Advanced trail running course in the heart of the Chablais region
In summary
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Sports
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Duration3 days
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LevelConfirmed
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DestinationFrench Alps / Haute-Savoie
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AgeFrom 18 - 90 years
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CO₂-Emissions33.54 kg CO2
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Type of stayIn a group
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Languages
French
English
In a few words
Between panoramic ridges , dense forests , and open alpine pastures , the Chablais region offers an ideal training ground for trail runners looking to improve. This intensive course is designed for experienced long-distance runners eager to refine their technique. Over three days, you'll alternate between challenging climbs , runnable sections , and technical areas to gain fluidity , efficiency , and confidence .
Under the guidance of trail running professionals, you'll delve into the key aspects of the discipline: pace management , stride optimization , pole use , downhill techniques , as well as nutrition and effort strategy . All this in a dynamic and supportive atmosphere , conducive to learning without pressure. A comprehensive course to take a real step forward in your training and approach your next mountain challenges with confidence.
The highlights
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An intense, challenging weekend to improve your skills on the trails of Chablais
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All excursions depart from the accommodation.
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Technical workshops to refine your skills
Photos
Sport
Level
Trail running
The expert's opinion
Prerequisites: You regularly practice running (at least 4 outings of 1h30 per week) and you regularly do a long run of more than 4 hours on a trail.
You practice other endurance sports (cycling, cross-country skiing, etc.), and you regularly go hiking in the mountains.
Technicality of the terrain: Rolling paths, alpine pastures, some small trails or short scree crossings. Possibility of crossing a ridge or a slightly exposed ledge.
UTMB Index required: 450
The UTMB index level is given as a guide and indicates, according to our team, the score to reach to get the most out of this training course. More info on the UTMB index
In figures
Trail and road running
- Average duration/day: 1h30
- Average distance/day: 27 km
- Average daily elevation gain: 1700 m
Management
French
English
The instructor is a trail running professional, experienced in leading training courses. He knows perfectly how to adapt outings to the groups.
Program
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Tour of the Bec du Corbeau (19 km & 1,200 m elevation gain)
- Activity Trail and road running
- Duration of the activity 5h
- Distance 19 km
- Positive elevation gain 1200 m
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
Arrival at 10:30 am in Châtel , where we meet to begin this stay dedicated to improving trail running skills in the Chablais massif.
11:30am — 4:30pm: outing “Tour du Bec du Corbeau” (19 km / 1,200 D+).
This first immersion in the mountains takes us through alpine pastures, along ridges, and with superb views of Lake Geneva. An ideal warm-up to get us started on the course.
We will take this opportunity to work on consistency on the climb and fluidity on the descent, with a filmed workshop allowing for a personalized technical analysis at the end of the day.
Evening: check-in at accommodation, shared dinner and time to discuss motor preferences to better understand how one functions in trail running.
The day will end with a short stretching session to prepare the body for the rest of the training course.
Overnight stay at the accommodation.
Day 1 -
Cornettes de Bise (32 km & 2,000m elevation gain)
- Activity Trail and road running
- Distance 32 km
- Positive elevation gain 2000 m
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
We start the morning with a muscle warm-up workshop , to wake up the legs before setting off on the day's route.
9am — 4pm: trail run towards the Cornettes de Bise (32 km / 2,000 m elevation gain).
This long traverse, a true classic of the Chablais region, alternates between rolling sections, technical passages, and superb viewpoints overlooking Lake Geneva. A perfect day to work on endurance, refine pace management, and gain confidence on successive climbs and descents.
Back at the accommodation, we will share a pre-dinner talk on the theme “Why do you run?” , followed by a discussion on nutrition applied to trail running.
Evening: friendly dinner, then a short stretching and breathing session to optimize recovery before the last day.
Day 2 -
Tour of Mont de Grange (28 km & 1,900 m elevation gain)
- Activity Trail and road running
- Distance 28 km
- Positive elevation gain 1900 m
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner not included
To conclude this stay in the mountains, we set off for a large loop around Mont de Grange (28 km / 1,900 D+), one of the most emblematic peaks of the Chablais.
This varied route — alternating between forests, ridges and more technical sections — provides an ideal terrain to reinvest everything that will have been worked on during the course.
Throughout the day, everyone will be able to consolidate their effort management , refine their descent technique and gain efficiency in the use of poles , all while enjoying a magnificent alpine setting.
We will conclude the stay with a friendly debriefing over drinks at the end of the internship, a final moment of exchange with the group and the supervisors.
The internship ends at 4:30 PM.
Day 3
Accommodation
We are accommodated in a hotel, in rooms with 2 to 4 beds, each equipped with a private bathroom and toilet, and with on-site parking. Located in the heart of nature in the hills above Châtel, this accommodation offers an ideal setting for mountain lovers, with direct access to hiking trails and the exceptional panoramic views of the Chablais region.
Access
Thanks to the WhatsApp group, carpooling can be set up very easily.
Go to the starting point
By public transport, from Thonon-les-Bains or Évian-les-Bains train stations, you can take bus line 12 to Châtel (check the SNCF website or the station website for timetables). The meeting point for the workshop is directly in Châtel. Carpooling with other participants from the train station can also be a convenient option.
Price details
The price includes
- Supervision by a mountain guide specializing in trail running
- Accommodation in a 3-star hotel and in a shared room
- Full board from dinner on Day 1 to lunch on Day 3
- Workshops and advice to improve your trail running, uphill and downhill techniques, effort management, and the joy of running in the mountains
The price does not include
- Transportation to the meeting point and from the end-of-internship location
- Lunch on Day 1
- Drinks and personal expenses
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
- A 5 to 15 L backpack
- A pair of sunglasses
- A plastic bag for waste
- Bars, dried fruit...
- A little cash
- A toiletry bag
- Bath towel
- A pocket knife
- Earplugs or ear balls
- A headlamp
- Trail running poles if you have them
Clothing to bring
- Shoes suitable for trail running (mountain running)
- A waterproof or windproof jacket
- A warm long-sleeved top
- Tights or long trousers in the bag
- Trail-specific socks
- A hat and thin gloves
- A change of clothes for the duration of the internship
- Spare shoes
- An outfit for after the race
