3-day trail running course – Discover mountain trail running in Chamonix
In summary
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Sports
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Duration3 days
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LevelBeginner
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DestinationMont Blanc Massif - France / Chamonix-Mont-Blanc
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AgeFrom the age of 18
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CO₂-Emissions36.21 kg CO2
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Type of stayIn a group
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Languages
French
In a few words
Discover mountain trail running during a 3-day course in the heart of the Chamonix Valley , facing the majestic Mont Blanc . Led by a passionate expert, this small-group course (maximum 10 participants) offers a progressive, immersive, and supportive approach to trail running in an exceptional natural setting combining forests, alpine pastures, and panoramic trails .
Designed for beginner or occasional runners, this course alternates guided outings and technical workshops in the field: effort management, use of poles, posture, breathing, confident descents... A classroom workshop will complete the experience with concrete advice to structure your training and progress sustainably.
Each day ends in the comfort of a 4-star hotel with half-board , ensuring optimal recovery. Here, everything is designed so you can enjoy running, learning, and sharing at your own pace in a friendly atmosphere.
Leave with a solid foundation, a head full of memories and the desire to continue the mountain trail running adventure.
The highlights
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A first, progressive and accessible introduction to mountain trail running
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Expert guidance and small group size for personalized support
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4-star hotel in Chamonix and panoramic trails facing Mont Blanc
Photos
Sport
Level
Trail running
The expert's opinion
This trip is designed for beginner trail runners or experienced runners looking to discover mountain trail running. You should be able to walk and jog for 3 to 5 hours a day on mountain trails, with regular breaks. Daily distances vary between 12 and 18 km , with an elevation gain of between 650 and 1150 m per day . No prior alpine trail running experience is required. The pace is adapted to the group ; the goal is not performance but learning, progress, and the enjoyment of running in the mountains.
In figures
Trail and road running
- Average duration/day: 6h30
- Average distance/day: 15 km
- Average daily elevation gain: 884 m
- Average daily descent: 884 m
Management
French
My name is Manon. Originally from Paris, I've been trail running for over ten years, after initially pursuing a career in Muay Thai. The mountains have always been central to my life, leading me to move to Chamonix a few years ago and then earn my mountain guide certification out of passion for this environment and for trail running. What truly motivates me is teaching and sharing knowledge. I've always taught: in the ring as well as on the trails, with the same desire to share, explain, and make things accessible. My goal isn't performance at all costs, but rather to impart as much knowledge as possible, provide solid guidance, and allow everyone to progress at their own pace, with confidence. I've participated in numerous trail races of all distances, including the Diagonale des Fous. I've won some and encountered difficulties in others, which has allowed me to develop solid expertise as a coach. Today, I continue to compete throughout the year. I put my heart and soul into creating training programs where people learn, but above all, where they feel good. I'm often described as a sunny person, and that's exactly the atmosphere I want to offer: a safe, friendly, and inspiring environment, so that everyone has a powerful experience and leaves with memories, new skills… and the desire to continue the adventure.
Program
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Day 1 – Petit Balcon Sud & chalets de la Floria
- Activity Trail and road running
- Duration of the activity 6h
- Distance 12 km
- Positive elevation gain 650 m
- Negative elevation 650 m
- Accommodation 4-star hotel
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
09:00 – Meet at the hotel in Chamonix to drop off your belongings and introduce yourself to the group. Briefing on the course, equipment check, group warm-up and initial technical advice.
09:30 – Departure on the Petit Balcon Sud , an ideal route for a gentle introduction to trail running. Gradual climb towards the chalets of La Floria , then a panoramic traverse above the valley.
Today's workshops:
- Learning to manage your effort
- Finding your rhythm and your breathing
- Discover brisk walking and gentle uphill running
A break on the terrace facing Mont Blanc before descending gently towards Chamonix, working on footing and posture on the descent.
3:00 PM – Return to the hotel, group debriefing and personalized advice before the convivial evening dinner.
Day 1 -
Day 2 – Grand Balcony North
- Activity Trail and road running
- Duration of the activity 8h
- Distance 17 km
- Positive elevation gain 1150 m
- Negative elevation 1150 m
- Accommodation 4-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
09:00 – Departure on foot from the centre of Chamonix. Steady climb towards Plan de l'Aiguille , then panoramic crossing of the Grand Balcon Nord , suspended facing the glaciers and the needles of the Mont-Blanc massif.
Today's workshops:
- Learning to read the terrain
- Managing a longer climb without getting tired
- Working on posture and movement efficiency while descending
A picnic lunch overlooking the glaciers to discuss nutrition, hydration, and managing exertion over several hours. Return to Chamonix with work on relaxation, fluidity, and precision of footwork.
4:30pm – Stretching, active recovery and return to the hotel.
Debriefing of the day and sharing of experiences over dinner.
Day 2 -
Day 3 – The Tour & Argentière Glacier
- Transportation Bus - 00h20 - 15km
- Activity Trail and road running
- Duration of the activity 6h
- Distance 14 km
- Positive elevation gain 850 m
- Negative elevation 850 m
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
09:00 – Departure by minibus towards Le Tour , at the bottom of the valley, on the Swiss border. Panoramic loop between alpine pastures and spectacular views of the Argentière glacier .
Today's workshops:
- Using sticks effectively
- Managing consistency and mental strength in long sections
- Descending confidently on varied terrain
Picnic break at altitude with a view of the mountain range, then a leisurely return to the village.
3:30 p.m. – Return to Chamonix, review of the training course, presentation of individual progress plans and friendly closing moment.
Day 3
Note
The order of the days can be adjusted according to the weather
Accommodation
Located a stone's throw from the centre of Chamonix, with a breathtaking view of Mont Blanc, PlanB aims to be a truly modern, warm and decidedly unconventional base camp.
Access
Go to the starting point
Price details
The price includes
- The trip will be supervised by a qualified mountain guide.
- Accommodation in a 4* hotel (dormitory style)
- Half-board throughout the stay
- Integrated technical workshops in the field
- Sports nutrition product testing
- Advice on effort management, nutrition and mental strength
- Professional liability insurance for management
The price does not include
- Lunches and midday picnics
- Transportation to Chamonix and personal travel
- Individual trail running equipment
- Drinks and personal expenses
- Anything not listed under "Price includes"
Options
- Flex fare and insurance
Practical information
Specific formalities
Specifics
Before your departure, check with the embassy or consulate regarding the entry and stay requirements for your destination country. You can also find this information on the France Diplomatie website ( https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/dossiers-pays/ ).
In the case of flights with stopovers operated by different airlines, also check the entry requirements of the countries you are transiting through.
It is your responsibility to ensure you are in compliance, particularly regarding the validity of your identity documents (for example, some countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months after your return) , visa requirements, necessary vaccinations, and health recommendations. And don't forget to consider any customs restrictions and other potential requirements of your destination or transit country.
ℹ️ Information may change up to the departure date, remember to regularly check official websites.
Equipment
Equipment to bring
Things to plan for the day
- A 5-10L trail running backpack
- A water bladder or water bottles on your pack (1.5 L minimum, 2.5 L recommended), to be adjusted on the morning of departure according to the weather and your needs
- A pair of sunglasses, sunscreen and lip balm.
- A plastic bag for waste
- Your race snacks: bars, dried fruit...
- A little cash and your bank card
- Shoes and socks suitable for trail running
- A survival blanket
- Your trail running poles (if you have them)
Clothing to bring
Plan for the day, depending on the weather
- A waterproof jacket (essential)
- A short-sleeved top
- A warm long-sleeved top
- Shorts, tights or long trousers in the bag
- A hat or buff and thin gloves
