The tour around the mighty Mont Blanc is one of the most iconic trails in the world. Join us on this 6-day trail running trip of a lifetime around the crown of the Western Alps.
Passing through some truly spectacular mountain scenery, it is a route steeped in history, culture and folklore. You will run on ancient pathways used by hunters, herdsmen and traders on a route taking you through France, Italy and Switzerland. Smooth, runnable trails are interspersed with technical, rocky sections over the high mountain passes. Breathtaking alpine landscapes await, flanked by colourful meadows tumbling down into picturesque hamlets and villages. Both a nature lover's and a trail runner’s paradise.
This is one of the world's most famous long distant hiking trails, or to use the French term a 'Grand Randonée' or 'long walk'. It has become even more famous in recent years, in the trail running world, as the route of the mythical Ultra-Trail du Mont Blanc® (UTMB®). This is an ultra marathon taking place each year in August. Covering 106 miles (171kms) with over 10,000m (32,800ft) of elevation it offers a formidable challenge to experienced trail runners.
On this trip you are on holiday, it is not the race, and therefore we spend one week running the route and taking time to enjoy the mountains. Each day we will run/hike about 30 kilometres (18 miles), with at least one high mountain pass. We’re likely to be on our feet for 6-8 hours per day with lots of ascent and descent on a variety of mountain trails. This trip is suitable for experienced mountain trail runners.
There is not one single element I can say I did NOT enjoy. It was an amazing experience. I was expecting to find it difficult and was not sure if my experience was right for it. But it was which made it even more enjoyable!
An amazing holiday that was well organised, with an amazing guide. We stayed in stunning hotels, in stunning locations, and well feed throughout the week. The luggage being transported removed the stress from the week and left me to enjoy the holiday. Tracks and Trails, highly recommend.
I recently completed the Tour du Mont Blanc guided running trip. The itinerary of completing the trail over six days is an excellent balance between running and sightseeing in the towns. Our guide Richard was incredibly knowledgeable and engaging, having completed the trail over 50 times. The trip was very well organized and our luggage arrived as promised each day. I had a wonderful trip and would use track and trails for a trail running tour again in the future.
Finished! It was a long term goal and aspiration to do it, so achieving it was such a positive emotion. Every day was amazing in its own way, with all of them memorable. I loved seeing Champex Lac as this seems iconic when watching the UTMB races.
If we could bottle your knowledge and enthusiasm, it would be a wonderful thing!
I found the trip the most wonderful experience. It has opened my eyes to a whole new world of trail running. Our guide, Al, was really brilliant: a very knowledgeable and cultured man, very good company and reassuring. It met and exceeded my expectations…wonderful scenery and fantastic team of people. Memorable moments are too many to single out! Yes, I would definitely travel with Tracks & Trails again.
Your trip starts in the world famous mountain town of Chamonix, in France. Chamonix has a rich history as a climbing and hiking destination having attracted mountain lovers for many centuries. It is perhaps most famous for its incredible mountain views of glaciers and summits which are dominated by the highest mountain in Western Europe, Mont Blanc which today sits at 4810m (15,777ft). Ever since Mont Blanc was first climbed in August 1786 it has inspired the climbers who come to Chamonix throughout the summer months with their dreams of ascending the 'mighty Blanc'.
Your running guide will meet you this evening, at approximately 1800hrs, at your hotel in the world famous Chamonix Valley in France to answer any last minute questions and to brief you on the days ahead.
Today we set off from the world famous alpine town of Chamonix, in France, home to Mont Blanc, the highest mountain in Western Europe at 4810m (15,776ft). We warm up running through the town when you have the chance to visualise the start line for the Ultra Trail and how it must feel to be with thousands of others running through the streets of Chamonix at the start of this immense challenge? We soon leave the tarmac behind as we head down the valley on a gentle trail following the Arve River towards the village of Les Houches. Then we begin to work as we climb up through the forest heading for the Voza pass to gain excellent views of Mont Blanc and the surrounding glaciated peaks. We will then descend towards the historic spa town of St Gervais-les-Bains, passing quaint chalets and rustic farms, before following the valley trail to Les Contamines village at 1170m (3837ft) and our first overnight. In times past Les Contamines was strategically important as the crossroads of a Roman road linking Genève in Switzerland to Aosta in Italy.
