Trail running around Mont Blanc, on the UTMB course
In summary
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Sports
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Duration6 days
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LevelConfirmed
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DestinationMont Blanc Massif - France / Chamonix-Mont-Blanc
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AgeFrom 18 - 90 years
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CO₂-Emissions60.05 kg CO2
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Type of stayIn a group
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Languages
English
French
In a few words
Embark on a 6-day Tour du Mont Blanc : a legendary route that will take you through France, Italy, and Switzerland . Following the actual UTMB course, with approximately 170 km and 9,400 m of elevation gain , you'll discover the most beautiful and highest mountain range in Europe. The 6-day format allows for 7-hour days in the mountains, compared to 10 hours on the 4-day tour. The itinerary includes breathtaking landscapes and some technical, alpine sections. With a mountain guide specializing in trail running , you'll learn running techniques to help you improve your trail running skills. Uphill running, downhill running, running on rough terrain, using poles, and more—you'll discuss all the issues related to preparation and performance in an ultra-trail race. Evening debriefing sessions are scheduled to reflect on the day's events. This is also the time to answer all your questions related to trail running.
The highlights
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A legendary route following in the footsteps of the UTMB, with magnificent scenery.
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A trail running coach to provide advice tailored to your training.
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Carrying your belongings so you can travel light for the day
Photos
Sport
Level
Trail running
The expert's opinion
For those with an UTMB index of 450 or higher (as a guideline), you will run 2 to 3 times per week with at least one long run per week. These runs will last 4 to 6 hours, covering approximately 25 km and 1500m of elevation gain per day on rolling trails, alpine meadows, and smaller paths.
In figures
Trail and road running
- Average duration/day: 7h30
- Average distance/day: 25 km
- Average daily elevation gain: 1650 m
Management
You will be supervised by a Mountain Leader (AMM) specializing in trail running.
One guide for 8 people, 2 guides for more than 8.
Program
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Chamonix - Les Contamines (32 km — 1,450 m elevation gain)
- Activity Trail and road running
- Duration of the activity 8h
- Distance 32 km
- Positive elevation gain 1500 m
- Accommodation Cottage
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
Arrival at 8am in Chamonix.
Departure at 9am for a 7 to 8 hour hike-run to Contamines-Montjoie.
A fast and rolling stage with only one difficulty at the Col de Voza .
Arrived around 4:30pm in Les Contamines.
Day 1 -
Les Contamines - Les Chapieux (20 km — 1,400 m elevation gain)
- Activity Trail and road running
- Duration of the activity 8h
- Distance 20 km
- Positive elevation gain 1400 m
- Accommodation Cottage
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Departure at 8am for a stage of approximately 8 hours including breaks.
Arrived around 4pm in Les Chapieux.
Accommodation in our mountain refuge/hotel, in shared rooms for 2 to 8 people.
Day 2 -
Les Chapieux - Courmayeur (30 km — 1,800 m elevation gain)
- Activity Trail and road running
- Duration of the activity 8h
- Distance 30 km
- Positive elevation gain 1800 m
- Accommodation Cottage
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Departure at 8am. We cross the Franco-Italian border to arrive in Courmayeur around 5pm.
Accommodation in our mountain hotel/refuge, in shared rooms (2 to 8 people).
Day 3 -
Courmayeur - La Fouly (31 km — 2,000 m elevation gain)
- Activity Trail and road running
- Duration of the activity 8h
- Distance 31 km
- Positive elevation gain 2000 m
- Accommodation Cottage
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Departure at 8am. Our steps take us out of Italy and into Switzerland .
Arrival around 5-5:30pm in La Fouly .
Day 4 -
La Fouly - Trient (30 km — 1,400 m elevation gain)
- Activity Trail and road running
- Duration of the activity 6h
- Distance 8 km
- Positive elevation gain 1400 m
- Accommodation Cottage
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Departure at 8am for another beautiful stage of approximately 8 to 9 hours entirely within Swiss territory !
Arrived around 5pm in Trient .
Day 5 -
Trient - Chamonix (29 km — 1,800 D+)
- Activity Trail and road running
- Duration of the activity 8h
- Distance 29 km
- Positive elevation gain 1800 m
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner not included
A new departure at dawn to return to France and Chamonix after one last walk.
The training course ends at 5pm in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc.
Day 6
Accommodation
You will be accommodated in guesthouses, mountain refuges and hotels.
Access
Go to the starting point
Price details
The price includes
- Guided by a mountain leader specializing in trail running (for 8 people, 2 for more)
- Dormitory accommodation
- Catering from dinner on the first day to lunch on the last day
- Transporting your luggage during your stay
The price does not include
- Transportation to the meeting point and from the end-of-internship location
- The picnic on the first day
- Race snacks (cereal bars, etc.)
- Drinks
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 wish
Clothing to bring
- A pair of trail running shoes suitable for 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. Post-race outfit.
They traveled with us