Trail running course in the Swiss Prealps with Xavier THEVENARD
In summary
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Sports
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Duration3 days
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LevelAll levels
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DestinationSwiss / Swiss Alps
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AgeFrom 16 - 90 years
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CO₂-Emissions16.05 kg CO2
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Type of stayIn a group
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Languages
French
In a few words
Reach new heights in the Swiss Pre-Alps , in the heart of the Gruyère region, during a 3-day trail running course designed to perfectly prepare you for the season. Staying at the authentic Ritzlialp mountain refuge , you'll explore unspoiled nature alongside Xavier Thévenard and his team of instructors.
Each morning is dedicated to practice: you'll head out for a trail run lasting from 1.5 to 3 hours (with longer days depending on your level), divided into homogeneous groups guided by qualified instructors . The afternoon offers fun and complementary cross-training activities , such as orienteering or biathlon on foot .
At the end of the day, enjoy enriching discussions and conferences led by Xavier and his team. You'll explore key performance topics, such as daily nutrition and nutrition during ultramarathons, as well as identifying your preferred running style (ground-oriented or aerial). A concentrated blend of expertise, knowledge sharing, and sport in the heart of the mountains to help you reach new heights!
The highlights
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Learning trail running alongside Xavier THEVENARD, 3-time winner of the UTMB
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An exceptional setting in the Swiss Pre-Alps, in all its simplicity, just like Xav.
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Race bib offered for the Gruyère Trail Charmey which will take place on 19/07/2027
Photos
Sport
Level
Trail running
The expert's opinion
Ability groups may be formed if differences in skill level are observed during outings. All outings can easily be shortened or lengthened depending on how everyone is feeling at the time.
In figures
Trail and road running
- Average duration/day: 3h30
- Average distance/day: 20 km
- Average daily elevation gain: 1234 m
- Average daily descent: 1234 m
Biathlon
- Average duration/day: 3h
- Average shooting distance: 10 m
Management
French
During this stay, you will be in contact with Xavier THEVENARD, one of the most decorated Ultra Trail runners in the world (3-time winner of the UTMB, winner of all the races of the UTMB week in Chamonix, CCC, TDS, OCC, UTMB...)
He will be there to share his extensive experience as a trail runner, but also his approach to nature, which he considers more than just a playground...
For the supervision, Xavier will be assisted by Thomas, a Mountain Guide, ski instructor, trail runner, and Xavier's manager, who is passionate about nature and the Jura region. Thomas is also a trainer at the National Nordic Ski and Mid-Mountain Center in Prémanon, Jura.
Program
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First run in Gruyère and Biathlon in the afternoon
- Activity Trail and road running
- Distance 15 km
- Positive elevation gain 1000 m
- Negative elevation 1000 m
- Activity Biathlon
- Duration of the activity 3h
- Shooting distance 10 m
- Accommodation Refuge
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
You are invited to meet at 9:00 AM at Le Ritzli Alp, between Lac Noir and Jaun, to begin your stay with a welcome drink and to meet Xavier THEVENARD, his team, and the other participants . This initial meeting will allow you to get acquainted and to present the program for the coming days.
The morning continues with a trail run adapted to different levels so that everyone can find their pace from the start of the course. This first session is dedicated to technical work, including the use of poles on the ascent , a valuable tool for conserving energy and improving efficiency on climbs.
The afternoon is dedicated to sharing, with an introduction to team biathlon . Combining running and shooting, this fun activity fosters group cohesion while introducing participants to an iconic Nordic sport. A great way to kick off the stay in a friendly atmosphere.
Day 1 -
Discovering the Gaslosen
- Activity Trail and road running
- Duration of the activity 5h
- Distance 20 km
- Positive elevation gain 1200 m
- Negative elevation 1200 m
- Accommodation Refuge
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
The morning begins with a trail run adapted to the group's level, heading towards the Gaslosen peaks with the aim of completing a circuit. This route gradually takes you onto the Jura trails with approximately 1000m of elevation gain , offering varied terrain to work on endurance and effort management on climbs. Depending on the weather conditions, there is the possibility of a round trip to the Wandflue peak.
After a shared lunch, the entire team will head towards Spitzflue, with different options depending on each person's fitness level. Xavier will then give a presentation on nutrition in ultra-trail running, offering advice based on his experience.
Day 2 -
Long hike on the trails of Gruyère
- Activity Trail and road running
- Duration of the activity 5h
- Distance 25 km
- Positive elevation gain 1500 m
- Negative elevation 1500 m
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner not included
Discover Patraflon and Gros Brun, legendary peaks of the Fribourg Alps. Explore sections of the Gruyère Trail Charmey. Share a picnic lunch amidst the alpine pastures. Option to hike between 10 and 40 km on this final day.
Discovering life in the Alpine pastures, practicing downhill skiing techniques. End of stay around 4:30 pm.
Day 3
Accommodation
This former alpine chalet has become a true institution. Located between Jaun and Lac Noir, on the Euschels Pass, the establishment's terrace offers a magnificent view of the Gastlosen mountain range. But be warned, the delicious cuisine is just as breathtaking! The best way to enjoy it is by taking a stroll from Lac Noir, or alternatively, by road from the village of Jaun, which is only 5 km away. An electric charging station for mountain bikes is available.
Access
Go to the starting point
Travel time from Paris (approximately 5h30 to 6h15):
- Take a direct TGV Lyria from Paris Gare de Lyon to Lausanne (approximately 3h40) or Basel SBB (approximately 3h05).
- Continue with the Swiss SBB trains to Romont or Fribourg , then take the TPF regional connection to Bulle station.
From the train station to the accommodation:
- By postal bus / regional bus (TPF / PostBus line 260 Bulle – Jaun – Boltigen): From Bulle station, regular regional buses go up the Jogne valley to the village of Jaun ( Jaun stop, Dorf , approximately 35 to 40 minutes journey, full fare around 8 to 12 CHF ).
- From the village of Jaun to Ritzli Alp: The Ritzli Alp alpine pasture is located high above the village (accessible via a steep mountain road or footpath, approximately 2.5 to 3 km uphill). The final approach is on foot (approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour uphill) or via a local transfer/mountain taxi, which must be arranged in advance with your accommodation provider.
- By taxi from Bulle: Allow approximately 25 to 30 minutes to reach the village of Jaun (estimated fare between 60 CHF and 90 CHF , excluding specific ascent on alpine pasture track).
From the airport (e.g., Geneva) to the accommodation:
- By train + bus: Take a direct SBB train from the underground station at Geneva Airport to Fribourg/Freiburg or Lausanne , then change to Bulle , followed by the postal bus to Jaun (allow approximately 2h45 to 3h15 total journey time).
Price details
The price includes
- The stay will be supervised by Xavier THEVENARD and his team.
- Accommodation in mountain chalets and dormitories
- Full board from the welcome drink on Day 1 to lunch on Day 3
- Workshops to improve your technique (running uphill and downhill, use of poles, etc.)
- Theoretical input in evening conference format on the website
- Welcome kit provided by Baouw, 3 free months of the Ultra Trail coaching platform, Julbo sunglasses trial during the training camp…
- An additional gift for those who travel to the training course using low-carbon transport.
The price does not include
- Transportation to the internship location
- 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.
