have, however, undertaken to guarantee that once you have paid your deposit the price of your trip is fixed. In this respect we urge you to book early to ensure that you receive the price advertised on our website. The website price may increase due to currency fluctuations, but we guarantee that the price advertised on the date of your booking will be maintained in your individual case.
When booking a trip during the pandemic we ask that you keep an open mind and be willing to adapt and be flexible.
Any holiday taken during the Covid-19 pandemic may be subject to change and with little or no notice of that change. As the past months have proven no-one can predict the situation from one week to the next, however, we will do our very best to gauge the best response to any new developments. New restrictions or guidelines might affect where we eat out, which accommodation we can stay in, and potentially transport arrangements if the numbers in vehicles are restricted.
Itineraries may not be exactly as advertised due to new regulations or restrictions. We are sure there will be various scenarios which we have not even thought about that might lead to a change or adaptation in the itinerary.
Please read our Covid-19 Cancellation Policy and ensure you have appropriate insurance as per our recommendations. We also ask that you make yourself aware of the entry requirements of any country you are visiting on your trip. We have compiled a Travel Links Advice list to help you source the correct information.
Prices may vary depending on date.
| Dates | Price | ||
|---|---|---|---|
|
Wed 19 Jun - Mon 24 Jun Code: CHR1 |
Price: £995 | Spaces available | Book |
|
Wed 24 Jul - Mon 29 Jul Code: CHR2 |
Price: £1125 | Spaces available | Book |
|
Wed 04 Sep - Mon 09 Sep Code: CHR3 |
Price: £995 | Spaces available | Book |
| From Price | £995 |
| Holiday Type | Trail Running |
| Duration | 6 Days |
| Group Size | 4-10 |
| Minimum Age | 18 |
| Maximum Altitude | 2525m (8282ft) |
| Countries Visited | France |
| Meet In | Chamonix, France |
