Bienvenue to the undisputed trail running capital of the world—Chamonix, a thriving outdoor hub that lures 4 million visitors yearly. The landscape is truly a runner’s eden: gleaming glaciers, rushing streams, wildflower meadows, lofty balcony paths, and a lush valley dwarfed by towering peaks of the highest mountain in Europe. Apart from the iconic Mont Blanc scenery, there’s a lot more to look forward to for your 6-day, all-women trail running adventures led by the legendary runner Meg Mackenzie—like heading to nearby Courmayeur or participating in inspiring workshops. With hundreds of miles of trails etched into the mountainside and the valley, you won’t run out of runs—and when you’re done for the day, savor French tarts, and unwind in a spa. Come for the views, stay for the delicious dishes and a fantastic running community.

  • Run through incredible Alpine scenery and savor French culture

  • Get premier guidance from the decorated runner Meg Mackenzie

  • Mingle with like-minded women, discuss challenges, and empower each other

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Women's Trail Running in Chamonix and Courmayeur
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Women’s Trail Running Retreat in Chamonix
Sep 18
Early Bird: All-Women's Trail Running in Chamonix and Courmayeur
Jul 2024
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Meet your guides

Siebrig Sheeres
5.00
Siebrig Sheeres
International Mountain Leader
Born in the Netherlands, Siebrig volunteered and worked as a physical therapist in North America for several years. While she was there, she scaled volcanoes, climbed the highest peaks, and did trail running in Guatemala, Mexico, and Nicaragua. She’s n...
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Emily Geldard
5.00
Emily Geldard
Guiding since 2004
Originally from England, Emily moved to Chamonix Valley, where she became an International Mountain Guide and has been a guide sinc 2007. Although she used to mostly enjoy cross-country running, today she prefers 50-60-km races such as Dents-du-Midi an...
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Meg Mackenzie
5.00
Meg Mackenzie
Guest runner
Meg is a South African trail runner with wins in South African Long Distance Trail Championships in 2015 and a four-time winner of the Ultra Trail Cape Town 65km. She has also represented her country internationally at numerous events including the Lon...
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Marion Giraud
5.00
Marion Giraud
Originally from Lyon, Marion got into trail running from athletics. She moved to Chamonix to work for a ski company and soon discovered her passion for trail running, while pursuing other sports—like hiking, mountain biking, and nordic ski touring. 
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Run the Alps
5.00
Run the Alps
Run the Alps team has dozens of years of experience, trail running throughout Switzerland, France, and Italy. Their goal? Finding the absolute best trail running experiences in the Alps. Away from the crowds, in high Alp villages, they’ll seek out thos...
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5.00 (5 reviews)
Rosiewalker12 about Run the Alps on Tripadvisor

This trip was every thing I hoped it would be. Amazing trails, lovely accommodation and the most welcoming lovely people! I now have some incredible memories and long lasting friendships.

I would absolutely recommend this trip to every one and any one!

Deidre about Run the Alps on Run the Alps

I was thrilled to come across a running tour in the Alps, where the scenery is spectacular. It inspired me to explore and see as much as possible. It was good to have options and flexibility depending on what we felt like doing each day. I was worried my trail running fitness may not be quite up to par since I get frustrated being the weakest link, but I was never made to feel I was holding anyone up as we were all there to simply enjoy.

Deidre about Run the Alps on Run the Alps

I was thrilled to come across a running tour in the Alps, where the scenery is spectacular. It inspired me to explore and see as much as possible. It was good to have options and flexibility depending on what we felt like doing each day. I was worried my trail running fitness may not be quite up to par since I get frustrated being the weakest link, but I was never made to feel I was holding anyone up as we were all there to simply enjoy.

Susan about Run the Alps on Run the Alps

Thank you Run the Alps!!! I can’t say enough about all your guidance and support. Fantastic race, beautiful course, amazing villages. I’ll be back.

Tamara about Run the Alps on Run the Alps

The guides, the scenery, the accommodation, the trails, the villages, the huts, the food, the organization of the trip before, during and after… everything exceeded my expectations.

Things to know

  • What you get on the All-Women Trail Running in Adventure in Chamonix and Courmayeur:

      • 2 IML-certified, experienced guides with extensive knowledge of the area and a decorated trail runner Meg Mackenzie
      • 6-day trail running tour
      • Accommodation (4 nights at the 4-star Hôtel Le Refuge des Aiglons in Chamonix, France and 1 night at the 3-star Hotel Bouton d’Or in Courmayeur, Italy)
      • All breakfasts and four dinners
      • Guided daily runs with IML-certified guides and Meg Mackenzie
      • Round-trip airport transfers (Geneva-Chamonix)
      • Transportation to the trailhead
      • Special guests during group dinners
      • License-free photography
      • Run the Alps Guide to Trail Running in the Alps (sent prior to the trip)
      • Spa afternoon at QC Terme in Chamonix
      • Special gift at the end of trip

    What’s not included:

      • Transportation to France
      • Some meals (details in the itinerary)
      • Guide gratuities — optional

    What you get on the Women’s Trail Running Retreat in Chamonix:

