Mountain Adventure Holidays
Trail run in Chamonix Valley, France, a 'world class' trail running destination. This alpine town of international fame continues to hold its title as the world capital of adventure sports. Since the the first Winter Olympics in 1924 Chamonix has been a venue for world class events.
Views of sparkling glaciers, the history and conquest of Mont Blanc, easy access and vast choice of trails are just a few of the reasons trail runners from all over the world seek to explore Chamonix's 'Classic Trails'.
Get to know the mythical valley of Chamonix on this 4-day guided running break. Designed for those who run on a regular basis and want to maximise holiday time on the trails. There are options to shorten your running day by taking a train, bus or cable car, allowing you to choose 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
In the heart of the French Alps sharing borders with Italy and Switzerland, Chamonix is 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. This bustling community has a great cafe culture, and there are many bars, restaurants and shops to browse. From the centre of Chamonix town you have views 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 arrive in Chamonix, France. This evening your running guide will meet you at your hotel, at approximately 1800 hrs, when they will be available to answer any questions about the next few days. Each day there is the possibility of shortening your run by taking public transport or a cable car back to base. These costs are not included in your trip fee as this is a personal choice, but you will receive a Guest Card that covers free train and bus travel in the valley. It does not cover cable cars, nor the historic Montenvers rack and pinion railway.
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. The 'Petit Balcon' dates to the Victorian era, and history refers to it as being a 'balcony' walk, in other words it offers a wonderful balcony type trail with views of the mountains. Enjoy the Chamonix landscape and surrounding peaks while running through quaint villages and farming communities.
Our day begins with a gentle start as we leave our hotel to run through this ancient mountain town. We soon pick up a lovely trail along the River Arve, taking us past the old village of Bois du Bouchet, and on to the hamlet of Les Tines, where traditional chalets add character to the day. Here we take a wide riverside trail through the pine and spruce forests that dominate the mountainsides, which takes us to the alpine ski village of Argentiere at 1250m (4100ft). Here we will aim to have a coffee break while enjoying the scenery.
Leaving Argentiere we complete our circuit by joining the Petit Balcon Nord, on the opposite side of the valley, and make our way back gently downhill towards Chamonix. We continue on excellent ‘balcony’ trails as the route picks up the Mont Blanc Marathon course and passes through the quiet village of Le Lavancher.
Ascent: 450m (1476ft) Descent: 450m (1476ft) Distance: 12-24km (7.5-15 miles). The distance depends on whether you choose to shorten the day by taking transport.
Today we head up high for close up views of two of the glaciers in 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. We begin with a steep climb that will test legs and lungs as we make our way above the treeline. Anyone wishing to miss the initial 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 ascent 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 will 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 glacier, 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). The distance depends on whether you choose to shorten the day by taking transport.
We let the train take the strain today as our day begins with a ride on the picturesque Mont Blanc Express train to the neighbouring valley of Vallorcine which is 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 then leave Vallorcine on another stretch of trail which 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 its 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 then heads 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 cow bells during the summer months. We can enjoy a coffee and cake at the old farm buildings with views to Mont Blanc and the Swiss Alps. We descend from the refuge 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). The distance depends on whether you choose to shorten the day by taking transport.
Nestled in the heart of the Aiguilles Rouges Nature Reserve, this often snow-covered lake is the centre of a beautiful viewpoint over the Aiguilles de Chamonix, the Drus and the Verte.
First we make our way to the hamlet of Montroc where we have a short climb to reach the Col des Montets at 1491m (4892ft), nature reserve and visitors centre. Leaving the col the trail winds up a combe for 400m. It reaches the slopes of La Remuaz and onto the cliffs of the Cheserys where ibex are often to be found seeking shade from the sun. These mountain animals are incredibly well adapted to their environment and are without doubt natures own rock climbers performing amazing moves on the cliffs and crags of the alps. Today's run is truly stunning and your guide will decide which route to take to gain the high ground. We then make our way to the Lac des Cheserys where you are rewarded with stunning panoramic views. We plan to use a series of easy, short ladders with handrails to skirt the rocky landscape. This is a straightforward ascent without difficulty, and is in fact often a highlight of the tour for many. Then it's a short climb to Lac Blanc with some of the most famous views in the world. After refreshments at the hut by the lake we descend on rocky ground to reach the Flégère cable car and make a quick descent to Les Praz. We finish our final day today with a run along the riverbank into Chamonix.
Ascent: 890m (3280ft) Descent: 650m (2132ft) - descending with the lift Distance: 12km (7.5 miles) Duration: 5h30 - 6h00
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, what we call a 'twin' means two single beds in one 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. Note that it is very rare to have air conditioning in European mountain areas, and most bedrooms do not have this facility. If you have any questions about the accommodation please contact us.
