Trail running in Annecy: beginner and advanced levels
In summary
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Sports
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Duration3 days
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LevelBeginner
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DestinationAnnecy / French Alps
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AgeFrom the age of 18
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CO₂-Emissions26.04 kg CO2
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Type of stayIn a group
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Languages
French
English
In a few words
Lake Annecy is a prime destination for trail running enthusiasts . The harmonious blend of mountains, lake, and forest creates a diverse range of routes, perfect for those looking to try trail running in optimal conditions. The trails offer both technical and challenging routes , while also providing breathtaking panoramic views of the Alps and an immersion in an environment where nature, stretching from the lake to the peaks, is remarkably well-preserved. This trail running trip is the ideal opportunity to discover this discipline or refine your technique , guided by our mountain guides specializing in trail running .
The highlights
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A stay for those who wish to learn trail running or refine their technique
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Technical workshops (poles, downhill, effort management, etc.) to help you progress
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Three days to discover the sport around Lake Annecy
Photos
Gontran - verified review - april 2024
Gontran - verified review - april 2024
Gontran - verified review - april 2024
Gontran - verified review - april 2024
Sport
Level
Trail running
The expert's opinion
Prerequisites and expected level
This training camp is designed for trail runners ideally with a minimum UTMB Index of 300. Daily stages cover 12 to 20 km with 500 to 1,000 m of elevation gain (lasting up to 5 hours in the mountains). The terrain includes runnable trails, alpine pastures, scree slopes, and some low-exposure ridges or ledges.
To fully enjoy it, it is recommended to:
- Run at least twice a week (minimum 1 hour 30 minutes per run);
- Occasionally undertake a long hike/run of more than 3 hours on varied paths;
- Regularly engage in a complementary endurance activity (cycling, cross-country skiing, hiking).
Stay format and level groups
To accommodate everyone's expectations, the staff is divided into 2 groups:
- Initiation Group: Focused on fun, technical learning and discovering the mountains without performance pressure.
- Advanced Group: Intended for regular practitioners wishing to undertake more demanding routes (up to 7 hours in the mountains per day, including breaks).
In figures
Trail and road running
- Average duration/day: 5h
- Average distance/day: 17 km
- Average daily elevation gain: 867 m
Management
French
English
Experienced trail running coaches to guide you
Program
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Arrival and departure at Roc de Chère / Loop at Mont Veyrier
- Activity Trail and road running
- Duration of the activity 5h
- Distance 14 km
- Positive elevation gain 600 m
- Accommodation Cottage
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Arrival at 12pm at the Alérions Holiday Village where we drop off our luggage for the next three days.
For this first day, from 12:30pm to 5pm:
- Beginner group (14 km — 600 m elevation gain): We'll set off to explore the area around our accommodation and Lake Annecy on a trail run. We'll have the opportunity to run amidst the places that have made Lake Annecy and its surroundings famous: the Angon canyon , Talloires Abbey , the Roc de Chère , and the Château de Menthon-Saint-Bernard , with, of course, an almost constant view of Lake Annecy . During the day, we'll participate in a specific workshop on downhill running techniques .
- Advanced group (21 km — 1,100 m elevation gain): a loop hike on Mont Veyrier to familiarize yourself with the terrain around Annecy. Technical workshops will be offered during the hike to review your performance and provide advice to put into practice during your stay, thus improving your trail running skills.
Late afternoon, check-in at accommodation, video analysis and discussions on descent techniques . Essential for trail running!
Dinner and overnight stay at the accommodation.
Day 1 -
Col de la Forclaz
- Activity Trail and road running
- Duration of the activity 5h
- Distance 18 km
- Positive elevation gain 1000 m
- Accommodation Cottage
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Short outing (approx. 45 min) on an empty stomach to enjoy the first rays of sunshine and start the day with this unusual exercise (optional) .
Then breakfast at the accommodation and the program for this 2nd day:
- Beginner Group (18 km – 1,000 m elevation gain): A full-day hike/run starting from your accommodation, with a picnic lunch in the mountains. We'll hike to the Col de la Forclaz , which offers breathtaking views of Lake Annecy and its surroundings. During the outing, we'll apply the tips and techniques learned the day before, exploring forests, alpine pastures, and scenic trails.
- Advanced Group (23 km — 1,300 m elevation gain): Departure from the accommodation for a beautiful loop hike/run. We'll head towards the Col de la Forclaz, from which we can admire Lake Annecy from its iconic viewpoint. The route offers a nice, gradual climb at the beginning, allowing us to work on managing this type of effort. We'll then reach the shores of Lake Annecy after a challenging descent on superb forest singletrack, before tackling a short, steep climb that will test our eccentric and concentric power output . The finish is on rolling terrain for a good cool-down. A stunning route following less-traveled trails along the lake. We'll put into practice the tips and techniques learned the day before.
Late afternoon: Proprioception and mobility workshop (optional) .
Dinner and overnight stay at the accommodation.
Day 2 -
Mont Veyrier / Roc Lancrenaz and end of stay
- Activity Trail and road running
- Duration of the activity 5h
- Distance 17 km
- Positive elevation gain 1000 m
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner not included
Muscle awakening and mobility routine (optional) .
Breakfast at the accommodation and the program for this 3rd day:
- Beginner Group (17 km — 1,000 m elevation gain): a day-long hike/run towards Mont Veyrier , an iconic mountain for the people of Annecy. During the outing, we will put into practice all the skills learned during the training course, allowing you to progress at your own pace : optimal descent technique, use of poles, pacing yourself over time, and improving your climbing technique. We will bring picnic lunches so we can enjoy a break with a view, because trail running is also about taking in magnificent panoramas!
- Advanced Group (22 km — 1,500 m elevation gain): Departure from the accommodation for a ride with a significant distance-to-elevation-gain ratio . A great way to work on mountain profiles, with a very playful first third similar to a vertical kilometer (VK) effort, perfect for practicing pushing with poles. We will reach the summit of Pointe de Talamarche and its sublime 360° view. A great way to finish the elevation gain for the trip, the last part of the ride will be all about muscle fibers, with a demanding descent for the front quads involving some good sprints back to the accommodation.
The internship ends at 3:30 pm at the Les Alerions holiday village.
Day 3
Note
The distances and elevation gains mentioned are only indicative. The guides may need to modify this program, particularly depending on weather conditions, the physical and technical level of the participants, or any other unforeseen event.
Accommodation
One of the undeniable assets of the Les Alérions Mountain Centre is undoubtedly its terrace offering breathtaking views of Lake Annecy and the surrounding mountains. Have fun spotting the Bay of Talloires and the Château de Duingt .
Access
Thanks to the WhatsApp group, carpooling can be set up very easily.
Go to the starting point
By public transport, from Annecy train station, take bus line 20 to the "Les Granges" stop. Check the timetable on Sibra.fr, but it usually departs from the station at 11:01 am.
From the bus stop, it's a 10-minute walk to reach the meeting point.
Carpooling is possible with other participants from Annecy train station.
Price details
The price includes
- Supervision by a mountain guide specializing in trail running
- Accommodation in a shared double, twin or triple room
- Full board from dinner on the first day to lunch on the last day of the internship
- Your transportation and the transport of your luggage during your stay
The price does not include
- Lunch on the first day
- Drinks and personal expenses
- Your transportation to the meeting point and from the end-of-internship location
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 have them
Clothing to bring
- Shoes suitable for trail running (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
- An outfit for after the race
They traveled with us