Ascent: 1554m (5097ft) Descent: 1368m (4487ft) Distance: 29.9 km (18.7 miles) Duration: Run/Walk 7h00-8h00
We start our day with a great warm up running along the riverside on a wide flat trail. We are heading straight into history this morning as we take the Roman road constructed many centuries ago by soldiers to secure the trading route to the Beaufortain area. On the way we will pass the beautiful baroque church of Notre Dame de la Gorge. The route then climbs steeply for a short section as we head for the refuge at Le Balme, a great first goal where we can have a snack and a drink, re-fill our water bottles, and use the 'facilities'. At Le Balme we can contemplate the steady climb to the Col de Bonhomme, our first major pass, which sits at 2439m (7999ft). Early in the season the Col will often have snow patches left over from the winter. A little higher is our second col the Croix de Bonhomme where coffee and cake awaits. Then it is all downhill as we take a sweeping trail through meadows down to Les Chapieux. Tonight we will either stay at Les Chapieux or on some trips, due to limited accommodation being available, we transfer off the trail but return to rejoin the route the following day.
Ascent: 1725m (5658km) Descent: 1070m (3509ft) Distance: 24km (15 miles) Duration: Run/Walk 7h30-8h30
This morning you will wake up in a remote mountain valley which in the winter months is totally 'cut off' from the outside world. A wonderful way to begin our day of running! We leave our accommodation to regain the trail which climbs steadily to the Col de la Seigne and the Italian frontier. The trail is wide and at an easy angle, and climbs very efficiently. Once we reach the Italian frontier there are stunning views as we descend into Val Veny with its sparking glaciers and Mont Blanc towering above. We then climb steeply up to the ridge on Mont Favre, and then down to the Col Checrouit to the fantastic Rifugio Maison Vieille, offering excellent Italian hospitality. Then it’s downhill all the way to the ancient town of Courmayeur.
Courmayeur is also the meeting point for anyone joining us to run the three day route of the CCC Ultra Marathon, which quite simply stands for 'Courmayeur, Champex, Chamonix'. For those joining in Courmayeur this evening there will be a briefing when you can discuss the route with your running guide.
Ascent: 1120m (3673ft) Descent: 1680m (5510ft) Distance: 23km (14 miles) Duration: Run/Walk 6h30-7h30
Setting off through the streets of the ancient Roman town of Courmayeur, we run up a gentle hill through hamlets of ancient wooden buildings with traditional architecture. We soon leave the tarmac behind to climb steeply through the shady larch forest to the idyllically situated Rifugio Bertone. We then traverse a beautiful trail around the mountain which in our mind offers the most incredible views of the Mont Blanc mountain range, a truly amazing trail run. Eventually, we reach the famous Rifugio Bonatti, a gorgeous refuge dedicated to the mountaineer and photographer, Walter Bonatti. The trail continues through the alpine flower meadows before descending to Arnuva, and then there is a long, but steady climb to the Swiss frontier at the Grand Col Ferret. The wide, runnable trail descends and then traverses along the hillside before dropping down to the lovely Swiss village of La Fouly at 1600m where we will spend the night.
Ascent: 2050m (6724ft) Descent: 1670m (5477ft) Distance: 31.6km (19.7 miles) Duration: Run/Walk 8h00-8h30
Leaving La Fouly we have a gentle start to our day as we take a valley trail that runs alongside the river. Everything is very 'Swiss' today, immaculate ancient chalets, perfectly manicured lawns, and orderly geraniums in window-boxes. We make our way down the valley on great trails until we reach the village of Praz de Fort which has wonderful examples of traditional, and very old, wooden chalets and farms. There is a convenient little cafe by the roadside which is sometimes hard to run past! It may be time for a drink? At this point we begin our ascent for the day as we climb steadily uphill to the lakeside Swiss village of Champex with its jade green waters. As we leave the village behind, we once again enter the larch forests, gorges and the pastures, home in the summer months to the famous Swiss fighting cows. After taking in stunning views to the Rhone Valley, we run a steady descent to the Col de la Forclaz for our overnight stop at 1527m (5008ft). Depending on availability of accommodation we may run a further 30 minutes or so down to Trient to spend the night there.
Ascent: 1310m (4296ft) Descent: 1385m (4542ft) Distance: 30.9km (19.3 miles) Duration: Run/Walk 6h30-7h30
A grand finale today as we climb out of the Trient valley and back into France. We leave our Col, which used to be the frontier between Switzerland and France, and begin with a steady decent through the forests down to Trient. Passing through this tiny village we then take the trail towards France, and Chamonix Valley. Our first goal is Vallorcine village, famous as the 'valley of the bears', where in the Middle Ages the locals used to pay their taxes in bear meat, so numerous were the bears! Sadly, and perhaps not unsurprisingly there are no bears left today. After Vallorcine, we have a short uphill to the Col des Montets before facing the steep zig-zags to the Tetes aux Vents at 2127m (6976ft). The views en route of the Mont Blanc massif reward our efforts, and we make our final descent towards the Flegere cable car station, before dropping down steeply to where we began our journey six days ago in Chamonix! Time to celebrate, rest the body and mind and recover with an optional massage.
Ascent: 1750m (5740ft) Descent: 2215m (7265ft) Distance: 30.5km (19 miles) Duration: Run/Walk 7h30-8h30
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.
