Chamonix is a dream destination for any trail runner. Located at the base of the stunning, snow-covered Mont Blanc, standing 4810m tall, the town offers an inspiring backdrop with its beautiful trails and lively atmosphere. The valley is home to the renowned UTMB (Ultra-Trail du Mont Blanc) race series, making it a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts.
This weekend is designed for those looking to increase their confidence on mountain trails and, of course, experience the beauty of the Alps. We will be exploring higher paths above the Chamonix valley, which offer breathtaking views. On Saturday, after the run, there is an optional session focused on mountain race preparation and training.
Each day, your guide will help you improve your uphill and downhill techniques, making you a more proficient and confident mountain runner. Along the way, you’ll learn about the local history, flora, fauna, and geography. Our guides are experienced trail runners, often ranking in local and world trail events, and they provide excellent opportunities to ask questions and get insider tips on alpine trail running.
On Friday evening, the group meets for dinner. This weekend is a great opportunity to make new friends and enjoy the best of alpine trail running.
Duration: 2 Days
Distance: 40 KM
Difficulty: 1000M ascent in alpine terrain
Finisher's Tree: Included
About
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About The Host
WHO WE ARE
Since 2013, we have been delivering incredible trail running adventures. Trail running is freedom of body and mind. It’s also for ALL, regardless of ability or background. Nothing compares to running along mountain paths and leaving behind your busy life. Start YOUR amazing journey with us!
This event was founded by Simon, following years of his own running and mountaineering adventures. He wanted to share the opportunity of exploring wild places for runners, so he set up the first dedicated trail running holiday company.
Our purpose is to help you experience incredible trails in the wild. Free of the usual race and logistical burdens, you will love exploring new places. Part of that experience is meeting other runners and experiencing the adventure together. Our expert guides bring the wild to life revealing it’s hidden ecology and local history. Technical instruction and support from our team empowers you. This is so you can achieve your ultimate running goals!
Running into the unknown. The path flowing beneath your feet. Snow-capped mountains glinting in the sun and clouds melting away in the valleys far below. Set your heart and mind free. Exploring places… not running races. This is what it feels like to us!
WHAT WE DO
EXPLORE, LEARN, RUN! We are dedicated trail running specialist. Out events are all about you enjoying running and exploring the wild. We operate in beautiful areas of the UK and Europe. Whatever your ability or experience, we have an event for you.
Our running adventures are point to point or a loop so you never have to back track down a path. This maximizes the scenery and experience. They vary from 6km events to multi day routes in the Alps.
We match your ability with other runners to form a small team, led by one of our amazing Run Leaders. We take care of the navigating, checkpoints, bag transfers and any accommodation needs. This is so you can run with a light pack and enjoy the run. Without the worries of a race or the hassles of being self supported. You can take your running experience to a higher level!
Don’t forget to check out the bespoke options. We can arrange all our listed trips for private groups or individuals, so you can get the adventure you want.
WHAT MAKES US DIFFERENT?
We are passionate about running adventures, in fact it’s the only thing we do! By taking part in a our event you become part of our community.
- There are no hidden costs and we include everything you’ll need during an event or holiday.
- We are outdoor running professionals, tour guide, running coach and guide.
- All events have safety as a priority, support team on hand.
- Our refreshment stops are the best! We use nice hotels wherever we can.
- We emphasize inclusivity, team, the environment and fun!
- We ability match our groups and they are no bigger than 12 per guide.
- It’s good to celebrate achievements, like running the Tour du Mont Blanc with a glass of champagne! We include the champagne!
- We host refreshment stops on our Alps trips, no one else does. They include cheese and wine tasting on Running & Yoga and Intro to Alps trips!
- We do it because we love it!
Friendships, inclusivity and the wild are a huge part of our events and set us apart from the world of racing.
“Exploring places… not running races.”
Itinerary
Things to keep in mind
FAQ
WHAT IS TRAIL RUNNING?
Trail running is one of the best ways of exploring wild places. It provides amazing freedom and also is a great way to exercise. There are many health benefits to trail running vs road running but there are also more hazards and variables to be considered.
WHAT ARE RUN LEADERS?
