Crossing the Chartreuse mountains by trail
In summary
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Sports
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Duration3 days
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LevelConfirmed
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DestinationChartreuse Mountains / Isère
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AgeFrom 18 - 90 years
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CO₂-Emissions27.34 kg CO2
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Type of stayIn a group
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Languages
French
English
In a few words
Head to the Chartreuse Mountains for a trail running traverse of the southern Chartreuse range ! This 3-day active trip will take you through the forests, alpine pastures, and panoramic peaks of this protected natural area . It's the perfect way to discover the most beautiful part of the massif. A challenging first day with plenty of elevation gain will get you warmed up. You'll stay in comfortable accommodations to rest and fully enjoy the experience. You'll be guided by a trail running specialist and will run in a group of no more than 8 people, based on your ability level. The 5- to 7-hour outings each day will allow you to work on various trail running techniques . Alternative routes may be offered to group members to add more elevation gain and summits to this traverse.
The highlights
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Longer outings adapted to your level to enjoy the scenery
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A trail running holiday 100% accessible by train from Grenoble station
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Technical workshops (poles, downhill technique, effort management, etc.) to help you progress
Photos
Sport
Level
Trail running
The expert's opinion
Prerequisites: You regularly practice running (at least 3 outings of 1h30 per week) and you occasionally do a long run of more than 4 hours on trails.
You regularly practice other endurance sports (cycling, cross-country skiing, etc.) as well as mountain hiking.
Technical terrain: Rolling trails, alpine pastures, small paths and scree crossings. Possibility of crossing a ridge or a slightly exposed ledge.
UTMB Index required: 400
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: 6h30
- Average distance/day: 25 km
- Average daily elevation gain: 1800 m
Management
The instructor is an experienced professional who will ensure you have an unforgettable stay.
Program
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From Grenoble to Col de Porte (approx. 24 km — 2,200 D+)
- Activity Trail and road running
- Duration of the activity 6h
- Distance 25 km
- Positive elevation gain 2199 m
- Accommodation Hostel
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
Meet at 10:30 am at Grenoble train station.
10:30am-5:30pm: Hike-run towards the Col de Porte . Passing by the Bastille , the Fort du Saint-Eynard and the Tour du Chamechaude (optional ascent).
5:30pm: Arrival and check-in at the accommodation where our luggage is waiting for us.
7:30 pm: Dinner and overnight stay at the Col de Porte, high in the mountains in a charming, comfortable inn, in shared rooms for 2 to 5 people.
Day 1 -
Les Hauts de Chartreuse (approx. 27 km — 1,450 D+)
- Activity Trail and road running
- Duration of the activity 8h
- Distance 27 km
- Positive elevation gain 1450 m
- Accommodation Refuge
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Breakfast at the hostel.
8:30 am - 5:00 pm: Hike to Saint-Pierre-de-Chartreuse with a picnic lunch in the mountains. We will climb to the summits of La Pinéa and Le Charmant Som. Then, a must-see visit to the Grande Chartreuse Monastery , an iconic landmark of the massif. A mystical atmosphere is guaranteed amidst this wild and absolutely peaceful setting.
5pm: Settling into our refuge.
6pm: Drinks and discussions on many topics related to trail running (training, planning, nutrition…)
7:30 pm: Meal and overnight stay in a rustic mountain refuge, in shared rooms and dormitories of 2 to 8 people.
Day 2 -
The Dent de Crolles (approx. 23 km — 1,750 m elevation gain)
- Transportation Minibus - 00h40 - 34km
- Activity Trail and road running
- Duration of the activity 5h
- Distance 23 km
- Positive elevation gain 1750 m
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner not included
Breakfast at the refuge.
9am-3pm: Day hike/run towards the Hauts de Chartreuse Nature Reserve and its vast wild plateaus . We will reach the summit of the Dent de Crolles and its 2062 meters altitude.
Mountain picnic with 360° views of the surrounding mountains.
A technical and steep descent during which you can apply all the numerous tips provided by our coaches throughout the stay and finish this trail running tour in Chartreuse in style.
3:30 pm: Transfer to Grenoble train station from the foothills of the Chartreuse mountains.
The internship ends at 4:30 pm at Grenoble train station.
Day 3
Accommodation
Access
Go to the starting point
Price details
The price includes
- supervision by a mountain guide specializing in trail running
- Full board from the first evening of the internship to the last midday of the internship
- your transport and the transport of your luggage during your stay
The price does not include
- lunch on the first day
- drinks and personal expenses
- cancellation and repatriation insurance
- your transportation to the meeting point and from the end-of-internship location
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 pair of sunglasses, sunscreen and lip balm.
- A plastic bag for waste
- Bars, dried fruit...
- A little cash and your bank card.
- A hat and thin gloves
- A pocket knife
- Earplugs or earplugs
- A headlamp
- For itinerant stays, your luggage for the stay must fit in a single bag weighing a maximum of 15 kg .
Clothing to bring
- A trail running backpack from 5 to 20 L
- 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 waterproof or windproof jacket
- A warm long-sleeved top
- Tights or long trousers in the bag
- Trail-specific socks
- A change of clothes for the duration of the internship
- A toiletry bag and a towel
- Spare trail running shoes (especially for trips longer than 3 days)
- An outfit for after the race
They traveled with us