On all our trips we aim to accommodate our guests in well-situated, clean, characterful, family run accommodation. We are painstaking in our research to give you the best option possible and one that is good value. Our suggested accommodation, listed below, is subject to availability at the time of booking. We have given details of our favoured venues and those we intend to use. If unavailable we will book alternative accommodation of a similar standard.
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. On some occasions when accommodation is limited at the time of booking mixed shared 'dormitory' style accommodation will be booked.
However, on many of our trips single rooms are available on request for a supplementary fee. We recommend booking as early as possible to secure a single room as these are always limited in number. Please contact us for details.
The 4* Chalet Hôtel Le Prieuré has a chalet style to the interior making it a warm and welcoming place to spend time in Chamonix. Step onto your balcony and you have amazing views to the mountains. Your meals will be taken in the light and modern restaurant, with its glass frontage. Whether it be the start or end of your holiday a visit to the hotels pool and spa will help you relax and unwind.
In the Middle Ages, Le Prieuré was the name given to the center of the village of Chamonix. It was referred to as the Prieuré of Chamonix valley. In 1928, Doctor Chabanolles enlarged the building to accommodate children suffering from tuberculosis. In 1960, after extensive renovations, a 'Le Prieuré' opened its doors in Chamonix. It was run by the Morand family, who named it L'Hôtel le Prieuré in reference to its history. In 2015, the hotel was completely renovated while retaining its history and authenticity.
We have worked with this family run hotel for a number of years. The 4**** Chemenaz is a modern hotel in Les Hameaux du Lay on the outskirts of Les Contamines. The Hotel, which has a swimming pool, offers 36 bedrooms and 4 suites. The bedrooms have en suite facilities, and are non-smoking. The hotel is in a great location for the start of our most challenging day, in that it gains us some km's first thing in the morning as we have less distance to walk to join the first climb of the day.
Chalet de Roseland is a hidden gem situated at 1605m (5264ft) close to the Tour du Mont Blanc trail on the road to Beaufort. It's a small family run hotel with just 12 rooms offering fabulous panoramic views of the Roseland Lake, Roc du Vent and Mont Blanc. Enjoy an authentic warm welcome from Nicolas & Isabelle who pride themselves in offering quality home cooked local produce inspired by the specialities of our mountains.
A 20 minute transfer up from Les Chapieux to the Col de Méraillet gains wonderful views for this nights stay - often said to be one of the best nights stay on the Tour du Mont Blanc. The hotel has a range of rooms, and singles are available with early booking.
The Hotel Edelweiss is right in the heart of Courmayeur with easy access to the town centre, while being tucked away in a quiet street where you will not be disturbed by the crowds. The hotel has a lovely sunny garden area at the front, and a spacious lounge bar to enjoy a drink. All the rooms are en suite and dinner is very Italian with local dishes and plenty of pasta. Other hotels which we use in Courmayeur include the Hotel Bouton d'Or, and the Hotel Walser.
In La Fouly we spend our overnight at the Hotel Edelweiss, like all our other hotels it is family run, cosy and comfortable. There is a bar with a terrace where you can enjoy a drink in the afternoon sun. All the bedrooms are traditional in style with lots of 'wood'. Most of the rooms have en suite facilities, however on some occasions it's necessary for us to book two rooms (classed as a family room) with an adjoining bathroom. There is a dining room with lovely views, and breakfast is served buffet style.
Gîte La Casita is a traditional, rural 'Gite' situated in Giétroz, a small village in the Trient Valley (Switzerland) just a few minutes transfer from the Tour du Mont Blanc trail. La Casita is an old family home, built in 19th century and renovated in 2006 - it simply oozes with character!
It's quiet location offers stunning views of the mountains and our host, Jacqueline, will ensure that you experience traditional mountain hospitality.
La Casita is a simple 'gite' meaning it offers a simple over night stay with meal. it has 3 twin rooms with a shared bathroom-WC, 1 room with a private bathroom-WC and a comfortable dormitory for 4 people which we usually book as twin. We usually have the whole accommodation to ourselves. Please note: hot water at this accommodation is limited so please shower sparingly.
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.
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 is important to have appropriate equipment and clothing. This kit list features items we believe are necessary for the weather you might encounter and accommodation you will be staying in. If you have any questions with regards to what to bring, do not hesitate to get in touch with us.
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
For use on the nights when you are in Refuge/Hut accommodation
Personal First Aid
Documentation
Additional Items
Check out the Ultra Trail Du Mont Blanc website and the 'Runners Section' for further advice on:
Your luggage will be moved each day by a taxi driver. The legal maximum weight limit is 15kg (33lbs) per person. If your luggage exceeds this limit it will not be collected. You can take only ONE luggage bag on the trip. Not all hotels have 'lifts' and you must be able to carry your luggage upstairs.