Run Leaders in the Alps are International Mountain Leaders and in the UK are qualified England Athletic Coaches or Fitness Leaders. They are familiar with the route and the terrain. They are there to show you the way, and make the trip as safe and enjoyable as possible. They will make decisions that help minimize the risks to the team. Please listen to their instructions. Whilst we will give you every opportunity to complete the planned itinerary, weather, natural risks and other unforeseen circumstances may mean the route or itinerary has to be changed. Run Leaders will also be in regular communication with each other and the logistic team who will make joint decisions over emergency situations and changes to the route. Whilst every support will be provided by your leader and the support crew, you are responsible for your own safety. You will be part of the team and expected to remain part of that team, contributing and ensuring the success of the team in achieving its goals.
DO I NEED INSURANCE?
It’s really important you get suitable and adequate insurance to take part in events. For all our Alps Adventures you are required to take out cover, which most activity insurance companies will provide, this needs to include emergency evacuation and medical care. For UK events, insurance is not required but it is recommended. Sportscoverdirect is a relatively inexpensive insurer and provide cover for all of our trips. For European cover they offer a complete travel insurance or if you already have your own travel insurance you can just purchase an activity top-up insurance (which complements existing travel insurance). If you would like to obtain insurance for one of our UK trips, then a sports accident policy is ideal. For our European running adventures, you will need to select “Mountain Running”, this will cover you for up to 25 miles distance each day and also a maximum altitude at any point during your trip of 4,500m, although none of our trips go much over 3,000m. Please note it is your responsibility to ensure you have adequate and valid insurance for the trip. Alternatively you can join the International Trail Runners Association and obtain their insurance here. We also strongly recommend getting COVID cover for your holiday. This should cover you in case you cannot attend due to testing positive and if you there are any last minute changes to travel restrictions and enforced quarantine.
DO YOU ACCEPT DOGS?
We love dogs! We also love running with them! On most of our UK trips you can bring your 4-legged friend (send us an email to double check and also please inform us if you intend to run with your dog as we need to know in advance). We ask that all dogs are run in canicross equipment only, and are kept on lead at all times. We will not accept dogs being run with a lead attached to their collar (if you have any questions on this, please drop us an email and our resident canicrossers can suggest equipment providers, and even places to try out kit). Dogs also need to be people-friendly and dog-friendly. Maximum of 2 dogs per person.
There are a few other things that you need to consider too:
- If the weather is too hot, you will not be able to run with your dog
- You need to be able to lift them over styles and other obstacles!
- Be aware that some people are afraid or allergic to dogs so please be sensitive to this
- It also may mean you run quicker than you would normally so be aware there maybe points where you need to wait for the group
- You need to ensure you have enough water and food for your dog for the duration of the run
- We cannot guarantee you will get the use of a support vehicle for anything other than a medical emergency
DO YOU CATER FOR DIETARY REQUIREMENTS?
Breakfast, packed lunches and evening meals are only included as described in the itinerary relevant to your trip. Sometimes we will also set up a refreshment stop where possible, this will also be in your itinerary if planned. For every trip you will be expected to carry with you enough snacks and water to keep you going between any planned refreshment points. Please do let us know if you have any dietary requirements, we can cater for vegans and vegetarians on all our trips.
ON HOLIDAY, WILL I NEED TO SHARE A ROOM?
Hotel rooms and other accommodation is provided on a twin room sharing basis, and on some of the multi day routes in dormitory style accommodation. Please let us know if you would prefer a single room, and where possible we will arrange this, at an additional supplement.
TIPPING – ALPS TRIPS
Tips are at your discretion but they are greatly received and help guides earn a living on what is very seasonal work. Our guides are passionate about what they do and usually go above and beyond what we expect of them. If you are looking for some guidance then the usual rate is around 10% per person of the cost of the trip. For example, if your trip costs EUR 2000 then the tip would be around EUR 200 per person. As with any service, this will be based on your personal experience.
WHAT TRAVEL DOCUMENTS DO I NEED?
You are responsible for ensuring you have the correct documentation so you get to the start of your trip. Ensure you have a passport with at least 6 months left before expiry before you travel.
HOW DO I GET TO THE START?
All this information will be contained you in your joining instructions but if you have any questions, please get in touch. You are responsible for getting to the start of the event on time, whether that is in the UK or in the Alps!