The most beautiful trails of the Tour du Mont Blanc trail running
In summary
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Sports
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Duration4 days
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LevelAdvance
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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-Emissions42 kg CO2
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Type of stayIn a group
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Languages
French
In a few words
The highlights
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The most beautiful TMB trails in 4 days, between Chamonix and Courmayeur.
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Nights in Italy at the foot of the Brenva Glacier!
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Theoretical input on mountain running with technical explanations EAD.
Photos
Sport
Level
Trail running
In figures
Autre
- Average duration/day: 7h30
- Average distance/day: 19 km
- Average daily elevation gain: 1593 m
- Average daily descent: 1257 m
Management
French
Jean Luc and his team
Qualified guides and lovers of the great outdoors, Jean Luc and his team design immersive itineraries in the Alps and beyond. Attentive, skilled teachers, and mindful of each individual's pace, they guide you on a profound exploration of the mountains: hiking, nature, culture, and connecting with the environment. Powerful human experiences, designed to blend exertion, serenity, and wonder.
Our trail running course is led by a certified mountain guide from our team: they will provide you with the technical skills necessary for a successful stay and to help you improve your mountain trail running. Run in a small group of no more than 8 people to enjoy the most beautiful trails in a pristine natural setting.
Program
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CHAMONIX - AIGUILLETTE DES HOUCHES - BREVENT - COURMAYEUR / Val Veny
- Transportation 20 km
- Activity Autre
- Duration of the activity 7h
- Distance 17 km
- Positive elevation gain 1665 m
- Negative elevation 700 m
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
Your guide will meet you at the Chamonix-Mont-Blanc train station at 8:00 AM to begin an unforgettable week of trail running. We'll start our first day by tackling one of the most beautiful climbs in the Chamonix Valley. We'll depart from the famous Lac des Gaillands and its magnificent cliff, heading towards the Parc Merlet animal park, taking the Petit Balcon path through a shady forest. We'll gradually ascend to the Aiguillette des Houches, where we'll have the opportunity to enjoy one of the most breathtaking panoramas of Mont Blanc. After enjoying our picnic lunch in an idyllic setting, we'll resume our climb to reach the summit of Brévent. We'll make a short descent to work on your technique and then take the Plampraz gondola to avoid a long descent and conserve our energy for the following days of trail running. This first day will be an opportunity to take the time to acclimatize and fully enjoy the exceptional landscapes that surround us.
At the end of the day, we take our minibus to reach Italy via the Mont Blanc Tunnel and reach our accommodation for our first night at the foot of Mont Blanc.
Day 1 -
VAL FERRET - RIFUGIO BONATTI - BETWEEN TWO JUMP - TESTA BERNARDA - VAL FERRET
- Activity Autre
- Duration of the activity 7h
- Distance 17 km
- Positive elevation gain 1507 m
- Negative elevation 1500 m
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Today we'll explore the southern slopes of Mont Blanc and the Val Ferret. We'll run with the majestic Grandes Jorasses as our backdrop and stop at the Walter Bonatti refuge, named after one of history's most celebrated mountaineers. We'll climb through a wild valley to reach a summit offering one of the most breathtaking panoramic views of Mont Blanc. The route follows beautiful paths through pastures, leading us to the Testa Bernarda above Courmayeur. We'll have time to discover this stunning town at the foot of Mont Blanc's south face before returning to Chamonix by minibus at the end of the day. This trail running day will be an opportunity to discover new landscapes and share unique moments with your guide.
Day 2 -
VAL VENY - MONT FORTIN - COL DE LA SEIGNE - SOUTH FACE OF MONT BLANC - VAL VENY
- Activity Autre
- Duration of the activity 8h
- Distance 21 km
- Positive elevation gain 1200 m
- Negative elevation 1200 m
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
We'll explore the Val Veny valley, nestled at the foot of Mont Blanc. This trail run will allow you to admire the majestic south face of Mont Blanc from Mont Fortin, which offers one of the most beautiful viewpoints on the Tour du Mont Blanc. The route will take you along wild and technical paths in places, but the distance won't be very long. We'll cross the Col des Chavannes, famous for the Petit Saint Bernard Trail, a superb end-of-season race. The day can be shortened or lengthened depending on your preferences and the weather. It will be an opportunity to discover breathtaking scenery and push your limits while having fun.
Day 3 -
Col de Forclaz or Vallorcine - Trient Glacier - Shepherd's Throne - Col de Balme - Posettes - Lac Blanc - Flégère - Chamonix
- Transportation 20 km
- Activity Autre
- Duration of the activity 8h
- Distance 20 km
- Positive elevation gain 2000 m
- Negative elevation 1625 m
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner not included
For our last day, we return to Chamonix.
We can start from Vallorcine or from the Col de Forclaz in Switzerland. This day will be an opportunity to discover the Catogne alpine pastures in Switzerland and the Trient glaciers, if we start from the Col de Forclaz. Depending on the weather and your fitness level, your guide will choose the route with you. Shortcuts are possible, so we won't be under too much pressure to arrive on time in the evening. We'll return to Chamonix around 5 pm, after a final unforgettable day in the heart of the mountains. We hope this trail running experience has allowed you to discover the most beautiful spots in the massif and to improve while having fun. See you soon for new adventures!
Day 34
Note
The routes will be modified in case of bad weather or to adapt to the level of the group.
Accommodation
Night in a dormitory in a lovely campsite in Val Veny, at the foot of the Brenva Glacier.
Shared showers and toilets.
Access
Go to the starting point
Price details
The price includes
- Supervision by a state-certified Mountain Guide
- Half board in dormitory rooms at the campsite (evening meal at a restaurant in Italy)
- Picnics, from Day 2 to Day 4
- Mandatory transport on the program in private minibuses
The price does not include
- Cancellation/interruption of stay/lost luggage insurance and rescue assistance
- Picnic on Day 1
- 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
- Sleeping bag for camping dormitory use (essential)
- Trail running shoes (we recommend the Altra brand if you don't have shoes or need to change them; you need good lugs, decent cushioning and a slight drop: around 5, eventually aiming for 0)
- A pair of aluminum, foldable trail running poles
- A lightweight Opinel-type knife;
- A small pharmacy with your medications and treatments, if you have any.
- A survival blanket
- Sunscreen with an SPF of 30 to 50
- A pair of category 3 sunglasses
- Your identity documents
- Cash for personal expenses at shelters/bars...
Clothing to bring
- A cap or hat for the sun
- A hat for the cold
- A buff or neck warmer is optional but very welcome in bad weather.
- A Gore-Tex type jacket or equivalent for inclement weather
- A pair of gloves
- A warm fleece or thick down jacket to withstand sub-zero temperatures
- Sweaters or technical clothing: one lightweight and one warmer x 2
- Breathable technical t-shirts
- Running underwear and socks
- Thick long tights and thin tights depending on the temperature and altitude of the day (at 3000m it is 15 to 20 degrees cooler than at sea level, not counting the wind...)
- 2-3 pairs of shorts for running
