Trail running course following the route of Verbier Saint-Bernard in Switzerland
In summary
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Sports
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Duration4 days
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LevelExpert
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DestinationSwiss / Valais
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AgeFrom 20 - 65 years
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CO₂-Emissions55.97 kg CO2
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Type of stayIn a group
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Languages
French
English
In a few words
Prepare for your trail running goals in the heart of the Swiss Alps with an immersive training camp following in the footsteps of the famous Verbier Saint-Bernard Trail . In a small group, you'll spend four days exploring the technical and panoramic trails of this iconic region, between alpine ridges , majestic glaciers , and legendary mountain passes . The trek takes you to the legendary Great St. Bernard Pass , where an overnight stay at altitude adds an unforgettable dimension to the experience. Led by a professional, this trip combines intensive training , personalized advice , and camaraderie among fellow enthusiasts to refine your strategy and optimize your fitness before your next races. A concentrated dose of mountain adventure, pushing your limits, and team spirit , designed for experienced runners seeking to improve.
The highlights
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Immersive training course following the Verbier Saint-Bernard Trail route in a small group
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Supervised training sessions with personalized advice for effective progress
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A night at altitude at the Great St. Bernard Pass for an unforgettable experience
Photos
Sport
Level
Trail running
In figures
Trail and road running
- Average duration/day: 8h30
- Average distance/day: 36 km
- Average daily elevation gain: 2100 m
- Average daily descent: 2550 m
- Exposed Passages: Yes
Management
Jules-Henri, 35 years old, is a mountain guide with a federal qualification and a trail athlete. He will passionately share the trails with you while passing on his experience of trail running and the mountains.
A passionate trail runner for many years, Candide, Jules-Henri's older brother, has participated in numerous major trail races. A multiple UTMB finisher with top 20 finishes in the CCC and TDS, Candide boasts over 15 years of trail running experience. A winter sports instructor with a university degree, he will be delighted to accompany you on the trails and share many anecdotes from his races.
Program
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Alpine warm-up between Le Châble and Orsières
- Activity Trail and road running
- Duration of the activity 7h
- Distance 30 km
- Positive elevation gain 2000 m
- Negative elevation 2000 m
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
You'll meet at 9:00 AM in Le Châble , the starting point of your trip. This first day begins with a gradual climb towards the heights of Verbier , offering a beautiful glimpse of the Alpine landscapes. You'll then continue towards Sembrancher , before finishing the day in the village of Orsières , in the heart of the Valais region. It's an ideal day to warm up and acclimatize to the mountain environment.
Day 1 -
From the high mountains to the gates of Italy
- Activity Trail and road running
- Duration of the activity 10h
- Distance 35 km
- Positive elevation gain 3000 m
- Negative elevation 2200 m
- Exposed passages Yes
- Accommodation Hostel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Today's route gains altitude with an ascent towards the Orny hut , located near the glaciers , in a more rocky environment. After this immersion in the high mountains, you gradually descend towards La Fouly , then continue to the Great St. Bernard Pass , an iconic crossing between Switzerland and Italy.
Day 2 -
Ridge crossing towards Le Châble
- Activity Trail and road running
- Duration of the activity 8h
- Distance 38 km
- Positive elevation gain 1700 m
- Negative elevation 3000 m
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
This stage follows a panoramic ridge line above the Val d'Entremont . You first climb towards Mille , before reaching the Mont-Brûlé ridge , offering beautiful views of the surrounding valleys. The route then descends gradually towards Le Châble , where you end this wonderful day at altitude.
Day 3 -
Immersion in the Corbassière valley
- Transportation Bus - 00h30 - 10km
- Activity Trail and road running
- Duration of the activity 8h
- Distance 38 km
- Positive elevation gain 1700 m
- Negative elevation 3000 m
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner not included
This final stage begins in Lourtier with a climb to the Brunet hut , perched facing the peaks. You then enter the glacial Corbassière valley , characterized by a wilder atmosphere. The descent then takes you to Fionnay , before returning via Lourtier and then Verbier , the end point of this challenging alpine loop. Arrival back in Le Châble is expected at 3 pm.
Day 4
Note
In the event of too much snow on that date, it is possible that the reconnaissance will take a more suitable alternative route in order to guarantee the safety of the participants along the route.
Accommodation
Access
Go to the starting point
Price details
The price includes
- Hotel accommodation
- Half board (dinner + breakfast)
- The meal on the 2nd, 3rd and 4th day
- Supervision by a trail running guide
- Taxi transfers
- An AlpsXperience souvenir
The price does not include
- Individual insurance
- Dietary supplements (bars, energy drinks)
- Personal expenses
- Drinks during meals
- The picnic on the first day
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 travel bag
- Change of clothes for the stay
- An outfit for the evening
- Spare shoes
- A pair of lightweight shoes
- A sleeping bag liner (if staying in a gîte)
- A toiletry bag
- A bath towel
- A personal pharmacy
- Earplugs
- A headlamp
Clothing to bring
- A lightweight 10-15L backpack
- A Gore-Tex type jacket or similar, waterproof and breathable, suitable for withstanding bad weather in the mountains
- A warm long-sleeved top
- A survival blanket, a whistle, and a small first-aid kit
- A cap or headband
- A hat and thin gloves in case of bad weather
- Sunglasses suitable for running
- Long tights in case of bad weather
- Cereal bars and energy drinks
- Tissues
- A minimum water reserve of 1.5 liters
- A little cash