**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.
If you are planning to run the 'CCC' you will find that this week offers runners invaluable endurance training and race route knowledge. Our local running guides have in-depth knowledge about the course, the terrain, and how to prepare. It’s also a perfect chance to test out your clothing, equipment and nutrition plans.
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 £550.
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.
Your luggage will be transferred daily to the next accommodation and you only need carry a small/medium sized 'rucksack' for items you need during the course of the day. Please refer to the kit list for guidance on the size of rucksack required.
Your luggage, ONE bag per person, will be moved along the route by taxi and should not exceed the legal maximum weight of 15kgs (33lbs). If your luggage exceeds this weight limit it will not be collected and will be left behind.
Be aware that you will have to carry your luggage to your bedroom, which may involve climbing several flights of stairs as not all hotels have elevators. Luggage on wheels is generally a good idea, and the taxi companies prefer a soft bag. They cannot accept responsibility for damage to any hard-shell suitcases. You are asked to avoid leaving valuables in your luggage, fragile items, personal medication or official documents, such as passports.
If your trip begins and ends at the same hotel in Chamonix it is possible to leave extra luggage at the hotel for your return. However, we cannot guarantee at this point in time that we will be using the same hotel at the beginning and end of your journey as it depends on availability. Contact us for details.
Your bags will be collected each morning at 0800 hrs and if your bag is not ready it will not be collected. The bags will be delivered by 1730 hrs to your next accommodation. Earlier delivery cannot be guarantee due to the volume of luggage moving around the Tour du Mont Blanc.
We recommend that you consider a device such as an "AirTag" which allows you to track your luggage in the event of it being misplaced.
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 those listed below cover the route:
IGN 89025: Tour du Mont Blanc 1:50,000
or
IGN 3630 OT: Chamonix Massif du Mont Blanc 1:25,000
IGN 3531 ET: St Gervais-les-Bains 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.
Code | Start date | Return date | Dates | Price | Status | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
UTR1 | Sun 06 Jul | Sun 13 Jul |
Sun 06 Jul - Sun 13 Jul Code: UTR1 |
Price: £2069 | Spaces available | Book |
UTR2 | Sun 31 Aug | Sun 07 Sep |
Sun 31 Aug - Sun 07 Sep Code: UTR2 |
Price: £2069 | Spaces available | Book |
Code | Start date | Return date | Dates | Price | Status | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
UTR1 | Sun 05 Jul | Sun 12 Jul |
Sun 05 Jul - Sun 12 Jul Code: UTR1 |
Price: £2150 | Spaces available | Book |
UTR2 | Sun 30 Aug | Sun 06 Sep |
Sun 30 Aug - Sun 06 Sep Code: UTR2 |
Price: £2150 | Spaces available | Book |
There is not one single element I can say I did NOT enjoy. It was an amazing experience. I was expecting to find it difficult and was not sure if my experience was right for it. But it was which made it even more enjoyable!
An amazing holiday that was well organised, with an amazing guide. We stayed in stunning hotels, in stunning locations, and well feed throughout the week. The luggage being transported removed the stress from the week and left me to enjoy the holiday. Tracks and Trails, highly recommend.
I recently completed the Tour du Mont Blanc guided running trip. The itinerary of completing the trail over six days is an excellent balance between running and sightseeing in the towns. Our guide Richard was incredibly knowledgeable and engaging, having completed the trail over 50 times. The trip was very well organized and our luggage arrived as promised each day. I had a wonderful trip and would use track and trails for a trail running tour again in the future.
Finished! It was a long term goal and aspiration to do it, so achieving it was such a positive emotion. Every day was amazing in its own way, with all of them memorable. I loved seeing Champex Lac as this seems iconic when watching the UTMB races.
If we could bottle your knowledge and enthusiasm, it would be a wonderful thing!
I found the trip the most wonderful experience. It has opened my eyes to a whole new world of trail running. Our guide, Al, was really brilliant: a very knowledgeable and cultured man, very good company and reassuring. It met and exceeded my expectations…wonderful scenery and fantastic team of people. Memorable moments are too many to single out! Yes, I would definitely travel with Tracks & Trails again.
From Price | £2069 |
Holiday Type | Trail Running |
Duration | 8 Days |
Group Size | 4-10 |
Minimum Age | 18 |
Maximum Altitude | 2537m (8321ft) |
Countries Visited | Italy, France, Switzerland |
Meet In | Chamonix, France |
A film by Claire Maxted who joined the Tracks and Trails team to check out the fabulous running in the Valley.
Julia Tregaskis-Allen gives advice on preparing for a trail running race.
A stunning trip through three countries along the TMB.
12 December 2021
23 February 2023
16 August 2021
27 March 2022
23 August 2023