The 3* Hotel Aiguille du Midi, is a traditional French mountain hotel perfectly situated at the foot of the famous Glacier des Bossons with stunning views to the mountain. The hotel, which has been run by the same family for five generations, is within easy reach of the centre of Chamonix with a bus and train stop just a few minutes away. The hotel has forty traditionally decorated rooms which reflect the alpine style. It has a spa area with jacuzzi and sauna, and in summer an outdoor heated pool in the garden grounds with a lovely terrace area to enjoy a drink while watching the mountains.
Is based on Half Board, a 3 course Dinner, Bed and Breakfast. 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.
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. The most direct route is taking the Eurostar to Gare de Nord and then use the TGV system via Gare de Lyon, Bellegarde Sur Valserine, St Gervais le Bains and finally to Chamonix Mont Blanc.
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.
Activity, Injury and Mountain Rescue
It is a condition of booking that you are insured against medical expenses, injury, illness, death, cost of repatriation and personal accident risks. For all of our trips your insurance must also cover mountain rescue. The exception to this is if the trip is being held in the United Kingdom or Norway where mountain rescue is free of charge. 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.
Trip Cancellation/Curtailment Insurance
You should also have insurance to cover trip cancellation and curtailment. Insurance should be booked as soon as we have confirmed that your trip is going ahead. 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.
All of the above insurances are detailed in our Terms and Conditions. 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 £280.
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 of which is food waste. In general our guests have particular tastes and requirements for 'trail' or 'hill' food and it is better you purchase your own snacks rather than throw away items from the picnic lunch which we would supply.
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 the day. Buying snacks and trying local specialities is a great way to inter-act with local people and to practise your language skills.
If there is the possibility of lunch being taken at a restaurant/farm/cafe beside the trail, your guide/instructor will advise you of this. Each evening you can order a picnic or a sandwich from the hotel, or your guide/instructor will advise you of other options such as a local shop or market. In all cases we would ask you to settle any 'bill' for lunch or drinks the evening before you depart, and not in the morning 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 all of our trips we encourage you to experience local tastes and dishes.
If you are vegetarian catering for your diet is not generally a problem. If you have a 'special' diet because of an allergy/intolerance we would ask that you make your needs clear on your booking form so we can discuss your requirements with the accommodation as soon as possible. A diet that is not related to an allergy/intolerance or beliefs cannot be catered for. It is simply not possible for mountain accommodation to deal with many variations in diet while providing meals for groups.
In addition, if you have an allergy/intolerance we would suggest you bring/purchase suitable snacks as a supplement to the picnic lunches. At times finding gluten free bread, for example, can be an issue. If you would like to discuss the suitability of a trip for a vegan diet, gluten or lactose intolerance please contact us.
We request that you do not CHANGE your dietary requirements during the trip as we will have pre-ordered your meals.
Water
The countries we visit all have tap water which is drinkable. If for any reason a particular hotel or mountain hut is having a problem with a water supply they will normally post a sign over the tap indicating that you must not drink the water.
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.
Tracks and Trails pays guides/instructors a fair and appropriate fee for their professional service. However, if you feel your guide/instructor has provided an excellent service that went 'above and beyond' then it is at the discretion of each guest whether to tip or not. Guests will often give a tip of between 2 - 5 per cent of the total value of their trip. It is entirely up to you and any gesture will no doubt be appreciated no matter the size.
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.
Prices may vary depending on date.
| Dates | Price | ||
|---|---|---|---|
|
Wed 18 Jun - Mon 23 Jun Code: CTR1 |
Price: £1225 | Spaces available | Book |
|
Wed 23 Jul - Mon 28 Jul Code: CTR2 |
Price: £1225 | Spaces available | Book |
|
Wed 03 Sep - Mon 08 Sep Code: CTR3 |
Price: £1145 | Spaces available | Book |
| Dates | Price | ||
|---|---|---|---|
|
Wed 17 Jun - Mon 22 Jun Code: CTR1 |
Price: £1275 | Spaces available | Book |
|
Wed 22 Jul - Mon 27 Jul Code: CTR2 |
Price: £1275 | Spaces available | Book |
|
Wed 02 Sep - Mon 07 Sep Code: CTR3 |
Price: £1190 | Spaces available | Book |
| From Price | £1145 |
| Holiday Type | Low Impact |
| Duration | 6 Days |
| Group Size | 4-10 |
| Minimum Age | 18 |
| Maximum Altitude | 2525m (8282ft) |
| Countries Visited | France |
| Meet In | Chamonix, France |
