Trail running initiation course in the Chablais mountains
In summary
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Sports
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Duration3 days
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LevelIntermediate
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DestinationFrench Alps / Haute-Savoie
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AgeFrom 18 - 90 years
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CO₂-Emissions33.54 kg CO2
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Type of stayIn a group
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Languages
French
English
In a few words
Nestled between Lake Geneva and the Alpine peaks , the Chablais region offers an ideal playground for those new to mountain trail running. This 3-day trip, specially designed for beginner runners , combines technical instruction with immersion in nature . Accessible trails wind through forests, alpine pastures, and ridges , providing a variety of terrain perfect for a gentle introduction to the sport.
Guided by a passionate professional, you will learn the fundamentals of trail running : effort management, downhill techniques, pole use, and nutrition advice. All this in a supportive and non-competitive atmosphere, where the focus is on the enjoyment of running and personal progress .
Each day is punctuated by practical workshops and tailored outings, all set against a backdrop of breathtaking panoramas of the Alps and Lake Geneva. An accessible sporting adventure, laying the foundations for sustainable practice and reconnecting with the mountains, step by step.
The highlights
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3 days to discover trail running in the Chablais region, between Lake Geneva, forests and alpine pastures
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Technical workshops for gradual progress
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All excursions depart from the accommodation.
Photos
Sport
Level
Trail running
The expert's opinion
This training course is multi-level. It will be organized with one group at an "initiation to trail running" level and another at a more "advanced" level, with a maximum of 8 people and an instructor. You will have the option to change groups during the course if you wish. This structure ensures homogeneous groups so that everyone progresses at their own pace.
In figures
Trail and road running
- Average duration/day: 1h30
- Average distance/day: 18 km
- Average daily elevation gain: 1000 m
Management
French
English
The instructor is a trail running professional, experienced in leading training courses. He knows perfectly how to adapt outings to the groups.
Program
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Pointe du Midi (16 km & 900 m elevation gain)
- Activity Trail and road running
- Duration of the activity 5h
- Distance 16 km
- Positive elevation gain 900 m
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
Arrival at 10:30 am in Châtel , where you will leave your belongings for this introductory trail running trip.
11:30am – 4:30pm: First trail run towards Pointe du Midi (16 km / 900m elevation gain).
An accessible route combining forests, alpine pastures, and panoramic views of the Chablais region. During the outing, we will cover the basics of effort management , downhill techniques, and the use of poles. A short video analysis at the end of the day will allow you to work on your posture and efficiency.
Evening: Dinner at the accommodation, followed by a discussion on motor preferences and a short stretching session to recover well.
Day 1 -
Lake D’Arvouin (21 km & 1,050D+)
- Activity Trail and road running
- Distance 21 km
- Positive elevation gain 1050 m
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
The morning begins with a mobility and warm-up workshop to prepare the muscles for the effort. Then, departure for a longer trail run of 21 km and 1,050 m of elevation gain around Lake Arvouin , with varied landscapes between forests and alpine pastures.
The objective of this outing is to improve effort management on the climb , to experiment with the pace over a longer distance and to consolidate the downhill technique.
At the end of the day, we will take a friendly moment for an aperitif-conference on motivation in trail running, "Why do I run?", followed by discussions on sports nutrition .
Evening: Dinner at the accommodation and a relaxation session, stretching and breathing exercises to optimize recovery.
Day 2 -
Pointe des Mattes (16 km & 1,050 m elevation gain)
- Activity Trail and road running
- Distance 16 km
- Positive elevation gain 1050 m
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner not included
For this final day, we're heading out for a run towards the Pointe des Mattes (16 km / 1,050 m elevation gain). This varied route offers magnificent views of the Chablais region and allows us to put into practice all the concepts covered during the course: effort management, downhill technique, use of poles , and the joy of running in the mountains.
The training course concludes with a friendly debriefing over drinks, to exchange one last time with the group and the supervisors.
End of the internship: 4:30pm in Châtel.
Day 3
Accommodation
We are accommodated in a hotel, in rooms with 2 to 4 beds, each equipped with a private bathroom and toilet, and with on-site parking. Located in the heart of nature in the hills above Châtel, this accommodation offers an ideal setting for mountain lovers, with direct access to hiking trails and the exceptional panoramic views of the Chablais region.
Access
Thanks to the WhatsApp group, carpooling can be set up very easily.
Go to the starting point
By public transport, from Thonon-les-Bains or Évian-les-Bains train stations, you can take bus line 12 to Châtel (check the SNCF website or the station website for timetables). The meeting point for the workshop is directly in Châtel. Carpooling with other participants from the train station can also be a convenient option.
Price details
The price includes
- Supervision by a mountain guide specializing in trail running
- Accommodation in a 3-star hotel and in a shared room
- Full board from dinner on Day 1 to lunch on Day 3
- Workshops and advice to improve your trail running, uphill and downhill techniques, effort management, and the joy of running in the mountains
The price does not include
- Transportation to the meeting point and from the end-of-internship location
- Lunch on Day 1
- Drinks and personal expenses
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