      • 2 IML-certified, experienced guides with extensive knowledge of the area, as well as guidance from a decorated trail runner Meg Mackenzie and and internationally acclaimed trainer, coach and lecturer Mareli Kruger
      • 6-day trail running tour 
      • Accommodation in a private luxury chalet with a hot tub, sauna, cinema room, terrace, and garden
      • Meals as indicated in the itinerary
      • Private chef Jenna Beaugy
      • Dinner in a Chamonix restaurant for one evening 
      • Wine tasting 
      • Guided daily runs with IML-certified guides and Meg Mackenzie
      • Round-trip airport transfers (Geneva-Chamonix)
      • All transfers to and from trailheads and cog mountain train to Montenvers
      • Run the Alps Guide to Trail Running in the Alps (sent prior to the trip)
      • Spa afternoon at QC Terme in Chamonix
      • Special gift at the end of trip

    What’s not included:

      • Transportation to France
      • Lunches (trail snacks provided by the guide)
      • Guide gratuities — optional
  • The all-women Chamonix and Courmayeur trail running camp is open to all levels. You should only arrive with enthusiasm for trail running and basic trail running skills. However, you still need to have excellent fitness, as you’ll be running for up to 12 miles (19 km) a day with up to 5,000 feet (1,524 m) of vertical ascent and descent.

    For Women’s Trail Running Retreat in Chamonix, you should be an intermediate trail running with a couple of years of experience. You should be able to hike very steep sections for up to 2 hours and you should be able to run for up to 12 miles at a slow, but steady pace. You should also be able to manage some rocky trails and daily ascents/descents of up to 5,000 feet. Having said that, the tour is generally inclusive to runners of varying skill levels and you needn’t necessarily “check” all the requirements from the above description. 

    Keep in mind that you will always have a guide by your side who will observe your technique, match the running with your experience and fitness level, and change the routes if necessary. You will also be taking numerous breaks and there will sometimes be options to shorten your routes with trams and gondolas. 

    If you’re looking for something more challenging, check out this Tour du Mont Blanc running adventure. If you’re looking for a hiking trip in the Chamonix area, check out this classic Tour du Mont Blanc Trek.

  • Here’s a list of the equipment you need to bring:

      • Day pack large enough to carry all the items listed (around a 8-15L vest)
      • Clothing for running and leisurewear
      • Water bottle or hydration bladder (2L capacity)
      • Lightweight hiking boots or shoes
      • Carbon fiber running poles — optional
      • Spare clothes for layering
      • Waterproof rain jacket
      • Baseball cap and warm hat
      • Toiletries (sunscreen, anti-chafe lubricant, hand sanitizer, bug spray, etc.)
      • Personal snacks for the day to supplement those provided by the guide
      • Sunglasses
      • Camera — optional (but recommended)

    Dress comfortably and for the weather in clothes you can move in. We suggest bringing clothing appropriate for the season. Layers are best and don’t wear jeans.

  • Group sizes and prices:

      • For these group adventures, the usual client-to-guide ratio is 5:1. 
      • The cost does not decrease as the group grows. 
      • If there’s more than 5 people in your group, discounts and custom dates are available.

    Trail running in Chamonix and Courmayeur can be arranged for larger groups. Contact us to make arrangements.

    Min. age requirements:

      • If you are older than 18, you’re good to go.
      • Minors younger than 18 may be permitted to join the hike on a case-by-case basis, but must be in the presence of a parent or legal guardian.

    If your group has hikers under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.

  • Secure your spot for next year with a 10% deposit!
    This tour gets sold out very quickly, but with early-bird booking, you will be the first one to know about any new upcoming dates. Pick your preferred dates without the risk of your bucket list adventure selling out!
    • Only 10% of the total amount should be paid as a deposit upon booking. This deposit is non-refundable, but can be transferred to another 57hours adventure any time in case the dates don’t suit you.
    • Once the dates for 2024 are set, you can confirm your booking by the end of this year by paying another 20% of the total amount.
    • The final balance is due 3 months (90 days) prior to departure.
    • Once the trip has been confirmed, the regular cancellation policy applies.

    For regular dates a $500 deposit to secure your place is due upon booking. The remaining amount is paid 3 months (90 days) prior to departure.

    Once you pay the deposit, the cancellation policy stated below applies. 

      • If Client cancels the Booking anytime prior to ninety (90) days in advance of the trip contemplated by the booking, Client is entitled to a full refund minus a $200 fee.
      • For cancellations sixty one (61) to ninety (90) calendar days in advance, Client is entitled to a full refund minus a $500 fee.
      • For cancellations thirty-one (31) to sixty (60) calendar days in advance, Client is entitled to a refund in the amount of fifty percent (50%) of the tour cost. 
      • Zero to thirty (30) days in advance, Client is not entitled to any refund.
  • The starting point of your adventure is Chamonix in France. To get there, most people fly into Geneva Airport, about 1.5 hours away. You’ll get picked up from the airport by a shared shuttle and taken to your accommodation in Chamonix. If you want to arrive (or leave) a day or two early, your guides can still pick you up—just contact us on time.

    Once you and your guide agree on the details of your itinerary, your guide will suggest the best place to meet.

  • 57hours is committed to providing safe outdoor adventure experiences. We require all guides using our platform to have a COVID-19 safety plan and to make the details of that plan accessible to travelers. In most cases, group sizes will be reduced, guides will avoid overcrowded locations, and other safety measures will be met depending on the location and activity. 

    We also expect clients to respect local regulations and take measures to protect themselves, their guides, and the communities they’re traveling to. For more information on COVID-19 measures in France and Italy, please refer to France Diplomacy’s COVID-19 travel advice and Italy’s Entry Requirements.

    Please contact us if you have any questions or require further information. We are happy to provide you with the most up-to-date information!

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