Trail running course in the Dolomites alongside Nicolas Cerisier
In summary
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Sports
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Duration8 days
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LevelAdvance
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DestinationDolomites / Italy
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AgeFrom 18 - 90 years
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CO₂-Emissions182.31 kg CO2
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Type of stayIn a group
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Languages
French
In a few words
Discover the Dolomites , a UNESCO World Heritage Site, on an immersive trail running trip with Nicolas Cerisier. This iconic mountain range in the Italian Tyrol, renowned for its jagged peaks and spectacular landscapes , offers the perfect setting to hone your skills. Each day alternates between targeted warm-ups , personalized technical advice , and exploration of high- altitude trails bordered by alpine lakes and valleys. You'll traverse breathtaking panoramas, between vertiginous ridges and authentic mountain huts, in a friendly and sporty atmosphere. This trip combines performance, camaraderie, and contemplation for a complete approach to mountain trail running.
The highlights
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Carpooling from Chambéry (round trip)
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Luggage transport (except for day 5)
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Supervision by Nicolas Cerisier on the Lavaredo Ultratrail route
Photos
Sport
Level
Trail running
The expert's opinion
This trail is classified as "challenging" due to its altitude, duration, and sometimes rugged terrain.
This training camp is for runners with experience in the mountains and trails longer than 40km. Experience with multi-day treks is also recommended. Altitude, long days (hours and elevation gains), rugged terrain, and nights spent in mountain huts all require a good understanding of one's physical and, even more importantly, mental capabilities. A team spirit is also essential.
We recommend that you prepare at least during the 3 months preceding the internship.
Long hikes of up to 4 hours in the mountains are recommended.
A minimum of 3 running sessions per week is recommended, with preparation for elevation gain.
Running with a pack weighing between 1 and 2 kg will help you get into better shape. Prepare thoroughly so that the training camp is a real pleasure and not an unpleasant surprise! Although accessible, this route requires a good level of fitness. This training camp in the heart of the Dolomites is more than just a trip; it's a true adventure!
In figures
Trail and road running
- Average duration/day: 5h30
- Average distance/day: 30 km
- Average daily elevation gain: 1525 m
Management
You will be accompanied by Nicolas, a French certified mountain guide.
Nicolas has been a trail running coach for over 10 years. He has participated in numerous races, particularly in the Dolomites. He regularly organizes and leads training camps in the French mountain ranges.
Program
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Welcome to the Dolomites!
- Transportation Minibus - 09h - 700km
- Accommodation 2-star hotel
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Meet at 8:00 AM at the Chambéry Challes-les-Eaux train station for the journey to the Dolomites (carpooling arranged by the guide). Arrival in the late afternoon and check-in at the hotel in Cortina. We'll take advantage of these first moments in the heart of the Dolomites to look at maps and discuss our upcoming itinerary. Dinner is on your own.
NB: If you wish to go directly to the Dolomites on your own, go directly to the hotel in the late afternoon.
Day 1 -
Step 1: Misurina
- Activity Trail and road running
- Duration of the activity 6h
- Distance 30 km
- Positive elevation gain 1650 m
- Accommodation 2-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
An early start for a superb stage towards Lake Misurina. We begin by warming up beneath Mount Cristallo before reaching Lake Sorapis, renowned for its uniquely glacial blue waters. After a short break, we continue our descent through the alpine pastures of the Ansié Valley. Finally, a long climb beneath the Cadin di San Lucano peak leads us to the Col de Varda refuge, from where a final descent awaits us to Lake Misurina. A truly magnificent day that immerses us in the heart of the Dolomites.
Day 2 -
Step 2: Malga Ra Stua
- Activity Trail and road running
- Duration of the activity 6h
- Distance 34 km
- Positive elevation gain 1450 m
- Accommodation Refuge
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Today we set off for a varied and spectacular day. From Lake Misurina, we head towards the Tre Cime, which we skirt at the foot of Mount Paterno. After a short break, we continue on a long, rolling descent into the Val della Rienza. The route follows the valley floor to below Croda Rossa, where a final push awaits us to reach the pleasant Malga Ra Stua refuge.
Day 3 -
Stage 3: Cinque Torri
- Activity Trail and road running
- Duration of the activity 5h
- Distance 31 km
- Positive elevation gain 1450 m
- Accommodation Refuge
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
We begin a long climb through the magnificent Val Travenanzes, up to the Col dei Bos at the foot of the Tofana Roses. We cross the valley and take the time to explore the Cinque Torri massif and its World War I remains, before heading towards the Passo Giau.
