Trail running course in Haute Maurienne Vanoise
In summary
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Sports
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Duration3 days
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LevelIntermediate
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DestinationVanoise Massif / Bessans
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AgeUp to a 90imum of years
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CO₂-Emissions18.64 kg CO2
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Type of stayIndependent traveler
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Languages
French
In a few words
Treat yourself to a high-altitude adventure in the mountains , on panoramic ridges overlooking alpine pastures and glaciers. This trail running trip takes you on a selection of high-altitude routes , combining wild trails and more secluded paths, far from the usual crowds. Each outing is designed to combine the pleasure of running , physical challenge, and the discovery of breathtaking landscapes.
As the kilometers unfold, you'll journey through a pristine mountain landscape where the horizon seems endless. The routes, chosen for their character and beauty, alternate between exposed sections, technical trails, and sustained climbs to summits that offer a profound sense of freedom . The effort is rewarded with exceptional panoramas and the exhilarating experience of hiking in the heart of nature.
Accessible to regular trail runners, the program offers stages of 10 to 20 km with an elevation gain of between 600 and 1200 m . An ideal format to push your limits, improve your endurance and enjoy an authentic experience in the heart of the high-altitude terrain.
The highlights
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A unique sporting experience in the heart of the Vanoise
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An exceptional trail running adventure
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Accommodation in the heart of the Haute Maurienne - Vanoise
Photos
Sport
Level
Trail running
The expert's opinion
In decent physical condition
In figures
Trail and road running
- Average duration/day: 4h30
- Average daily elevation gain: 502 m
Management
French
Guided by mountain guides
Program
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First steps at altitude
- Activity Trail and road running
- Duration of the activity 3h
- Accommodation Holiday Villages
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
You arrive at the holiday village in the late morning for lunch and settling in. This initial time allows you to meet the group and get your bearings before lacing up your sneakers.
In the afternoon, you'll set off on your first trail run towards Le Câble , La Mottuaz, and then Près Pautas . This warm-up will take you along varied paths, alternating between alpine pastures and more forested sections. The route allows you to discover the mountain environment while gradually regaining your fitness. The first climbs set the tone for the trip, already offering beautiful views of the surrounding landscape.
This initial effort allows you to get into the rhythm of the training course and to begin to gently acclimate yourself to the altitude.
Day 1 -
Heading for the border peaks
- Activity Trail and road running
- Duration of the activity 6h
- Positive elevation gain 1004 m
- Accommodation Holiday Villages
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
From Pont Saint Charles , your hike begins with a gradual climb towards the Col de la Galise (2987m) . The trail ascends through a rocky landscape, offering unobstructed views of glaciers and high-altitude peaks. The steady ascent allows you to find your rhythm while enjoying the gradually unfolding panorama.
From the pass, you continue towards the Grand Cocor (3034m) . The atmosphere becomes more alpine, with terrain that is sometimes more technical, demanding attention and commitment. The effort is sustained with 1004m of elevation gain , but reaching the summit offers a spectacular view of the surrounding peaks.
The descent gradually leads you back down to the valley, along varied trails alternating between smooth sections and more technical parts. A day at altitude marked by commitment and the feeling of being in the high mountains.
Day 2 -
A gentle end to the stay
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
After breakfast at the holiday village, the stay draws to a close. You enjoy a final moment with the group before departure, an opportunity to share your impressions and reflect on the highlights experienced at altitude.
This marks the end of this immersive trail running experience in the high mountains, rich in elevation gain, panoramas and physical exertion.
Day 3
Note
Important: The program is provided as a guide only. It is recommended that you bring your own trail running gear. The Haute-Maurienne valley is full of trails, each more beautiful than the last. To keep things interesting, the guides are free to use their imagination and suggest alternative routes! Unforeseen circumstances beyond our control may also lead us to modify the day's routes and activities (weather, participants' fitness level, group safety, etc.).
Accommodation
You will be staying at the La Bessannaise holiday village.
The establishment offers 95 rooms, spread across three buildings, which can accommodate from 1 to 3 people depending on their configuration.
By staying at the centre, you have access to all the spaces available.
Access
Rooms are available from 5pm on the day of your arrival.
They must be vacated before 10am on the day of departure.
The stay ends after breakfast.
Go to the starting point
Modane TGV station (Paris-Modane 4h30 by TGV), then bus journey (45 min) to the stop in front of La Bessannaise*
Bus booking online: www.altibus.com or 04 79 68 32 96.
We invite you to purchase your return ticket as soon as your reservation is confirmed.
*Pay attention to train and bus connections when planning your journey.
A43 motorway towards Turin (Fréjus Tunnel, Italy), Exit No. 30 – Modane/Haute Maurienne, departmental road D1006 (ex-RN6) then D902 (35km) towards Bessans.
Consider sharing your journey by carpooling: www.blablacar.fr.
Price details
The price includes
- Accommodation according to the chosen package
- Full board (including wine) from lunch on Day 1 to breakfast on Day 3
- One hot drink per day
- Bed linen and towels are provided in the rooms for the duration of your stay.
- Access to the spa and fitness area
- Activities are supervised by our mountain guides according to the formula
- Activities from Monday to Friday in July and August
- Local transfers for activities
The price does not include
- Tourist tax: €0.85 per person (over 18 years old) per night
- The ANCEF membership fee (mandatory for supervised stays) including membership and mountain passport (insurance): €25 for adults, €13 for young people under 16, €50 for the Family offer (1 or 2 adults + children under 16)
- Toiletries (shower gel, soap, etc.) and a towel for access to the spa.
- Drinks at the bar and extras (shop purchases, additional activities not included in the program…)
- Return travel expenses to and from the holiday village
- Picnic boxes, cutlery and water bottles
- The equipment required for certain themed workshops (see technical specifications)
Options
- Child discount (ages 3-6) : CHF-132.65 / person
- Youth discount (7-13 years old) : CHF-79.59 / person
- Early arrival : CHF61.29 / person
- 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 good pair of trail running shoes
- Water bottle holder and water bottle (minimum 1L capacity)
- A pair of highly protective sunglasses (CE rating 3 or 4 is essential)
- Sunscreen tube and lip balm stick, with a high sun protection factor
- Cutlery, picnic box and reusable cup for picnics
- Camera and binoculars (optional)
Clothing to bring
- Cap or hat
- Technical T-shirt
- Stretch pants or leggings or shorts
- Several pairs of socks
- Anorak, waterproof rainwear, 1 windbreaker
- a light fleece jacket or thin down jacket
- Swimsuit and bath towel (or bathrobe) required to access the wellness area
For your comfort at the center, please bring casual clothing and indoor shoes or slippers. Important: In the mountains, temperature variations can be significant if the wind picks up or a storm is approaching.
