Trail running in Chamonix: 4 days at the foot of Mont Blanc
In summary
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Sports
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Duration4 days
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LevelAdvance
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DestinationChamonix-Mont-Blanc / Chamonix-Mont-Blanc
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AgeFrom the age of 18
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CO₂-Emissions21.05 kg CO2
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Type of stayIn a group
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Languages
French
In a few words
The highlights
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4 days with a qualified guide to improve your trail running technique
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The spectacular view of the summit of Mont Blanc 4810 m
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Discover the most beautiful spots in the Chamonix valley
Photos
Sport
Level
Trail running
In figures
Trail and road running
- Average duration/day: 7h
- Average distance/day: 18 km
- Average daily elevation gain: 1375 m
- Average daily descent: 1450 m
Management
French
Jean Luc and his team
Qualified guides and lovers of the great outdoors, Jean Luc and his team design immersive itineraries in the Alps and beyond. Attentive, skilled teachers, and mindful of each individual's pace, they guide you on a profound exploration of the mountains: hiking, nature, culture, and connecting with the environment. Powerful human experiences, designed to blend exertion, serenity, and wonder.
Our trail running course is led by a certified mountain guide from our team: they will provide you with the technical skills necessary for a successful stay and to help you improve your mountain trail running. Run in a small group of no more than 8 people to enjoy the most beautiful trails in a pristine natural setting.
Program
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Aiguillette des Houches - Col de Bellachat
- Activity Trail and road running
- Duration of the activity 7h
- Distance 17 km
- Positive elevation gain 1350 m
- Negative elevation 1350 m
- Accommodation Refuge
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
We will begin our ascent from Chamonix, aiming to explore new peaks, both in altitude and intensity. The Bossons and Taconnaz glaciers will unfold before us, just below the north face of Mont Blanc. We will traverse diverse landscapes, moving from dense forests to rocky terrain, adapting our pace to these different conditions. In any case, the splendor of the surrounding landscapes will remain undiminished throughout this exceptional day.
The program is provided as a guideline and may be modified depending on weather conditions or the group's physical condition. The guide may suggest alternatives, such as a mountain pass or the ascent of another peak in the area.
Day 1 -
Les Praz - Cabane des Mottets - Mer de Glace - Signal Forbes - Chamonix
- Activity Trail and road running
- Duration of the activity 6h
- Distance 15 km
- Positive elevation gain 1200 m
- Negative elevation 1200 m
- Accommodation Refuge
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
We will begin our journey from the bottom of the valley to climb up to the majestic Mer de Glace, then we will run under the impressive Aiguilles de Chamonix.
This route offers exceptional beauty near the Mer de Glace glacier, with a wide variety of landscapes and tranquil spots. We will have the pleasure of admiring the Mer de Glace from the Signal Forbes, beneath the imposing Aiguilles de Chamonix: the view is breathtaking, offering a splendid panorama of the Drus, the Grandes Jorasses, and Mont Blanc. We will take breaks to fully savor this spectacle and remain completely focused. The iconic trails of Chamonix will accompany us throughout this week, and we will start gently from the first day to progress with confidence.
The program is provided as a guideline and may be modified depending on weather conditions or the group's physical condition. The guide may suggest alternatives, such as a mountain pass or the ascent of another peak in the area.
Day 2 -
Montroc - Lac Blanc - Col du Belvedere - Chamonix
- Activity Trail and road running
- Duration of the activity 7h
- Distance 17 km
- Positive elevation gain 1250 m
- Negative elevation 1550 m
- Accommodation Refuge
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
We'll be running towards the Mer de Glace glacier, with the Aiguille Verte, Les Drus, Les Aiguilles de Chamonix, and Mont Blanc as a backdrop – it's simply stunning! However, keep in mind that the trail is typical of Chamonix, which means that by this evening, you'll have become true experts at scrambling over loose rocks. It's crucial to listen carefully to your guide and maintain a moderate pace to avoid any problems. Some sections can be quite exposed, so in those moments, we'll adopt a relaxed pace, prioritizing caution over speed. Remember, this is a training run, not a race, and we'll take the time to fully appreciate the scenery. During our stops, it's essential to stay focused. This could well be the most beautiful day of all, and the breaks by the lakes should be a real treat. We'll have the opportunity to swim, but not everywhere, as the lake temperatures can vary considerably!
The program is provided as a guideline and may be modified depending on weather conditions or the group's physical condition. The guide may suggest alternatives, such as a mountain pass or the ascent of another peak in the area.
Day 3 -
Le Buet - Col des Corbeaux - Pointe de la Terrasse - Lac d'Emosson - Chalet de Loriat
- Activity Trail and road running
- Duration of the activity 7h
- Distance 22 km
- Positive elevation gain 1700 m
- Negative elevation 1700 m
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner not included
Here we are, running between France and Switzerland, surrounded by mountain giants and dinosaur tracks! This day is full of surprises and beauty, but I won't tell you any more—it's a surprise! ;)
At the end of the day, everyone goes their separate ways. See you soon for new adventures!
The program is provided as a guideline and may be modified depending on weather conditions or the group's physical condition. The guide may suggest alternatives, such as a mountain pass or the ascent of another peak in the area.
Day 4
Accommodation
Night in a mountain refuge in the Chamonix Mont-Blanc valley, in dormitory rooms.
Access
Go to the starting point
Price details
The price includes
- Supervision by a state-certified Mountain Guide from our team
- Half-board in a mountain refuge
- Picnics, Day 2, Day 3 and Day 4
- Mandatory transportation included in the program
The price does not include
- Cancellation/interruption of stay/lost luggage insurance and rescue assistance
- Picnic on Day 1
- There are no ski lifts on the program, we prefer to go elsewhere, a little further away!
- Drinks and personal expenses
- Dinners in the evening
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
- Trail shoes (we recommend the Altra brand if you don't have shoes or need to change them, you need good cleats, decent cushioning and a slight drop: around 5 to then tend towards 0).
- A pair of aluminum and foldable trail running poles.
- A lightweight Opinel-type knife.
- A small pharmacy with your medications and treatments if you have any.
- A survival blanket.
- Sunscreen with an SPF of 30 to 50.
- A pair of category 3 sunglasses.
- Your identity documents.
- Cash for personal expenses at shelters/bars...
Clothing to bring
- A cap or hat for the sun
- A hat for the cold
- A buff or neck warmer is optional but very welcome in bad weather.
- A Gore-Tex type jacket or equivalent for inclement weather
- A pair of gloves
- A warm fleece or thick down jacket to withstand sub-zero temperatures
- Sweaters or technical clothing: one lightweight and one warmer x 2
- Breathable technical t-shirts
- Running underwear and socks
- Thick long tights and thin tights depending on the temperature and altitude of the day (at 3000m it is 15 to 20 degrees cooler than at sea level, not counting the wind...)
- 2-3 pairs of shorts for running