Day 4 -
Step 4: Rifugio Attilo Tissi
- Activity Trail and road running
- Duration of the activity 5h
- Distance 24 km
- Positive elevation gain 1400 m
- Accommodation Refuge
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
A superb high-altitude trek through some of the most iconic landscapes of the Dolomites. From the panoramic Passo Giau pass, the route crosses the tranquil Lago delle Baste and the vast expanse of the Mondeval plateau, before descending to the majestic Lago di Coldai, nestled at the foot of the imposing north face of the Civetta. The day ends beautifully with a night in a mountain refuge offering breathtaking views.
Day 5 -
Step 5: Civetta
- Activity Trail and road running
- Duration of the activity 6h
- Distance 31 km
- Positive elevation gain 1600 m
- Accommodation Refuge
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
A spectacular stage high in the Civetta Valley, between monumental cliffs and breathtaking panoramas of the Dolomite valleys. From the Rifugio Tissi, perched facing the north face of the Civetta, the route skirts the massif along a balcony path, offering stunning views of the surrounding peaks. A long, gradual descent leads to the Palafavera alpine pastures at the bottom of the valley.
Day 6 -
Stage 6: Monte Pelmo
- Activity Trail and road running
- Duration of the activity 5h
- Distance 28 km
- Positive elevation gain 1600 m
- Accommodation 2-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
A magnificent final day to conclude the trek in style. You'll skirt Monte Pelmo, the solitary giant of the Dolomites, along a varied route that winds through mountain passes, forests, alpine balconies, and breathtaking viewpoints. The day ends with a stop at the stunning Lago Federa, nestled at the foot of the Croda da Lago, before a final descent to Cortina d'Ampezzo, the pearl of the Dolomites.
Day 7 -
Back to France
- Transportation Minibus - 09h - 700km
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Still in the heart of the Dolomites, we part ways after breakfast. For those who wish, your guide will then continue on their way, allowing you to travel in the minibus with them. Arrival in Chambéry is scheduled for late afternoon or early evening.
Day 8
Note
As places in mountain huts are limited and subject to very high demand in the Dolomites, the program may be slightly adapted depending on availability.
Accommodation
Access
Meet at 8:00 am at Chambéry Challes-les-Eaux train station for the journey to the Dolomites (carpooling arranged by the guide). Arrival in the late afternoon and check-in at the hotel in Cortina.
If you did not choose to carpool with him, Nicolas will meet you at your hotel in Cortina. The address will be provided later.
For the end of the stay, arrival in Chambéry is planned for late afternoon or early evening.
Go to the starting point
Price details
The price includes
- The nights from day 1 to day 8,
- The trip will be led by Nicolas Cerisier, a French state-certified mountain guide and trail running coach.
- Dinners from day 2 to day 7,
- Breakfasts from day 2 to day 8,
- Lunches from day 2 to day 7,
- Safety equipment.
The price does not include
- Lunches on Day 1 and Day 8,
- Dinner on day 1,
- Optional cancellation and/or repatriation insurance, baggage loss insurance,
- Transportation to and from the meeting point,
- Visits and activities undertaken during free time,
- Drinks, personal expenses and tips,
- Optional ski lift passes to shorten certain sections of routes in case of fatigue.
- Showers are available for a fee in some mountain huts.
- Anything not included in “the 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
Minimum equipment for the day:
A backpack that can hold all the following necessary equipment:
Appropriate clothing for rain and cold: waterproof jacket, warm long-sleeved top; long tights, gloves, hat or buff…;
Appropriate clothing for the sun and heat: cap, sunglasses, sunscreen…;
Smartphone, headlamp and survival blanket;
Your gels, bars and energy drinks;
Water bottle or filter flask;
Trail running poles;
A personal pharmacy containing at a minimum double-skin plasters and biodegradable toilet paper;
Cash.
Equipment to include in the tracking bag:
Bag transport between accommodations will be provided during this course. Please bring a bag containing at least:
Compact sleeping bag or sleeping bag liner;
Pair of spare shoes;
Towel and toiletries;
Outfit for the evening and night;
Earplugs;
Change of clothes;
Pocket knife;
Replacement headlamp;
Bring a sturdy bag, weighing a maximum of 15 kg!
Adapt the list according to the weather, the duration of the internship and your personal needs!
- Note: The list and number of items of clothing above are given as a guide! You should pack your luggage with a view to limiting the quantity and volume of items, but also to protecting yourself against the elements.
Clothing to bring
You only carry your belongings for the day, except for days 5 and 6. As the Attilo Tissi refuge is not accessible by vehicle, you carry your belongings for one night and a change of clothes for the next day.